What to do · Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Guided snowshoeing in the Chamonix valley
Information
- From
- €56 per person
- Duration
- 3 h 30
- Season
- Winter, depending on snow; dates in its online booking
- Who it's for
- From age 12 in a group; regular walkers
What it is
A half day walking on snowshoes along the valley floor and slopes, with a mid-mountain escort from the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. It is the quietest way to see the valley in winter if you do not ski: snowy forests, summer pastures under the snow and the Mont Blanc massif above. The guide chooses the route according to the snow that day.
Each outing has its own theme and place, which change with the day of the week. In the morning, at 8:45, the programme visits the Samoteux peat bogs on Mondays and Thursdays, the Chenavier chalet on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the vallon de Bérard on Wednesdays and Sundays and the Charousse alpage on Fridays. In the afternoon, at 13:30, there are outings on winter wildlife, animal tracks, snow crystals and avalanches or the evolution of the glaciers, and on Sundays a gentle first outing for anyone who has never worn snowshoes. There is also an evening outing with headtorches on Fridays at 18:00.
Price and what is included
In a group it costs €56 per person at the 2027 rate, with groups of 4 to 8 people per guide; the outing is confirmed with a minimum of four. It includes the guide, the snowshoes and poles and the transfer to the starting point. It does not include boots, food or lifts if they are needed. Privately, for your own group, it costs €205 for one to four people, €225 for five to six and €250 for seven to eight.
Level and age
Allow 3 to 4 hours in total, with 2 to 2.5 hours of actual walking and at least 150 m of ascent. It is for people who walk regularly; no snowshoeing experience is needed. In a group, the minimum age is 12, accompanied by a parent.
How to book
Online, in the activity calendar, or by phone at the office. You meet at the Chamonix office, in the Maison de la montagne, 190 place de l'église. They ask for liability insurance covering the activity, with rescue and repatriation.
In summer, the same company runs half-day walking outings on similar themes, from €44, which also appear on this page.
Tips
- Dress in thin layers On snowshoes you sweat on the climb and get cold at the stops.
- Choose an afternoon outing if you want to see wildlife The afternoon outings focus on winter animals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience?
No. Walking regularly is enough; on Sundays there is an introductory outing.
How much does it cost?
€56 per person in a group, with snowshoes and poles included.
From what age?
From 12 in a group, with a parent.
What if there is no snow?
The guide chooses the route according to the snow that day; confirm when booking.
With teenagers
Who runs it
- Compagnie des Guides de ChamonixSnowshoeing, half day in a group Visit their website
- Compagnie des Guides de ChamonixGuided hiking, half day in a group (summer) Visit their website
