Snow shoeing in France

Page sponsored by Let Loose With Adventure

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It's thought that snowshoeing originated about 6,000 years ago and aided the Inuit and Native Indian to not just survive but to migrate. Originally made from twigs and hide, they now come in strong, light-weight and durable materials with easy-to-use straps, foot articulation and intelligent design to ensure good weight bearing capabilities. Most come with tungsten points and a front claw for good purchase in ice and snow.

Mention snowshoeing to those living in Europe and they are likely to have done it or at least know something about it. The same cannot be said of people in the UK, and one has to resort to description such as 'Eskimos and tennis rackets' to gain an understanding. The reason for this is simple, the UK mountains tend to receive wet snow that freezes hard, which often requires crampons, whereas the snow in Southern Europe is dry and powdery and requires snowshoes to walk on.

Another difference might be in the use of guides. Certainly in France, holiday makers are accustomed to popping along to the local Bureau de Guide, often found in the High Street of winter resort towns, and booking a guide (Accompagnateur en Montagne), to take them snowshowing. The same qualification exists in the UK, known as International Mountain Leader, and is governed by the British Assocation of International Mountain Leaders or BAIML. BAIMLs website has a list of IMLs and where they operate.

There are quite a few advantages of using a guide. The winter environment does have its hazards; avalanche being one of the main concerns and snowshoeing is very much off piste. Your guide will be trained in snowpack analysis and avalanche awareness. If you are visiting an area for the first time, then local knowledge of routes and best viewpoints could save you a lot of wasted time and effort, and there's an element of safety in there as well. Most of us can spot a bird of prey but your guide will be able to tell you something about the wildlife you see. In fact the chances are, you'll see more with someone who spends most of their time in the outdoors.

Snowshoeing is one of many winter sports, and perhaps one that can be done as a week-long holiday or in conjunction with downhill or cross-country skiing, skating and tobogganing. If you are a summer walker in the UK, then coming over to Europe to do some snowshoeing is a great way of keeping active during the winter months. Much of the boots, clothing and equipment you use in the summer can be used in snowshoeing. You'll need a pair walking boots, ideally waterproof and gaiters help keep out the snow. The activity is aerobic and together with the typical blue skies and sunshine you find in Europe, you'll stay quite warm. A down jacket or an extra layer are a good idea for when you stop for that packed lunch or while sitting outside a bar or restaurant. Unlike skiing, you will have plenty of oportunities to chat with your companions while walking, and being able to stop anywhere to capture that outstanding photograph that the winter environment can provide. It's also cheaper than sking with inexpensive equipment and no ski lift passes needed.

Let Loose with Adventure is a trekking holiday and expedition company, run by Kevin Albin, an International Mountain Leader. Each winter they base themselves in Bagneres de Luchon in the French Pyrenees. This is an excellent area for snowshoeing as it has all types of terrain suitable for different levels of fitness and aspirations. The walking is done in both France and Spain, and with some impressive vistas of the surrounding mountains. Imagine the cold crisp air, fresh powder snow and the quite a solitude of being away from the busy resorts. The area does have three ski resorts as well as dog sledding, pararpenting and ice climbing, and the town boasts plenty of restauarnts and night life. Let Loose with Adventure snowshoeing holidays are £710 per person for five full days of guided snowshoeing including snowshoes, walking poles and safety equipment. Included is seven nights bed and breakfast in their gite with six evening four-course meals with wine, and five packed lunches for the walking days. They also include airport transfers from/to Toulouse.