Practical info
- Snowshoeing had been fine, but paying is never easy
Walking Grades
Trips are given a guideline walking grade to indicate difficulty. These are broadly in line with the grading systems used by some large trekking companies. None of the trips require previous snowshoeing experience.
Grade B (Moderate) – anyone with a reasonably active lifestyle should be comfortable at this grade. A day’s snow-shoeing will typically involve 4-6 hrs of walking at a comfortable pace with plenty of rests. Most of the walking is likely to be on established trails.
Grade C (Strenuous) – a good level of hillwalking fitness is required. Days will be longer (6-8 hrs), and the day may involve a slightly more ambitious objective, more ascent, and is likely to involve walking on untrodden snow. The rewards are a greater sense of remoteness, and hopefully even more exceptional and deserted views.
Grade D (Tough) – this is intended to be an unsupported hut-to-hut expedition through remote alpine terrain in winter. The exact itinerary is dependent on conditions and decided shortly before departure. The walking itself may be no harder than Grade C, but the expedition as a whole will involve a degree of commitment and hardship in the form of very basic winter mountain refuge accommodation, carrying food for the duration, and enduring a daily routine where ‘making the hut’ by dark is a must. Anyone considering this trip should contact me first to discuss.
Prices & Payment
Tours are priced individually. Details can be found on the relevant page of this website, or in literature in resort.
Payment is required in advance. If booking more than 6 weeks ahead, a 50% deposit is payable to secure a booking. 6 weeks before the tour start date the full balance is payable.
We accept a range of payment options, including Paypal, credit card, BACS transfer, and personal cheque. Please consult our terms and conditions, or ask us for more details.
What’s Included
Please check specific inclusions and exclusions for the tour you are interested in.
All prices include guiding and instruction, equipment hire (snowshoes, poles, torches (where applicable)), and return transport between your accommodation and start/finish of the walk (within Chamonix valley area). Some tours also include accommodation, and some meals.
What’s Not Included
Not included are transfers to and from Chamonix from further afield, insurance, ski lift passes (where needed), and suitable clothing including footwear (see below). Please note that clients having suitable travel insurance is a condition of booking (see terms and conditions for details).
What to bring
You will be sent a full kit checklist with your booking confirmation. Please do read this and pack accordingly, to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of the tour.
What follows is an overview for your understanding, or in the event that you are already in resort and considering snowshoeing:
Clothing needs to be warm and waterproof. Outdoor / hiking gear or ski clothing is suitable. Multiple light layers rather than few heavy items are best, as this allows you to regulate your temperature by adding or removing layers.
Footwear choice is very important. The snowshoes will fit almost any boot, but they do not offer any protection from the cold or wet, and you are likely to be walking in the snow most of the time. Therefore your boots need to be warm, waterproof, and comfortable to walk in all day. Trainers, casual shoes and ski boots are NOT suitable. A sturdy pair of your own walking boots with warm socks is best. If you do not have these, or you are in any doubt as to the suitability of what you have, good boots can be hired locally the day before your trip. Please ask us if you are unsure.
Personal Kit List (in addition to full outdoor / ski clothing)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Camera
If you have them, the following are also useful:
- Small backpack
- Scarf or neck-warmer
- Ski goggles
- Sun hat
- Ski lift pass
Our Terms and Conditions
Please see our terms and conditions page.
