Winter walking in the French Alps

Winter walking – complete with snowshoe and cross-country ski hire for snowy conditions – is the offer from specialist operator, Belle France.

In the Savoie region of the French Alps, for example, the company is highlighting holidays in the tiny village of St Nicholas la Chapelle – just 20 miles from Mont Blanc – where walks are under the instruction of the hotel’s owner who is an experienced and qualified mountain leader.

Raquette snow shoes and batons are provided and walking – which averages around six hours per day – is through a variety of cross-country terrain descending across open pastures and wooded slopes.

These seven-night holidays are available from 12 December until 20 March and cost – for bookings made by 24 December – from £659 per person (twin share) inclusive of full-board accommodation at the Chalet Hotel l’Eau Vive, local transfers, guided walking programme and services of an English-speaking guide.

Alternatively, a seven-night winter walk in the Auvergne – where mornings are spent practising snowshoe and cross-country skiing techniques in preparation for an afternoon of guided walks – is available throughout February.

Prices, for bookings made by noon on 24 December, start from £599 per person inclusive of full-board accommodation at the Hotel La Decouverte in the village of St Bonnet le Froid, guided walking programme and services of an English-speaking guide.

UK travel is not included in the above prices, but return ferry crossings or rail tickets can be booked by the company on request.

For more information and bookings, visit bellefrance.co.uk.