Milky Way: night snowshoe hike with a typical dinner in a mountain hut

Key Points

• Night Snowshoeing in the French Alps: Explore the mountain landscape after sunset on snowshoes, guided by certified professionals.
• Enchanted Forest and Village Route: The hike takes you through fir and larch forests, ending at the picturesque Thures Valley villages.
• Warm Mountain Hut Dinner: Enjoy a typical Piedmontese dinner in a welcoming mountain hut, prepared with local products.
• Accessible for All Levels: The activity is designed to be safe and suitable for beginners and experienced snowshoers alike.
• Duration of 3.5 Hours: The entire experience includes guided walks, a dinner, and return, making it a well-paced evening adventure.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starts at Via S. Isidoro, 124 with free parking and coordinates 44.93138885498047, 6.81986141204834.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Charm of Night Snowshoeing in the French Alps

This night snowshoe hike offers a captivating way to experience the mountain after dark, with a certified guide leading the way. Starting in Bousson, the tour combines outdoor adventure with cultural richness, culminating in a traditional mountain hut dinner. The entire activity lasts 3.5 hours, making it an ideal evening escape that balances physical activity, natural beauty, and authentic local cuisine.

The experience is particularly suited for those seeking a gentle yet memorable mountain outing. No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary, as the guides ensure safety and comfort for all levels, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Snowshoeing Under a Starlit Sky with Expert Guides

The tour begins at sunset, when the landscape glows with golden hues. Participants are provided with snowshoes, poles, and a headlamp to light the trail, thanks to the professionalism of the guides. These guides share stories of the area’s history and the old trails connecting the alpine villages, enriching the walk with cultural insights.

As the snowshoe trek takes you through forests of fir and larch, the silence of winter envelops you, broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot. The route includes a scenic passage through the Valley of Thures, spanning from Thures to Rhuilles, passing through three charming alpine villages. The gradually darkening sky makes the first stars appear, heightening the magic of the experience.

From Sunset to Nightfall: The Route Through Thures Valley

The Thures Valley forms the core of this snowshoe adventure. The guided tour lasts about one hour on the way to the mountain hut, allowing ample time to appreciate the natural beauty and learn about local legends from the knowledgeable guides. The route is designed to be engaging and manageable, ensuring participants enjoy the scenery without exhaustion.

The trek’s highlight is reaching the Rifugio Combe d’Imbert Vittoria, a warm and welcoming mountain hut with distinctive architecture. Here, guests are greeted by Mauro and his staff, who prepare a delicious Piedmontese dinner with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy atmosphere offers a perfect chance to relax, share gratitude for the experience, and warm up before heading back.

The Mountain Hut Experience and Authentic Dinner

The dinner in the mountain hut is a key highlight, providing a taste of regional flavors in a rustic setting. The warm ambiance contrasts beautifully with the cold outside, creating an inviting space that enhances the overall experience. The meal is served in about one and a half hours, offering enough time to savor local specialties and enjoy the convivial atmosphere.

This stop not only provides comfort and nourishment but also emphasizes the tour’s focus on authenticity and sustainability. The local products used in the meal reflect the cultural roots of the area, making the dinner a genuine regional experience.

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Return Journey and Final Walkthrough of Thures Valley

After dinner, the guides lead a one-hour walk back through the Thures Valley, retracing the route in reverse. This gentle walk under the stars offers a peaceful conclusion, allowing everyone to reflect on the silent beauty of the winter night. The return route is carefully managed to maintain safety and enjoyment, ensuring a calm and memorable finish to the evening.

The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point on Via S. Isidoro, where free parking is available. The entire process emphasizes respect for nature and an effort to introduce the Vialattea area authentically, with sustainability as a core value.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Participants should come prepared with hat, gloves, snow clothing, warm shoes, and thermal clothing. The activity is designed to be accessible, but appropriate gear ensures comfort and safety in the winter conditions. The tour is conducted in Italian, French, and English, with a private group format that allows for personalized guidance.

The experience offers full flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later makes planning easier. Check the available start times to fit this unique evening adventure into your travel schedule.

Why This Night Snowshoe Hike Stands Out

What makes this tour unique is the combination of nighttime outdoor activity, cultural storytelling, and regional cuisine. The guides’ expertise ensures safety and enriches the experience with stories from the area’s past. The scenic route through the Thures Valley and the chance to walk under the stars make this an atmospheric adventure.

On top of that, the warm mountain hut dinner adds a cozy and authentic touch, balancing the outdoor activity with relaxation. The overall duration of 3.5 hours is well-suited for those looking for a memorable but not overly demanding evening experience in the mountains.

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Evening in the French Alps

This night snowshoe hike offers a genuine taste of mountain life and natural beauty, perfect for those who appreciate outdoor adventure mixed with cultural experiences. Its accessible design, authentic regional dinner, and focused storytelling help create a memorable, peaceful evening in the French Alps.

While it’s ideal for all levels, travelers should be prepared with appropriate winter gear. The experience’s emphasis on safety, sustainability, and local flavor makes it a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking a scenic, atmospheric night in the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the activity is designed to be accessible for all levels, with guides explaining the fundamentals of snowshoeing and ensuring safety throughout.

What should I bring for the snowshoe hike?
Participants should bring hat, gloves, snow clothing, warm shoes, and thermal clothing to stay comfortable outdoors.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including guided walks, dinner, and the return walk.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Via S. Isidoro, 124, with free parking available. Coordinates are 44.93138885498047, 6.81986141204834.

What is included in the tour?
The experience includes snowshoes, poles, a headlamp, a guided walk, and a typical Piedmontese dinner.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak Italian, French, and English.

Is the dinner regionally authentic?
Yes, the dinner features local products from Piedmont, served in a warm, rustic mountain hut.

How do I reserve my spot?
Reservations can be made with a pay later option, allowing flexible planning without immediate payment.

What makes this tour special compared to other snowshoe hikes?
The combination of nighttime scenery, storytelling, and regional cuisine creates a cozy and culturally rich evening adventure in the mountain setting.

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