- Duration
- Half day
- Group size
- 8–60 pax
- Destinations
- Courchevel & Three Valleys
A snowshoe orienteering course turns the Méribel landscape into a team game. Each team receives a map of the area, a compass and a set of clues, and must find a series of checkpoints in a set order. Some clues are riddles about the Alpine landscape, some ask for a photo of a specific feature, and some involve a short navigation task with a bearing. The course rewards accuracy and communication more than speed, so a team with a strong navigator can compete with a team of faster walkers.
Before the start, a 20-minute briefing covers the use of the map and compass, the meaning of the symbols and the safety rules. The guide sets the boundaries of the course in areas that are open, marked and suitable for the group's level, and the teams stay within them. Checkpoints are placed where the group can regroup, and a marshal is present at the main stations. The format works with snowshoes on forest tracks and open slopes, and it can be adapted to snow conditions.
The course ends with a final gathering, where scores are read and a prize is given to the winning team. It suits a seminar that needs a physical break, a team day that ends with a shared lunch, or a programme in the Trois Vallées for groups that want to discover the resort beyond the pistes. The guide confirms the route on the day, so that the course can be adjusted to snow and weather.
Objectives
- Build teamwork through navigation, communication and shared decisions
- Offer a winter activity that suits mixed fitness levels
- Use the landscape of Méribel as a playing field
- Finish the morning with a shared lunch or a prize-giving moment
How it works
- 1We confirm the date, group size, language and any mobility needs, then check the snow and the avalanche bulletin.
- 2Snowshoes, poles, maps and compasses are provided at the start point, with a 20-minute briefing.
- 3Teams follow the clues in order, with checkpoints and small navigation tasks at each stop.
- 4A final gathering reads the scores, and the prize is given before the group heads back to the resort.
Good to know
- The course uses open, marked terrain. Participants must not leave the set area, even if a checkpoint seems close.
- Warm, waterproof clothing, gloves and sturdy boots are essential. A phone is useful for photos but does not replace the map.
- Snow conditions can change the layout on the day. The guide will adjust checkpoints where needed.
- Groups larger than about forty people are split into two courses that run in parallel.
Indicative budget
Indicative, between €70 and €110 per person excluding VAT for a half-day course with snowshoes, poles, maps and marshals included. Lunch, transfers and prizes are quoted separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do teams need any experience of map reading?
No. The morning briefing covers the basics of the map and compass, and each team is accompanied by a marshal who can assist. The course is designed so that teams without navigation experience can still complete it.
Can the course be run in a language other than French or English?
Yes. The clues and briefing can be provided in several languages, subject to confirmation at booking. The guide will check that every participant has understood the rules before the start.
What happens if the snow is too deep or the visibility too poor?
The guide can shorten the course, change the area or move the activity to a lower-altitude route. Safety decisions are taken on the day, and the client is informed as early as possible.
