A winter outdoor experience in the Haut-Chablais region
In Haute-Savoie, winter takes on a unique character and isn’t just about skiing. Strap on your snowshoes, from the upper Giffre Valley to the Portes du Soleil, to unwind on a white trek. Three days to switch off in the heart of an unspoilt and accessible mountain landscape.
In Haute-Savoie, winter takes on a unique character and isn’t just about skiing. Strap on your snowshoes, from the upper Giffre Valley to the Portes du Soleil, to unwind on a white trek. Three days to...
In Haute-Savoie, winter takes on a unique character and isn’t just about skiing. Strap on your snowshoes, from the upper Giffre Valley to the Portes du Soleil, to unwind on a white trek. Three days to switch off in the heart of an unspoilt and accessible mountain landscape.
You will love
- A short winter experience as my first taste of snowshoeing ;
- The discreet but constant presence of wildlife, with occasional beautiful sightings!
- Nights in staffed mountain huts, cut off from the outside world.
SNOWSHOES IN MOUNTAIN HUTS AT "LES PORTES DU SOLEIL"
Level 3 / 4
Next departure on 22/01/2027
Secure payment
Day-by-day itinerary
Meeting in the village of Morzines at 9.45 am.
SAMOËNS (PARKING DES ALLAMANDS) – REFUGE DE BOSTAN (1763M)
After your transfer to the hike’s starting point (approx. 1 hour), the adventure begins gently through the Bostan forest. At the Chavonnes mountain pasture, the landscape gradually opens up and, as you approach the Col de la Golèse, vast white expanses await your snowshoes. This first day also provides an opportunity to practise using avalanche rescue equipment. As the light fades, it’s time then to head to the secluded Bostan refuge, nestled beneath the imposing Dents d’Oddaz. Overnight stay at the refuge in a dormitory (no shower).
3.5-hour walk/ +700m - 7km
TERRES MAUDITES – CHARDONNIERE – CABANE DU COL DE COU (1920M)
In the morning, the first ascent to look out over the Terres Maudites and enjoy sweeping views of Les Dents Blanches and Les Hauts-Forts. The Col de la Golèse takes you into the Manche valley, and a second climb leads to the day’s destination: La Cabane du Col de Cou. Overnight stay at the refuge, in a dormitory (shower facilities available at your own expense) on the French-Swiss border.
6-hour walk / +1050m -900m - 11,5 km
SWISS EXCURSION – LAC DES MINES D'OR – L'ERIGNE HAMLET
Immersion in the massif with a passage at the foot of the famous Pierra Menta, a stunning peak perched on a sharp ridge. The day begins with the climb to Col du Coin, quite steep but not difficult. Descent into the neighboring valley, then an ascent to Col du Bresson before crossing to the Presset refuge and its lake. A wild and sporty stage that makes for a memorable stay! Overnight in a dormitory at the refuge, with a panoramic view.
4h30 walk / +450m -1200m - 13km
Dates and prices
From Fri 22/01/2027
To Sun 24/01/2027
From Fri 05/02/2027
To Sun 07/02/2027
From Fri 19/02/2027
To Sun 21/02/2027
From Fri 05/03/2027
To Sun 07/03/2027
From Fri 19/03/2027
To Sun 21/03/2027
Secure payment
3-day snowshoeing trek/ 2 nights in mountain huts.
For your private group : departure available upon request, between december 18th, 2026 and march 28th, 2027.
THE PRICE
Includes:
- The organization fees and supervision by a certified mountain guide;
- Accommodation with half-board, lunch picnic, and snacks;
- The transfer on the first day to go to the starting point;
- Snowshoes and poles if needed (to be reserved upon registration) and safety equipment (DVA, shovel, probe).
Does not include:
- Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), visits;
- Luggage transfer;
- Showers in the refuge;
- The round-trip travel from your home to the meeting point and departure;
- Airport taxes and other exclusions clearly and duly described in the corresponding technical sheet
The price is all inclusive from the meeting point to the point of dispersion.
Also available a la carte
Contact us!Technical sheet
LEVEL ***
Elevation gain: +/- 400 to 800m depending on the stages.
Walking time: 4 to 7 hours of hiking per day.
Physical level: reserved for hikers in good physical condition. Minimum experience of snowshoe trekking is highly recommended.
You need to be in a good overall physical condition. Regularly practise an endurance sport such as walking, running, swimming or cycling, 3 to 4 hours a week. Your fitness training will make your walk easier and make it all the more enjoyable.
Click here for a description of the different levels: levels of difficulty
GUIDING
Number of participants between 6 and 10 people, guided by a certified professional (mountain guide).
Crossing the massif requires some commitment. Snow conditions in the mid-mountains can be unpredictable, but it is always possible to hike. In case of high avalanche risk, the route may be altered at the guide's discretion, always in the best interest of the group, for your safety and comfort.
ACCOMODATION
3 nights in dormitory, in mountain huts.
Nant du Beure refuge, The Coire refuge et Presset refuge.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Without luggage transfer : you carry all your luggage during the trek.
MEALS
Breakfasts and dinners are served at the accommodation. Lunch picnics are taken at the refuge.
CARTOGRAPHY
IGN 25:000 Massif du Beaufortain 3532 OT
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet Friday at 9:45am in front of the Post Office in Morzine, and ready to start walking. If you come with your car, you can also be collected from the free Le Nantégué car park (1150 route de la Plagne 74110 Morzine) at 10am (Please notice us about your way to access to Morzine.)
BY TRAIN AND BUS
Thonon and Cluses is accessible by train.
A transfer by minibus to Morzine is possible, depending on arrival times.
Visit www.oui.sncf and www.sat-leman/ligne-91-thonon-morzine and laregionvoustransporte.fr to check out the schedules.
BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Cluses, then direction Morzine/Avoriaz (les Portes du Soleil), follow Taninges, Les Gets to arrive in Morzine. Free parking Le Nantégué (1150 route de la Plagne 74110 Morzine).
CAR SHARING
Here are some websites to share a lift : www.blablacar.fr
End point Sunday at 4pm.
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER STAY
Accomodation in Morzine :
Hôtel Alpen Roc : +33 (0) 50 75 75 43
Chalet Manava B&B : +33 (0)4 50 75 60 85
Office du tourisme de Morzine : + 33 (0)4 50 74 72 72
www.morzine-avoriaz.com
TO CONTACT US
If you are late, contact the agency at: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
EQUIPMENT
Equipment for snowshoeing (snowshoes and sticks) is provided. You can nevertheless bring your own if you have it. Safety equipment (arva, excavator and probe) is also provided for the group.
Clothes
- Winter ski or hiking pants
- Windbreaker or Goretex jacket
- Tee-shirts "breathable" or merino wool
- Long "breathable" or merino wool shorts
- Fleece or sweater
- Down jacket
- Two pairs of ski gloves and a beanie
- Hiking socks (looped, merino…1 pair per day)
- High-stemmed waterproof hiking shoes (no soft shoes like "boots" or "boots")
Miscellaneous equipment
- Backpack 40 liters minimum
- Sunglasses + ski mask
- Sunscreen
- Flask and thermos (1.5 liter minimum total)
- Knife and cutlery for picnic
- Cup or bowl for soup and tea
- Small personal pharmacy (analgesic, dressings type compeed...)
- Survival blanket
- Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Pack a comfortable rucksack with enough room for a full change of clothes, safety equipment (arva, shovel, probe), picnic and snacks.