Snowshoeing in the hinterland of the French and Italian Riviera

The Ligurian Dolomites

Program:

Day 1:  travel

How to get there

The Roya and Nervia valleys are situated in the Southern Alps in the hinterland of the French

and Italian Riviera

The rail, road and airport networks from the UK to us are all very good,   

so  you have a big choice of how to get here. Fly to the nearest airports or take a train to the nearest train stations and then you either rent a car or make the transfer with us. Having a car in the valley is generally recommended.

We can arrange trains and rent cars for you or book flights.

We can also help with information and advice about airport parkings or airport hotels.

The nearest city is Nice, the nearest airport is Nice International Airport. the nearest TGV station

is Nice and the local train station is Ventimiglia (40mn from Nice)

By road Paris-Lyon-Marseille-Nice-Ventimiglia

Mount Ceppo Peak

A full day's snowshoeing to the peak of Mout Ceppo, 1650m, dominating the town of Sanremo

and the sea - 5h

The walk starts at 1100m from the Langan pass

After the pass the route takes you through mixed woodlands up to the San Giovanni dei Prati Chapel where you can see the Nervia valley.

From the chapel it is a rather steep walk up to the summit over an open snow field, where

you will be rewarded with views over the Mediterranean Sea from Cannes to Imperia!

After congratulating yourself for having made it to the top, it is all downhill for

nearly 400m! Lots of fun guaranteed!!

We return to the refuge at 6.00 p.m.

Day 2- Pietravecchia Peak

 A full day's snowshoeing with picnic on the pass (6-7 hrs)

This is a big but very rewarding day up to the Pietravecchia peak, 2045m.

This snowshoe walk starts off following the Monte Grai valley from the refuge. Then

about half way up you start to climb, zig-zagging through beautiful mixed forests with 

larches and pine trees.

Then as the woods start to thin you walk on to open snow fields with magnificent

views all around you. As well as being a great picnic spot, this is also a good opt out

point if anyone doesn't fancy facing the uphill battle to the mountain top. You can sit and wait in the sunshine and enjoy the amazing views right over the Roya  and Argentina valleys.

Those brave enough to make it to the summit will also see the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps.

Then it is all downhill, on snowshoes you can slide, run, jump and generally have 

lots of fun getting down the mountain - the snow is very forgiving!

We return to the refuge at 6.00 p.m.

Equipment:

Walking boots, leather or waterproof fabrics, and they should not be brandnew.
2 or 3 pairs of walking socks. Blisters can be avoided by wearing thin socks underneath (not cotton)
Waterproof jackets made of waterproof materials that let the air in like goretex are much more  comfortable and light than warm but heavy materials that won't let the air in but  which can end up being wet inside due to your sweat which cannot filter through!

Extra fleece or sweater
Fleecy trousers or leggings to wear under your outer trousers
Gloves, hat, neck or ear warmers.

Rucksack to carry your packed lunch, a water bottle and other items.
Reasonably sized water flask or a plastic water bottle.
Sunscreen

Lip balm with sunscreen
Sun glasses -
Sun hat or cap
Duvet jacket - not essential but serves as a good and light warm jacket for those freezing days.

Availability:  from December to March

Group:  Alone or in a group (1 guide for every 12 persons)

Price: 155 € per person. (in rooms 1 to 6 places)

Included: the guide, the equipment, the transfers , 2 picnics,  2 times half board  in the refuge,

the insurance

Not includded: the travel to Nice, the drinks.

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