Rhêmes-Notre-Dame: Hiking and winter trails

For your trip to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, you can choose from different types of routes: the Grand Rû loop, the Chanavey–Pellaud snow trail, a snowshoe hike in the Valle di Rhêmes, and the “Sogno realizzato” icefall. Their features help answer different questions: the route describes how a trail is laid out; the length gives you an idea of the distance. For the icefall, it is important to know that it does not form every year, while the approach is a separate planning consideration. Keep these points distinct when comparing options for your stay.

Trails via Chaudanne

The Grand Rû loop follows a flat section along the Grand Rû before descending to the hamlet of Chaudanne. A snowshoe hike in the Valle di Rhêmes reaches Chaudanne and continues past the village in the direction of Pellaud. The two routes therefore differ in their focus: for the loop, the transition from the flat section to the descent is important; for the snowshoe hike, it is the continuation via Chaudanne towards Pellaud. When choosing based on the route, consider whether the Grand Rû trail profile or the direction towards Pellaud on the snowshoe hike matters more to you.

Snow trail between Chanavey and Pellaud

The Chanavey–Pellaud snow trail is groomed and marked, and is approximately 6 km long. Its approximate length gives you an idea of the distance; snow conditions vary by season. Check conditions for your intended travel dates before making firm plans to use the snow trail. The snowshoe hike also heads towards Pellaud, but its route is described as passing via Chaudanne and the village. This helps distinguish the options despite their shared place name: Chanavey–Pellaud names the snow trail, while Pellaud indicates the direction of the continuation on the snowshoe route. Chanavey and Pellaud are the two endpoints.

The approximately 6 km refers to the length of the snow trail; the 20 minutes for the icefall, by contrast, refers to the approach from Chaudanne. The two figures answer different planning questions: one concerns the distance of a route, the other the duration of a specific approach.

“Sogno realizzato” icefall

Unfortunately, the “Sogno realizzato” icefall does not form every year. If it is an important destination for your trip, check whether ice has formed for your intended travel dates rather than assuming it will be there every year. The approach from Chaudanne to the icefall takes 20 minutes. If there is snow, you may need to start from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame. Factor this possible change of starting point into your plans if snow is relevant for your dates.

Discover more destinations: Acque Fredde, Bionaz, Champoluc, La Thuile, Doues, Villeneuve, Saint-Christophe, Courmayeur

For the main travel overview: Aosta Valley.