Wellbeing Weekend in the Alps
Price: £555 or 715€ per person
Trip 1 – Thursday 18 September – Sunday 21 September 2008
Grade: Easy - Moderate
We are delighted to promote this long luxury weekend in the Alps which allow you to both relax and exercise in the fresh mountain air. Our unique trip is designed for those who want to get away from it all and feel fully re-charged and refreshed.
- Nordic Walk in 3 countries in just 3 days
- Enjoy views of snow capped mountains and glaciers
- Experience healthy eating in our fully catered luxury chalet
- Join our private Pilates class developed for your needs
- Unwind with a visit to the thermal baths in Switzerland
- Relax with a therapeutic massage
Our retreat is based in Chalet Les Pelerins in the stunning Chamonix Valley, France. As well as being first class accommodation this is an ideal base as Italy and Switzerland are just a 30 minute drive away. We have chosen departures on a Thursday returning on a Sunday evening. With Geneva airport just over an hour away it makes a perfect long weekend.
Each day we will spend a few hours Nordic Walking and improving our fitness but we also have plenty of time to relax and explore the area.
Day 1 – Arrival in Chamonix
We will organise your transfer from Geneva Airport to your accommodation at the Chalet Les Pelerins. We ask that you arrive into Geneva before 5pm to meet your transfer.
Chalet Les Pelerins, the pilgrim’s chalet, is situated below the imposing glaciers cascading down from the summit of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. This exclusive chalet has views that will inspire you and is the start of your relaxing retreat in the mountains. Further details on the accommodation can be found here. The chalet is only a 10 minute walk from the town centre.
Your Nordic Walking Instructor will join you for your evening meal at 7.30pm and brief you on the days ahead.
Day 2 – Italy
Our first day is spent in the beautiful Val Ferret in Italy. To get there we travel through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Here we learn and refine the techniques of Nordic Walking whilst surrounded by breath taking views. We walk through Alpine meadows and pine woods and stop for a picnic lunch at La Vachey. The mountain views, which include famous 4000m peaks and glaciers, are stunning. In the afternoon we have the chance to visit the ancient Italian town of Courmayeur for an Italian coffee or ice cream!
On our return to the chalet you can indulge in a relaxing therapeutic massage. Our massage therapist, Joy, is also your Pilates instructor and is a Chartered Physiotherapist. Having your massage prior to your Pilates class enables Joy to tailor her class according to your individual needs.
Day 3- Switzerland
We begin the day with a gentle, but energising class of Pilates. If the weather is good we will do this in the garden. Regular classes of Pilates can dramatically transform the way your body looks, feels and performs.
After a late breakfast we head along the Chamonix Valley, cross the Border into Switzerland, and drive into the mountains to the Emosson Dam. Here we Nordic Walk in an ancient landscape where dinosaurs have left their mark. We enjoy wonderful views of the big Alpine peaks that stretch far into France and Switzerland, before Nordic Walking along the lakeside where we will have our lunch.
In the afternoon we drive down through vineyards to the Roman town of Martigny. We complete our day with a relaxing visit to the famous thermal baths at Lavey-les-Bains. The therapeutic benefits of thermal spas have been enjoyed since ancient times – the perfect de-stress! For more details see their website.
Day 4 – France
Our final day of Nordic Walking takes us through Chamonix itself along the River Arve where we enjoy wonderful mountain views. We then take a cable car ride into the mountain range of the Aiguilles Rouges where we join a high level footpath.
This walk has been enjoyed by visitors since Victorian times when the ‘balconies' were a huge attraction for those wishing to enjoy views of Mont Blanc and its glaciers. Look out for wildlife such as the ibex, chamois and marmots. For those of you who enjoy flower spotting this is a fantastic chance to get up close to the alpine varieties.
We complete our circuit with a cable car back to the valley. Here we have an early dinner together in Chamonix town centre. We then return to our chalet to prepare for the transfer to Geneva. We aim to be at the airport for a 7pm check-in with flights from around 9pm. If you wish to get an earlier flight then please let us know so we can make alternative arrangements.
Price
The price is a complete package.
What’s included: return airport transfers from and to Geneva Airport, full board accommodation in a luxury chalet based on two people sharing (a single room may be available for a supplementary fee). Nordic Walking Instructor fees, Nordic Walking pole hire, cable car passes for mountain walk, Mont Blanc tunnel pass, entry to the thermal baths, a massage and group Pilates instruction.
What’s not included: flights, insurance and drinks. If you would like to stay on for a few more days then please let us know and we can give advice on the best accommodation options.
Please note that we only use fully qualified Pilates instructors and Nordic Walking Instructors who are also qualified International Mountain Leaders.
Fitness Level and Clothing
We grade this trip at an easy-moderate level. You will need to be able to walk between 2 – 4 hours per day. Upon booking we will issue you with a kit and clothing list.
Minimum numbers
This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 8 clients.
Booking
Please complete the booking form
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