Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Just before reaching the summit on the last walk (Aiguillette des Houches 2285m), we saw 2 bearded vultures, a wonderful sight.The chalet hosts, John and Jayne could not have been more helpful and welcoming and both of them were happy to answer our questions and queries. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anne was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.  She was very patient with me - I was forever stopping to sniff, admire, ask about and photograph the multitude of Alpine flowers and plants along the routes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothing for all weathers and your swimsuit for the hot tub if you are in the Chalet Chocolat.  The 39degC water was excellent for the aching legs and feet after a long day on the hill!  It's a long day and be prepared for long, steady ascents.For a fantastic dinner on your free day, try the Aiguille du Midi Hotel restaurant - excellent food, staff and ambience. Do take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, get there early to avoid long queueing.  It's wonderful at the top. 

Most Inspirational Moment

When we were on a 360 degree view of the Mont Blanc surroundings. It was awe-inspiring and brought back memories of the view from Anapurna Base Camp (Nepal).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert was an excellent group leader. His tact and sense of humour were outstanding.  We were a group with different trekking abilities and background. He was, however, able to accomodate all of us without any difficulty. His knowledge of the Mont Blanc area was also outstanding.I am already considering doing another trek with the Exodus group in 2014.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only advise for any  potential traveller would be a realistic appraisal of their trekking ability (fitness and stamina). The better one's fitness and stamina, the more likely one would enjoy the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Italian side of the Alps and visiting Courmayer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good and I had confidence in his technical skills. He led the walks so everybody enjoyed the day. The staff who ran the chalet were very helpful and cooked excellent meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have never been to the Alps walking before this is an excellent holiday as an introduction to walking in the Alpine peaks.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the walks throughout the week were inspirational made better by a group that was fun and interesting to be with, we cannot really pick one walk over an other but would say that all were just about right. The day off not only allowed some deserved rest but let us visit the heights of "Aiguille du Midi" which took us to another level of fantastic and I would recommend that anyone doing this trek make time to visit the viewpoint and see the spectacular sights.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian Fleming was our guide and proved to the group why he is an International Mountain Leader, his knowledge, skills and overall professionalism were evident throughout the trek while he was approachable and fun to be around. Ian made the trek a memorable one with a selection of routes that were interesting, accessible by all within the group while giving us a flavour of what the Alps have to offer..

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the trip and enjoy yourself.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people I was with during the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian was adorable. Fun to be with, knowledgable, knew when to give me a helping hand on the descents. Giggles galore. Can they get any better than that?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles!

Most Inspirational Moment

The week of hiking in the Chamonix Valley was fantastic. The views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the different vantage points on our daily hikes were spectacular. The Chalet Chocolat was very comfortable, good beds and showers. We enjoyed the hot tub with views of Mont Blanc. John and Jane prepared great meals which we shared around the pine dining table. After a few days we all became good friends.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian Fleming was our guide. An educated, erudite man who knows mountaineering and the Chamonix Valley. He regaled us with information about hiking techniques: how to use walking poles, how to safely hike downhill, etc, and information about alpine trees and flowers. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I loved it, I hope you do also.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't decide - it was all fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Ian Fleming and I couldn't recommend him highly enough. He had the great mix of being thoroughly professional and at the same time, great fun. 100% prepared in everything he did and clearly knew the area very very well. Made the trekking brilliant. Top guy. Mixed in well with the whole chalet style of living.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the beautiful Mont Blanc Massif & looking down on the villages where we had started. I felt it was quite an achievement.The abundance of colourful wildflowers in the pastures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Ian was extremely professional, mapping the plans for each day then reviewing at night. He shared his love & knowledge of the Mts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My husband & I are so pleased we chose to do this trip. Chaminox is a delightful village with good shopping & Chalet Chocolat was comfortable with extremely hospitable hosts, John & Jane. Their meals were varied & excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was not one particular moment, but this was out first ever Alpine holiday and, despite a curtailed itinerary due to the severe prolonged winter, and some initial mediocre+cloudy weather, we had many stunning and inspirational views. Another highlight was the cable car trip (on the day off) to the Aiguille du Midi

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was very good - ex army and you knew you were in safe and dependable hands. He had to deal with rejigging the itinerary as it was unsafe to follow several of the intended routes and also deal with a group which had some folks frustrated at not walking the average of seven hours a day which the trip notes suggested, whilst others in the group wished we were doing somewhat less than we did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend this trip but suggest doing it a bit later into the season - we did it the second week of june - perhaps just a couple of weeks later than we did.On the day off you would do very well to find a more beatiful setting and excellent evening meal than at the Aiguille du Midi hotel, nestling directly beneath the Bosson glacier (also seen from the chalet)

Most Inspirational Moment

After going through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur, a steady hike to a refugio and then higher again surrounded by snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows and an on top of the world feeling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian was the best leader you could wish for on a walking trip. He was good company, knowledgeable, considerate, able to manage individuals' different walking speeds and safety conscious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Chamonix is full of very tempting outdoor adventure stores. You can purchase anything for all weathers should you need extra gear and John at the Chalet will advise about the cheaper shops. However, you won't have much time after each day's walk, so buy on arrival day or the free day.