Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Day walks with amazing views from all angles, mostly in the Chamonix valley but the day walk in Italy was beautiful, classic alpine scenery watching for wildlife and seeing an Ibex and marmot. the trip up to Aiguille Midi on our day off - expensive but worth it for the views and fascinating displays at the top The food in the chalet

Thoughts on Group Leader

outstanding. Mark was extremely experiences, knowledgeable and tailored the walks to the weather and group. Good advice and information, very supportive to those group members on the trickier bits of the walk. He also gave good information for options for the day off, particularly walks possible from the middle cable car station (although check that the cable car to the ice cave are open - they were closed at the end of sept)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of the amount of climb and descent. The pattern of most walks was to climb from the valley in the first few hours of the morning, traverse and then descend at the end of the day. Often this involved 900m of climb first thing, but it was a steady pace with time to admire the views. Being fit and doing some uphill preparation will make this more pleasurable. Take poles if they help with the downhill (knees). Be aware of the season as the trip notes explain, all cable cars are not open in sept.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snatching views of Mont Blanc-often in cloud!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent-looked after everyone. Suggested substitute walks when necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps this should be moderate/challenging as it appeared harder than some long treks?

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the Mont Blanc range as we walked day to day with different vistas of the same range will remain in the memory for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark is a skilful guide, superfit, always ready with a story or anecdote and with a wealth of knowledge of the area. Walks can be tailored to suit the weather and / or the time of year when refuges may be shut and / or the ability of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The week is denoted as Level 3 'moderate' and the trip notes explain why this mark is awarded. We were not fully prepared for the amount of 'up' at the start of the day and the amount of 'down' at the end. Most of the 'ups' feature ascents on rocky trails / paths where steps and height between rocks are certainly challenging for those of a slighter stature. Likewise most 'downs' feature work on sloping terrain which will test out the knees and thigh muscles. Sticks (a pair) are highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

I found our leader to be inspirational. The scenery was awe inspiring. I was inspired by the Chef, Graham as he cooked lots of lovely meals for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was a fantastic leader. He had some interesting experiences in his life and he relayed a couple of these to us, complete with the dialect of the people in the particular part of the world he was in when they happened. Very,very funny. I found his fitness level to be inspirational. I was confident that we were all in good hands should anything go wrong.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think I would say that to do the walks in this tour, your fitness level needs to be very good. There are a lot of long slow inclines which some of our group found difficult to handle. I found this to be a little frustrating as we spent a lot of time waiting. Before booking these types of tours, I think people should really look at how fit they are. Just looking at pictures of the terrain told me that the walks were going to be quite strenuous, so I don't really know what some people were thinking!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the peaks after a few hours climb to be rewarded with fantastic views The gondola cable car over the glacier at Aiguille De Midi was spectacular

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark is a highly qualified experienced guide. He knows the area like the back of his hand and you feel very safe in his hands. He managed to keep us all on track despite having a very mixed ability group

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great weeks walking. The walks are not any way near as hard as I feared and the ups and downs were never too severe. Do take walking poles - especially for the downs and knee supports if you use them as a lot if our group seemed to do. I went up to the Aiguille De Midi on the free day and the while experience was awesome - I would definitely recommend doing this

Most Inspirational Moment

On our day off we took cable cars up to the top of Le Midi at about 4200. The views were breathtaking as the Alps spread near and far. Simply stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter our leader was very approachable and knowledgeable as well as friendly. I was very disappointed and upset that he did not do more for one of our walkers who had a serious fall and fractured her tibia.She had to limp in pain and with tears for 4 hours to the pick up spot. At the very least the transport should have been at the bottom of the mountain waiting. There was no evidence of a first aid kit with basic splints. Peter didn't even know if there was a local hospital to assist..... NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles as parts are rough. Take knee braces if your knees are dicky. Good boots with ankle support are essential as is the capacity to carry 2 litres of water. Do NOT leave it til you get to Chaminoix to buy gear... much cheaper at home. A good hat and sun cream is also essential as the sun can be fierce.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really loved the walking on the Courmayeur day. The views were amazing, there were mountain flowers everywhere and it felt slightly more remote. It was great to just take in my surroundings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable of the trekking that goes on in the area and you can tell that he has a real passion for it. He adapted the walks based on the weather and the group’s varying abilities which showed his experience. He also joined the group for drinks on a few evenings which was something that he didn’t have to do but was a nice touch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Comfortable and suitable footwear is essential. Walking poles are also a great help for walking efficiency and balance. Be prepared for varying temperatures and weather conditions. The weather was mostly good but wearing layers that you can add/remove depending on conditions and having waterproofs will make the trekking a far more enjoyable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through snow on the final day of walking in Italy with blue sky and bright sunshine....lush!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was our group leader.He was friendly, informative and fun as a leader. I felt safe and confident with him as the guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Aiguilette des posettes, was my favorite day. A steady climb with views that you could hardly believe would get better the higher you got. Also, the day we hiked in Italy was amazing. The Refugio Bonatti is a place i would love to return to. Incredible wild flowers all through the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was a wonderful leader. He kept us on route, made adjustments for the group and for weather if needed. I enjoyed that he kept things silly and light, but never compromising the task at hand of safely arriving back at the Chalet for our next delicious meal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a single american woman traveling alone, and this was a very comfortable and wonderful way to see more than I ever would have on my own. Don't overthink it...if you enjoy hiking just book it...it will be joyful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view along Col Ferret (of Grandes Jorasses and Monte Bianco), the alpine flower meadows below the Col de Vosa .... and zig-zagging up, up, up the Brevent summit on our free day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great! He adapted the walks according to weather and group and is very knowledgeable about the area, knows his flowers and found marmots! Beware of his jokes!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the itinerary to be altered - even in mid-June this year the snow was too low to do some of the advertised programme. Flowering of the alpine meadows also varies depending on severity and length of winter etc but they are stunning if your timing is right!!