Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the beautiful Lac Blanc after a 950 metre ascent. The days walk in Italy was so varied and beautiful and included the best hot chocolate and best ice cream ever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon gave excellent briefing the night before each walk and clear directions on the day. He tailored made the walks to suit the group which was much appreciated. We enjoyed his sense of humour and felt very safe with him as our leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be as fit as you can be so that you can enjoy the walk. Go for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational aspect was without doubt the way in which the whole group and the locals rallied round in an emergency.  Luckily, we had a doctor and a nurse within the group, although there was nothing that could be done to save our fellow walker.  The helicopter rescue service and local cafe owners all played a part, as did the group members and the Exodus staff, who helped the daughter over the next few days.  The general conclusion of the group was that, tragic as the death was, there was something to be said for an instant and painless death on the slopes of the most magnificent mountain in Europe.   I already agreed with the Nike slogan, but this event just serves to reinforce the reality that life is fleeting.  "Just do it !"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark was a genial, knowledgeable and experienced guide.  He quickly assessed the abilities of the group and made sure that everyone knew what was proposed for each day.   He was calm and controlled during the incident described above and instilled confidence in the group as a whole. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

All of the walks started with a steep and unrelenting climb for at least a couple of hours.  It would be unwise to sign up to this tour without making an effort to get fit beforehand.   We followed the advice of John & Jayne and previous reviewers and went to the nearby Hotel Aguille du Midi on the "cooks night off".  This restaurant offered several menus including a five course menu at E33 and some decent wines at under E20. The food, the atmosphere and the service were extremely good.  If this restaurant were near me, I'd be there every week !On our "day off" we took the cable car up the Aguille du Midi and then traversed to the Mer du Glace and took the train back down to Chamonix.  At 3840m the AdM quite literally takes your breath away, with incredible views down the valley and across the Mont Blanc massif.   The much diminshed Mer du Glace looked a sad and rather pathetic shadow of the photos on the station wall showing the glacier 100 years ago  

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching a peak everyday gave a great sense of achievement and certainly made the sore legs and bucket of sweat worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark was very laid back and approachable.   It wouldn't be right not to mention Jayne and John who ran Chalet Chocolat.  Despite all the work they had to do with turn-over time between groups only being a number of hours, they provided varied three course meals and gave the chalet a very homely atmosphere.  They were very friendly and willing to help in every way (including an impromptu pick-up from town for some delayed members of the group).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, you really do need the waterproofs.  The weather forecast had suggested it would be sunny all week, however it did rain on one day (the whole day) and I was quite glad to have my hat and gloves on that day as well as my waterproof jacket and trousers. On the free day, go up with the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, then take a return trip to the Italian station and back. You'll get wonderful views of Mont Blanc, but more entertaining was seeing all the people out there in their snow gear trekking along.  Then take your lunch at Aiguille du Midi station, the canteen isn't very expensive.  Then take the cable car back to the halfway point (Plan de l'Aiguille) between and Chamonix. Walk to le Montenvers, then take the train down to Chamonix.  This was one of my favourite days.  The walking was a little harder than I had expected.  I think I read somewhere that a general level of fitness is required and if one was used to weekend walking then this is fine.  Although we all made it, it's worth being aware that the ascents are quite steep and at times feel a little unrelenting. There were plenty of breaks, however some practice with walking up mountains before hand might be advantageous.  

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.