Snowshoeing

Are you melting for the vast snowy expanses of the French Alps and recharging in contact with nature and the elements? Then, this winter, grab your snowshoes! They are the best ally of lovers of wide open spaces and bracing fresh air who want to set off and conquer the mountains off the beaten paths.

Snowshoes: how do they work?

The way snowshoes work is basic and ancestral: by increasing the bearing surface on the ground, they let you avoid sinking into fresh snow and progress easily, even across fields of beautiful powder. And the wider the deck, the greater the bearing capacity.

The practice requires no prerequisites, apart from being able to walk. Children, grandparents, novices or athletes can all enjoy it, provided you respect your own pace, equip yourself well and do not venture just anywhere (the avalanche risk should never be neglected in the mountains…)! It is therefore best to head out with a guide who will advise you on the right behaviour and the route to take.

Snowshoes: how to gear up?

To be comfortable and to optimise the conditions for snowshoeing, it is important to gear up properly. Choose a pair of boots that are light, well-fitted, warm and waterproof. Winter hiking boots are ideal. Take care not to over-tighten the snowshoe straps around the ankle, which could hinder good blood circulation and bring a feeling of cold and discomfort.

Also remember to bring a pair of poles, precious allies for making your progression easier by distributing body weight between the lower and upper limbs. Ideally, opt for a pair of telescopic poles, that is, length-adjustable, which let you vary their height depending on the situation: short on the way up, long on the way down.

Snowshoes: where to do it?

An autonomous sport that does not require ski lifts, there is no need to wait until you reach the resorts to put them on and head out for a walk. Whether on the plain, in the forest, on small trails or across the great expanses of the Alps, snowshoeing can be done anywhere as long as there is snow, although they are not essential on hard snow where you do not sink in. Hikers have understood this and it lets them keep practising a sport similar to walking throughout the winter.

You can therefore set off to discover small hidden corners of Savoie, without necessarily having to follow a path. It is therefore a good way of getting in touch with nature, exploring places where you could not venture barefoot, at the risk of getting stuck!

This may be, for example, a nice idea for a picnic in the heart of nature on a beautiful sunny day, or a great outing to walk your dog even under big snowflakes. They will be delighted, that is for sure!

The Dolines of La Plagne, the snowshoe spot par excellence

The dolines are circular rocky depressions formed by ground erosion. The cavities are shallow and gentle in La Plagne in Savoie, in the French Alps. Coupled with columns of harder rock like chimneys, the dolines form a fairy-tale landscape and are ideal for snowshoe walks. A mountain guide can show them to you in complete safety.

The snowshoe outings in the Dolines of La Plagne reserved lovely surprises for our customers last winter: a complete change of scenery just a stone’s throw from the resort, a stunning view of Mont Blanc, a face-to-face with a fox, slides on your bottom… You can guess that young and old loved it! Let yourself be tempted by discovering their best winter mountain holiday memories.

The discovery and practice of snowshoeing is available with Pointe de Sel. Our all-inclusive and tailor-made packages give you access to this restorative sporting activity during a stay in one of the finest chalets of Savoie.

Pointe de Sel arranges your mountain stay according to your wishes, with accommodation in a fully private premium chalet, in-chalet dining and pre-booked activities. Set off with peace of mind – we take care of everything.

The benefits of an all-inclusive luxury chalet stay

An all-inclusive stay in a luxury chalet in Savoie, in the French Alps, is an excellent choice for those looking to live a dream holiday experience, combining the discovery of winter sport activities like snowshoeing with exceptional amenities, an ideal location and the flexibility of a tailor-made service.

Pointe de Sel’s ambition is to offer you unforgettable holidays. Get in touch to find your ideal chalet stay for your family holidays in Savoie.