An Introduction to
Snow-Shoeing
In-depth guide by Alpine Exploratory, company specialising in self-guided walking and trekking holidays in the European mountains.
© Alpine Exploratory
Details of a guided walking holiday with Alpine Exploratory in the Vaudoise Alps, Switzerland.
Responsible Travel
A great choice of snowshoe holidays and vacations from leading specialist operators committed to mountain conservation.
Sainte Foy Tarentaise;
Snowshoe Walks
Accompanied snowshoe walks with local mountain expert (English speaking). Weekly programme or trips on request.
Local Guide Bruno Davy
+33 (0)6 72 91 44 98
Email: lesrandos2bruno@wanadoo.fr
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 items of our childhood imaginations, may cause you to walk like John Wayne — but they stop you sinking into the glorious, creaky snow. They can also enable you to negotiate ice, and are also remarkably forgiving at either end of the season when there are rocks and branches underfoot.
Most people seem to think that snow shoes are the poor relations to skiers and that wearing them means creeping about ski fields in terror of encountering their ski-shod brethren. However the best way to enjoy snow shoeing is to get out to virgin snow territory where you can enjoy the sound of... nothing, aside from the 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 also have to exercise 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.
The best fun of all, though, is 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.
Words 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
Rail Europe, the UK subsidiary of SNCF French Railways, provides rail travel right into the heart of the French Alps.
runs throughout the winter.
online to avoid a booking fee and get your tickets by first class post (UK only).
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