Reviews

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. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk in italy was great. Unspoilt scenery, and great views all day. I loved visiting anancy on our non walking day, it's a beautiful city with lots to do. Also thoroughly enjoyed the day a few of the group were not permitted to walk as our wet weather gear was not considered adequate by the leader, had a relaxing day enjoying Chaminox

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable of the area, with a witty joke for every situation. I appreciated his concern for health and safety, but at times this made the situation a bit restrictive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to walk extremely slowly! Pack everything on the list as nothing is optional. If your large (e.g tall or fat) you may get stuck in the shower or toilet as the ensuite facilities in some of the rooms are tiny.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 360 degree view at the summit of the last day's climb. The photographs cannot truly capture the beauty of the surroundings and the sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver, compared by Swiss Guards on a previous trip, to Prince Charles!!!! is an excellent group leader who sets a perfect pace for the climbs and is always aware of the group's abilities. His jokes are ideal for Christmas crackers as they always made us groan.....every time. Dylan the fox terrier was great company on the walks and really missed on the days he had to have a rest day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your camera is fully charged as round every corner there are photo opportunities....and lots of "wows". Remember that the chalet is a homely environment and cosy rather than expecting hotel accommodation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing at the highest point of the walk each day and knowing that I had made it! All the different views of Mont Blanc, which is inspirational from any angle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It is hard to think of anything to say about Oliver that has not already been said by previous reviewers. He is a genuinely lovely man who goes out of his way to make sure that everyone has a great time. His ability to vary his pace to meet the needs of the group, his endless stream of "jokes", knowledge of the mountains (and wild flowers) and where to get the best tarts is immense. Although we all know that Dylan is really in charge! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it - you'll have a great time. Annecy is well worth a visit on your free day.

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.