Snowshoe tour Hospice Grand San Bernard, Switzerland
Technical: Basic snowshoe experience, sure-footed on moderate slopes
Fitness: You can comfortably climb 600-650m per day for 5-6 hours with a 8-10kg backpack
Safety: Willingness to learn avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe handling – we practice every day
Meet at Martigny train station and continue by minibus to Bourg-Saint-Bernard. Here we put on our snowshoes to reach the Grand Saint Bernard Pass (2469 m) in complete peace and quiet. A passage known for generations by mountain people between the Swiss Valais and the Italian Aosta Valley.
We settle in the rooms of the famous hospice. Afterwards we will go on our way to a workshop on how to handle avalanche beacons and search for avalanche victims. We will also discuss tour planning.
Dinner together in the hospice.
Overnight stay in the Hospice
+ 600m, 3.5h
Today’s tour will be determined according to the conditions. A nice option would be the Tête de Fonteinte via Fenêtre d’en Haut.
Below the summit of Chenalette, the route climbs up through the Fenêtre d’en Haut valley, which ends in a gentle slope to the border crossing (2724 m). A final ascent allows us to reach the summit of the Tête de Fonteinte (2775 m). We have an incredible panorama of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses in front of us. The descent is made along the same path or, if conditions are good, via the Fenêtre Ferret.
We return to the Grand Saint-Bernard hospice where we plan the route for tomorrow’s descent and analyse today’s tour.
Dinner together in the hospice.
Overnight stay in the Grand Saint Bernard Hospice
+ 650m, 5.5h
Descent to Bourg-Saint-Bernard to reach the magnificent Combe de Drône. We pass the quiet hamlet of La Pierre (2039 m) and ascend towards the lakes of Lé (2554 m). Nice descent along the same route. We get into our car in Bourg-Saint-Bernard. Transfer by minibus back to Martigny.
Another option would be the western Barasson Pass.
+ 500m, – 900m, 5h
Backpack approx. 30L on which the snowshoes can be put on
Thermal underwear (quick-drying), with long sleeves.
A fleece jumper or similar
Windproof and waterproof mountain trousers or overpants
Socks with excellent thermal properties.
A pair of gaiters if your trousers do not have them integrated
A cap or hood
A buff / neck tube
Sun hat
Very good sunglasses
One pair of light gloves (type Polar/Windstopper)
A thin down or primaloft jacket.
A waterproof and breathable Goretex type jacket with hood
Your few replacement items (reduce to the necessary minimum)
Sun cream and lipstick with high protection factor
A pair of warm and waterproof gloves
Thermos flask
Picnic for the first day
Toilet paper and a lighter to burn
Your individual pharmacy reduced to a minimum, personal medicines
pocket knife
Lightweight hut sleeping bag
Toiletries
Survival blanket
Headlamp
Some plastic bags to protect your belongings
A waterproof bag with your identity papers, money, insurance certificates, assistance
A pair of warm and waterproof shoes suitable for snowshoeing
NB: waterproof hiking boots and a pair of gaiters are sufficient for this type of stay
One pair of snowshoes
One pair of telescopic poles with large rosettes
Personal safety equipment: an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe
Please note: For your comfort, your rucksack should not weigh more than 8 to 10 kilos, please make sure you only bring what you need
Prices are based on double rooms if available or cozy dorm rooms.
It is also possible to stay in a shared room for 20.00 chf less per night
3 days UIMLA hiking guide, 2 nights in a double room, half board, 2 picnics, transport Martigny – Bourg Saint Bernard and back to Martigny, hiking guide expenses, single rooms can be available as well when reserve early
Drinks, arrival and return to/from Martigny, personal equipment
Why Choose Us
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in our adventures.
We strongly recommend that you purchase insurance to cover cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability.
Accident or injury. Unexpected medical expenses. Unplanned incidents are rare but can crop up when you travel.
Gift vouchers
Give the gift of adventure with a Patagoniatiptop GmbH Certificate! Perfect for a mountaineering gift for your son’s birthday, a ski weekend for your best friend or a skitouring trip for your wife. Or … why not invite yourself?
How it works
Contact us and let us know how much you would like to spend. Let us know who is the lucky person to receive the voucher. We will then send the voucher to you or to the address you tell us.
