Snow, good friends, the great outdoors, wine and melted cheese — could there be a better combination than that?
What was once a way to disguise the taste of stale bread in the wintertime in Switzerland—by dipping it in hot cheese mixed with wine and herbs next to a toasty fire—has evolved into a delicious and fun way to spend a winter’s day in the mountains across Canada and beyond.

Snowshoe fondue tours, where you and a group of friends can sign up to go on a guided snowshoe tour and eventually end up fireside with a glass of wine in a cosy lodge for an après activity meal of cheese or chocolate fondue, are offered at several ski areas across the country, as well as through local ski clubs that organize tours on set dates. Here are five of the best tours involving snow and fondue in Canada you need to try this winter.

Mt. Washington’s park adventure, Vancouver Island, BC

Mt. Washington is something of a hidden gem when it comes to winter fun being located on Vancouver Island. But make no mistake, there is a lot of snow in the area, and Snowshoeing through Strathcona Provincial Park can be magical. This tour will show off the area in a unique way before returning to the Raven Lodge for a three-course fondue. Price includes one-hour guided tour, dinner, snowshoe pass, and rental. 

Where: Mt. Washington
When: Saturday evenings only. Call to reserve.
Cost: $76 per person 

Hardwood Ski and Bike Moonlight Snowshoe & Fondue, Oro-Medonte, ON

Bundle up, strap on some snowshoes and explore the trails around Hardwood Ski and Bike with a guide before warming up by a bonfire or inside at the chalet over a traditional fondue dinner.

Where: Hardwood Ski and Bike
When: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 1, 2020.
Cost: $85 for adults.

Private Snowshoe Fondue tour at Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, BC

Take along five of your best snow-loving friends and family members for an hour of guided snowshoeing followed by a scrumptious three-course fondue dinner in Altitudes Bistro including cheese, broth and chocolate variations, atop Grouse Mountain.  

Where: Grouse Mountain
When: Tours are available seven days a week throughout the winter season. Tours start at 7:00 pm and require reservations three days in advance.
Cost: $76 per person for pass holders (includes rentals, guide and fondue); $95 for non-pass holders (includes Grouse Mountain Admission, rentals, guide and fondue)

  Great Divide Trailhead Photo: Devaan Ingraham

Sunshine Village Snowshoe and Fondue Tour, Banff, AB

Enjoy amazing deep powder snow, and incredible views of the Rocky Mountains include Mt. Assiniboine as you trek through pristine powder in the backcountry of Sunshine Meadows. Oh, and don’t forget the hot chocolate and homemade cookies. In addition, add on authentic Swiss-style fondue made with Gruiyere and Emmental and served with fresh baguette, steamed baby potatoes, broccolini, cauliflower and sliced apples.  

Where: Sunshine Village in Banff National Park
When: Available until April 19, 2020.  Tours must be booked 48 hours in advance with a minimum group of seven.
Cost: $99 per person plus $25.30 for fondue add-on per person.

Snowshoe and Fondue Tour, Mont-Tremblant, QC

This tour takes you to the heart of the forest. Beginning at the summit, snowshoers are guided down to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer on a 5-km tour ending at Versant Soleils shelter where participants will be treated to a traditional fondue by the wood fireplace in a log cabin in the woods. Sounds kinda perfect, non?

Where: Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort
When: Check calendar for dates, runs until March 21, 2020.
Cost: $104 for adults, $66 for children 8 to 12 years old.