In an article published recently at this link, we talked to Tanya Perret from LiveBreatheHike. She explained how the winter snowshoe aspect was taken over by another company. We caught up with Jason and Vivien Day from DaysAway Adventures.
Vivien explained, "We knew Tanya as an International Mountain Leader living and working in the area. She wanted to focus on multi day summer trips and we were looking for winter snowshoe work, so we got talking and reached a natural conclusion - Tanya didn’t want to let down her existing clients and knew that as fellow IML’s we could continue her high level of service."
Why did you start? What has been the inspiration?
We have always loved the mountains and are both UK Mountain Leaders and were also leading student expeditions abroad. A few years ago, we sold our narrowboat home in the UK and spent 2 years working towards the International Mountain Leader qualification (It’s difficult to get a narrowboat to big mountains!). Some of the training was in the Chablis region - it was not a hard decision to move to the Morzine region - the area is beautiful and we have made some great new friends.
Have you been working on this idea forever, or was it something that came to you recently?
Jason has been rock climbing and mountaineering for 35 years in the UK, Alps and Himalayas. Viv grew up in the remote Shetland Islands and has always had a strong connection with the outdoors through multi day trekking, wild camping and back packing in different parts of the world. We have both always loved the mountain environment and the sense of well being that it gives us. It felt like a natural progression to put down roots here and to enable others to feel both the physical and mental health benefits that being in the mountains brings.
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Getting to grips with the French paperwork and setting up a tourist-based business in a pandemic year! However, we are relentlessly optimistic and patient.
Where do you see this company going? What are your plans for the future?
We offer winter and summer hiking-based activities in the mountains and will definitely be building on our ideas as we progress. We are looking at starting up Forest Schools sessions for children, hopefully next summer. We also spend time in Norway and Nepal – both areas that we love and where we would like to develop future treks. Jason was supposed to be in Nepal earlier this year leading groups in the Daulaghiri region and Upper Dholpo until Covid put a stop to it. We are hoping to be leading groups there next Autumn when travel allows.
What is your favorite product you offer and why?
We love the evening snowshoe and refuge meal – you get to look at the stars, have fun playing in the snow on snowshoes and then laugh with your friends over a local meal. We also love introducing groups and families to the art of snowshoeing – it can revolutionise your daily winter walks!
What others are saying about DaysAway Adventures
- Vivien was a great guide, her passion was infectious, knowledge diverse, and she was super friendly and attentive to the group. Rachel
- Jason is such a knowledgeable guide who will tell you so much about nature and the area around it that it was an awesome experience to go hiking with them. I didn't know what to expect, but it turned into an amazing experience. I would definitely recommend their guided hikes! You will learn a lot about what you see and will feel safe throughout your day! Tatz
- Leant lots of new geographical information and saw amazing bearded vultures, eagles and a kite. The hike was challenging but exhilarating. Will definitely be back for more. Camille
- Had my doubts that I would be able to complete the whole walk but Viv and Jason were so encouraging and helpful I made it. The views were incredible and plenty of time was allowed to appreciate them. Barbara
Anything else you think our readers would like to know.
We have an old border collie dog who loves people and snow. Sadly he is not up to big hikes any more but we know what fun it is to bring your dog out snowshoeing and welcome them on our adventures.
If you would like to hear us and a bit more about our story – we have just been interviewed on The Living Project podcast – there is a link to it on the ‘about’ page of our website, a nice time to be sat with a cuppa!
We are writing this from a secluded island, north of the arctic Circle in northern Norway. This is our third autumnal visit to look after a tiny cabin hotel where there is plenty of Northern lights and wood fired saunas – it’s fabulous – find our photos on Instagram.
Thanks to Vivien and Jason, you can enter our competition to win a half day snowshoe for to 2 people in the Morzine area (see bullet points below). Fill out this form and answer this question: What is Vivien and Jason's last name?
Only one entry per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Thursday, 14 January 2021. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner's name drawn at random on Friday, 15 January 2021. The winner will be notified by email and his/her name will be added to this article after the competition closes.
- Must be used during the winter season 2020-2021.
- Can only be booked via www.daysawayadventures.com/contact or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- The winner may be included as part of a bigger snowshoe group.
- The winner will be contacted with available days and times available.
- The winner must provide their own transport to Morzine where we will meet them to take on a snowshoe adventure.
- Snowshoes and poles will be provided. What you need to bring and terms & conditions can be found on our website www.daysawayadventures.com
You can find Jason and Viven with DaysAway Adventures on facebook and Instagram @daysawayadventures
www.daysawayadventures.com/contact
COMPETITION WINNER: J E N S U R M A
