Guided Hiking & Nature Activities in the French Alps

Come and journey into the hidden gems of the French Alps, with nature & hiking activities in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter

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Magical Snow & Summer Treks is about walking in nature and connecting deeply with it. Whatever the season you will find us outside, breathing in the magic and discovering how to tread differently. We are based all year round at Maison de la Source, Gréolières village in the Alpes Maritimes, and also found snowshoeing in Morzine during winter. There are Group Guided Treks to join in with, easy to BOOK and pay online. Or why not book a Private Magical Trek with us? Get in touch and we can start organising your tailor-made adventure now.

Activities Offered in Gréolières in the Summer

Half Day Guided Mountain Meditations Hike

Are you holidaying in the South of France? Come and join in with our monday mornings Mountain Meditation Hike and start your week relaxed and tuned in to Nature. No prior experience necessary. Learn more Book
View of Greolieres

Nature & Mountain Guided Treks

The beautiful Gréolières valley is steeped in history, with an incredible biodiversity to discover. Every Tuesday is the Nature & Mountain Connection full day hike and Saturday is the Medicinal & Edible Plant Walk including a visit to the Tisanes de Cheiron gardens. Learn More Book
Bright green forest

Forest Bathing & Fireflies

It is the most magical time of year when the Fireflies appear in the forests of Gréolières. Please come and join us during the summer season on Thursday evenings for a forest bathing experience. Learn More Book
"The best snowshoeing trek company in Morzine, beautiful scenery tailored to guests needs. Simone is a star. Simone arranged lunch for us and collected us after - can’t wait to do it again." Claire Payne
Simone in a green, vibrant field with flowers.

Your Mountain Guide Simone Simpson

Hi, I am Simone Simpson, the founder and owner of Magical Snow Treks, established in 2015. Nature and mountains are my life! I have worked in the outdoor industry for over 30 years, starting in Snowdonia, North Wales and graduating to the Alps in 2005. My qualifications include being an International Mountain Leader, British Qualified Teacher of Sport & Health Education and a Forest Bathing ‘Shinrin Yoku’ Guide. Welcome to my small outdoor adventure company. I truly hope to see you out here in the Alps very soon. Read More

❊ What kind of shoes should I wear?

This depends on the time of year and weather, plus what kind of trip you are doing ie. Half-day or a multi-day trek. In winter it is important to have above-ankle, lace up, waterproof winter boots. NOT the moon boots type or trainers. In summer you can wear more lightweight walking boots, with good Vibram soles for moving across more rocky terrain. On a multi-day trek, it is important to have above-ankle but lightweight boots to protect your feet whilst carrying heavier loads.

❊ How long are the sessions?

This depends on what activity you are booked onto: For a ½ day snowshoe trip - 2.5 hrs, Full day snowshoe trip - 6 hrs, Evening Snowshoe trip – 1hr, ½ day Summer trip - 3hrs, Full day Summer trip -7hrs

❊ Where will I be picked up from?

If you have booked a private trip at any point throughout the year, you will be picked up from your chosen spot/ accommodation at your chosen time. With group trips in Winter the pick up is 9am at the Palais de Sport, Morzine. With group trips in Summer the pick up is at 9am at the Office de Tourism, Gréolières and 18hrs for the Evening Forest Bathing. NB. The exact details of the place/time of your booking will be confirmed with your guide beforehand.

❊ What happens if it is bad weather?

If bad weather is forecast, we will try to change the route to a more sheltered location. In Winter, we are still able to snowshoe when it is raining by choosing a route that is above the freezing point. Snowshoeing in the forest is a beautiful thing to do when it is snowing. If the bad weather is deemed too dangerous to venture out, we will cancel the trip and re-organise or refund you your money.

❊ What equipment do we need?

In Winter, you will need a rucksack, hat & gloves, sunglasses, water bottle (1ltr), spare top and any personal medication that might be needed. ie. an inhaler. Wear clothes appropriate for walking in the snow, with a waterproof outer layer (it is best to avoid heavy ski clothing). In Summer you will need a rucksack, sunglasses, suncream, sunhat, water bottle ( 1.5ltr) and any medication. For the Camps, Retreats and Multi-day treks, you will be sent a more extensive kit list with your booking.

❊ Can I use my own equipment?

Yes, you can absolutely use your own equipment if you would like to do so.

❊ How do I pay?

You can pay online with your booking via Stripe, or bank transfer or cash on the day to your guide upon arrival if it is a last-minute booking.

❊ What are you cancellation terms/refund policy?

Please refer to our Cancellation terms and Refund policy found on our Terms & Conditions Page.

❊ Can children and/or dogs come?

YES. We will need to be notified in advance to ensure the guide has made the correct route choice.

❊ How will I cope in a group session? What does my fitness level need to be?

If you have any worries about your fitness levels, please give us a call or send us an email to ensure we are aware of, and can talk you through, any fitness/ health issues. Group trips are always catered to different levels of abilities, but sometimes this means that fitter people will need to slow down a little to ensure the group stay together. A private trip will be tailor-made to your own personal fitness levels and sometimes this is more suitable to eliminate personal fitness/health fears;

❊ Can I join following an operation/injury?

Walking/snowshoeing is a very good way to rehabilitate after an operation, depending upon the type of operation of course. At the time of booking, please fill out the short Medical Declaration Form to ensure we are aware of any fitness/ health or medical issues.