Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Mine was a non-walking moment actually! I adored taking the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, to see Mont Blanc from as close as one can without climbing. This was an optional trip on the day off. Seems pricey at first but absolutely worth every cent. The views, the altitude, such a privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark, the walking guide is super fit and knows his stuff re geography and points of interest. He is kind too and although we had a schedule to stick to, he catered for the abilities of the entire group, in terms of sufficient R&R along the routes. I felt very safe under his guidance and he cleverly came up with a Plan B on the spur of the moment when my walking boots failed me! I whizzed back to the chalet for my back-up footwear and met up with the group, so I didn't miss out on the first day's walking - most grateful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take tried and tested walking shoes / boots. Check laces are secure - not fraying, and soles are well and truly firmly in place. Sounds so obvious but I hadn't worn my boots in some time. Luckily I had a pair of walking shoes with me to use instead.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the vast scale of the mountain range, you can hear a helicopter somewhere but have to really look sometimes to spot it against the mountain backdrop. How the two ends of the age spectrum can enjoy hiking around this area - become inspired ourselves to keep fit and supple throughout our lives so can enjoy retirement to the full and opposite end of scale nice to see a few European kids on these sorts of holidays to set up a good interest for their adult life. On our free day we went up the cable car to Aiguille du Midi and the climbers you could see from this vantage point setting off/ camping nearby plus the exhibition describing what these somewhat brave climbers do was interesting. Got to say impressed with the skills of the helicopter pilots too - no hanging about when rescuing people off the mountains or dropping off at the hospital whatsoever! Finally and randomly perhaps pleased to see how important and ingrained into the culture around Chamonix recycling waste is!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark our group leader was very good. Looked after our group very well and you felt in very capable hands. Don't worry about pace. Mark accommodated for all abilities and made sure everyone comfortable and got the rests even if they were at the back. Did allow for the faster walkers too by enabling people to go on to a certain point and then wait. Must be said a degree of fitness is required for this itinerary though to allow the walks to be achieved in the timescale. We are of a normal reasonable fitness and had done a little prep on the treadmill (no hills in Norfolk!) and found the walks very comfortable. Good briefing beforehand on the walks ahead with useful Q&A about what to bring/ wear etc on the walks. Lots of information given about the area during the walks which was interesting. Was happy to give advice on walks for the free day. When the sun is shining we think he has a very enviable and healthy job!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Note the two chalets do not mix at all socially or on the hikes as part of the itinerary so if booking as a group of people ensure you are in the same chalet. Book early to avoid the smaller rooms in the sloping roof space of Chalet Chamonix reserved for the last people to book onto the trip. They are ok but not as comfortable or nice despite being the same money as the other rooms. We booked in February for late July departure and still found ourselves in one of the small less desirable rooms. We were advised by our guide that walking boots were not necessarily preferred over approach shoes - can wear either (in summer conditions anyway). Poles not essential either and some available to try in chalet too if wanted. Fine to wear shorts and t shirt but encouraged to carry warmer clothes/ wet weather gear with you in case weather turns. Insurance must cover helicopter rescue off mountains - guide takes insurance details for each person on the first day so need to check this before leave home.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the highest point of some of the treks- a great sense of achievement coupled with stunning views (most days!) We were also recommended to take a trip up the Aguille de Midi on our rest day - this was fabulous- we walked from the Mer de Glace towards the middle station where you can board the cable car to the top - make sure you buy a day pass before you set off if you try this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and knowledgeable. Very honest with the group about what was in store each day and obviously passionately enthusiastic about this wonderful environment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are doing the walk to Lac Blanc on the last day as we did save a little energy for this ! Prior to this holiday we only had walking experience from long weekends in the U.K. and were able to manage all the walks. You will not regret booking this holiday if you enjoy walking!

Most Inspirational Moment

-Paragliding -Bonding in the hot tub overlooking the mountains -The sense of accomplishment every summit lunch -Connecting with nature in a way I had never done before

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jim is the best - tons of knowledge, very friendly, great fun to be around, he kept the pace of the group at a comfortable level and just became part of our experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this now. You won’t regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Most Inspirational Moment

It was all so scenic, but Lac Blanc and also the day in Italy with wildflowers in full bloom were particularly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our walking guide Jim was fantastic, very knowledgeable and friendly. And chalet hosts Sarah and Rich were also great; Sarah is an incredible chef and the food was well beyond expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of Mont Blanc from our balcony as the sun set. The view from the top of the Aiguille de Midi on our day off, seeing the climbers starting to walk off The view of Mont Blanc from the top of the Aiguillette des Houches

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike Rhodes is an outstanding highly experienced leader who led the group extremely well. There were two days where extenuating circumstances beyond his control i.e. ski lifts out of action and landslides meant that he had to quickly come up with alternative suitable routes. He did this quickly and ensured that the days were still enjoyable and we had the opportunity to have fantastic walks and views

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to be nearer to the centre of Chamonix then the other chalet offered by Exodus may be preferable, but you would miss out on Zoe's cooking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views were amazing. Fun banter with the group

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenn was a good leader and tried her best to accomodate all the people of varying fitness and hiking ability

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the snow capped mountains. Hiking through the forests in the lower parts of the mountain. The mountain flowers andmeadows. Waterfalls and swinging bridges. Everything

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good and knew the area well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it! Make sure you train by walking up some steep hills a couple of times a week. I felt that this really helped us cope with the walk well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking at the views over the Chamonix valley on the last day of our trip, while sitting down to each lunch. It was a spectacular view after 5 days of hiking and got to enjoy it with a great group of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom was an exceptional tour leader, so knowledgeable, patient and entertained us with his chat and stories. He really made the experience enjoyable and successful for everyone.