Val d'Isere Snowshoeing

The practice of snowshoeing is a good opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the ski resorts, allowing you to experience nature in the mountains, to discover the wildlife facing the harsh winter conditions, and to learn about the history of the valley (hydroelectricity, pastoralism, etc.). Far from the image just of an “activity for seniors”, snowshoeing is a physical activity in its own right and can be easily adapted depending on the chosen routes. 

Our two mountains guides, along with ski instructor, are all passionate about the natural environment and the heritage of the area. All are experts of routes off the beaten track, enjoying introducing you to the mountains and sharing the knowledge they have acquired.

We offer a program that adapts to your desires and mountain conditions:

Half day program (about 3 hours):

• Le Villaret des Brévières (level 2)
  Set off in the forest until you discover an isolated mountain hamlet, inhabited all year round. A good opportunity to discover the traditional Tignard habitat. 
• Le Fornet (level 2)
  At the edge of the Tarentaise valley, walk along the banks of the Isère at the foot of the famous Col d'Iseran pass. Discover the highest hamlet of the valley and the ibex of Vanoise
• Le Bois de la Laye (level 3) 
  Discover this beautiful larch forest in the direction of Lake Chevril, the territory of the old village of Tignes and its paths of access to the alpine pastures. Be surprised and awed by the mystery and beauty of the gouille du Salin, an active waterfall even in winter. 
• Le Villaret du Nial (level 3)
  Discover the entrance to the Sassière valley and its high cliffs inhabited by the ibex and chamois of Vanoise. You will descend on the south-facing slope with stunning views of the peaks of the Grande Motte and the Grande Casse.
• Les gorges du Nant Cruet (level 3)
  Well away from the ski resort, discover the wildlife life in the forest and join the magnificent ice waterfalls of the gorges of Nant Cruet. 
• The alpine pastures of Franchet (level 1 to 2)
  Starting from a historic path of peddlers to Italy, discover a remote village that is inhabited all year round. With splendid views of both the Chevril and Val d'Isère lakes, your guide will share their knowledge of life in the mountains, allow yourself to learn about the chamois of the Sassière. 
• Salin Waterfall (level 2)
  From Tignes le Lac, you descend towards Chevril Lake to the small hamlet of Combes, uninhabited in winter, to discover its chapel Sainte-Anne and the Salin waterfall, a real geological feature of the area.
• Chevril Forest (level 3) 
  Come and explore this coniferous forest off the beaten track and discover an unforgettable view of Chevril Lake through amazing rocky parades.
   

Day program to get away from the hustle and bustle of the resort (picnic to bring):

• The Monal (level 3) 
  Change tracks and discover one of the most picturesque alpine hamlets in the Tarentaise valley. And if the snow conditions allow, discover the Clou valley, a setting of wild nature at the gates of the small resort of Ste-FoyTarentaise. 
• Orsière (level 4)
  Walk in the forest to reach a mountain chalet for lunch. Here, pages of history have been written around the making of Tignes marbled cheese. The return to the valley is via the Davie mountain pastures occupied in summer by a herd of nearly 2000 sheep and lambs
• Réserve de la Grande Sassière (Level 5)
  Leave the bottom of the valley and reach the pastures of a protected nature reserve. You will discover unique panoramas of the summits of the Vanoise and you will get closer to the winter life of chamois and ibex.
• The Monal par le vallon du Clou - day (level 5) 
  From the small station of Ste-Foy-Tarentaise, you are taken by 3 chairlifts to the Col de l'Aiguille. You will discover a panorama of high mountains before going down the snow fields of the Clou valley to reach the picturesque hamlet of the Monal.

2 days program with night in a refuge:

• Nocturne in Orsière - departure at 5pm (level 3) 
  This walk in the forest will take you to a mountain chalet that opens its doors for the occasion. After a tasting of local products, your return to the valley using the light from head torches, will have a background of illuminated villages.

*These routes are provided for information only. They are subject to modifications mainly depending on weather conditions (snow cover, opportunities, etc.).

Equipment:

• Warm and comfortable clothes for a walking activity (avoid bulky jackets and prefer multi-layers that can be removed and added)
• Snow boots (ski boots prohibited, snowboard boots permitted)
• We provide snowshoes and safety equipment
• A small backpack with snack and water
• pic-nic lunch for all-day hike

*A correct physical condition is recommended (you must have the ability to walk comfortably at the pace of a group). Private outings can be organised for those who only walk very rarely, for elderly people or families with children under 10 years. Snowshoeing remains a sporting activity.

Snowshoe Levels:

• Level 1: almost no altitude difference, less than 2 km, a short hour-long walk. You sometimes choose to take the stairs to the 3rd floor rather than the lift, this level is for you.
• Level 2: 150 to 200 metres elevation on uneven slopes, between 2 and 3 km, 2 hours of effective walking. You walk regularly to get to your activities, this level is for you. 
• Level 3: around 200m of elevation with some passages on steeper slopes, around 3 km, 2h30 to 3h walk. You practice a sporting activity every week, this level is for you.
• Level 4: more than 400m of elevation on a trail with some steep slopes, between 5 and 7km of walk, more than 5 hours of walking. You have previously experienced snowshoeing and practice a sports activity every week, this level is for you. 
• Level 5: more than 600m of altitude ascent and/or descent, with passages including a sustained slope, more than 7km of walking distance, and more than 6h of walking time. You have already had several snowshoeing experiences, you are able to carry a bag of 8 to 10 kg and you practice a sports activity several times a week, this outing is for you.