Hiking in the winter

Strolling through wintery woods, following a mountain stream through the valley in the bright white powdery snow. That sounds good, but unfortunately our snow boots often sink half a meter deep in the snow and we arrive home exhausted. For that reason, it’s high time for an alternative à l’Esprit Montagne: try taking a hike with ‘raquettes à neige’.

Snowshow trekking

These snowshoes have traditionally been used to easily get from point A to point B. Starting in the 1960s, they began to increasingly be used for recreation. How does it work? It’s simple. You buckle the snowshoes on to your normal (climbing) boots, grab a pair of walking sticks and enjoy the beautiful environment of Esprit Montagne without sinking into the snow.

Numerous snowshoe hikes have been laid out in the area. You can also find most of the routes on special hiking maps. The snowshoes are availabe for rental at the hotel and at various sports shops in La Chapelle d’Abondance.

Guided snowshoe treks

Once a week, we organize a guided snowshoe trek that departs from the hotel. Alke is the guide and brings along hot chocolate in his backpack. Along the way, you will stop at a cozy restaurant where you can build up some extra energy with a good cup of coffee and a “tarte aux myrtilles”.

On Thursday evenings, we walk on the snowshoes from the hotel to a large waterfall which, certainly at the start of the season, is always beautifully frozen. There, we warm up by the campfire with some vin chaud or hot chocolate. We would be happy to provide you with more information abut both hikes upon your arrival at the hotel.