Why, you may ask, do you need a guide to go snowshoeing around the Méribel valley? If you have read our earlier activity reports, you’ll know you can simply hire snowshoes and set on the marked winter footpaths or explore off the beaten track. Snowshoeing is an easy sport to learn, and doesn’t require much instruction.
However, as I discovered on my trip with specialist “raquette à neige” group, Raquett’Evasion, being led by a guide is far more interesting and rewarding than simply setting out on your own.
First, our experienced, English-speaking guide Fabien, took us to places I never knew existed. We started in the pretty village of Villard and walked off-piste through the forests to the ridge between the Méribel and Belleville valleys. I’ve walked the summer paths in this area many times, but never discovered the gorgeous glades, stunning viewpoints or animal hideouts that he showed us.
Second, Fabien, was a walking encyclopaedia about the valley, its history and wildlife. Do you know, for example, how Méribel got its name? Or where Lynx and solitary wolves have been seen in the valley? Or what arctic hares eat in winter? Or where red deer sleep at night? Or how to identify animal tracks in the snow? Well, I now do, and it was fascinating to learn so much in one short afternoon.
Third, Fabien helped us to improve our snowshoeing technique, learning how to walk uphill without tiring and how to descend steep slopes without landing on your bum.
Guided snowshoe walks are a great way to explore the mountains and get close to nature, and it’s a fun way to try a completely new sport. If you love hiking, then you’ll almost certainly love snowshoeing. It’s a sport that can be done by people of all ages as long as they have a reasonable level of fitness. It’s certainly great exercise, which perhaps explains why it’s becoming more and more popular with the young.
Three companies offer guided walks in Méribel, Natur'ell Rando, Raquett’Evasion and the ESF (French Ski School). All of them offer a weekly programme of half and full day outings in various parts of the valley, costing between 25 and 35 euros for a half day walk. Walks are themed and graded for difficulty, so simply choose one to suit your fitness level and interests. Both companies also provide private guides should you want to make up your own group.
Snowshoes can be hired from virtually any sports shop, but Fabien recommended using Intersport or Sport Boutique in Méribel centre. The latter offers a range of sizes and can even hire out walking boots. The only other requirements are a stout pair of walking boots, some water and an energy bar, and you’re good to go.
The verdict of other members of the party on our walk: “excellent”, “really fun to try something different” and “loved it, but a full day would have been too much”. And I’d say it was the best 30 euros I’ve spent all season.
