Highlights of the trip
- A snowshoeing experience in wild landscapes.
- Comfortable mountain accommodation with shower.
- Quality catering based on local produce.
Day 1: Ascent to the refuge via the TMB and the Rollaz Woods
Elevation gain: 770m, Elevation loss: 40m, Distance: 7.8km, 4 hours of walking
Our route begins at Notre-Dame de la Gorge along the TMB trail. The first part of the ascent is quite steep. We then head off-trail across the Rosière peat bogs to the Rollaz Bridge. The view opens up onto the valley with the Aiguilles de la Pennaz in the background. We climb up to the Balme Refuge and then head toward the Col de la Fenêtre to reach our comfortable refuge for the night, situated facing the Mont Blanc massif.
Accommodation: Mountain hut. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: Ascent to the Jovet Lakes, then descent through the Val Montjoie via La Balme
Elev. gain: 430m Elev. loss: 1,180m Distance: 11.4km 4 hours 50 minutes of walking
After a good night’s rest facing the Mont Blanc massif, we put on our snowshoes and head toward the Col du Bonhomme. Today’s destination is the Jovet Lakes at the foot of Mont Tondu. We begin with a gentle descent to join the TMB trail, then reach Plan Jovet and finally the Jovet Lakes. The return trip will take us past the Jovet chalets and along the TMB trail to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge.
Meals: breakfast & lunch.
Level required for this outing: Confirmed (See the article on snowshoe levels for self-assessment)
