Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose just one highlight out of 5 varied and interesting walks, with stunning views every day. As a couple, we get 2 choices (!) - on the 2nd walk, passing through Alpine meadows on one flank of the Val Ferret while looking across to the stunning rock and glacier faces on the opposite flank; and on the final day, the view from our higest point across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi etc - the whole range spread out before us. And it was 25C at 2,300 metres!Then there was the Lac Blanc; the views from both ends of the Chamonix valley; the delicious myrtle tarts at the mountain refuges; the fun group; the sunshine... sorry, I am going on a bit now.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver and Elaine really could not be bettered for a holiday like this. Oliver wears his immense experience and mountain skills very lightly under the front of relentless flattery ("No group has ever looked so good on day 2" etc etc) and terrible jokes. He shepherded us unobtrusively and helped to engender a strong sense of mutual support among the group. Elaine ran a great house with hearty mountain food to keep us going and clean, comfortable beds to crash in at night. The hot tub, table tennis table and endless energy of Dylan-the-Villain all added to the fun. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for all weathers, and have a wonderful time. Look out for each other in the group. Laugh at Oliver's jokes (especially the one about aliens landing in Les Houches). 

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, just too many, but if I have to choose, the first time Mont Blanc appeared through the clouds on the initial walk, and the later walk (climb!) to Lac Blanc - Chris For me, the moment I realised that life and its worries were blown away by the age and grandeur of the Mont Blanc range - Mel

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional in every way. His ability to communicate his knowledge, respect and love of the mountains inluding the flora and fauna was infectious. Oliver assessed the various abilities in the group with discretion and sensitivity so that the group gelled naturally and supported each other with care and humour. Oliver's second in command on some of the walks, Dylan the fox terrier was a great companion and the source of much commaradarie. Back at base camp, Elaine set you up for the day with a substantial lunch and a different home made cake every day! A three course meal had been prepared, waiting for you on your return. Heaven!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, don't doubt in your own ability to do any of the walks. The rewards are amazing. Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots. Hydration tablets in a camel pack are a good idea. Energy bars are useful. Would strongly recommend the cable car to the Aguille du Midi as early as possible (6.30am) on the free day.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was great camaraderie in the group I was with and we all supported each other during the trickier sections.  Finishing the challenging trek on Tuesday morning was particularly rewarding.  The views from the top were incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was a very supportive group leader with endless knowledge about the area and history of the region.  His jokes were an acquired taste - but we all got used to those! ;o)

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to explore the beauty of the Alps and want some home comforts at the end of the day, I think you'll really enjoy this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Eating tart at Mama's surroubded by amazing views and good company

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldnt fault Oliver. Patient, knowledgable, good fun, really made the trip

Most Inspirational Moment

That cold beer after the long descent from the Lac Blanc; the leisurely picnic lunch on the Aiguillette de Brevent on the last walk with the opportunity to savour the stupendous view of Mont Blanc close up and the views over to earlier walks; the pink of the setting sun on the snow on Mont Blanc from the Chalet window.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is endlessly patient and good-humoured. Our group was of varying abilities and experience but he brought out the best in everyone. He manages the tasks of shepherd and host in a very relaxed way.  And he really knows and loves the area. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a good level of fitness to enjoy the ascents. On a couple of days there are both long ascents and descents. If you are a very fast,fit walker you may need to accept that others are not and that you have to accept the necessary discipline of walking as a group. 

Most Inspirational Moment

My first trip to the area and has encouraged me to go back

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Whilst on duty guiding or "off duty" hosting in the chalet along with Elaine, Oliver was a great leader.  Mindful of all in the group and the range of abilities.Determined to ensure we all had a good holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this holiday for a good range of walks, views, being well fed and entertained (or cringe) at Olivers jokes and tales.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose one moment/day, but I think my favourites were climbing up to Lac Blanc - which was a bit of a slog but well worth it - and day 3 above Val Ferret which was (thankfully) modified from the original itinerary thanks to Oliver's local knowledge and was full of some of the most beautiful alpine flower meadows I have ever seen!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and this knowledge has enabled him to plan some excellent and rewarding routes, which didn't seem too busy even in mid-July. The pace each day was just right, which was quite an achievement given the diverse range of people/ages in the group. I reckon he needs some new jokes to tell though!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will enjoy it more if you get your fitness up beforehand and are used to walking - good boots are also a must, I had some Meindl Burma pros and these were a lifesaver for my feet! Plan in advance for the free day too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was lovely but I particularly enjoyed the walk to Lac Blanc with exceptional views of the Mer de Glace. I found the ascent difficult but was rewarded at the top with a hot chocolate in the sunshine next to a beautiful lake, while baby Ibex roamed nearby.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was a very skilled group leader and a fun and friendly person. He was able to judge the ability of each member of the group and set the pace accordingly. He was very safe  and careful, and seemed to have an endless supply of knee straps and energy drinks. What I enjoyed most about this trip was that Oliver gave us time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and indulge in coffee and pear and chocolate tart at refuges without ever feeling rushed. Oliver has obviously worked very hard to forge good relationships with the owners of the best refuges ensuring that we always recieved a warm welcome, despite descending on them in large numbers and sometimes eating our own food. Although we did plenty of walking and I returned home with sore legs and a couple of blisters, this really did feel like a relaxing holiday, and that was thanks to Oliver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although there are some quite lengthy ascents they are taken at a steady pace so don't worry too much if you are like me and not super fit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The purity of the mountain streams, the beauty of the mountains and the overwhelming feeling of happiness being part of the world which is somehow completely absent in normal everyday life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was very caring and looked after all of our interests. He is more or less omniscient though not in an annoying way. An incredibly nice man with an even nicer dog and a wonderful sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finding meadows alive with flowers in hidden valleys high in the mountains  - and knowing that I had walked every step of the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inspirational and extremely professional. It takes vast experience and expertese to maintain Olivere's level of good humour and leadership while still monitoring individuals AND hold together a  group with a range of experience and ability. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to take gloves along with the hat and sun block.