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Simply Savoie

Guided walking – snowshoeing – via ferrata in the French Alps with Mark Tennent

Beaufortain

Incredible Autumn Weather in the Beaufortain

The autumn has been very dry and sunny in Savoie.

Yesterday we went to Grand Naves, above the villages of Petit Coeur in the Tarentaise. We wanted to make the most the superb weather with this south-facing valley over-looked by the summit of the Quermoz (2300m).

We climbed steadily through the alpine pastures, with the grass now brown. A path led through the “arcosses” to the Chalet de Bozon and the broad ridge. We stopped for a picnic with a huge panoramic view extending from the Italian frontier hills, Mont Pourri, La Grande Casse, La Grand Motte, through the Dome de Chasseforet. The path climbed gently along the ridge to the summit where several other small groups were enjoying the sunshine, views and warmth despite the altitude. It was a convivial moment with coffee and genepi being shared. The descent started along a narrow-ish ridge before a col gave access to a good path descending steadily to the valley below the refuge Nant du Beurre. From here we followed a variant of the Tour du Beaufortain back to Grand Naves.

Views from Mont Mirantin (2460m), Beaufortain

The day dawned with clear skies and we headed for the Beaufortain. We stopped off to buy some fresh bread in Beaufort and some great pate from the butchers; a real professional with pride in his product. We managed to drive up to the Plan Villard and then followed the path up through some open woods amongst dwarf rhodedendron and myrtille. The views to the north over Areche increased as we gained height and Mont Blanc’s bulk was soon evident. We stopped for a drink and snack at the Chalet du Lac. The next section took us up to the Pas de l’Ane and the final scrambly ridge. Snow was evident on the north-facing slopes below. A final scramble took us to the summit cross and the only other person we met on the mountain.

Snowshoeing – Areches and Boudin, Beaufortain

The snow started to lie on the road prior to arriving at Beaufort and by the time I reached Areches it was getting deeper and deeper. Thanks to the snow tyres I made it up the winding road.

With such heavy snow we were able to set out on foot from the hotel walking up through the narrow old alley ways to the start of the footpath. Here we got our snowshoes before following the deeply buried path up the side of the stream.

We gained height in snow up to 30 – 40 cm deep with it still falling incessantly. We reached the entrance to the hamlet of Boudin, a hamlet renowned for the architecture and the way it blends into the mountain landscape. The smell of hay and cattle wafted in the air and an old lady carrying her shopping passed below the large overhanging eves.

We spoke with a farmer who was busy clearing snow from the front of his house before moving slowly but steadily through the fields above passing by old barns. We reached the line of the small road that makes its way to the Col du Pre which was closed now until the spring thaw.

Finally we reached a deserted chalet and sheltered under its eves to eat our picnic lunch making use of the wooden bench alongside the wall. Firewood was all precisely stacked against all sides of the house.

The descent was enjoyable taking big strides down through snow now reaching to the knees even with the flotation from the snowshoes. Finally we regained Areches after an enjoyable and invigorating day.

Snowshoe Walking Weekend in the Beaufortain, Savoie

Arriving at Geneva airport on Friday in the spring sunshine I waited for my new group of clients for a snowshoe walking weekend in the Beaufortain.? The weather has been incredibly mild and sunny; more like May than mid-March!? However the snow is still more than sufficient for both snowshoeing and skiing.

The first day we drove about 10 minutes to park above the small hamlet of Boudin.? We soon put on the snowshoes before following the line of the summer route to the Col du Pre.? Here we caught our first views towards the Lac de Roselend and the mountains above the lake.

We headed upwards towards the Roche Parstire following the line of the ridge with the views increasing with each step.? Beautiful sunshine bathed the peaks with the odd cumulus cloud throwing some shadow to pick out the relief.? We found a great spot to enjoy our picnic lunch; in the sunshine with great views towards the Grand Mont but sheltered from the gentle northerley breeze.? Out with the Beaufort cheese, a couple of small bottles of wine and the other goodies.

After enjoying our lunch we gained a little more height before crossing over to the Lac de Roselend side of the now broader ridge.? The lake was almost completely frozen over.? We enjoyed descending in the deep snow towards the line of a summer track before contouring back around to the Col du Pre and the route down to Boudin.

Arriving back in Areches we enjoyed a welcome drink on the sunny terrace outside the hotel.

Today was a complete contrast!? The day started dry with good visibility but cloud was moving in fast as we headed up from near Haute Luce towards the Lac de la Girotte.? Arriving beyond the lake we were envelopped in thickening cloud and it required a little attention to find the descent.? The snow started for fall, gently at first but increasingly heavily as we descended through the woods.

By the time we reached the road the snow was coming down very steadily with large damp flakes.? A great day and a chance to see the mountains in a different guise.

Via Ferrata in the Beaufortain

Another beautiful sunny day in Savoie, French Alps today.? After meeting Andrew & Tom at the Hotel Costaroche in Albertville we set off into the Beaufortain.? The Beaufortain is an area that keeps an authentic charm due to its farming and in particular the production of Beaufort cheese.? After picking up some fresh bread from the boulangerie we drove up past the Lac de Roselend and reach the Plan de Lai at the foot of the Roc du Vent.

Leaving the car we crossed the stream and walked up for about 30 minutes to the start of the route.? The first section follows steep slabs and corners before arriving on a large grassy area at the top of the Roc du Vent.? We spotted edelweiss growing as well as Aster des Alpes.? Time for a short break and to take in the views both over the Lac de Roselend and past the Col de Bonhomme and on to the bulk of Mont Blanc.

A short down-climb lead to the “canyon” where short steep tower gives access to one of the routes highlights, a Nepal bridge across a gap in a spectacular situation.? Time for lunch now and we enjoyed cheese, fresh tomatoes and some fruit compotes.? There was even time for a short siesta lying on the grass.? Finally we set off once more to start the twisting descent, occasionally still protected by cables, to the start of the tunnel.? Getting out the headtorch we entered the tunnel that goes through the mountain to emerge in the sunshine again.? A last descent back to the car after a great day.