Col de Bavella, Aiguilles de Bavella, Porto Vecchio, 20, Corse-du-sud, France, Europe //Europe, France, Corse-du-sud, 20, Porto Vecchio, Bavella summit, Bavella pass

Snowshoe outing

Hiking in the snow of Alta Rocca

Bonifacio may be a seaside town, but there’s nothing to stop you from taking advantage of the mountains and their many activities during a winter holiday. That’s what we did this winter: snowshoeing with our children and friends. Panoramic views, silence, sport, games and conviviality were all on the agenda for this beautiful day. Here’s the story of our escapade, for which we chose to be accompanied by a specialized guide.

Snow-covered summits

That day, after a hearty breakfast of local cheeses and authentic Corsican ham, we set off early in the morning for the heights of the Alta Rocca. The peaks are white with snow, but we know that during the day, the temperature is quite pleasant in the sunshine. No need for quilted down jackets and other high-mountain gear: a sweater and windbreaker will suffice. And good walking shoes are all you need to strap on your snowshoes. And don’t forget your snacks, water bottles and energy bars. As for the kids, they’ll take care of the clementines: one of Corsica’s many gustatory pleasures at this time of year.

A strange emotion

On arrival, our guide Christophe greets us with a broad smile and a large cup of coffee. As for the children, they’re already ready for their adventure, bustling around the multicolored snowshoes planted in the snow. Barely attached to their shoes, they walk with ease, like young penguins. For the adults, it’s a little more laborious. But with the help of the sticks, our first duck steps seem to work. We set off for several kilometers of hiking. The feeling of freedom is extraordinary, as we walk wherever we want, without paths, without constraints, without worries.

The must-have

The view

And the view is magical! On one side, the Gulf of Propriano, and on the other, the Aiguilles de Bavella. It’s a feast for the eyes, the memory and the camera. The silence, too, is remarkable. All is blue, white and calm: a strange emotion! The snow catches under your snowshoes, leaving you with a gentle sensation of lightness. In fact, it’s much easier and more comfortable than walking in the sand. You go on for miles and miles without realizing it. Whatever the physical condition of the members of our tribe, everyone can easily keep up with the group. The children, too, are very efficient.

Picnics, sledging and siestas: rare pleasures

At picnic time, Christophe, our professional guide, carves a few comfort benches in the snow. He’s even provided hot tea, coffee and canistrelli. What’s more, Christophe has cleverly brought along a few little sledges to keep the kids amused. Thus occupied and under his watchful eye, the adults allow themselves a little siesta… at an altitude of 1640 meters, it’s a rare pleasure.

Bonifacio in winter

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