Swiss Winter Adventure
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Why This Trip is Special
Here are a few reasons why you'll love this adventure as much as we do
Sleep With the Monks at a 1,000-Year-Old Hospice
Spend a night at 2,500m in the Grand St Bernard Hospice, where Augustinian monks have welcomed travellers since around 1050. Warm dorms, a candle-lit communal dinner and an optional evening service make this the most memorable night you'll have in the mountains.
Meet the Legendary St Bernard Rescue Dogs
Finish at Barryland in Martigny, home of the gentle giants who saved lives on this pass for centuries. Switzerland's most famous dogs are as soft as teddy bears and an unforgettable, only-here highlight.
A Real Alpine Adventure, No Experience Needed
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. There's almost no technique to learn, your guide coaches you on day one, and the route follows the gentle historic pass. Just moderate fitness and a sense of adventure required.
The Call to Adventure Difference: Your Best Swiss Winter Experience.
Discover what makes this adventure unique and unforgettable
Expertly vetted handpicked guides
Our team of experts spend hours on end rigorously assessing guides so you can travel safe in the knowledge you're going with the best!
Book now, pay later, at no extra cost
Pay all upfront or a small deposit today and spread the remaining payments out at no extra cost to you (just select at checkout)
Go places you couldn't go alone
Scale mountains, ride waves, and hike routes that might be a bit spicy without an expert guide
Flexible Booking
Free date changes up to 65 days before departure, no questions asked
Just turn up adventures
Most of our trips include guiding, accommodation, transfers, and equipment so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy
Feel good travel
1% of all our revenue (not profits) goes to fund leading environmental and social projects
Itinerary
Explore our Swiss Winter itinerary to see what you can expect on your adventure.
Arrival in Martigny
Meet your guide at Martigny train station at 17:30, just 1h40 from Geneva Airport. Settle into your mountain accommodation, get fitted for your snowshoes and safety kit, and gather for a welcome dinner as the group gets to know each other.
Late afternoon
Group meets at Martigny station (17:30) and transfers to the accommodation.
Evening
Equipment issue, a friendly safety briefing and a hearty welcome dinner.
Snowshoe Skills, Sledging & Thermal Baths
Ascend to the Hospice & Cross into Italy
Descent, Cheese & the St Bernard Dogs
Guest Reviews
Read what our guests have to say about their adventures with us
What's Included in Your Swiss Winter Adventure
- Professional mountain guide
- 3 nights' accommodation (including the hospice)
- Breakfasts and dinners
- Snowshoes, poles and all safety equipment
- Barryland (St Bernard dogs) entry
- Flights and travel to and from Martigny
- Insurance - personal travel insurance coverage (mandatory). We Recommend Rise and Shield
- Lunches (days 2-4) and drinks
- Optional activities (sledging, thermal baths)
- Personal gear and clothing
- Tips for your guide
Want to stay longer? Interested in adding another destination or activity to your itinerary? Let us know, and we'll help you build the perfect adventure.
Meet your expert Swiss Winter guide
Tom
Your head guide for this trip is Tom. Tom has lived and led tours and climbs in a variety of countries, including the UK, USA, Norway, Switzerland, Nepal and Tanzania. He's got an impressive list of qualifications including International Mountain Leader, Climbing Instructor and Mountain Instructor Summer.
Tom's passionate about the mountains and when he's not guiding he's off on his own adventures. Over the years Tom has built up a close-knit team of guides who know the routes extremely well and who are committed to delivering an exceptional service.
Expertise and Accreditations
- • UIMLA International Mountain Leader
- • Norwegian High Mountain Guide
- • British Mountain Instructor
- • Czech, Suisse and British Ski Instructor
Quick Stats
- • Guiding since 1996 and fully qualified since 2005
- • Has a team of 15 guides with various experience
What travelers say about Tom
I did the Tour du mont Blanc highlights in July and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a perfect trip to experience the Alps if you are time limited or want a taster before the full TMB route. The scenery is breathtaking.
Linda Devereux
Recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights trip. Amazing guide, incredible scenery, absolutely recommend the trip.
Shelley Connon
Where You'll Stay
Comfortable accommodations that enhance your adventure
Grand St Bernard Hospice
A historic refuge at 2,469m run by Augustinian monks since around 1050. Recently described by guests as unbelievably clean and warm, with modern bathrooms, a cosy living room and a spacious dining room. Rooms range from small 3-4 person rooms to dormitories, with a candle-lit communal dinner.
1 night at this location
Valley Mountain Lodge
A comfortable, welcoming mountain base near Martigny for your first and second nights, with restaurant, bar and warm dormitory-style rooms - the perfect spot to gear up and unwind.
2 nights at this location
Who Travels With Us
Your Swiss Winter Team
Bucket-List First-Timers
No experience needed
Never set foot on snow? Perfect. This is a beginner trip by design - the achievement and the story without the technical barrier or fitness wall of skiing.
Solo Adventurers & Small Groups
Max 14 per group
Most of our group travels solo. You'll arrive on your own and leave with friends - the shared dinners and the small group do the socialising for you.
Couples & Dog Lovers
A trip to remember
A magical shared experience for couples wanting more than a beach week, and a dream for anyone drawn by the romance of the St Bernard rescue dogs.
Just returned from the best trip with these guys. Against the odds, Tom and the team organised an amazing trek through the Swiss alps. We were booked on to a Matterhorn adventure but due to biblical like storms, the Randa valley and Zermatt …
Helene Graham
Is the Swiss Winter Challenge Right For You?
Discover if this adventure is right for you
Physical Challenge
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking on undulating ground for a few hours a day, the way you would on a hilly day-walk at home.
Experience Required
No snowshoe or winter skills needed. Full instruction is given on day one; if you can walk, you can snowshoe.
Comfort Level
Warm dorms, hot meals and indoor stops. Shared, simple mountain accommodation that's cosier than you'd expect at altitude.
Worried you're not fit enough?
Here's the truth: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. There's almost no technique to learn, the route to the hospice is gentle and non-technical, and your guide sets a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for photos and lunch. 'Moderate fitness' just means you can walk on undulating ground for a few hours - no marathons required.
What our adventurers say
We had the most incredible 4 days hiking the TMB . The organisation and guiding was first class . We had a few of our party that needed to have a break of a day but every effort was made to get them to rejoin on the last day which was great customer care . My birthday fell on a day during the hike and Tom met us at the top of the mountain with a birthday cake !! Just brilliant ! Thank you
Ashleigh W
Matterhorn Highlights was my second hiking experience with them. I was very lucky to have Grigor as guide for second year in a raw. Grigor is very experienced, knowledgeable and extremely supportive to everyone. I wouldn’t make it …
Tanya Stancheva
Your Journey Starts Here: Booking Steps
Going on your next adventure is easier than you think.
Pick Your Dates
Choose your preferred departure date from our available trips. Limited spaces available.
Reserve for £139
Secure your spot with a £139 deposit. We'll send confirmation with all the details.
Get Prepped
Receive your pre-trip pack with packing list, training guide, and essential info.
Final Payment
Remaining balance due 10 weeks before departure. We'll send you a reminder.
Adventure Time!
Meet your group for an unforgettable adventure. We'll take care of everything!
Frequently Asked Questions
Click to chat or ring us if you still need help
Fitness & Experience
The Hospice & Accommodation
Safety & Weather
Logistics & Kit
Cancellation and date change policy
Book Your Adventure
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