Italy Snowshoe Weekends
Winter Italian Snowshoe Weekends are the perfect combination of activity and just a little Italian indulgence, all set in the back drop of the Mont Blanc massif.
The comfortable Bonatti refugio named after the famous Italian Mountaineer – Walter Bonatti is our home for the night allowing us to watch the sunset and sunrise over the majestic Mont Blanc (4810m).
Join us for this excellent weekend getaway in a spectacular location!
Private group bookings available
Graded: easy/moderate
1h 45m from Geneva
Includes all breakfasts, lunches and evening meals
Family run refugio in theItalian Alps
Snowshoes and equipment provided
Day 1
The weekend begins with a short drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel from Chamonix arriving in the stylish Italian town of Courmayeur. Transferring along Val Ferret we start our journey on foot snowshoeing below the mighty peaks of the Mont Blanc massif which tower over us. Small snowy restaurants are dotted along the trail and we enjoy a coffee break to savour the views. As we continue our journey along this beautiful valley we arrive at the Grivel family restaurant which is steeped in history. Famous for their pioneering designs in ice axes and crampons the restaurant also has a great reputation. Enjoy the old photos on the walls and and polenta cooking over the fire. After a long lunch we enter the forest and begin our steady climb up to the refugio. Emerging from the tree line, a short distance afterwards and we see refuge and our home for the night. Panoramic views over the massif, we watch the sun set over Mont Blanc and enjoy a 3 – course dinner.
Day 2
The day begins watching sun rise over Monte Bianco and enjoying a classic leisurely Italian breakfast. We slowly descend with lots of time to take photos and enjoy our surroundings, re tracing our steps and descending Val Ferret. We journey into Courmayeur and explore this chic town, before enjoying a classic Italian lunch, family style. There is the option of spending an additional few nights in Courmayeur at one of the many excellent hotels or simply returning through the tunnel and back into Chamonix for mid afternoon. An excellent mini 2 day adventure leaving you feeling invigorated and refreshed.
Accommodation
The comfortable Bonatti Refuge sits at 2025m on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. Sweeping panormaic views make this an incredible location. Dedicated to Walter Bonatti, the famous Italian mountaineer famed for many first ascents including in 1965 the first solo climb in winter of the North face of the Matterhorn, and in 1954 he was a member of the Italian expedition that first summitted K2.
The refuge itself was constructed in 1998 and has since had a number of renovations. Only accessible on foot, by snowshoe, ski tour, skidoo or helicopter this is a truely unique location.
Private rooms 2 – 4 persons
Dormitory
Shared bathroom facilities
What’s included
- One night in the Bonatti Refugio
- All meals, 1 dinners, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, mountains snacks
- Two snowshoe hikes
- Snowshoes, poles & transceivers
- Transport once the trip starts until the trip finishes
- Licensed International Mountain Leader
Guides
Our guides are exceptionally experienced with a passion for sharing their profession. All qualified and licensed International Mountain Leaders they will bring the trip alive.
We adopt an excellent guiding ratio:
One Guide – 1 – 7 clients
Two Guides – 8 – 14 clients
Booking and Price
Cost pp:
2 persons € pp
2 – 4 persons € pp
5 – 8 persons € pp
9+persons € pp
Private 2 – 4 person room € pp AVAILABLE
We manage every booking independently to ensure attention to detail and provide a personalised service.
Please contact us directly for booking: info@livebreathehike.com