Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Just hiking so high up! Our leader Jim would point to somewhere near a mountain peak and say, that's where we will be having coffee this afternoon and you would think, NO WAY, its not possible to walk up there - but you did. Verrrrry inspirational. Our approach to hiking in the UK has changed dramatically following our holiday with Exodus, it has broaden our horizons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jim, was fantastic and fun. He was ever mindful of how each member of the group was faring. He made every walk enjoyable and achievable. All the walks were, although taxing, wonderful. Both my husband and I, both young [we think] 69 year olds achieved far more than we thought we would and never felt better. Jim really knows his stuff, you felt safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a spare pair of walking boots or walking trainers. Going can get tough. If you damage any of your footwear you can get boots repaired in the centre of Chamonix so no problem really. Exodus covered everything you will need in their literature so no further advice really necessary. Just be prepared that moderate standard is quite tough going but don't be put off - we did it and so can you. Your leader will get you through.

Most Inspirational Moment

One morning whilst waiting for a local bus the mountain was covered in cloud but then for a brief moment the cloud cleared revealing the mountain in it's full splendour, it was a magical glimpse which faded as quickly as it appeared.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on all our hikes were varied and remarkable and the food in our chalet was incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sean was wonderful, relaxed and very experienced, he planned our hikes well according to the groups ability and the weather. We all thought he was terrific.

Most Inspirational Moment

The vistas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

On our third day of hiking, we did about 3400 ft of elevation and 7 miles. It was difficult but thrilling, especially when the hang glider came very close to us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shaun did a great job taking us away from over crowded Chamonix (UTMB week) and pacing the group so everyone could do as much as they wanted.

Most Inspirational Moment

Panoramic views of Mont Blanc and valley are spectacular. So nice to visit Courmayeur too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Shaun, very cleverly tailored the walking itinerary to suit the group's wishes and the weather conditions so we got the very best out of each walk every day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You won't go hungry on this trip. Food is high-end, sumptuous and plentiful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mine was a non-walking moment actually! I adored taking the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, to see Mont Blanc from as close as one can without climbing. This was an optional trip on the day off. Seems pricey at first but absolutely worth every cent. The views, the altitude, such a privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark, the walking guide is super fit and knows his stuff re geography and points of interest. He is kind too and although we had a schedule to stick to, he catered for the abilities of the entire group, in terms of sufficient R&R along the routes. I felt very safe under his guidance and he cleverly came up with a Plan B on the spur of the moment when my walking boots failed me! I whizzed back to the chalet for my back-up footwear and met up with the group, so I didn't miss out on the first day's walking - most grateful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take tried and tested walking shoes / boots. Check laces are secure - not fraying, and soles are well and truly firmly in place. Sounds so obvious but I hadn't worn my boots in some time. Luckily I had a pair of walking shoes with me to use instead.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the vast scale of the mountain range, you can hear a helicopter somewhere but have to really look sometimes to spot it against the mountain backdrop. How the two ends of the age spectrum can enjoy hiking around this area - become inspired ourselves to keep fit and supple throughout our lives so can enjoy retirement to the full and opposite end of scale nice to see a few European kids on these sorts of holidays to set up a good interest for their adult life. On our free day we went up the cable car to Aiguille du Midi and the climbers you could see from this vantage point setting off/ camping nearby plus the exhibition describing what these somewhat brave climbers do was interesting. Got to say impressed with the skills of the helicopter pilots too - no hanging about when rescuing people off the mountains or dropping off at the hospital whatsoever! Finally and randomly perhaps pleased to see how important and ingrained into the culture around Chamonix recycling waste is!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark our group leader was very good. Looked after our group very well and you felt in very capable hands. Don't worry about pace. Mark accommodated for all abilities and made sure everyone comfortable and got the rests even if they were at the back. Did allow for the faster walkers too by enabling people to go on to a certain point and then wait. Must be said a degree of fitness is required for this itinerary though to allow the walks to be achieved in the timescale. We are of a normal reasonable fitness and had done a little prep on the treadmill (no hills in Norfolk!) and found the walks very comfortable. Good briefing beforehand on the walks ahead with useful Q&A about what to bring/ wear etc on the walks. Lots of information given about the area during the walks which was interesting. Was happy to give advice on walks for the free day. When the sun is shining we think he has a very enviable and healthy job!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Note the two chalets do not mix at all socially or on the hikes as part of the itinerary so if booking as a group of people ensure you are in the same chalet. Book early to avoid the smaller rooms in the sloping roof space of Chalet Chamonix reserved for the last people to book onto the trip. They are ok but not as comfortable or nice despite being the same money as the other rooms. We booked in February for late July departure and still found ourselves in one of the small less desirable rooms. We were advised by our guide that walking boots were not necessarily preferred over approach shoes - can wear either (in summer conditions anyway). Poles not essential either and some available to try in chalet too if wanted. Fine to wear shorts and t shirt but encouraged to carry warmer clothes/ wet weather gear with you in case weather turns. Insurance must cover helicopter rescue off mountains - guide takes insurance details for each person on the first day so need to check this before leave home.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the highest point of some of the treks- a great sense of achievement coupled with stunning views (most days!) We were also recommended to take a trip up the Aguille de Midi on our rest day - this was fabulous- we walked from the Mer de Glace towards the middle station where you can board the cable car to the top - make sure you buy a day pass before you set off if you try this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and knowledgeable. Very honest with the group about what was in store each day and obviously passionately enthusiastic about this wonderful environment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are doing the walk to Lac Blanc on the last day as we did save a little energy for this ! Prior to this holiday we only had walking experience from long weekends in the U.K. and were able to manage all the walks. You will not regret booking this holiday if you enjoy walking!

Most Inspirational Moment

-Paragliding -Bonding in the hot tub overlooking the mountains -The sense of accomplishment every summit lunch -Connecting with nature in a way I had never done before

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jim is the best - tons of knowledge, very friendly, great fun to be around, he kept the pace of the group at a comfortable level and just became part of our experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this now. You won’t regret it.