Snowshoe at Les Houches

After the massive amount of snow over the past two weeks we headed out again on a local snowshoe at Les Houches. We took the Prarion lift up to 1853 mtrs put on our snowshoes and disappeared away from the pistes into the trees and beyond.

The snow was deep and powdery and for those at the front (me) it was hard going breaking trail with snowshoes through the untracked snow. We headed down through the trees and onto to a track leading to the Ferme de Charme which sells fantastic cheeses during the summer months.

Following the snow laden tree line we descended a further 300 mts towards the picturesque remote alpine hamlet of Bionnassay. Bionnassay is accessed by road from the Contamines valley and although could be easily linked into the Les Houches ski area chooses not to thus remaining unspoiled and a hidden gem.

Picking up the summer Tour du Mont Blanc path we headed back towards the Col de Vozacrossing the 'Tramway du Mont Blanc' rail track en route. The rack & pinion tramway brings tourists, skiiers & climbers up the mountain from St Gervais, in summer reaching 2372 mts at the Nid d'Aigle & in winter to the Col du Voza 1653 mts giving access to the Les Houches ski pistes. The train also provides access to the main route up Mont Blanc in summer taking climbers up high before they start their ascent.

No trains running from St Gervais to Col de Voza at the moment although we did manage to come across what looked to be an abandoned carriage and cab with a snow plough on the front.

From the col we followed the snow covered track past the newly restored Hotel Bellevue featured in our 2011 May blog, now complete but still not open due to planning issues.

The buvette (snack bar) and hot chocolate made for a welcome end to our Les Houches snowshoe with an easy descent via the Bellevue telepherique.

A great half day out! for more snowshoe information see www.montblanctreks.com/snowshoeing and visit our winer page for Mont Blanc Treks snowshoe holidays