Rasta Snowshoes

Going snowshoeing at one of the most famous ski resorts… Is that a bit like imagining a Jamaican bobsled team at the Olympics? Yes! And it’s so cool. Still underrated, snowshoeing has it all: no special technique required, minimal gear, fresh air, and few crowds. Peace.

Starting from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: endless possibilities

Hiking to the village of Les Tines promises a charming little postcard-perfect hamlet with its farms and stone granaries, situated right at the foot of the Mer de Glace. For a more challenging hike, the trek to the Aiguillette des Posettes offers a 360° view—and a breathtaking experience upon arrival (thanks to the view and the panorama). And for something in between, the Bossons Glacier trail leads to the highest icefall in the Alps. Nothing less.

• Les Tines and the Snow-Covered Forest—easy—3 km (1 hr 10 min)
• The Bossons Glacier Loop - moderate - 3.6 km (1 hr 55 min)
• Hike to the Aiguillette des Posettes - difficult - 7.6 km (4h20)

From Les Houches: In the Footsteps of the Deer

Bambi’s spot is the Mouilles watering hole, accessible via the Cerfs Trail, which begins in the forest. Les Houches and the surrounding area, with perfect snow everywhere (thanks to the ski area’s ideal orientation) and chalets dotted about like cookies on a Christmas platter, offer scenery straight out of a fairy tale—even if you don’t spot any animals.

• The Chavants and White Trees Loop—easy—1.9 km (35 min)
• Route to the hamlet of Samoteux and its peat bogs—moderate—3.6 km (1 hr 40 min)
• Hike to the Chailloux Chalets—difficult—6.8 km (3 hours 35 minutes)

Around Servoz: the sparkling little lakes

At the far end of the valley, Servoz is the chalet-and-wood-fire version of your winter dreams. To earn that hot chocolate by the fireplace, start by taking the pretty trapper’s trail that winds through the area’s most diverse forest, leading to the “gouilles” (“small lakes” in Savoyard) and the picturesque Lac Vert.

• Along the banks of the Arve and through snow-covered woods—easy—1.6 km (30 min)
• Toward the 3 Gouilles ponds—moderate—3.5 km (1 hr 45 min)
• Toward Lac Vert—moderate—6.2 km (2 hrs 35 mins)

Wild Vallorcine

Less crowded, rougher, more “Into the Wild”—the “Valley of the Bears” truly lives up to its name. The Granges Loop is a must-do: 3.4 km of truly exotic scenery as you wander from hamlet to hamlet, with a few stretches through deep forest and breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif and Mount Oreb.

Off the Marked Trails

The Chamonix Guides Association, the ESF, and Evolution 2 offer half-day and full-day excursions that smell of spruce trees, fresh snow, and controlled adventure. Wildlife, heritage, valleys, and ridges: follow the guide, listen to the silence. And enjoy.

The Chamonix Guides Association and the ESF - Maison de la Montagne - 190 Place de l’Église - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Evolution 2 - 130, rue des Moulins - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Bonus track: snowshoeing + raclette or a trapper’s bivouac?

The Chamonix Guides Association offers excursions that will win over even the most skeptical. For a half-day outing: a non-stop snowshoe hike up to the farm, followed by a convivial raclette made with 100% local cheeses and charcuterie. And if that’s not enough, opt for the two-day expedition with a unique overnight stay in a tent high above the valley. Total self-sufficiency, maximum immersion.

The Chamonix Guides Association