Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the mountains around Mt Blanc where the views and scenery were spectacular and varied.  Beautiful spring flowers and meadows, glaciers, dramatic peaks, and valleys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experinced and knowledgeable leader (been doing this for many seasons), managed the difficult snow conditions well, made all in the group feel comfortable, included and cared for without being intrusive or fussy. Took everything in his stride and excllent at judging everyone's capabilities and pace and accomodated needs in a relaxed and positive way.  He was also very attentive on food preferences/allergies/restrictions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking is fairly strenuous, but if you are actively fit or an experienced walker it should not be too difficult, but there's quite a bit of up and down and some longish days.  Well worth getting fit for maximum enjoyment and also to ensure that the group can move along and complete all the route without compromises (luckily our group was all very capable and similar abilities which made it very enjoyable and fun).  Very glad we were on the hotel tour on the colder and wetter days.

Suggestions

Great trip an well worth it .......

Most Inspirational Moment

Too hard to pick out just one. Everyday had moments of magic and there is such a great sense of achievement at the end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert was an excellent walk leader - setting a good pace whilst being aware of and responding to individual needs.  He was very informative on the huge variety of local plants and flowers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book the trip - it is worth it.  As a solo traveller this trip was perfect for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved every day, and the fact that it is a circuit with a long history. Some of the refuges we stopped in were very cute, but mostly I just loved being on the cols looking at the panoramas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz kept us well informed but didn't overwhelm us with the difficulty, I think this helped people to keep their confidence up so that they could take the journey one step at a time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to be fit enough to enjoy the trip so that you don't dread the climbs each day. Don't underestimate the difficulty, it really is challenging, particularly the last few days. I think poles are essential. Ability in French will help you to enjoy the cultural aspects.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the first day as we were hiking above Chamonix  the upper part of Mount Blanc was hidden in the clouds, teasing us with glimpses. Gradually over an hour or so the clouds cleared so that by the time we stopped at the Refuge de la Flegere for hot chocolat we had a magnificent view of the snow covered and glaciated mountain top. Days later, we were hiking through mixed rain and snow showers  towards the Refuggio Bonatti (and more  hot chocolat), when suddenly the clouds lifted to give us views of the fresh snow covered face of the Grand Jorasses. This was a truly unforgettable moment that demanded that we stop for pictures. We were blessed with a wonderful group of people to hike with. Although we  varied greatly in country of origin, age, experience and stamina, we soon formed a caring bond between us.  At a number of places we encountered long  climbs or challenges that pushed some beyond their comfort level. We and our leader encouraged each other so that everyone got through the tougher sections and were then able to bask in a sense of accomplishment afterwards. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was my first guided tour and I must say thatFrank met or exceeded my every expectation for a guide. He obviously loved being a guide on the Mount Blanc route and it showed. Each evening we were given a preview of the next  day’s  terrain, distance and weather expectations, making each new day an adventure to be anticipated. On the trail he was very safety conscious and skilled at anticipating when he should assist or coach less experienced hikers. He rotated   between the front, middle or back of the group as conditions dictated  Consequently, we successfully trekked through everything a late season Mount Blanc threw at us(sunshine , rain, wind and even fresh falling snow) without incident.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are many long ascents and descents to content with. The better shape you are in the more you will enjoy it. For those travelling from the west coast of North America, I recommend that you come a few days ahead of time so that your body clock can be adjusted before you start hiking.  Likewise, if you normally live close to sea level, spending a few days in the Chamonix area in advance will help you get acclimatized and used to exerting yourself at higher elevations as well.

Suggestions

Upon my return, my work mates did not have to ask "how was the trip"...my ear to ear grin told it all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the La Nova refuge in France, even bought the T-shirt!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders we had for the 2 weeks were excellent at managing the group and our different speeds of walking and interests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In general accomodation was OK, with some more OK than others! Enjoy the breakfasts at the Hotel Astoria and leave plenty of room for the myrtille tarte!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of any high point in a range such as the Alps can be very satisfying, but to see the  smiles on the faces of individuals who have achieved a summit or high col, and yet doubted their ability to do so an hour or so before, can be truly inspiring. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

As a group, we had the privelege of walking with both Frank and Carrie for the first and second weeks respectively. Both walk leaders know the Alps exhaustively, are very experienced and have a vast knowlege of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a challenging walk with big ascents and descents on a daily basis. A good fitness level would be something to aim for before the start of the holiday. The weather can be alarmingly changeable so waterproofs may come in useful. Light fleeces can be useful as temperatures can fluctuate in the high alpine. 

Suggestions

Take it as it comes. Walk at a steady pace and slow down if you get a little breathless. Stop to take photographs, admire the views, look at the wildlife and flowers. This is a trip to savour and not one to rush!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sharing the daily physical accomplishments and visual euphoria with the group and leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carey Faulkner was fantastic.  She is extremely customer service orientated, friendly, enthusiastic and enjoys her job. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring layers of clothing.  Expect hot, cold, windy and wet conditions.  Hiking boots and walking poles are not essential, however, they minimize the risk of potential injures. 

Suggestions

Spend a few extra days in Chamonix due to the abundance of outdoor recreational activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Firstly, the amazing views of the Mont Blanc Massif throughout the 10 days of walking. The mountainous views were always very stunning, including a number of glaciers viewed on the trek, which were great.Secondly, when I went in the first two weeks of July, the wild flowers were incredible ! I can safely say that I have never seen so many varieties of wild flowers. This has made me a wild flower enthusiast !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was a very good leader. He was very patient and friendly, and very knowledgeable about the Alps.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found the first two days of the walking a bit tough. This was because I had hardly done any preparation at home for the mountainous walks. I would definitely recommend doing some hill walking practice before the trip.  

Suggestions

It was very nice staying in three different countries on this trip (France, Switzerland and Italy), because the hotels were all uniquely different, and they were of a good standard. All the hotel staff were very friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had superb weather most days but the morning we were climbing Grand Col Ferret was misty, windy and cold. The leader had told us that this was probably the scenic highlight so we were disappointed that the weather was bad just at this time. We sat down for lunch just over the col, as soon as we could get out of the bitter wind. At that moment exactly the mist started to open up and slowly but surely the whole eastern side of the massif appeared, starting with the summits of the Grand Jorasses. It was stunning! Our leader, Ian, naturally said that was how he had planned it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Set the sort of pace that meant that everyone could cope. Always supportive and patient, knowledgeable and easy-going. Couldn't have asked for better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. Socks and t-shirt dry overnight so you won't need as many clothes as you think. Exodus recommend boots but I used trail shoes every day and found them fine (but then I always use them).It is worth getting reasonably fit. The ascents and descents are generally more than most people from the UK will be used to, unless they walk regularly in Scotland or further afield. That said, all our group, in their 50s or 60s, managed it ok.

Suggestions

I am seriously thinking of a similar trip in the future, perhaps a "challenging" one.