Renting a snowshoe in Sainte Foy Tarentaise means discovering the mountains in a different way, to the gentle rhythm of powder snow. Between larch forests, unspoilt hamlets and panoramic views of Mont Pourri and the Vanoise glaciers, the itineraries alternate between luminous clearings and balconies overlooking the Haute Tarentaise valley. The Monal, a listed jewel, remains a must for a gentle, photogenic outing.

The weather dictates the best times to set off. After a snowfall, the mornings are magical, the air crisp and the tracks still rare. In January, the cold weather guarantees light snow; in February, the snow cover is generous; in March, the days get longer and the snow transforms: choose the mornings for the best lift. Keep an eye out for sunny windows after a cloudy spell, as the light is splendid.