Raquette Evasion Courchevel: Snowshoeing & Dog Sledding Guide
Raquette Evasion Courchevel offers a refreshing alternative to traditional ski schools by focusing entirely on the quiet side of the mountain. Founded by state-certified mountain leader Pascal Breyton, this independent mountain guiding team takes you far from the lift lines and groomed downhill runs into the silent larch woods, frozen streams, and high ridges of the valley.
Based out of Chalet du Plan du Vah between Courchevel 1650 Moriond and Courchevel 1850, the company specializes exclusively in snowshoe walks and dog sledding outings. If you are a non-skier looking to explore the alpine landscape, an experienced skier taking a rest day, or a family wanting an afternoon with sled dogs, this dedicated crew makes the winter backcountry welcoming and easy to reach.
At a glance
| Type | Mountain guide office and snowshoe specialist |
|---|---|
| Village | Chalet du Plan du Vah (between 1650 Moriond and 1850) |
| Lessons | Snowshoe walks and dog sledding (no alpine ski or snowboard lessons) |
| Ages | Snowshoeing from age 8; dog sledding from age 3 |
| Languages | French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian |
| Meeting point | Chalet du Plan du Vah or resort-wide minivan pickup |
| Booking | Online, at the chalet, or via partner ESF desks |
| Price range | Mid-range for guided mountain activities |
Why Choose Raquette Evasion in Courchevel
Most ski schools in the valley revolve entirely around downhill skiing and snowboarding. Raquette Evasion Courchevel deliberately charts a different course. They do not teach downhill skiing, freestyle, off-piste ski descents, or ski touring. Instead, they devote all their energy and local mountain knowledge to foot-based winter travel and mushing.
This focus makes them an ideal choice for mixed groups where some family members do not ski, or for skiers who want to give their knees a break while still breathing crisp alpine air. Walking on snowshoes lets you slow down and see the natural history of the Savoie region at ground level. You will learn how mountain wildlife survives harsh winters, observe animal tracks in fresh powder, and visit tranquil corners of the valley that chairlifts simply fly over.
The atmosphere is relaxed, informative, and unpretentious. Because you are not trying to catch the first lift or clock vertical miles, the pace is set to your breathing, your curiosities, and the stillness of the mountain forest.
Guided Snowshoe Walks and Dog Sledding Outings
The outing schedule is thoughtfully varied, offering both group excursions and bespoke private tours throughout the week. Group snowshoe walks are offered as half-day or full-day trips, with options to purchase multi-day passes if you want to make winter walking a core part of your week.
- Group snowshoe outings: Morning, afternoon, or full-day hikes along marked and unmarked mountain itineraries.
- Multi-day passes: 5-morning passes, 5-afternoon passes, and full adventure week packages designed to build endurance and cover diverse valley terrain.
- Themed nature hikes: Wildlife-tracking routes in areas like Praméruel, where guides point out sign of chamois, deer, and occasional wolf tracks.
- Scenic trail routes: Classic itineraries taking you around the frozen shores of Lac de la Rosière or under the dramatic ridgelines of Sous la Loze.
- Dog sledding (chiens de traîneau): Forest mushing experiences led by professional sled drivers, running on select afternoons from Tuesday through Friday.
Dog sledding sessions are held in afternoon time slots (typically at 13:00, 13:45, and 14:30). Each sled accommodates a combined passenger weight of up to 175 kg, making it a favorite for parents with young children or couples seeking an afternoon in the pine woods.
Families, Beginners, and Fitness Levels
Snowshoeing has a very gentle learning curve, but walking in deep snow still requires energy. To keep groups comfortable and safe, Raquette Evasion grades its outings across three clear fitness categories: contemplative one-star hikes for beginners, moderate two-star walks with rolling hills, and demanding three-star hikes for sporty hikers wanting real uphill exertion.
For standard group snowshoe walks, the minimum age is 8 years old. Children of this age generally have the stamina and leg length to handle two to three hours of walking on packed and uneven winter snow without becoming exhausted or cold. If you have younger children, private guided bookings offer complete flexibility to adjust the distance and pace to tiny strides.
Dog sledding is open to guests from 3 years of age and up, making it accessible even for toddlers who are far too young for standard ski schools. As long as you dress warmly in windproof layers and insulated boots, beginners can step right in without any prior mountain experience.
Instructors, Languages, and Resort Meeting Points
Outings are led by a small, close-knit team of 5 permanent certified mountain leaders (holders of the French BE AMM credential), including founder Pascal Breyton alongside Flo Gallet, Yannick Henry, Georges Reychler, and Hélène Boudia. They are educators as much as guides, fluent in local flora, fauna, geology, and weather patterns.
International guests are well cared for. Outings can be conducted in French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. Having clear communication is particularly reassuring when discussing mountain terrain, snow stability, or natural history.
While their home base is Chalet du Plan du Vah on Route du Plan du Vah, you rarely need to worry about driving there yourself. The company runs dedicated minivan pickups across the entire resort basin. Standard pickup spots include:
- Courchevel 1850: Gare Routière, under Cinéma Le Tremplin, or Portes de Courchevel.
- Courchevel 1650 Moriond: The central roundabout bus stop.
- Aquamotion: The dedicated bus and shuttle stop between 1650 and 1550.
- Courchevel Village 1550: The main village bus stop.
- Courchevel Le Praz: Beside the Alpinium and Lac Blanc bus stop.
- La Tania: At the central ski bus stop.
Local tip: If you book a private snowshoe guide for the morning or day, direct pickup at your chalet or hotel entrance is included in your booking, saving your group a walk to the bus stop with gear.
Booking, Prices, and Equipment Rental
The winter operating season runs daily from early December through mid-April, matching the lift operating dates of the ski resort. Because group sizes are capped and sled spaces are strictly limited, you should secure your dates well in advance, especially during the peak Christmas, New Year, and February school holidays.
Reservations can be made online through the official company website, at their Plan du Vah chalet, or over the desk at partner ESF offices in Courchevel 1850, 1650 Moriond, Village 1550, and La Tania. Last-minute spots can sometimes be arranged up until the evening before the activity.
| Activity / Service | Approximate Pricing | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Snowshoe (Half Day) | €35 per person | Morning or afternoon scheduled trail hikes |
| Group Snowshoe (Full Day) | €70 per person | Full-day mountain excursion |
| Private Guide (Half Day Morning) | €360 incl. VAT (€325 excl. VAT) | Up to 8 people, custom route & chalet pickup |
| Private Guide (Half Day Afternoon) | €290 incl. VAT (€265 excl. VAT) | Up to 8 people, custom route & chalet pickup |
| Private Guide (Full Day) | €495 to €545 excl. VAT | Full-day bespoke tour across valley trails |
| Equipment Rental (On-site) | €10 per person | Includes modern snowshoes and hiking poles |
| Equipment Rental (Online) | €4.80 snowshoes / €3.20 poles | Advance booking rate per item |
| Dog Sledding Outing | €250 to €260 per sled | Per sled (maximum weight limit 175 kg) |
Please note that all rates and seasonal dates are subject to change. Always consult the official Raquette Evasion website for the latest seasonal price list before confirming your plans.
Safety and Avalanche Education in the Backcountry
Even though snowshoers do not move at the speed of skiers, venturing away from groomed valley paths requires strict mountain respect. The guides monitor the daily Météo-France avalanche bulletin and temperature swings, tailoring each morning’s route to avoid wind-loaded slopes or terrain traps.
In addition to scenic walks, the company provides a specialized mountain and avalanche safety session. This practical workshop includes an avalanche search dog demonstration and hands-on training with rescue equipment: digital avalanche transceivers (DVA), lightweight aluminum probes, and snow shovels.
For personal preparation, always wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots rather than soft moon boots. Dress in breathable layers, carry sunglasses, high-SPF sun protection, water, and warm gloves. Always ensure your personal travel insurance covers winter mountain sports beyond marked pistes.
Getting to Plan du Vah and What Is Nearby
Chalet du Plan du Vah sits in a wooded clearing along Route du Plan du Vah, about midway between Courchevel 1650 Moriond and Courchevel 1850. If you are not utilizing the team’s minivan collection service, you can reach the area via the free Courchevel valley shuttle buses that connect the resort villages throughout the day.
If you drive yourself, plan for winter road conditions and ensure your vehicle has appropriate winter tires or chains in accordance with regional regulations. Parking is available near the chalet, but spaces can fill quickly on snowy mornings.
Staying in either Courchevel 1650 Moriond or Courchevel Village 1550 places you within roughly five to ten minutes of the Plan du Vah base. The location is also conveniently close to the Aquamotion water and wellness center, making it wonderfully easy to pair a morning snowshoe hike through the pines with an afternoon soak in the thermal pools and saunas.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“We had a fantastic stay at the Mileade club in Courchevel, with the hiking excursions organized by the entire Raquette Evasion team. Thank you to Pascal and his team: Heidi, Adel, Gabrielle, Olivier, and Franck. I highly recommend letting…”
“Had a really great 3 days of snow shoeing with Raquette Evasion. As an English speaker, the guides were very accommodating. All three days were different with lovely scenery and very interesting. The communication in booking was also very…”
“Magnifique sortie en raquettes avec Yannick autour du lac de la Rosière. Yannick a su parfaitement gérer notre groupe quelque peu hétérogène et nous avons appris des choses intéressantes sur la vie des montagnards et la station de…”
What some found difficult
“Participation in a fondue evening for 50 EUR per person, and 41 EUR for children. We could sense that they were saving as much as possible. Cheese from the supermarket because, according to Nicolas, it keeps longer, 2 bottles of wine for…”
“This review only applies to the dog sledding activity, which I believe is a new offering recently! Be careful with the description of the activity; it’s not a sled ride but a “first experience.” However, given the similar price (€250 for…”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Does Raquette Evasion offer ski or snowboard lessons?
No, Raquette Evasion focuses exclusively on guided snowshoe walks and dog sledding tours. They do not teach downhill skiing, off-piste skiing, ski touring, or snowboarding. For ski tuition, you should book with one of the valley’s established ski schools such as ESF or New Generation.
What should I wear for a snowshoe hike?
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking or winter boots with good ankle support instead of soft après-ski boots or ski boots. Dress in warm, breathable layers with a windproof jacket, thermal base layers, warm gloves, a beanie, and sunglasses. Snowshoes and poles can be rented directly through Raquette Evasion.
How many people can ride in a dog sled?
Each sled can carry a maximum combined passenger weight of 175 kg. This typically accommodates one or two adults, or an adult and two small children, under the guidance of the professional musher.
Where does the guide pick us up?
Raquette Evasion operates dedicated minivan pickups at designated bus stops in Courchevel 1850, 1650 Moriond, 1550 Village, Le Praz, Aquamotion, and La Tania. If you reserve a private snowshoe guide, your leader will pick you up directly from your chalet or hotel.
Find it
Address: raquette Evasion, Chalet du plan du Vah, Rte du Plan du Vah, 73120 Courchevel, France
