fbpx

 
Winter 22/23 dates now available
Price
€550.- per person
Duration
3 days
Destination
Vallée du Trient
Travellers
4-8

A WEEKEND FULL OF THRILL AND FUN IN THE SNOW Plunge in the Fresh Powder

This unique weekend adventure in the Swiss Alps is the perfect escape into a winter wonderland packed full of exciting activities. Starting from the mountain village of Trient or its surroundings in the backyard of the famous Mont Blanc massif, you’ll be surrounded by an unspoiled landscape, far away from crowded ski slopes. Your days will be packed with snowshoeing to summits with breathtaking views over the surrounding peaks and valleys. But this trip offers even more than challenging hikes; you’ll experience the thrill of the mountains’ 2km long sledging slope and snowshoeing descents through deep powder fields. Your evenings will be spent in the warmth of mountain huts and by open fires. You’ll even enjoy a feast of warm cheese fondue and mulled wine in a traditional Mongolian yurt.
  • Information
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Additional Info
  • FAQ
  • Gallery
  • Reviews

What's included

Destination
Vallée du Trient Discover Vallée du Trient
Departure Location
Montreux Jazz Café, Arrivals Hall, Geneva Airport, Switzerland
Return Location
Montreux Jazz Café, Arrivals Hall, Geneva Airport, Switzerland
Price includes
  • A rich and healthy lunch pack on each stage
  • Accommodation (shared bedroom / dormitory)
  • All planned transportation according to the itinerary
  • Equipment rental
  • Full qualified international mountain leader (IML)
  • Half-Board (breakfast, 3 course dinner)
Price does not include
  • Pre- / post-trek accommodation
  • Private expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Complementaries
Luggage Storage: 1 bag per person (max. 15kg)
Walk in the fresh snow with the snowshoes of three girl friends.

A Weekend packed with Activities in the Snow

If you’re looking for a weekend escape in the snow with fun activities such as snowshoeing, sledding and an overnight stay in a remote mountain hut, then look no further!

Join us on and a group of like-minded adventurers on a weekend in the Swiss Alps and enjoy a unique experience like never before. Make fresh tracks in the snow, enjoy a fantastic winter scenery, get thrilled on a speedy sledding descent and enjoy a typical Swiss cheese fondue and some mulled wine in a traditional Mongolian Yurt

Closeup hiker in spring mountains snowshoeing
Hiker with snowshoes in winter

The Tour

The mountain village of Trient is perhaps best known for its huge glacier, the unspoiled nature and the pink church in the middle of the village. Far away from the busy and crowded ski slopes from Chamonix, this hidden gem is the perfect location for a weekend in the snow with many magical moments.

On the first day you’ll enjoy an introduction into snowshoeing and explore the nice snowy mountains above the village. After a good day out you’ll have some time to warm up before you get ready for the second part of the day the sledding and the following outdoor dinner. The forest dinner is a romantic, cozy environment; hidden away in the forest beneath the beauty of one of the area’s glaciers.

On the next day you’ll pack your stuff and start off to a two day adventure in the mountains. The winter mountain hut that provides your accommodation on your second night of trip is set in what feels like a winter-wonderland, beneath clear skies and the most amazing stars in the middle of nature. The hut is unattended so you and the team will have to make fire, melt snow and get everything ready for a cosy evening and a relaxing night.

https://i0.wp.com/happytracks.ch/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Snowshoeing-in-deep-snow-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1

What to expect

The Hut to Hut Snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps is a short weekend escape packed with highlights:

  • Three days of snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps
  • A thrilling descent on a 2km sledding track
  • A winter dinner with mulled wine, a real Swiss cheese fondue and much more
  • Stay in a remote self-sufficient winter hut
  • Meet other interesting and like-minded people
  • Challenge yourself and enjoy some good workout in the snow
  • YOUR ITINERARY
YOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1

A proper start in the snow

Snowshoeing, sledging and outdoor dinner event

You will be picked up from Geneva International Airport (arrivals no later than 09:30h, departure from the airport at 11:00h) and driven to the small mountain village of Trient, in the heart of the Alps (1.5 hours drive). When you arrive you’ll strap on your snowshoes and hike up a slightly challenging 800m ascent to a summit that will open up 360° views of a landscape of unspoiled beauty. When you’ve taken a moment to appreciate the landscape that surrounds you, it’s time to make the most of it and enjoy some play time on the 3km long sledging slope; sledging the speedy track as many times as you like.

Back on with the snowshoes, you’ll take the short hike through forest and powder fields to the hidden igloo where you’ll be treated to a delicious feast. Warm up by an open fire with a cup of mulled wine and grilled sausages before entering the igloo-dome where you can cozy down into sheep skins and enjoy a creamy cheese fondue and dips by candlelight. Save some room as the chefs will continue to serve you wine, tea, and cookies for dessert. You’ll be transferred to your nearby guesthouse where you will stay the night. 

DAY 2

Get out into the wilderness

Snowshoeing to the mountain hut

An early start today as you are collected from the guesthouse after breakfast and driven to the start of today’s hike (1-1.5 hours drive). Strap on your snowshoes ready for a challenging 800m ascent to a remote mountain hut above 2000m. This hike starts with a steep zig-zag track through the forest before the terrain takes a change to deep open powder fields. When you arrive at the refuge you’ll be reaching for your camera as you’re greeted by simply stunning views of Rhone Valley, Mont Blanc Valley, and an overall breathtaking landscape.

You’ll hike on from here to your overnight accommodation – a real mountain hut! Relax and defrost in front of the fire while your guide prepares you a delicious 3-course meal. Enjoy your evening under the stars and rest up ahead of your final day.

DAY 3

Magic morning in the snow

Final descent through powder fields, transfer to Geneva

The final descent after a trip like this can sometimes have you on a bit of a downer (literally!) but this descent is different; making your way through the powder is actually a lot of fun. Before you know it you’ll revert to your childhood; galloping, rolling and sliding your way down – you know you’re itching to have a go at a snow angel.

You’ll arrive at the car park around 13:00 and be transferred back to Geneva Airport (arrival the latest at 15:00h) ready for your forward journey home.

More about Vallée du Trient

The canton of Valais is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland. It is the canton of the giant mountains. There are 41 peaks above 4000 meter located in the Valais whilst there are only 82 in the entire Alps. The canton of Valais is widely known for the Matterhorn and resort towns such as Crans-Montana, Saas Fee, Verbier and Zermatt. It is composed of 13 districts (hence the 13 stars on the flag). The canton is simultaneously one of the driest regions of Switzerland in its central Rhône valley and among the wettest, having large amounts of snow and rain up on the highest peaks found in Switzerland. The Rhône valley is famous for its numerous vineyards and apricot trees. Many of the towns, down in the valley, such as Martigny, Visp or Leuk, where once settled by the Romans.

Trient

Trient is located on the foot of an impressive glacier. In the 19th century huge ice blocks where transported by train and soled expensive in the big cities such as Paris. One of the steepest cog rail trains (87%) leads up to the Emosson dam. The water is used to produce electricity for the Swiss railway. Trient has a bright pink church and is also home for Raphael and Anja from Happy Tracks.

Vallée du Trient

The Trient Valley, a source of well-being in the heart of the Espace Mont-Blanc welcomes you for an authentic and unforgettable experience with family or friends. Unspoilt nature, unique attractions, exceptional panoramic views, villages steeped in history and a warm-hearted population are the major assets of a region ideally located close to Martigny (Switzerland), Chamonix (France) and Aosta (Italy). Composed of the villages of Vernayaz, Salvan-Les Marécottes, Finhaut-Emosson, Trient-Col de la Forclaz and Vallorcine, it is entirely connected by the spectacular Mont Blanc Express railway.

More about this tour

Luggage Transfer
On the Hut to Hut Snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps tour we do not offer luggage transportation, for the simple reason that you'll be staying remotely in places which cannot be reached by car. Of course we offer a free luggage storage for excess luggage which you don't need during the trek. You'll need to pack your excess luggage in a duffle bag, to prevent any damage or loss to your belongings. We do not have a size restriction of the bags but the weight is limited to 15kg per bag. Please note that loose single items or open bags (e.g. shopper bags) cannot be transported. Furthermore short-life food products (e.g. cheese, fresh meat etc.) are not allowed in your excess luggage. Please also keep in mind that no temperature sensitive items should be stored in the luggage.

A general note about the accommodation
On a winter adventure, you will experience the mountain lifestyle and sleep in authentic places. You will be staying in one B&B / hikers accommodation (dormitory / shared bedroom) and one night in a winter mountain hut (dormitory / shared bedroom). The accommodation offers a charming and friendly atmosphere in a mountainous atmosphere. The B&B / hikers accommodation offers many services such as a hot shower and running water. You’ll stay in bunk beds or similar with a pillow and blankets (a thin and light sleeping bag liner is advisable for hygienic reasons). In the winter mountain hut there are no showers available but a sink with water to do a quick body wash.

Private Accommodation
Due to the nature of this trip, private accommodation is not available.

Food
During the trekking, you will have the chance to taste the great variety of local specialities. The accommodations offer always half-board with your stay which includes a breakfast and a three-course dinner. The breakfast contains always coffee / tea, bread, butter and jam. Depending on the location of the accommodation there is also orange-juice, cereals, yoghurt, fruits, cheese and meat available for breakfast.  The three-course dinner in the evening is hearty and the plates are quite big. A typical menu could be a soup for the starter, a main course with meat, vegetables and a side dish (rice, polenta, pasta) and a dessert which can be for example vanilla pudding, crème brulée or fruit salad. For the dinner only tap water is included, soft drinks such as wine or beer are on your own charge.

During the day we provide a rich, healthy and daily fresh prepared lunch-pack for you. Our lunch packs consist usually one big unit such as a sandwich, a wrap, a salad and of course a selection of fresh fruits, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, juice, crackers, cakes etc. If you have any food restriction (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance etc.) please let us know as soon as possible. It is no problem to arrange the meals and lunch packs according to your preference when we know this in advance.

Water
To do a snowshoeing tour is a great challenge and a good physical workout. During the winter it can be quite cold in the Alps, but you'll still need to drink a good amount of water, so it is important to carry enough water. We strongly recommend to take between two and three liters of water on such an adventure. We recommend taking at least two one-liter bottles (plastic or aluminium) or a thermos flask if you would like to bring some warm tea. The tap water is usually drinkable, but there are limited resources on the trails to fill up your bottle. Your guide will give you an advice for each day.

Weather
During the winter in the Alps (November – April) we experience usually fair but quite cold weather. It is often sunny and the temperatures can reach up to 5° Celsius during the day, although it is a dry cold. The weather in the mountains can be sometimes quite unpredictable and meteorological situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change. Another fact is that you will be hiking in different altitude levels, so there will be a significant change between the valley ground and the high mountain passes. On a snowy / windy day temperatures can drop quite low and it is necessary to have a good wind- and rainproof jacket and a beanie and a pair of gloves. If you stick to our equipment list, you will be ready for any weather situation. Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any questions about this topic.

Trail / Conditions
From the moment you start the trekking we highly recommend you to have a valid travel, medical & mountain evacuation insurance, which is a very important factor in case of an accident. You will need full travel & holiday insurance suitable for a trekking holiday. This will need to be organized by you before the trek starts. It is essential that you have the correct insurance in case of a medical emergency on the mountain, as rescue can be costly. In Switzerland you will always be asked to pay and this could be several thousand Swiss francs, especially if a helicopter rescue is necessary. The cost of hospitalization and subsequent care is normally the most expensive part of any accident if you do not have the correct cover and are hospitalized without insurance. The cost could easily reach an immense level. It is your responsibility to take out the correct level of insurance and we accept no responsibility for any costs that occur as a result of inadequate insurance. If you have any questions about this topic please do not hesitate to contact us.

Currency
Along the Hut to Hut Snowshoeing tour you will travel through Switzerland. It is always worth to have some Swiss Francs (CHF) in cash with you, if you would like to buy some drinks and souvenirs along the way. At the airport in Geneva there are also ATM cash machines. None of the places accept credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express).

Fitness

Do I need previous experience?

This weekend adventure is suitable for fit and motivated hikers who exercise on a regular basis. Previous snowshoeing experience is not required. You should be able to hike up to 1000m of ascent and 10km distance per day in deep snow with snowshoes in mountainous terrain. Count in that you will hike with your backpack (incl. full kit for the tour).

Fitness

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

You must be physically fit and in good shape. Regular exercise is not foreign to you and you have been training regularly. You should be able to hike at least 10km and climb up to 1000m per day.

Fitness

How can I get prepared?

To get prepared for a hiking adventure like the Hut to Hut Snowshoeing tour any endurance training is suitable. Exercises like running, walking, cycling etc. are good. It is also important to get used to your hiking boots and to your backpack (with weight!). Try to break them in and to get a comfortable feeling. Even a round in the park every now and then helps to find out if your boots or pack are comfortable.

Gear

What do I need to bring?

You can download our packing list here. If you strictly follow the packing list, you’ll be prepared for every situation and your backpack won’t get too heavy. You should aim for no more than 10kg on your back, otherwise it will get tough! We have also created a blog post, to explain a few tips & tricks.

Gear

Do I really need hiking boots?

Yes, you will need to bring pair of hiking boots (GoreTex, Leather or similar) which cover your ankles and are waterproof. The Hut to Hut Snowshoeing tour is an winter tour and you’ll be hiking in deep and cold snow. Combined with a good pair of thick socks (e.g. ski socks) you are perfectly prepared to walk sure footed, warm and injury free. Sneakers, approaching or trail running shoes are not suitable!

Food

Whats the food like?

The food on the Hut to Hut Snowshoeing offers a great variety. Meals are hearty and usually consist big portions. You’ll be able to taste the different specialties from Switzerland. Mountain food contains often dairy and wheat products as well as meat.

Food

Can my dietary requirements be catered for?

Yes! If you have any food restriction (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance etc.) or if you follow a special diet please let us know as soon as possible. It is no problem to arrange the meals and lunch packs according to your requirements when we know this in advance, however we do not have any influence on what options will be served by the accommodations as it is usually a set menu.

Food

What beverages are included?

Tap water is always available and free of charge. The tap water is usually drinkable if not elsewhere mentioned or announced by your guide. Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are not included and on your own charge.

Tech

Can I use my mobile phone?

The mobile phone coverage is very weak on the Hut to Hut Snowshoeing tour. Most of the days you won’t have mobile phone signal during the day, however in a few locations close to villages you’ll have fairly good signal. In the villages where you’ll stay overnight the network coverage is good. As you will be traveling mostly through Switzerland it might be worth to check with your provider what costs for roaming will apply, as it could be quite costly to use mobile data outside your country.

Tech

Is WiFi available?

Free WiFi is available in all the villages but not in the mountain huts. It might not be the fastest or most stable connection but enough to send some photos to your people back home, to send some emails and check the news.

Tech

Can I charge my electronical devices?

Only on the first night there are electricity (in a very few places only USB outlets) outlets available to charge your electric devices. Please bear in mind to bring a suitable adapter for your plugs. You a CH plug for Switzerland. The standard bi-pol plugs which are often used for smartphone chargers often work in Switzerland.

Misc

What happens if I can’t complete a stage / the tour?

If you are feeling unwell / unable to complete a stage of your tour, you will have to rely on public or private transportation to get to the next stage. On some stages it is quite easy to “skip the day”, on others it can be quite a mission. Your guide and the Happy Tracks team will assist you in finding a suitable solution. Please bear in mind that any extra cost which will occur are on your own charge.

In the case you cannot finish the trek, your guide and the Happy tracks team will assist you in finding a suitable solution, to get you back to the start respectively end point of the hike. Unfortunately we cannot offer you a pro-rata refund for not used services such as guiding, accommodation etc. of the remaining days.

Misc

I have more questions!

If you have any other questions or require more specific information on a certain topic, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or simply give us a call!

There are no comments yet.

Write your Review

Your email address will not be published.

Visit us on Social Networks

Visit us on Social Networks

Close

Hut to Hut Snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps

Price
€550.- per person
Duration
3 days
Destination
Vallée du Trient
Travellers
4-8

    Fill out the form to book the Tour. Required fields are marked *

    Select Tour (required)




      Enquiry about the Tour availability or anything you’d like to know. Required fields are marked *