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Snowshoeing in Chamonix | Exploring the French Alps in Winter
Chamonix, nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, is a winter wonderland that offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and snowshoeing, the valley’s mountains offer something for everyone.
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the area’s snowy trails and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time snowshoer, this guide will help you discover the best snowshoeing trails in Chamonix, and provide tips and tricks for making the most of your winter adventure. If you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, you’ll find something to suit your needs in Chamonix’s winter wonderland. So, grab your snowshoes and let’s explore!
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What is Snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is a winter hiking activity, using snowshoes to help you travel over deep snow. The snowshoes distribute your weight over a larger surface area, meaning you don’t sink into the snow (or sink less!).
This allows participants to explore and enjoy winter landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible. Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of winter and get some exercise at the same time.
You don’t need any experience to snowshoe and the shoes can be easily hired, all you need are some sturdy waterproof hiking boots, we use our B2 hiking boots.
Why Go Snowshoeing in Chamonix?
Exploring the French Alps in winter offers a breathtaking and unique experience. The snow-covered mountains and valleys create a stunning winter wonderland that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Snowshoeing in Chamonix offers the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Alps and enjoy the peace and quiet of a winter landscape. The excitement comes from the challenge of navigating through the snowy terrain and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned snowshoer or a beginner, exploring the French Alps in winter is a must-do experience for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Chamonix, located in the heart of the French Alps, is considered one of the best mountain destinations in the world. With its stunning mountain scenery and diverse range of trails, Chamonix offers something for everyone. The town also offers a wide range of amenities and activities, making it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re looking for a scenic snowshoeing tour or a challenging alpine trek, Chamonix is the ideal destination for your winter adventure.
How to get to Chamonix?
By Plane
Geneva Airport is the nearest and connects with destinations from all over the world. Lyon Airport is the next closest but adds nearly an hour onto the drive. We have flown to Geneva with EasyJet from Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester in the past.
By Bus
We recommend using the EasyBus or Alpybus transfer service from Geneva Airport to Chamonix Sud bus station. The transfers run every couple of hours most days and can cost as little as €13 per person.
When to Go Snowshoeing in Chamonix?
The best time for snowshoeing in Chamonix is from December to April. However, the region has been notably impacted by the affects of climate change, with hot summers and dry winters in recent years. During our last visit in December 2022, snow cover was still relatively thin below 2000m in altitude.
For ideal snow conditions and the longest snowshoeing season, we would recommend visiting in January and February. During these months, the snow is generally well packed and the weather is cold and clear, providing the best conditions for snowshoeing.
If you prefer milder weather, go for December or March or April. During these months, the weather is usually warmer, but there may be more snow melt, making the trails more difficult to navigate.
April can be an unpredictable month for snowshoeing, as the snow starts to melt and the trails can become slushy. However, it can also offer the opportunity to enjoy spring sunshine and scenic mountain views.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, it’s always a good idea to check the local weather and trail conditions before setting out on your snowshoeing adventure in Chamonix.
Snowshoeing: Essential Kit and Information
The most important thing before embarking on any winter adventure in the mountains is to be aware of the weather and avalanche forecasts. For the Chamonix valley, you can find this on the La Chamoniarde website. We would also highly recommend downloading the FATMAP app to plan your route, the app has a very handy overlay tool which highlights avalanche terrain with a colour coding system for slopes steeper than 25°. If you’re unsure about avalanche safety, book a course or a guided day with an IFMGA Mountain Guide or UIMLA International Mountain Leader.
Next we need to think about what to wear. The old fashioned layering system is still champion, so start with a moisture wicking and potentially thermal base layer (avoid cotton!). Follow this with an insulating mid-layer like a fleece and a waterproof jacket and trousers. Don’t forget your hat and gloves!
Top Tip: Pack two spare pairs of gloves, once your gloves get wet your hands will get cold!
But winter in the mountains isn’t all about the cold, on a clear day the UV can be strong especially reflecting of all that beautiful white powder! So remember your sunscreen and sunglasses and most of all remember rule no.1 of mountaineering: Always look cool!
Footwear: Ideally you want an insulated and waterproof four-season walking boot. We used our La Sportiva B2 boots. Finally a good pair of snowshoes is the cornerstone of your gear. They provide the necessary flotation to keep you atop deep snow, making it possible to trek through areas inaccessible by regular boots. You could hire these from many equipment rental stores in Chamonix. You’ll also need hiking or ski poles with snow baskets which help provide you with additional stability and balance in the deep powder!
Snowshoeing in Chamonix: 2 Magical Winter Trails
The repetitive movement of putting one foot in front of the other isn’t something new. Walking and hiking has historically been known as a relaxing hobby.
When combined with blankets of untouched white snow and impressive scenery it becomes otherworldly, magical. Snowshoeing is an experience like no other. It’s not just hiking in the snow or walking in funny shoes, it’s a challenge and broadens your winter hiking horizons.
Below we’ve detailed 2 magical trails for Snowshoeing in Chamonix. We hope to inspire you’re first or next snowshoeing adventure and hopefully take our Snowshoes out again and explore more winter wonderlands!
1. Aigullette des Houche / Pointe de Lapaz
Route Description
Your snowshoeing adventures commences in La Flatière, where you’ll follow a straightforward path through the forest until you reach Chalets de Chailloux. From there, you’ll roughly trace the summer trail, gradually ascending alongside and below the Pointe de Lapaz. This will lead you below the col, approximately 150 meters beneath it.
This segment can be notably demanding due to the steep slope, particularly when facing icy conditions, which may put your snowshoeing skills to the test. If you find yourself lacking confidence in the ascent, it’s prudent to contemplate turning back, considering that you’ll also need to descend along the same path.
Upon reaching the col, Aiguillette des Houches awaits just 10 meters to your left, it is essential to exercise caution regarding cornices. Pointe de Lapaz can be accessed by following the ridge to the right for approximately 200 meters. However, it’s worth noting that the view is similar from the col, so the primary appeal lies in peak bagging.
Returning to your starting point is a matter of retracing your steps along the same route.
The ascent to Aiguillette des Houches caters to seasoned snowshoers due to the steepness of the final stretch. However, an alternative option is to finish your journey at Chalets de Chailloux, just above the tree line, where the captivating view of the Mont Blanc range already makes the trek worthwhile and offers a less challenging experience. Given the potential for avalanches in the area, especially after snowfall, it is crucial to consult the avalanche report before embarking on your adventure.
2. Les Houches to Bellvue Ski Area
Route Description
From Les Houches town centre, walk south along the main road before turning left on Rte de Bellevarde. Follow the road uphill, passing quaint Alpine chalets until you reach what feels like the end of the road and an open clearing with a farm house across the field guarding the entrance to the forest. Turn around here to take in majestic views of the valley, Chamonix’s Aiguille’s and route number 1, Aigullette des Houche.
At a fork in the trail, head right down into the forest where you’ll soon cross Ruisseau du Grand Bois. Once you have crossed the stream, gain height steadily through the trees, zig-zagging beneath the Bellevue cable car. You eventually reach a small clearing with an old hut before entering the forest again.
It was at this point where we decided to turn around, only around 400m from the summit due to avalanche conditions. The avalanche forecast for the day was moderate on slopes facing all aspects, we had reached an area of trail with slopes between 30-45° and given the forecast, this meant it was time to turn around and enjoy an early dinner back at the hotel!
Retrace your steps back to Les Houches, taking in the views of the Aiguille du Midi and the wonders of the Chamonix Valley as you go.
More Hiking in Chamonix
Maybe two days in Chamonix just isn’t enough for you! With more time we would definitely have squeezed a few more trails in.
If you fancy visiting in Summer and want a few hiking trail ideas check out our guide to Chamonix in September here. Or if you want to try Snowshoeing elsewhere, check out our guide to Snowshoeing in Zermatt or Winter Hiking in the Allgau Alps.
What is the Weather like in Chamonix?
Winter (Nov. – Mar.) see’s plenty of snow and cold temperatures, highs of around 2 degrees Celsius, the coldest month being January.
Spring (Apr. – May), temperatures begin to rise, with a high rate of rainfall. An ideal season for budget travellers, early Spring you may still catch snow and by May it’s great hiking weather, with some ice still looming.
Summer (June-Aug.) has the highest temperatures, a great time for summer hiking in the Swiss Alps.
Autumn (Sept. – Nov), temperatures begin to cool and another great season for budget travellers.
What to Pack?
Other than your Snowshoes, generally just wear ski clothes or similar, as you need to be both warm and waterproof. Ski jacket and trousers, hiking boots and a warm hat!
Things we always carry in our day packs: Water bottle, spare socks, waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm layer (eg fleece), gloves, hat, sunglasses, snack bars, emergency shelter and a small first aid kit.
If you want any more tips and advice or if you’re planning a snowshoeing trip and want to tell us about it, get in touch through social media.
We hope this inspired you and thanks for reading!
Nick and Eve