Southern Alps Snowshoe Trek: Italy & France Winter Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 11 reviews.

Clifford Smith

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written January 2011
A fantastic new trip - good challenge and great itinerary. Nice to have a week where you don't have to be taken by vehicles everywhere. Helped by ideal weather - blue skies and snowy mountains. My 11th snowshoe trip and by far the best one.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Day 5 - didn't sound exaxctly inspiring - walk up the valley beside the river then up a ridge (and I assumed back down again having got as far as we wanted). Got to a cross and had lunch, and then set off up the ridge. It turned out to be amazing - interestlingly narrow and with some stunning views. We were able to do a circuit and come down a different way with some excellent powder snow.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent was an excellent leader. He mixed well with us, and was always bringing out goodies from his rucsac to supplement the excellent packed lunches. He obviously has a good rapport with the Gite owners. As a local he had a good knowledge of the area and wildlife.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't expect to lose too much weight, as the food is excellent and plentiful (especially St. Veran).
Day 7 crossing the Col du Longet was very cold, so make sure you have good gloves in particular.
Wai-ming Shum

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written March 2013
Amazing views and an overall great experience. Very lucky to have had a full group (12 trekkers) so good conversation and varied company.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Each day's trek has it's own charms but my favourite was the 4th trek day where you walk along a ridge with awesome unspoilt views in every direction. That said, the early treks through snowy forest scenes have their own magic.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent is a leader that you can trust to set a good pace for the entire group. He has a good sense of humour and an appropriate balance of friendliness without being over-bearing. He was patient with what must have been dull questions for him and clearly enjoys the treks himself, which is infectious. Vincent provided dried fruit, nuts and chocolate for rest breaks which is very welcome.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not pack too much. You will be moving every couple of nights and moving your own bags around the place, which after a long day's trek is no small feat. The packing list provided is not comprehensive so think along these lines for the actual trek:
1 - walking trousers: usual ones that you have and not salopettes. Also bring some waterproof overtrousers for armth and of course if it gets wet or too snowy. Don't bring more than 2 pairs of walking trousers. Also bring one pair of thermal long johns.
2 - base layer top x 2
3 - walking socks x 3 (yes, that means more than one days wear)
4 - microfleece x 2
5 - down jacket: this iwll be needed for the lunch stops and if the windchill gets silly
6 - lightweight waterproof jacket - I brought a ski jacket shell with me which was fine but I wish I had taken something lighter
7 - invest in a good rucksack, with 2 straps from the lid (you'll need these to strap your snow shoes when you are not wearing them). Your rucksack will be heavy, filled with layers of clothing that you will put on and take off, packed lunch, water, flask (you'll crave a hot drink at lunch when it gets cold cos you've stopped moving), sun screen etc.)
8 - hat, gloves (a liner glove and thick gloves), snood or buff, sun hat/cap
9 - sunscreen, lip balm
If you don't eat much bread or cheese, like me, then you won't love the packed lunches. The quality of the packed lunches really depend on the gite your're staying at (Gite 1 is the best for packed lunches and dinners in my opinion). If you have room to bring some fruit with you e.g. pots or some apples etc then do so...I wish I had as the one thing you can't get hold of is fruit (not a great deal of veg either).
I have an old running injury on one of my knees, and although I had the right fitness, my injury did play up due to the terrain (which has never been a problem on treks before) so do bring your anti-inflammatory drugs, tubigrip etc as you may need it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you've ever wanted to view areas inaccesible by skiiers then don't hesitate to do this trek. The landscape really is breathtaking in a natural and inspirational way. Unlike ski resorts what you see is not manicured and is infact remote and charming. Snow shoeing is not technical i.e. it is walking but more strenuous as you are lifting your knees higher than you might otherwise do, and is harder work when your snow shoes are covered with snow.
I can't imagine you'd reget going on this trip and it's only a shame that there aren't any other 'challenging' snow shoe holidays - sort that out Exodus!
Ciaran McDonnell

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written March 2013
Very good trip with nice people. Weather smiled on us apart unfortunately on the day we went up the Gardiole de l'Alp but you get a second chance to get up really high if you do the downhill skiing option on the "rest day"
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1 Views to Mt Visa and the Ecrins from above St Veran
2 being in a nice old alpine village (St Veran) with some architecture.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent Lamy is excellent - second years trip with him - his Nevache guided trip is slightly harder in terms of hills and climbs but very good too.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Rest day - trip notes advertise parapenting - guide suggests its not a good location for this (unlike say Super Bagneres in Pyrenees). Downhill on rest day was good - boot and ski hire very reasonable - less that 50 Euro a day inclufing the day pass. Limited mountain restaurants - all towards the bottom. Food fine - Gite evening meals always genuinely local and satisfying
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Easyjet flights were as one would expect pretty unpleasant especially if you need leg room and you find dirty worn out seats unpleasant. Last year on the Nevache trip we flew scheduled BA to Turin I would have paid £20 quid more for a nicer airline witha free breakfast. Price is not everything Exodus !
Kieran Arthur

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written February 2013
Another excellent Exodus trip. Superb winter walking with very well planned routes, an excellent free day skiing in the middle, basic but clean accommodation full of character, and (rather a lot of) the fantastic local food and wine.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit of La Guardiole De L'Alp was the main highlight of my trip, with the long climb up being rewarded with excellent views. All the walking was good though with a variety of terrain and wonderful views every day.
The food served up in the gites was exceptional (the packed lunches were excellent too), especially the Moroccan style dinner we had in Saint-Veran, and definitely hit the spot after a hard day of walking.
Finally, sitting in the big upstairs living room in the Gite Les Arolles in Molines, wood fire burning, snow blizzard outside, and a local beer in my hand before dinner was a wonderful feeling.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent was an exceptional group leader. I'm already thinking of another walking / snowshoeing trip in France, and I'll actively seek out any that Vincent will be involved in running.
He got along very well with everyone in the group, spoke perfect English, kept us all moving at a good pace, and ensured our safety at all times. The equipment he provided us with (snowshows, poles, avalanche transponders, etc) was all top notch. There were also a few very nice touches, such as the welcome packs he gave us (setting out a detailed itinerary for the week) and the group photographs he presented us with at the end of the trip.
Overall, an all round good guy and very highly recommended.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Gloves, gloves, gloves! I was wearing two pairs (1 thin cotton, 1 decent £30 outer pair), and my fingers got very cold, especially when we weren't moving. I'd recommend buying / bringing the best gloves that you can afford, probably involving a Merino wool inner pair, a very good quality outer, and ideally some hand warmers too.
A week in snowshoes was also quite tough on my boots (particularly on the leather), even though I'd thoroughly polished/waxed them beforehand. Suggest it's better to bring an older pair (if you've got them), or else take boot care equipment with you.
Finally, the downhill skiing in Saint-Veran is excellent, so is a great option for the free day - good snow and (outside of French school holidays) virtually deserted. I'd never tried skiing before, but am really glad that I gave it a go. Expect to pay 27 Euros for a ski-lift pass, 18 Euros for a day ski / boots hire, and 33 Euros per 1 hour of 1:1 ski lessons (the instructor was very good).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was the first time I'd tried snowshoeing, and I really enjoyed it. Walking in snowshoes is quite easy, and allows you to go places in the snow you couldn't contemplate with regular walking boots. So, if you're also thinking about trying snowshoeing for the first time, and are comfortable with this trip being a Challenging one (long days out in the cold), it comes highly recommended!!!!
Maureen Brown

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written February 2013
A very well organized holiday with great walks and lovely family-stye home cooked food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The final day's walk, which was 16K in length, but also included walking up to the Col au Longet. It was great to have a long and challenging walk on our final day and to feel that I'd gotten significantly better on my snowshoes. Lunch in the sun at the top of the pass was gorgeous and a great reward after a long morning's walk.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent is a great leader. He is responsive to the group's needs, sets a pace that works well for the group and is safe given the conditions and communicates effectively. He is also just a generally convivial person.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Layers, lots of them! It was very cold. Also, lots of sunscreen and moisturizer/cream for sunburn and windburn. Handwarmers too, if you tend toward cold hands.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Make sure to use the group transfer as the Queryas regional park is not very accessible via public transport.
Richard Thornton

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written February 2013
The Queyras is a stunning area and the snowshoeing top notch. Combined with comfortable gites and plentiful food it all made for a very enjoyable trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All the walks were great fun, with varied terrain and outstanding views at every turn. The two which standout are the climb to the summit of La Gardiole de l'Alp and the final day's walk from Saint Veran to Molines (via Col du Longet). Equally inspirational was the peace and solitude, we on occasion seemed to have the place to ourselves!
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent is an excellent leader and has a great knowledge of the Queyras. I'll certianly be looking out for other trips which Vincent is leading.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip notes cover what you need to know!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The trip is graded as challenging so be prepared for reasonably long days out in the cold with a substantial amount of uphill.
Gayle Palmer

SOUTHERN ALPS SNOWSHOE TREK

Written January 2012
Excellent programme of snowshoeing in very quiet, unspolit valleys and mountains with spectacular scenery. Typical French alpine village scenes and natural surroundings were complimented by staying in traditional gites, each with their own various charms eg wood-fired sauna, excellent food, quiet lounges, complimentary larch-flower liquer etc!The treks were exceptionally well planned by Vincent for variety - terrain, scenery, distance etc and the day off was welcomed to rest some muscles and use others in Saint Veran - eg skiing, dog-sledding, reading a book in the sunshine etc. Good transport to and from the trek to Turin airport made life easy and not having to worry about luggage transfers between gites was a God-send - just take your daypack and packed lunch and "snowshoe - Allez!"
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of some of the summits especially on Day 2 - La Gardiole de l'Alp with a total ascent of 1080m seemed beyond some of us (me) but Vincent stoically led me and the view was just sooo worthwhile. The bit that out me off the most - worrying about coming down again! - But, the snowshoes are amazing! I never totally let myself just run downhill but at least the technique improved with practice and I got faster!
The run down through the Bois de Moulin from the top of the Crete du Curlet (opposite Sainty Veran village)- exhilarating and fun, helped by the fabulous weather!
What did you think of your group leader?
Vincent Lamy who was our experienced and highly trained mountain guide was fantastic throughout the trip.
He was thoughtful, caring, considerate and had a never-ending supply of mid-walk munchies, snacks and hot tea / coffee that came out of his rucksack, along with toolkit to repair things with and gadgets to examine snowflakes close up etc etc etc!! Despite being French (!!! - NOT a bad thing) he has an excellent command of English and understands out jokes too - and could give some back as well!
He naturally knew how hard to push the group or not and it was a pleasure to walk with him and have him share his extensive knowledge of the locality, the mountains and his love of outdoor pursuits, especially the snowshoeing.
THANK YOU Vinc!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It can be really cold - -10C so good gloves, neck scarves / tubes and hats are important but you will find that when walking uphill with snowshoes you will get very hot very quickly - so a windproof but not too warm top layer is important and then layers - ski vests, fleece etc so you can regulate your tempreature more easily.
Camelbak water bottles for inside your rucksack (and some insulation!)
Head torch. Some good books - for the evenings before bed! - we all wanted to stop pretty early.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would Highly recommend this well planned and fun but challenging week with Vincent. But, you do need to be fairly fit, even though Vincent doesn't speed along unnecessarily the mountains are steep and the days involve 6-7 hours of walking much of the time (albeit with stops for yummy snacks and water breaks!)