The Alpine Walking Week

The Alpine Walking Week is the perfect way for the UK day walker to experience walking in the alps. Walk with our trekking guide amongst spectacular scenery all day and then come back to our lovely chalet to relax and admire the view or soak in the hot tub, before a delicious home made evening meal.

Based in the Chamonix valley this is an introductory week of challenging walks amongst the superlative scenery of the Mont Blanc Massif. Designed for those walkers who have some UK hill walking experience and want to extend their horizons with walks in the French alps led by an experienced local trekking guide.

Our walks are selected to give diversity of length, terrain and scenery through beautiful forests and meadows, high cols and wild valleys against the backdrop of the alps most famous peaks. We offer five days of walking allowing you a day off to visit Chamonix where you can visit the famous Mer de Glace glaicer, take Europe's highest cable car, the Aiguille du Midi, up the side of Mont Blanc, or just enjoy the shops.

There are some steep ascents and descents, occasionally rough underfoot with a hint of exposure. Maximum height reached is approximately 2,500 metres and daily walking time around 6 / 7 hours, so a reasonable level of 'walking' fitness will help acclimatisation.

All ventures are led by qualified European Trekking guides who's enthusiasm and local knowledge will put you at ease.

A great introduction for those thinking of doing the Hauter Route, or Tour du Mont Blanc

The Alpine Walking Week is the perfect introduction to trekking in the alps if you are interested in doing the Tour du Mont Blanc or Haute Route Trek but not sure about your level of fitness. The walks on this week will give you an idea of the type of terrain and lengths of walk, as well as the opportunity to spend a night in a refuge.

The climax of the week incorporating a superb 3000M trekking peak with an overnight in a small mountain refuge overflowing with atmosphere and ambience.

• 5 days guided walks within the Chamonix valley.
• 7 nights accommodation, (includes one night in a hut). 3 course evening meals for 6 days, breakfasts for 7 days, packed lunches for 5 days, 5 days afternoon tea.
• Transport around the Valley

Price does not include:

• Insurance
• Flights and transfer to Argentiere - Transfers can be arranged upon request.
• Lift passes - if required

To give you an idea of some of the walks we have listed five examples below. Route 6 is an example of a two day overnight hut trek. The choice of the routes during your week will be decided upon by your local trekking guide who will make their decisions based on weather, mountain conditions and group fitness.

Route 1:

A gentle introduction to our week at the northern end of the Chamonix Valley with superb views looking across the Mont Blanc range.

Le Tour - Charamillon - Col De Balme 2191M - Tete Le Balme - Col Des Posettes - Aiguillette Des Posettes 2183M - Trelechamp - Argentiere.

Route 2:

Lac Blanc, our target for the day is arguably the most popular location in the area, a magnet for walkers and photographers.

Argentiere - Trelechamp - Les Chesery - Aiguillette D'Argentiere - Lac Blanc 2352M - Flegere - Les Praz - Argentiere.

Route 3:

Situated in a beautiful bowl nestling into the Montagnes de Loriaz, our route takes us via a superlative contouring path to Lac D'Emosson before dropping into the Barberine Gorge. The day is rounded off with a gentle stroll through alpine meadows back to Le Buet village.

Le Buet - Chalet Loriaz - Barrage D'Emosson - Baberine Gorge - Vallorcine - Le Buet

Route 4:

Into Switzerland for this one and our first encounter with a glacier. Our route takes us to Les Grands Refuge positioned on a ledge high above the Trient glacier. A gentle descent then leads to Le Tour and the Petite Balcon en route to Argentiere.

Trient - Le Peuty - Chalet De Glaciers - Les Grands - Col De Balme - Le Tour - Argentiere via the Petite Balcon Nord.

Route 5:

This route is Day one of the "Tour de Mont Blanc", Europes most famous multi-day mountain trek.

Les Houches - Bellvue via telepherique - Bionnassay Glacier - Col De Tricot 2120M - Chalets De Miage - Refuge Le Truc - Les Contamines.

Route 6:

Two Day Ascent of Mont Buet
Day One: Le Buet - Valley Du Berard - Pierre Berard Refuge (Overnight accommodation)
Day Two: Pierre Berard Refuge - Col De Salenton - Mont Buet Summit 3100M - Pierre Berard Refuge - Le Buet Village - Argentiere