Snow Shoeing in the Mercantour -
An Alternative Way to Enjoy the White Stuff!

If you are new to snow shoeing or are in unfamiliar terrain, go with a guide who will make an interesting trail and teach you the techniques required.

For anyone who has too much respect for their bodies to risk belting down a hill on two planks, the more refined sport of snow shoeing might be the answer.

These wonderful things, no longer the tennis racquet shaped of our childhood imaginations, may cause you to walk like John Wayne, but they do stop you sinking into the glorious creaky snow and enable you to negotiate ice. They are also remarkably forgiving at either end of the season when there are rocks and branches under foot. Most people seem to think that snow shoes are the poor relations to skiers and have to creep about ski fields in terror of encountering their be-skied brethren. However the best way to enjoy snow shoeing is to get out to virgin territory where you can enjoy the sound of nothing...aside from birds (and the clack of your shoes!)

L-R Enjoy the wide open spaces; Thigh-burning excercise; Enjoy the distant views and a welcome break; Luc with his magnificent cheese board at the Grand Chalet.

Snow shoeing can be pretty aerobic, especially if you use your poles effectively to drive you forward, as you have to use your thighs! You can however stop when you like – without fear of zipping forward – to admire the wolf tracks, smell the air and spot the golden eagles overhead.

A lot of fun to get out amongst it,burn some calories and then return to the tender care of Luc and Christine at the Grand Chalet in Valdeblore for some serious eating.

Text and images: Liz Lord, Spacebetween

Information:
Grand Chalet Chambre et Table d'Hôtes
Route de la Colmiane
06420 Valdeblore
Tel: 0033(0)4 93 02 83 50
Email: chalet@grand-chalet.com
Visit website: Grand Chalet

For holidays in the Mercantour - winter and summer – contact spacebetween
Tel: 0033 (0)4 93 03 48 57 Mobile: 0033 (0)6 78 30 49 29
Email: contact@space-between.co.uk