Lebanon’s remote hillsides offer a multitude of white trails perfect for snowshoeing.
From December until mid-March, some years even until April, Lebanon’s remote hillsides are ideal destinations for snowshoe enthusiasts in search of pristine snow. The best places for snowshoeing are the country’s nature reserves, such as Horsh Ehden and the Chouf Biosphere Reserve, both just stunning when blanketed with a layer of white. The forest’s high towering cedar trees covered in snow are a sight to be seen and the trails that pass through rate from easy to hard. The trees offer welcome shelter during a snowstorm and the forests are home to a variety of animal species such as wolf, fox, hyena, and wild boar. Though rare to spot in broad daylight, in winter their tracks are a wonderful sight, visible on the snowy trails.
At Horsh Ehden and the Chouf Biosphere Reserve it is possible to rent snowshoes and book the services of a forest ranger for a guided snowshoe tour; a good idea if you are a novice. Apart from the reserves there are many other nature spots to head out to.
Photo – Routes Lb
Snowshoeing gives you the ability to reach remote hills and avoid the crowded ski resorts and packed roads leading up to them on the weekends. Unlike skiing, snowshoeing is not a risky activity and doesn’t require much gear, just the snowshoes themselves, waterproof footwear and clothing. It’s just you and nature, no need to rely on ski lifts or perfect snow and weather conditions – often the best snowshoeing trips are when it’s snowing and the elements are out in force.
The weather can be unpredictable and fog can appear suddenly, so always go with a partner and carry a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency.
Photo – Lebanese Adventure Trails LAT
To extend the winter wonderland experience, an overnight stay in the mountains after a snowshoeing trip is highly recommended. In Horsh Ehden, there are little wooden lodges located right at the Nabeh Jouit entrance, which can be booked for the night. While there, make sure you enjoy the special hrisse, a creamy wheat and chicken stew oozing with cinnamon and nutmeg. At the end of the day, energized by the hearty broth, you may just feel like putting your snowshoes back on again and heading out for a walk in the snow lit up by the moon and the starry night sky. It’s just magical.
Photo – Lebanese Adventure Trails LAT
SNOWSHOEING IN LEBANON
Tourism consultant and managing director of tour operator 33North, Gilbert Moukheiber, shares his tips on snowshoeing in Lebanon:
At 33North, we provide mountain safety training for novice and advanced hikers and snowshoers.
GEAR UP
Essentials for a day of snowshoeing include a backpack, solid waterproof hiking boots, warm clothes (breathable and waterproof), a first aid kit equipped with a survival blanket, shovel, snow probe, headlight, water, hot drinks like tea or hot chocolate (avoid alcohol) and energy bars.
SNOWSHOEING DESTINATIONS
There are no trails adapted to snowshoeing in Lebanon, but any dirt, agricultural road or footpath above 1,500m of altitude can be used as a snowshoeing trail during wintertime. Alpine ski stations are good destinations for novice snowshoers who want to experience the activity safely.
1. Nature reserves: Ehden, Tanourine, Chouf Cedar reserve
2. Upper highlands: Laqlouq, Aqoura, Tannourine, Hasroune, Hadath El Jebbeh, Bcharre
3. Ehmej has a two snowshoeing trails
4. The highest summit in the Middle East: Kornet es Sawda 3,083 m
5. The upper mountains of Akkar, Hermel and Donniyeh offer a wide range of free terrain with picturesque scenery
Photo – Camile Attieh
WHO TO GO WITH
- 33 North (+961 3 454 996, 33 North | Facebook)
- Dale Corazon (+961 70 986 118, Dale Corazon – Lebanon Explorers, Dale Corazon| Facebook)
- Decouvre LB (+961 3 373 711, Decouvre LB, DECOUVRE LB | Facebook)