Reviews

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through beautiful alpine meadows with the abundance of flowers, with the sun on our backs and the mountains all around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian was a fantastic leader.  He shares his knowledge and love of the area with enthusiasm. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go. Its a great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to single out any particular hike as each day was different and had spectacular views of the alpine scenery. However, the impromtu shoe shoeing on day 2 up to the Col de Balme was great fun which was added to the slightly altered itinery as some of the passes were still off limits due to too much snow/risk of averlances.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon made everyones holiday fun, and his sense of humour clearly stood out. He is a very competent montain leader with an approachable manner. However, the hosts of Chalet Chocolat John and Jayne also deserve a special mentioning as they made everyone feel at home and the food was really fantastic.  No special requests were too much,  not even stodgy porridge for breakfast as aked for by a certain Scotsman.

Most Inspirational Moment

Encircled by mountains and blue sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon did an excellent job finding alternative routes as our end of May departure (first of season) was thwarted by too much snow on the routes meaning we were unable to do much of the stated itinerary.  But its a credit to Simon that we still managed to get out every day, enjoy challenging walks, beautiful views and overally a great experience of the Mont Blanc region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes are spot on - you need to take the full range of gear and you will wear it (especially for the first departure) - waterproofs, gloves, woolly hats, sun hats & sunglasses all in one day!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Guide and his many stories about the areas we visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Guide was fab and his many stories about the areas we visited fasinating although some of his jokes were a wee bit tired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are a fit walker, then you will get the most from this trip.Have some change on you, the tarts at the mountain huts are worth it.And bring your camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

just finishing the walks each day!  particularly the last day, the view of mont blanc was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

oliver was hilarious, full of jokes, an excellent leader, he made our holiday.  perhaps the true leader was his dog dylan who seemed to keep his eye on us all during the walks and keep us altogether!  oliver and his wife elaine made us feel so welcome in their chalet, really lovely cosy atmosphere, and did their utmost to give us the most enjoyable holiday they could. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

i would recommend this holiday to anyone, in all respects.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming from Australia, where there are hardly any mountains, this environment took my breath away. The mountain landscape with snow and glaziers are views that I will remember forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An excellent guy and an amazing guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive a little earlier and take some of the higher cable cars up to some the peaks we don't walk to.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing teh 360 degree view on Friday and being able to have lunch at such a magnificient spot.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think Oliver is a very experienced leader, with a day he could assess everyone's capabilities within the group. He could accurately predict times, which I found a great help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for good walking over the number of hours stated in the brochure. If you enjoy walking and are reasonably fit, all you need to do is pray for good weather and then just enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

The last walk, the descent to La Flatiere was by a route where we walked down a narrow ridge with drops on either side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was great, excellent sense of humour and was very helpful on the treks, while transporting us and at the chalet.