Grand St Bernards Snow Shoe Pilgrimage

Join OutdoorLads for a 4-day winter snow shoe experience in the Swiss Alps this Winter

12th - 15th March 2026 

Just £715 for 3-nights in Switzerland

This three-night winter trip culminates in a journey to the Grand St Bernards Hospice, in the Swiss Valais Alps where we will spend spend a night. The hospice was built in 1050 to shelter and rescue travelers crossing the pass.  Since the 17th century, the Saint-Bernard dogs have been bred by the monks of the Hospice to come to the aid of travelers caught in snowstorms. 

No prior snowshoe experience is necessary. You will be taught how to use the snow shoes on the first day on an easy trek into the Swiss mountain winter wonderland. If you have always wanted to get into the snowy mountains of the Alps but not been a skier take a look at this trip. 

This trip starts at Martigny train station at 16:00 on the 12th March. There is a direct train from Geneva airport which takes about 2 hours.

 Our trip organizer (and OutdoorLads Member) Nick Read, is a qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader and expedition guide who runs Pride Expeditions.  He first led an OutdoorLads trip to Everest Base Camp in 2014 and a white water raft trip on the Sun Kosi in 2012. 

What is included? 

• All Accomodation
• UIMLA International Mountain Leader
• All Breakfasts and Dinners
• Entry to Barry Land a theme park dedicated to the dogs
• Snow shoes and walking poles
• Safety equipment  (including avalanche transceiver and shovel)  

What is not included? 

• Flights to and from Geneva airport
• Travel to and from Martigny train station
• Lunches and drinks
• Insurance - you will need winter sports insurance
• Sledging or visit to Spa (optional extras are 25 CHF)

More information on this trip is available from the Pride Expeditions website 

Itinerary 

Day 1  (12th March 2026) Arrival and travel to Martigny for 1600

On arrival in Geneva there is a direct train from Geneva Airport to  Martigny train station which takes about two hours. We will be picked up there and settle into our hotel for the night. You will be given all the equipment you need for snowshoeing.

Day 2 (13th March) Snow shoe skills journey  10km 500m of ascent and descent

We’ll complete a short journey into the Swiss wilderness in order to learn to use the snow shoes and how to move with ease. We will also cover safety aspects to ensure you stay safe during the trip.

In the afternoon you can relax with a glass of wine or visit the local spa. We will overnight for a second night in the hotel near Martigny.

Day 3 (14th March) Journey to the hospice 7km with 600m ascent

Today after packing our bags for the night we will ascend to the Grand Saint Bernard Hospice. We will have lunch with the monks then continue the journey crossing into Italy before heading back to the hospice for the night. Dinner will once again be with the monks and there is optional attendance at Vespers (evening prayer).

Day 4 (15th March) Return from the hospice 7km with 600m descent

Today after breakfast and packing your bags we descend back to the valley. We will visit a Laiterie to learn about alpine cheese making and try some cheese and then go onto BarryLand. This is home to the Saint-Bernard dog, and a cuddle is welcomed.

You will be dropped off at Martigny train station at 1500 to catch a train back to Geneva or onwards. You will need to organize your own flights to Geneva and train ticket to Martigny from Swiss Rail. 

How fit do I need to be? 

We will be moving at a gentle pace when snowshoeing. Although it is a bit harder than walking it is not an extreme sport. We will be out in conditions that could be very bright and sunny or cold and snowy. It is more the ability to cope with these conditions that is important. If you would be happy going for a gentle winter walk in any conditions in the UK mountains you will find this trip straightforward.

Photo Credits: Tom Brodie for use to promote the event.

How to Book 

To book your place on this trip (or secure a place on the waiting list) please pay a £215 deposit directly to Pride Expeditions. It is the paying of the deposit that reserves your place on this trip. Maximum numbers we can take are 16 people. Please pay into the Pride Expeditions account 

PRIDE EXPEDITIONS
Starling Bank
Sort code 60-83-71
Account 1916 6775

Please message the Event Leader Nick Read with your full name and email address in order to receive further details.

On receipt of your deposit, a confirmation email will be sent.  Once six people have paid a deposit the trip will be guaranteed and further payments can be made in instalments. Deposits are fully refundable until the trip is guaranteed and bookings are made at which point the terms and conditions will come into force. 

Please be aware that it is the paying of the deposit that secures your place on the trip or waiting list, rather than booking onto the trip via the OutdoorLads site. 

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