Family Adventures Aged 8 upwards

Day 1 Arrive in Argentière

Rendez-vous at the group chalet in Argentière just a few kilometres from Chamonix. The accommodation we use for the Chamonix Family Adventure is at Yeti Lodge. The chalet has bright and airy rooms, south-facing sun-decks with views to Mont Blanc, and a hot tub and sauna. In the evening, we will have an informal chat about the week ahead where you will meet your guide for the week. (Dinner)

Day 2 A guided beginners trek & Rock climbing

We drive to La Tour by mini bus and use the lift system to take us to the Col de Balme at 2191m. After a short climb to the Tête de Balme at 2321m, which lies on the border with Switzerland, we save our knees by descending through the forest by cable car to the pretty village of Vallorcine. After our picnic lunch we then meet our guide for an afternoon's rock climbing. The mini bus will pick the group up in Vallorcine for the 10 minute drive back to the chalet for afternoon tea. Ascent: 130m. Descent: 325m. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Cable car ride up to the Aiguille du Midi and Rafting

The Aiguille du Midi cable car leaves from the centre of Chamonix. It is a journey of two stages. The first brings visitors to the Plan de l'Aiguille at 2300m. The second stage traverses Les Pelerins glacier before rising up the North Face. Often in summer time it is possible to spot climbers on their way up this face towards the summit of the Aiguille. From the top station at 3842m the view of the Alps is incredible with several terraces from where visitors can take in the spectacular views of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. On a clear day it is possible to see the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Grand Combin. An elevator inside the rock rises the final 42m to the top terrace at 3842m. This is the closest you can get to Mount Blanc without climbing!

We then descend to the mid station at Plan de l'Aiguille and have our picnic lunch. After our final descent, we head off to get wet with a fun, fast and furious journey white water rafting along the river Arve through the centre of Chamonix itself. For the rafting we require that you are at least 8 years old, 1m 20 in height and that you can all swim. Your evening meal will be at a restaurant of your choice in Argentière. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 Swiss Day - Hike to the pool and Animal Park

Today we need to remember our passports and swimming costumes as we take a drive across the border into Switzerland to the small mountain village of Finhaut. This old Swiss spa was a popular tourist destination in the Victorian times even rivaling Zermatt and will be the start of our next hike. We walk from Finhaut along the ‘Chemin de Six Doigts’ a trail that takes us through the forest and tells the tale of a famous local entrepreneur. We continue to the alpine pasture or alpage of La Creta for our picnic lunch. We then begin our descent down to the village of Les Marecottes where we have great views along the Rhône Valley and can see examples of local Valaisian architecture.

Our afternoon is now free to explore the village, the animal park with its local fauna and of course the open air swimming pool! We return to Finhaut on the Mont Blanc Express train where we began our adventure. Ascent: 100m Descent: 260m. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Visit the Mer de Glace glacier and cycle in Chamonix

Following a busy day, we start today with a train ride on the historic Montenvers Railway from the heart of Chamonix. This fabulous funicular journey has been enjoyed for over 100 years and takes you to 1908m above sea level to an amazing view point of the famous glacier the Mer de Glace or Sea of Ice; at 11km’s long it is France’s longest glacier! From here we also see some of the famous 4,000m peaks of the Alps, Les Grand Jorasses, Le Dru and La Verte to name a few. From here we can take a small cable car down to the glacier and even go inside it through a grotto.

After taking the train back into Chamonix centre we make our way to Poco Loco’s for lunch where we can try, arguably, the best burgers in town. In the afternoon we collect bikes and you can explore the well marked trails along the valley floor and woods. Don’t miss out Place de Paradis for further adventures during your exploration. This activity is unsupervised, but simple maps of the area are available. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 6 Les Contamines Adventure Park

Today we explore a different area and take a short drive to the secluded village of Les Contamines. Here we start our day with the Acrobatic Island where we experience the ‘high life’ travelling from tree to tree through the forest, using rope bridges, Tarzan swings, Tyrolean wire slides, gangways, ladders, and cargo nets. You will need to be at least 8 years and 120cm for this activity. Thanks to a technique taken from mountain climbing and Via-Ferrata, the journey through the trees is completely secure but we do ask adults to stay with their children at all times. After lunch by the lake you can either go for a short walk with your guide or try out one of the many other activities in the park such as archery, donkey rides and visiting the husky dogs (afternoon activities will be at an additional cost). Evening meal is your choice in Argentière. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 7 Lac Blanc walk and Panorama of Mont Blanc

Lac Blanc, or white lake, is our target for the day and is one of the most stunning locations in the area. It was recently voted by one magazine as the most beautiful day walk in the world! Our route begins at the Flégère cable car where we take advantage of a two-stage ride up to our trail at 2385m. Our lovely balcony walk gives us impressive views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley – a fantastic way to finish your week’s adventures. Our walk is through the Nature Reserve with a landscape of granite cliffs, wildlife, and often old snow left over from the winter. After arriving back at Flégère we save our knees by taking the cable car back down. Ascent: 100m Descent: 500m. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Departure Day

The family package ends after breakfast. For those with afternoon or late flights there is an excellent Saturday market in Chamonix. (Breakfast)

Price

Included: Hotel or chalet accommodation at Yeti Lodge in Argentière for 7 nights. The services of local, professional guides and instructors unless otherwise stated as unsupervised. All cable car lifts, the mountain railway, valley transport and entrance & equipment to all of the activities including: rock climbing, rafting, animal park and pool, adventure park and the hire of bikes. All meals, including afternoon tea.

Not included: International flights, travel Insurance, airport transfers, Chamonix activities unless stated as included, miscellaneous personal expenses – drinks, wine/soft drinks with meals, souvenirs etc.

Family Adventures Aged 12-16

Day 1 Arrive in Argentière

Rendez-vous at the group chalet in Argentière just a few kilometres from Chamonix. The accommodation we use for the Chamonix Family Adventure is at Yeti Lodge. The chalet has bright and airy rooms, south-facing sun-decks with views to Mont Blanc, and a hot tub and sauna. In the evening, we will have an informal chat about the week ahead where you will meet your guide for the week. (Dinner)

Day 2 Cable car to the Aiguille du Midi and walk to visit the Mer de Glace

The Aiguille du Midi cable car leaves from the centre of Chamonix. It is a journey of two stages. The first brings visitors to the Plan de l'Aiguille at 2300m. From the top station at 3842m the view of the Alps is incredible of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. On a clear day it is possible to see the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Grand Combin. An elevator inside the rock rises the final 42m to the top terrace at 3842m. This is the closest you can get to Mont Blanc without climbing!

We then descend to the mid station at Plan de l'Aiguille at 2300m to have our picnic lunch. The afternoon is our first trek along the famous Grand Balcon Nord. This fantastic balcony walk along the Chamonix Valley gives us fabulous views as far as the eye can see. Our walk takes us to the Mer de Glace glacier or ‘Sea of Ice’, at 11km’s long it’s France’s longest glacier. From here we also see some of the famous 4,000m peaks of the Alps, Les Grand Jorasses, Le Dru and La Verte to name a few. From here we can take a small cable car down to the glacier and visit the ice grotto. We descend via the 100 yr old funicular railway, Montenvers. Ascent: 100m Descent: 325m. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Hydrospeed and Cycle in Chamonix

Today is all about getting wet with a fun, fast and furious journey on white water along the river Arve which runs straight through the centre of Chamonix itself. Choose from ‘Hydrospeed’ swimming with a helmet, flippers and a block of plastic! For this you need to be at least 12 years old and 1m50 in height. Or alternatively there’s white water rafting where the minimum height is 1m 20. The smaller craft is more vulnerable, but for both you do need to be able to swim! Once your stomach has settled we’ll have a picnic lunch on the river bank.

In the afternoon we’ll hire bikes for you and as a family you have the opportunity to explore the town, valley and numerous trails that run along the river and into the woods. This activity is not supervised, but simple maps are available. At the end of the day, we re-group in Chamonix and return to our accommodation. This evening is an opportunity for you to eat out at a restaurant in Argentière. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 4 Swiss Walk to Chalet Loriaz and Lac d'Emosson

Today we need to remember our passports as we are walking to Switzerland! Our walk begins in Vallorcine, the valley of bears, just a short drive from your accommodation! All the bears have long since gone but this beautiful remote valley provides opportunities for excellent walking and views of the Mont Blanc range. Our walk takes us up through the pine trees to and across rivers to Chalet Loriaz, a traditional mountain refuge situated in summer meadow surrounded by the Swiss fighting cows (Race d'Herens) and chickens. Here at 2020m you have stunning views of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. After lunch we continue our walk along a lovely balcony trail keeping our heigh to reach the Lac d'Emossom look out for the chamois and golden eagles that are often seen here. Ascent: 800m Descent: 200m (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Canyoning

This morning is yet another wet day by discovering the Alps a slightly different way. Explore deep twisting gorges, rappel down cliffs, jump and slide down waterfalls, swim through hidden pools...by entering the world of Canyoning. Professional guides will give you detailed instruction and equipment to allow you to enjoy the thrills of some of the region’s best canyons. Each canyon is a unique experience. To Canyon you need to be a minimum of 12 years old, 1.5 m in height and be able to swim. Lunch today is in one of the town’s many café’s and the afternoon is then free. You may wish to shop and relax or if you are in need of more adventure we could help you organise another activity - perhaps try your hand at rock climbing or Via Ferrata? Other activities are not included. (Breakfast)

Day 6 Walk on the Tour du Mont Blanc & stay in a mountain hut

We set off for our 2 day adventure from Les Houches, enjoying stunning views of Chamonix Valley as we use the cable car to gain 900m. We cross under the Bionnassay glacier and head up to the Col de Tricot, 2120m, before a steep descent to the Miage pastures and chalet. Here we will enjoy a good rest and have time to explore this hidden valley with its farm animals, river and wonderful glacier hanging above us. In the afternoon we have a last short climb over another col or ridge to the lovely pastures of the Chalet du Truc at 1720m and this is where we will sleep the night. Our accommodation will be in a non-segregated mixed dormitory. With the sound of the cattle bells of the animals grazing outside and fabulous 360 degree views all around make staying in a high, remote mountain hut an experience not to be missed. Ascent: 700m Descent: 560m (Breakfast, lunch and evening meal in the mountain chalet)

Day 7 Walk to Les Contamines Adventure Park

After our breakfast in the chalet we put our walking boots on, and head down hill through the forest to the small town of Les Contamines where we can have a morning coffee stop. Descent: 600m

We then walk a little further to the adventure park where we can experience the ‘high life’ travelling from tree to tree through the forest, using rope bridges, Tarzan swings, Tyrolean wire slides, rope ladders, and cargo nets. The height for this is a minimum of 140cm and is designed for over 12 yrs. If you do not fall into this height category then you can do the area designed for those taller than 120cm. Thanks to a technique taken from mountain climbing and Via-Ferrata, the journey through the trees is completely secure but we do ask adults to stay with their children at all times. From here we meet our transport back to the chalet for well deserved rest and final dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Departure Day

The family package ends after breakfast. For those with afternoon or late flights there is an excellent Saturday market in Chamonix. (Breakfast)

Price

Included: Hotel or chalet accommodation at Yeti Lodge in Argentière for 6 nights, and a mountain refuge for one night. The services of local, professional guides and instructors unless otherwise stated as unsupervised. All cable car lifts, the mountain railway, valley transport and entrance & equipment to all of the activities including: rock climbing, rafting or Hydrospeed, Canyoning, adventure park, half board accommodation in a mountain hut and the hire of bikes. All meals, including afternoon tea. Please note that the hut night is non-segregated dormitory style accommodation - so sheet sleeping bags are required for this. It's most likely that we'll have our own dormitory for our group.

Not included: International flights, travel Insurance, airport transfers, Chamonix activities unless stated as included, miscellaneous personal expenses – drinks, wine/soft drinks with meals, souvenirs etc.

Minimum numbers

These trips will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 10 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run. If you have children that fall into both holidays then choose the younger category so that everyone can enjoy all the activities.

Further Information

During the week, there is a wide range of activities available, some of which are offered as optional extras. Safety is our main concern on this kind of trip and the rafting, adventure-park and climbing options are taken by highly qualified instructors. The walks undertaken on this trip are on good and well-marked trails and they are suitable for children of 8 years and upwards providing they are used to walking in the hills and uneven footpaths. Upon booking a list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided.

Accommodation

Our chalet accommodation for this week is in The Yeti Lodge in the lovely alpine village of Argentière. The chalet has a sauna, hot tub and wonderful views of Mont Blanc. The bedrooms are twin or triple bedded, so you should be prepared to share your room with one or two course participants. The group also has the use of the very comfortable lounge area which has a real fireplace, satellite TV & DVD and free WIFI. There is a secure underground car park and overnight shoe dryers in the basement.

Travel

Chamonix is easily reached from Geneva airport by transfer, train, bus or car. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Please note that this trip is run in association with KE Adventure Travel

Chamonix Family Adventures

Another successful ascent

Daddy's little girl!

Chamonix Summer Luge