Snowshoeing: the best way to walk in the snow

When the snow settles on the mountain pastures and highland paths, snowshoers are the first to break cover. Ski pistes are often the winter face of the many hiking trails that criss-cross the Pays du Mont-Blanc. You can rent snowshoes, boots and poles absolutely everywhere and local instructors are on hand to teach you the technique. Once you feel safe, the whole mountain becomes your playground. Follow the sign-posted trails and walk down through the woods near your resort. Moments of pure happiness and fresh air, at your own pace and wherever the mood takes you! And to explore further afield, share the experience and local knowledge of the mountain experts. Guides organise theme walks - such as observation of the wildlife, for example watching the chamois through binoculars near Combloux, learning to read the landscape with "panoramic" excursions from the Col de Voza and discovering the mountain heritage and Alpine chalets on the Plateau de l'Avenaz near Cordon. The guides know all the paths in the Pays du Mont-Blanc and can show you hidden treasures. Higher up still, guides will be happy to take you glacier walking, where the blue ice crackles under your snowshoes, with overnights in mountain refuges and the reward of one of nature's most beautiful gifts - sunrise over the Aiguilles de Chamonix!