Snowshoe hiking

Enjoy snowshoeing safely with a mountain guide

The mountain guides, also known as AMM, are state-certified mountain professionals. Their expertise? Everything related to guided walks in the mountains, summer and winter: wildlife, flora, natural heritage, human heritage, mountain traditions, the history of the valley…

The difference between a mountain leader and a high mountain guide? The mountain leader takes you exclusively on walks along routes that do not involve any climbing-specific techniques (you will never need to be roped up, for example, during an outing with a mountain leader). This does not prevent them, quite the opposite, from knowing everything about mountain safety inside out.

The AMM are nature lovers, who know how to convey with passion, pedagogy (and a lot of humor!) all their knowledge. Book a walk in their company quickly: you will never again ask yourself “what is the use of an AMM, since I have the trail map? ”!

Treat yourself to a half-day or full-day snowshoeing trip

A snowshoe hike easily finds its place in your holiday program. Each week, the mountain guides offer you a program with full-day or half-day outings (morning and afternoon). Perfect for non-skiers who want to spend their stay outdoors, close to nature; but also for skiers, who can enjoy a "snowshoe" break for a few hours during their "ski" week (including in the evening).

Throughout the week, you have time to progress; starting, for example, with a snowshoe walk on marked and safe trails (or even groomed), then an easy guided walk, before following your guide on a more sporty and fun route.

Are you already familiar with the La Plagne area? Book a private day walk in the Beaufortain massif or in the Vanoise National Park !

Each week, a varied program of snowshoe walks in small groups

The mountain guides of La Plagne and its villages are never short of inspiration when it comes to editing their weekly program of snowshoe walks.

Hiking with panoramic views of the peaks, discovering natural and human heritage, observing wildlife through a telescope, recognizing animal tracks in the fresh snow, walking in the forest, crossing alpine pastures and clearings… and even workshops for building igloos! The themed outings are always very friendly and rich in anecdotes to share over a good fondue.

Are you hesitating to sign up alone? On the contrary! Snowshoeing is an opportunity to get to know a small group of nature lovers, who may have signed up solo as well.

Grab your headlamps! Snowshoeing can also be done at night.

Even more magical than a daytime snowshoe outing: a nighttime snowshoe outing! Many providers offer snowshoeing with headlamps and themed evenings.. How about dining in a mountain restaurant and then snowshoeing back down? Spending the evening in a tipi? Roasting marshmallows over a wood fire? Or even spending the night in a refuge?

Good ideas abound for organizing an evening that is out of the ordinary, with your lifelong friends or your children! You do have a birthday, a graduation, or a happy event to celebrate, right?

Snowshoeing for all ages and all levels

No need to be an expert in snowshoes to book a hike with a mountain guide. On the contrary! Easy level outings are organized every week to build confidence for beginners and allow families to hike together (children, parents, grandparents…). These short circuits with little elevation gain will give you time to progress at your own pace (and take regular breaks to observe the wonders around you). Have you never worn snowshoes? Your mountain guide will help you adjust them properly and tighten the straps correctly; then they will explain how to move through the snow with these devices on your feet.

Are you quite athletic? Do you have good physical condition? You'll have a blast on more challenging and fun routes, that work your cardio on the ascent and proprioception on the descent. How about a little run in the powder?

A first step towards independent outings

Snowshoeing is one of the simplest winter activities to practice independently, largely thanks to marked and secure routes where you won't risk anything (neither getting lost nor being caught by a snow slide).

Do you want to venture off the beaten path? Before setting off alone on an adventure, you will necessarily need to learn how to navigate and assess the avalanche risk to progress safely in these natural spaces that are so dreamlike.

Some activity providers offer snowshoeing trips specifically designed to raise your awareness of the risks and the best practices to adopt in the mountains. A first step towards autonomy!

Where to rent your equipment for a guided snowshoeing trip?

For your outing, you will need a pair of snowshoes (which have nothing to do with the historical wooden rackets with strings!), poles with a disc (ski poles will do perfectly), as well as waterproof, high-top hiking boots (to prevent snow from getting inside).

When you book a guided snowshoe hike, the loan of equipment is sometimes included, and sometimes not. Be sure to inquire before confirming your attendance: this way, if needed, you can go to a sports store to rent anything you might be missing. During peak season (especially during school holidays, when the resort is very busy), it's better to plan ahead to find the right fit.