As featured on BBC Ski Sunday February 2012

St Bernard, patron saint of mountaineers

Unique Journey On Foot To An Historic Refuge, with options to overnight and extend

Bespoke and Privately Guided Tours

The Grand St. Bernard pass is an historic crossing point of the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. For over 9 centuries the Grand St. Bernard Monastery and Hospice, with its famous breed of mountain rescue dogs, has served as a safe haven for pilgrims, merchants and travellers making the once perilous journey.

This fascinating building remains an active monastery, and is snowbound in winter, meaning it is accessible only on foot.

The Monastery makes a unique and enchanting snowshoeing objective. It is normally possible to walk there and back in a day, with a simple lunch in the Hospice and a brief look around.

Alternatively, and to really get the essence of the place, we can follow centuries-old tradition and stay overnight in the Hospice for one or two nights, using it as a base to explore this remote and impressive part of the Alps on snowshoes. In good conditions, this could include climbing nearby Mt Fourchon (2902m) for unparalleled views.