Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Several moments stick out ... excellent views especially for our scenic picnic stops, suspension bridge across the white-water river before the Bionnassay glacier, hearing rockfall on the glacier while we relaxed in the meadow nearby and the beautiful colours of autumn in the undergrowth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shaun is very competent as a leader but a little quieter than some. We felt very safe with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mer de Glace is definitely worthwhile on the free day. We can recommend eating in the Aiguilles BBQ restaurant near Chalet Chocolat which has delicious food cooked over the outdoor wood fire. Be aware that some of the lifts close around mid September and the walks are amended accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Don’t think I can pick one, but the whole Mont Blanc range was just awe inspiring, and it was great to have so many walks where we could view it from so many different vistas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and a really lovely guy to walk with. His knowledge of both the general area and the local fauna made each walk most interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I am generally not that good with heights but this series of walks were fine in that respect, so I would say not to worry about this issue to others who may have similar concerns.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of our team members finished her 5-days walking that she never dreamde of !

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery on the walks was breath-taking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Adelene, was outstanding - she moved the proposed walks around to different days to ensure that we were able to make the most of our days and whatever the weather had in store for us. She seemed very relaxed and easy-going, but still organised everything well and ensured that the days and using public transport ran like clockwork. She factored in adequate rests throughout each walk and made sure everyone had caught up and had a short break before setting off again. Every morning she gave us a thorough and honest briefing about that day's walk and what sort of gradient and terrain we could expect and what interesting sites to look out for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles can be borrowed from the chalet - definitely make use of these for the walks. Make sure to stretch after every walk. Chamonix is full of outdoor clothing/sports stores, which is perfect if you have forgotten to bring anything or need a last minute pair of waterproof trousers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Chalet Chocolat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Highly professional

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many inspirational moments, that it's very hard to point at just one and say this is THE MOST inspirational one of them all. I can mention the many beautiful views around charmonix or even just simply waking up each morning and opening the windows to the fresh mountain air and scenic views of the sunrise hitting the mountain summits. I can recall the many delicious meals provided at the chalet as well as the fancy restaurant with the 3 course dinner that our group went to together during our free day. I can remember the challenging bits during our hikes and the quietness of the moment when our group sat around to eat lunch. Everything, from the start to especially the finish of the trip was inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I feel absolutely #blessed to have Adelene as our group leader. What makes her a great lead is her passion and enthusiasm! She loves what she's doing and absolutely doesn't mind sharing that joy with the group. Adelene is also perceptive on people's strengths and weaknesses. She takes special care to make sure that everyone in the party is enjoying themselves, whether it was those close to the head of the pack and those holding strong at the rear. She is also in tune with the difficult bits of the trails. Adelene offered a helping hand whenever the trail got tricky. At no point did i feel in any danger during the hikes. Adelene was also a teacher in a past life! It was awesome to ask a question about the local geography and receive a well thought out and immersive discussion of the topic. Adelene, thank you for being you!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only criticism is that I can't give more stars for this review. I kid, in seriousness, I can see why previous reviewers mentioned that this felt a bit more than a 3/5 difficulty. It's not enough to grant a 4/5, but taxing enough where a good pair of hiking shoes and trekking poles are highly suggested. It's also good to have excellent situational awareness when hiking, as there are moments with very narrow trails, slippery stones, scrambling up rocks, and tree roots that can snag your feets. It's nothing new for those that hike occasionally, but is useful information to have if you are considering this tour. Make sure to pre and post stretch your legs, and to take full advantage of the jacuzzi at the end of each hike or the local spa center on the off day. It will help your knees and legs tremendously the day after. My fiance and myself came from US, and we used Mountain Dropoffs as our van service from Geneva airports to the chalet. I recommend going through them as the entire experience was smooth as silk at a very good cost. One last thing, just be aware not to overindulge with the hot water when you shower, as you wouldn't want other chalet roomies to miss out on a warm shower.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was fabulous - the walks were varied and interesting and the views stunning. We all made the most of the day off in Chamonix - going up the Aguille Du Midi and watching people ascend Mont Blanc, or having an afternoon with adreline activities such as paragliding or relaxing in the new spa. I have come away with 11 new friends and amazing memories of another great week in Chamonix and with Exodus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Adelene, was outstanding - she flexed the days to make best use of the changing autumnal weather and with 'mizzle' days still ensured that we had fulfilling walks. She was aware of everyone's strengths and weaknesses, and was in tune with the dynamics of the group. She had the honesty to advise less able walkers on the routes and recommend alternative activities for these walkers - this ensured that they weren't pushed out of their comfort zones and still had an enjoyable time during the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whether you have never been to Chamonix or have done walks in the region before, you should still have a great time walking and relaxing!

Most Inspirational Moment

The people I met during the trip and beautiful scenery of the Mont Blanc region

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lot of the group used walking poles. On your day off get up early and visit the L’Aiguille du Midi and then head to the Spa which is incredible and an experience like no other I have visited

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch break during the second day of hike with scenic views of Alps was out of the world experience. Will never forget sitting in peace, enjoying my music, having sandwiches while appreciating nature!

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone making it through - pushed on by our fantastic guide Emma - each and every day of stunning walking - felt like such a cumulative and collective act of willpower and achievement, despite everyone feeling quite tired and achy! Zohi's meals in Chalet Chocolat were simply sensational and a culinary inspiration every evening. Truly amazing meals that made everyone realise how rubbish we are at cooking and how much more there is to learn!

Thoughts on Group Leader

AMAZING! Emma was brilliant. She made us feel like a team from the get go, joined us for dinner every evening to recover from the day, was able to rally us all through five days of quite intense physical exercise, and was incredibly knowledgeable about the terrain too. Made for a much ricer experience than a thoughtless if pretty trudge up the mountains. We all felt we had come to understand a lot about the region, its flora, fauna and geology. Top marks, Prof. Emma! She tended to minor mishaps and injuries with calm and care, and kept an eye on all of us - but pushed us to completion and didn't let the pace slacken to a grinding halt when we were all a bit tired. She also made us do some interesting warm ups...but we'll forgive you! Emma had faith in all of us and kept us going. Her previous experience - from the Arctic to Siberia, as well as a thorough understanding of the MB area - meant we all felt in safe hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check your travel insurance for paragliding on the day off, if you want to book a session. We had to cancel last minute realising we weren't covered and this was rubbish for us and the company we let down. Be prepared to feel tired but in a good way! It isn't easy meandering, although a super pro might think so. But most of us, all in pretty reasonable nick, felt whacked out at the end of each day and slept deeply. Definitely recommend walking poles as descents could be pretty steep and sore on the knees. Consider flying by Easyjet instead as we were pretty underwhelmed by Swiss Air booking via Exodus - especially the long queue at Geneva airport on the way back as there was no way of checking in using the machines to avoid it. It was especially hot on our last day of trekking, so be prepared with tonnes of water! Obvious but important.