Les Arcs Snow Shoe Tour Review
Get out into the wild with snow shoe tours
When the weather closed in the other day conditions were pretty far from perfect for skiing and snowboarding, flat light and zero visibility made the prospect of negotiating the slopes daunting at best. It was time for something new, it was time for snow shoeing.
Snow shoeing is available in La Plagne from any of the big ski schools and adventure companies. The ESF, Oxygene and Evolution 2 all offer guided snow shoe tours, we went with Oxygene in La Plagne.
We were met by our guide outside the ski school and transported to the start point of our walk. Once dropped off we needed to put on our raquettes. This proved to be a far trickier job for some than others but our guide was helpful and soon we were all kitted out with shoes and poles and ready to set off.
Walking in snow shoes is not immediately natural. Although the raquettes are light weight our group spent the first few hundred yards flapping around like a confused badling of ducks before getting the hang of the movement that allows you to walk over even the deepest snow like yeti on a Sunday stroll.
Once under-way our guide pointed out local plant life and the various mountains of interest. It was a gentle afternoon and more “Countryfile” than “Top Gear”. Snow shoeing is certainly not an extreme sport but it is a great way of leaving the crowds and the queues and with a snow board or skis strapped to your back it can be the key to exploring the off piste and some serious terrain.
Anyone can try snow shoeing and it is very popular with senior winter enthusiasts. It's great exercise and it's not long before you build up a sweat. The constant movement keeps you warm but it's wise to wear warm shoes as your feet are still in contact with the snow and can get wet and cold.
The ideal family day out, especially when the weather is not playing ball, and the perfect way to get out into the back country for more advanced skiiers and snowboarders.
