Nordic Walking and Yoga Holiday

Nordic Walking is normal walking made more effective by the use of specifically designed Nordic walking poles. The technique is easily acquired, the equipment needed is minimal and once hooked it can be taken anywhere! Our guides will teach you the technique and help you improve your fitness while filling your lungs with fresh mountain air. Walking 'the Nordic way' can burn up to 40% more calories than normal walking, strengthen your upper body and has little stress on the joints.

If you wish to join the week and walk 'as per normal' without the emphasis on Nordic technique then we are happy to welcome you. However, you might find you want to join in once you have the benefits explained!

Our base is Les Granges, a tiny high mountain village in the Swiss Alps. A visit to this area in the spring or autumn is arguably the best time with quiet trails and fine weather. It's impossible not to be both invigorated and soothed by the mountain panoramas around you! Enjoy a blissful mix of relaxation, fresh air, and exercise in the heart of the mountains. While travelling around to the start of our walks we aim to go 'green' and use local trains and buses.

Day 1 Arrival in Switzerland

Settle in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening at your hotel. You'll feel well from the moment you arrive! You'll meet your hosts and run through the week's plans. We'll explain how everything works, what to expect during your chill out week and answer any questions.

Day 2 Nordic Walk and Yoga

After breakfast we head to the mountains for our first Nordic Walk. As long as you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking then you will be fine! We will give instruction if necessary on how to use your Nordic Poles to lengthen your stride and use your body to it's full potential while walking. We will aim to walk from your Hotel taking a picnic lunch with us. Early afternoon we return to the Hotel where you can relax in the gardens. Late afternoon there will be a 1.5 hr yoga session with your qualified Yoga Teacher.

Day 3 Nordic Walk to Finhaut

Today we have a leisurely start and leave mid-morning to walk to the nearby village of Finhaut. We climb steadily on the old Chemin des Diligences which is the old stagecoach route between Switzerland and France. Finhaut is a gorgeous Swiss mountain village with a 'trapped in a time warp' feel to it and remains unspoiled. We aim to have our picnic lunch at one of the village cafes. We then hike back through the forest. Those who wish to take it easy can catch the train back along the valley.

Day 4 Nordic Walk and Yoga

Another wak this morning as we continue to explore the lovely mountain area around our hill top hotel. We may in fact head down to start with to the village of Salvan and give you time to check out the Marconi Museum. It was at Salvan in 1895 that Marconi made his first radio transmission and the rest, as they say, is history. This afternoon you relax and unwind with a yoga class, before yet another fabulous meal from Roland's 'organic/bio' kitchen.

Day 5 Relaxation and Thermal Spa

Total relaxation today. We start late morning and travel on the historic Mont Blanc Express down to the thermal spa at Lavey-les-Bains. It is very easy to spend half a day at the baths, and in fact it is very hard to leave them. Relaxing in the therapeutic waters while gazing at the mountains is not a bad way to spend your time? You will undoutably feel the benefits as the waters do work wonders on any tired muscles. We return to your Hotel in the afternoon where if the weather is kind you can relax in the gardens.

Day 6 Nordic Walk, Gorges du Dailley, and Yoga

Another day of exploration Nordic Walking in the area around the villages of Salvan and Les Marecottes. We may explore the area of Van d'en Haut which is a beautiful remote valley where there is ample evidence of the Valasianne local architecture. It is also home to the dramatic Gorges du Dailley which we hope to explore. There is a built walk way which provides excellent views into the gorges. Late afternoon we once again relax and stretch with a Yoga class.

Day 7 Nordic Walk and Visit to the world famous alpine town of Chamonix, France

Today we travel the short distance to France to the world famous alpine town of Chamonix. From the town we have views of the glaciers and snowy summit of the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc. This historic town offers great cafe society and the chance to watch the 'world go by'. We spend the morning Nordic Walking on trails along the River Arve. These were established in the Victorian age by those wishing to 'take the air' and enjoy the views. The afternoon is free time to explore the town, before heading back to your hotel. You may wish to take the stunning cable car ride up the Aiguille du Midi which offers unrivalled views of Mont Blanc.

Day 8 Departure Day

Today you leave your mountain retreat with renewed energy, and a healthier body. At least we hope you do!

Yoga Teacher - Lauren Hill

Lauren grew up in the rolling hills of South Devon, between the moors and sea. A seeker of natural beauty and adventure led her to Chamonix in the French Alps, the place she now calls home. A past filled with dance and gymnastics, yoga became her path.

A 200hr Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher. Lauren discovered the ancient practice of yoga 16 years ago. Training with Yoga Campus, one of London's leading schools, she gained a classical foundation to her teachings. She has studied under International and UK leading teachers; including Shiva Rea, Katrina Repka and Liz Lark.

Lauren deepened her studies in Vinyasa Flow Yoga, an energetic practice. Playful and creative sequences of yoga postures (asanas) linked together through mindful movement of both body and breath. You learn to dance with your breath, practice from your flow and to live in each moment.

In her classes, Lauren balances the warmth of Vinyasa with the stillness of the beautiful practices; Yin Yoga and Mindful Buddhist Meditation. She teaches from the heart with passion and a gentle touch; to nourish body, mind and breath. You will feel energised, focused, stretched, strong, and more at peace.

Price

What's Included: Accommodation in the award winning Hotel Balance, Les Granges based on a twin room. A supplement may be available if you wish a single room or a room with en suite facilities. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner with the emphasis on healthy eating and 100 per cent organic/bio vegetarian food. All activities, Nordic Walking with professional qualified Instructor, rental of Nordic poles, Yoga classes with qualified Instructor, entry to the Thermal Spa at Lavey les Bains. Transport from your hotel within the valley and to Chamonix. Using the Hotel Balance depends on early booking, if the Hotel Balance is full, other accommodation will be used.

Not included: Transport to and from Switzerland, transfers from Geneva aiport to your hotel, insurance, any additional activities, and massage treatments. Any extra train fares if you choose to catch the train rather than completing the walking itinerary, eg on the day we hike to Finhaut.

Accommodation

We aim to spend the week at the Hotel Balance in Les Granges, near Salvan in Switzerland.The hotel was the first in Switzerland to be awarded the highest level of recognition by Oe-plus which promotes a sustainable ecological society. The award was given due to the committment shown to the environment by the owners Ulrike and Roland Eberle.

The Hotel sits high above the Rhone Valley and has a yoga room with views straight to the mountains. We can think of nowhere better designed to give a sense of tranquility and restoration. There is also a hammam and sauna to ease any aches and aid relaxation. The grounds have a beautiful garden with aromoatic and medicinal plants with a natural swimming pool.The interior of the hotel is very much with the emphasis on cosy, rustic and relaxing.

Ulrike and Roland who run Hotel Balance are two of the most 'chilled out' people to be around! The minute you walk in the atmosphere is mellow to say the least. Almost all the meals are prepared by Roland himself with great attention to detail and an awful lot of care. Ulrike and Roland prefer, like ourselves, to work with guests who value the exerpience of being in an environnment which provides the chance to re-new and re-charge, if you feel at all stressed about life in general then this is the week for you.

Minimum numbers

This week will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked, we will take a maximum of 8.

Insurance

Please note that you must have the appropriate insurance for your chosen activity. As we will running in the mountains you must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.

Further Information

Upon booking a full kit list will be provided. We will certainly cover all aspects of the itinerary but due to changing mountain weather conditions we ask you stay flexible so that we can get the most out of each day.

Travel

Les Granges is easily reached by road, rail, and coach with the nearest international airport at Geneva in Switzerland. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages. Geneva is only 75 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.Trains leave the airport every 30 and 40 mins. Timetables between Geneva and Salvan, the train stop just below Les Granges, can be found at the national Swiss rail website.

Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.

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