How can you make hiking more adventurous? Add a good sprinkling of snow and some special footwear and you’ve got snowshoeing!
Snowshoeing is an ancient sport which began around 6 000 years ago for venturing across snowy mountain ranges. Nowadays, snowshoeing has become a popular pastime and is a fantastic way of taking in some fresh alpine air and stunning views.
The alps provide the ideal setting for snowshoeing. Thanks to the varied routes, excellent powder and amazing scenery, snowshoeing here is a pretty special experience.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best snowshoeing routes in the Alps;
#1) Chamonix, Mont Blanc
As one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe, Chamonix in France is well-known and loved by skiers. However, Chamonix is also home to a number of excellent snowshoeing routes. The excellent bus and train service gives you easy, free access to snowshoe routes throughout the valley.
Many of the Chamonix’s mountain huts stay open in winter. A favourite activity for locals is to hike up to a hut for a fondue evening and sledge back down afterwards.
#2) The Ecrins National Park
Rugged peaks, towering glaciers and reliable snowfall make the Ecrins National Park a paradise for snowshoeing enthusiasts.
Located in the south-east of France, this natural area is great for trekking in summer and snowshoeing during the winter. Allow expert guides to lead you to breath-taking frozen lakes, alpine forests and the dizzying heights of the Plateau of La Coche!
To reach the park, you can fly to Grenoble airport or Marseille and go from there.
#3) Wildlife Spotting in Livigno
The Stelvio national park in Livigno, Italy offers picturesque snowshoeing routes, perfect for taking in the very best of the Italian alps. The great thing about snowshoeing in Italy is it’s a bargain! Snowshoes can be rented for just a few euros a day. However, if you’re new to the sport and would like to be shown the way, a local guide is a good option.
The relatively quiet Livigno makes a great location to strap on your snowshoes and become at one with nature. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a golden eagle!
#4) Grindelwald in Switzerland
Grindelwald in Switzerland has twenty snowshoe trails to explore, including the Panorama trail, the Eiger trail and the Wetterhorn trail.
The ski area above Grindelwald named Grindelwald First is a great spot for snowshoeing. Take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain, and wind your way back down towards the village, taking in the pleasant alpine scenery as you go. Either opt for a marked trail, or go off-trail through the forest for some added adventure.
#5) Explore the Winter Wonderland of Tirol
If you’re keen to get away from the crowds and experience the natural wilderness on your own terms, Tirol in Austria is the place.
Guided nature trails are on offer around Tirol, including within the Hohe Tauern National Park. Traversing the winter wonderland that is Tirol is what snowshoeing was made for.
Strap on Your Snowshoes for an Alpine Adventure
If hiking through pristine snow to reach stunning panoramic views sounds like your idea of a good time, then snowshoeing is probably for you.
These snowshoe trails are the perfect way to experience the Alps on foot. If you’re planning on booking a trip to the Alps this winter, don’t forget to book a ski transfer from the airport.
Alps2Alps provide affordable, fuss-free transfers that never compromise on quality. There are even great midweek deals and exclusive discounts to be had when using the handy new ski transfer app!
Head to the Alps2Alps ski transfer bookings page to get an instant quote.
Time to strap on your snow shoes and head to the mountain!
- Top 5 snowshoeing locations in the Alps - February 23, 2019
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