Immaculate, pure white snowscapes, an incredible view over the Vallée Blanche and the mysterious wilderness of the forest… This all sounds like a beautiful dream. Yet, this is exactly what awaits you on a snowshoe hike in Chamonix. Le Morgane Hotel places this invigorating and pleasant activity high on its list of recommendations. Beginners and seasoned sports enthusiasts alike will love snowshoeing in Chamonix for an unforgettable holiday!
WHAT IS A SNOWSHOE HIKE, EXACTLY?
One of the most distinctive pieces of winter sports equipment, snowshoes are often the object of much curiosity on the part of visitors. Thanks to this contraption, anyone can explore the snowy immensity that is Chamonix’s Vallée Blanche! Much like hiking, its summer counterpart, snowshoeing is a low-impact way to exercise while taking in the superb surroundings. For those who fear this novel experience may not be for them, don’t fret! Just walk normally, as you would wearing regular shoes. Snowshoes are fitted to your height and build so you can enjoy an outdoor adventure like no other without straining yourself.
THE BEST SPOTS TO PRACTISE SNOWSHOEING IN CHAMONIX SAFELY
When it comes to snowshoeing in Chamonix, options abound! Several trails and marked routes are available to those looking to go on a snowshoe hike as a family or with their friends.
BOUCLES DES TINES
Duration: 1h10
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Starting from the Tines Station, this short walk is not far from the Bois village. After walking through the forest for about an hour, you will discover a fabulous view over the Drus and the Mer de Glace.
CIRCUIT DU GOLF
Duration: 40 min
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Starting from the SNCF Station in Praz or from the Parking du Golf, you can enjoy a 40-min snowshoe hike in Chamonix. This is the perfect opportunity to admire thick, pillowy blankets of snow where one would gladly curl up…
BOUCLE DU GLACIER DES BOSSONS
Durée (round trip): 1h40
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
The last snowshoeing spot in Chamonix itself, the Boucle du Glacier des Bossons is a little more challenging. To get there, you can start from the Bossons Station or from the Mont Blanc Tunnel car park. The hike includes a pleasant walk through the forest, breathtaking views over the Cerro Platform and perhaps even an unexpected encounter with the local wildlife! The highlight of the show? It may well be the Bossons Glacier, which you can admire at the end of the journey.
OTHER SNOWSHOEING HIKES TO ENJOY NEAR CHAMONIX
If you are willing to go a bit further afield, the area includes many other pleasant snowshoe hiking spots not too far from Chamonix:
- Cascade de Bérard (Vallorcine)
- Boucle des Saix Blancs (Vallorcine)
- Boucle des Granges (Vallorcine)
- Belvédère du Prarion (Les Houches)
- Plateau du Prarion (Les Houches)
- Itinéraire du Col de Voza (Les Houches)
- Secteur des Chavants (Les Houches)
- Coupeau – Sentier des Cerfs (Les Houches)
- Boucle de la Côte au Lac Vert (Servoz)
- Sentier des Trois Gouilles (Servoz)
- Les Berges de l’Arve (Servoz)
- Sentier de la Planchette (Servoz)
IS IT NECESSARY TO HIRE A GUIDE TO GO SNOWSHOEING IN CHAMONIX?
Though hiring a guide is not required to go snowshoeing in Chamonix, it is strongly advised. From a security perspective, all the trails are well marked and well suited to the practice of snowshoe hiking. This means that it is not strictly necessary for a guide to be present. With that said, visiting the mountain in the company of a professional is a completely different experience which lets you enjoy it in a truly unique way. From their outlook to their intrinsic knowledge of the area, a guide will show you the Vallée Blanche in an entirely new light. Expect plenty of anecdotes and much laughter: you’re in for a memorable moment.
Do you wish to find out about other activities to enjoy in Chamonix and its surroundings? Be sure to get in touch!
