The Porcherey mountain hut

Organising evening snowshoe trips is becoming increasingly difficult in the Chamonix valley. Refreshment bars and mountain huts offering good quality evening meals have become too few and far between. I have therefore decided to focus my energy elsewhere than Chamonix.

As it happens, there is a mountain hut above Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce that is well worth a visit: the Refuge du Porcherey. Over time, I have become good amigos with the chef, who strives to offer incredibly flavourful dishes, without forgetting vegetarians! The ingredients are sourced locally and produced sustainably. If I have to take you somewhere, it’s to his place!

Opposite the refuge, we have the western face of the Mont Blanc range and the Aiguille de Bionnassay (4,052 m). An incredible mountain setting that you won’t forget in a while!

Snowshoeing: A Respectful approach towards wildlife

Snowshoeing: Off the beaten tracks and fun downhill

When snow conditions make it possible, evolving off the tracks with our snowshoes is a wonderful experience both uphill and downhill. Snow flattens the irregularities of the ground and makes it smoother. This allows us to choose our own gradient of difficulty. Downhill, learn how to surf on top of fresh snow untouched by the sunbeams in the forest: the steeper the better! Sliding on your feet …often finish by slipping on your butt. The smile on your face and your laughs in the air will be your rewards!

Skiset Tasmania

Les Contamines-Montjoie: the best place

The village of Les Contamines-Montjoie is the best place in the entire Mont Blanc region for fat biking. Thanks to the village’s high altitude, you’re very likely to enjoy an adventure on the snow. The flat, less sunny valley allows you to ride on snow that stays firm a lot longer. This provides the best conditions for learning how to ride a fatbike! The electric assistance on the bike is a real bonus, making it easier to reach the mountain refuge for a drink. Above the trees, the setting is simply perfect for a souvenir photo with the Mont Blanc massif in the background.

The commune is very active in developing all-season sports that are less dependent on snow cover. You can enjoy a wide range of winter activities without fear of being discriminated against or singled out.

Alpes Aventures

E-bike rental shop in Megève – Praz-sur-Arly

Alpes Aventures doesn’t have e-fatbike. However you will benefit from my experience to use their e-bikes on snow.

Opening hours change during the period of the year. It’s better to check on Google.

Jacques Balmat: First ascent of Mont-Blanc

Seas and oceans of the world are not the only ones to hide treasures of an inestimable value. In Chamonix, the legend tells us that stone giants live on our summits. They sculpt crystals in the heart of the most remote mountains. Many men died trying to robe those precious gems. But one day a Man with no wife and no kids came down alive. On his deathbed, the story says he addressed his will to his youngest brother revealing where his chest full of secrets was hidden. The youngest brother was bad finding his bearings. He never found the chest. Almost 200 years later, the Will is always bequeath to the youngest brother. Only one sentence that does not make sense could allow the beginning of the research:

“BPM AMKZMB TQMA CVLMZ BPM JZQLOM VMIZ BPM XWVL“.

If we find the key to crack the code, we will go for a 2 or 3 hours adventure solving clues one after another to put your hand on this booty!