Feeling the heat and want to unwind in some cool mountain air? It's not too late to book for this summer. The alpine season is now in full swing but we are still able to offer last minute places on some of our
Scheduled Departures.
Lindsay and I have both been enjoying watching the alpine flowers flourish and final snow patches melt to allow access to all the walking trails.
Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc - 4 Guaranteed dates
Mont Blanc Classic Walks - Late September Departures
Hotel Tour du Mont Blanc - 3 Guaranteed dates
Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn (Haute Route) - in August
I am just back from my first Tour du Mont Blanc of the season when we had excellent weather – glorious sunshine, blue skies, and snowy peaks. Our clients all completed this world classic which for most of them was their first multi-day mountain walking trip.
Despite their concerns at the start of the week about fitness, stamina and the ability to climb to the cols they managed the trip in good style! It is really satisfying to see people gain fitness and confidence as the trip progresses. To see big smiles at the top of each climb and an eagerness to get to the next viewpoint and soak up another stunning alpine view. There was some early season snow still around on the cols, but it caused no difficulty and for some it was the “best bit”. Now, busy doing my admin, laundry and repacing for the next adventure. - Lindsay
Trekking to Lac Blanc with the Mer de Glace behind
Create Your Own ....
If you have your own group or are a family and have a specific goal or idea in mind, we will do our best to make it happen. We take pride in offering a both a personal and reliable service. Or, perhaps you are new or experienced to walking and would like fresh ideas and the flexibility of a private guide. If you so, please contact us and we can tailor-make your holiday in the mountains. Read More >
Chamonix 10 k Race Report
The last weekend in June hosts the 3 Chamonix trail races, a 10k, half marathon and the marathon. So Chamonix was not only full of walkers & climbers but also bursting with runners!
It's a great feeling to take part in these events where you all have a common interest and everyone's really friendly. I've taken part in the both the Marathon and then the Cross so this year I thought i'd give the 10k a go. After the winter season and the lack of snow free trails & roads it always seems hard work to get your 'running legs' back?
But although you need speed for a 10k this one also requires hill strength too, with 350m of ascent it's definately not going to be a fast PB (personal best) that you are after! But still very achievable for all runners out there.
The winning time for the course was 40:41 for the men, 47:06 for the women. I was pleased to come in 2nd senior lady with 51:13. - Julia
Yippee podium Spot!
Nordic Walking Weekend
20 Nordic Walkers to joined Lindsay & I for a relaxing weekend based in the Chamonix Valley. Using Argentiere as our base we enjoyed walking in 3 countries in 3 days. First stop was Italy & Val Veny where we walked enjoyed a 'latte' Italian style followed by a truely relaxing experience in the thermal baths at the luxurious Pre St Didier - 3 hours of R&R with snowcapped peaks all around. And yes this is 'work'! Our next day was spent nipping across the border to Switzerland where our team eagerly, and with relative ease, reached the summit of Mont Arpille - pole power! Our final day was a walk to Chamonix town itself with time to enjoy the shops and soak up the cafe lifestyle. We too felt relaxed & revitalised and ready to start the summer walking season! - Julia
Lindsay's team by the Val Veny river
Lindsay's - 'Tour du France' (well TMB)
Well, it was a rash decision but I got up one morning the other week and took it into my head to cycle round Mont Blanc. Obviously NOT on the walking route, but over many of the cols made famous by the Tour de France. Given that I am not really a road biker, and had no training before setting off it was perhaps not one of my saner ideas. Still not to be daunted I borrowed a bike, spent a ridiculous 300€ getting it ready for the road, and set off. The fact that I only picked up the bike the night before, and only had the next morning to get it fixed, new brakes, tyres, tubes, chain and gears, didn’t put me off – well, not much! Anyway, three and a half days later I had a very sore rear end, a slightly swollen tendon, and blisters on my hands. But I did managed around 350km going from Chamonix, to Bourg St Pierre, then Bourg St Maurice, then La Clusaz before heading back to Chamonix. Some great Cols such as Grand St Bernard, Aravis, Colombiere, Saisies and more. It was rather lonely at times doing it solo, but British Mountain Guide, Kathy Murphy did provide support with a campsite already set up and supper on the go as I came to a very weary stop each evening after up to 11 hrs in the saddle – ouch!!! - Lindsay
