Itinerary

Accommodation

Trip Information

• Covid-19 Itinerary Changes

  When booking a trip during the pandemic we ask that you keep an open mind and be willing to adapt and be flexible.

  Any holiday taken during the Covid-19 pandemic may be subject to change and with little or no notice of that change. As the past months have proven no-one can predict the situation from one week to the next, however, we will do our very best to gauge the best response to any new developments. New restrictions or guidelines might affect where we eat out, which accommodation we can stay in, and potentially transport arrangements if the numbers in vehicles are restricted. 

  Itineraries may not be exactly as advertised due to new regulations or restrictions. We are sure there will be various scenarios which we have not even thought about that might lead to a change or adaptation in the itinerary.

  Please read our Covid-19 Cancellation Policy and ensure you have appropriate insurance as per our recommendations. We also ask that you make yourself aware of the entry requirements of any country you are visiting on your trip. We have compiled a Travel Links Advice list to help you source the correct information. 

• Arrival & Departure

  Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz Valleys are easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. Annecy is 35kms (20 miles) away and Bonneville is 30km (20 miles) by road. The closest airport is Geneva, which is just 50km (35 miles) by road. 

  Buses from Annecy to the Aravis can be booked with Altus. Buses from Geneva Airport to La Clusaz bus station can be booked with Aravis Shuttle who offer several shuttles per day and boast the best price throughout the winter season. Prices are approximately 40 Euros one way and takes 1h45 and need to be booked in advance. Please visit La Clusaz Tourism Information website for more details on bus transfers.

  Please visit La Grand Bornand Tourist Information website for further transfer links.

• Insurance

  When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:

  Mountain Rescue Insurance

  It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.

  Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance

  You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable, unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.

  COVID-19 Insurance

  As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.

  Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.

  All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. 

  If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

  For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

• Winter weather in the Alps

  Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. 

  In winter the weather can deliver everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality.

  Temperatures vary depending on the month, generally December, January, and February are colder, but by March and April the temperatures are warming up and spring is on the way. 

  In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F). 

  The above figures are a general indication only as the weather can vary considerably year on year for any given month.

• Skis and Ski Pass

  The cross country ski style for this week is 'classic' technique. We can order equipment, to include skis, boots and poles in advance. Rental is usually about 15 Euros per day from the Chalet Nordic in Les Confins. Payment can be make either in cash Euros or by credit card.

  Classic style rental skis will either be fishscale or skintec bases (not skates or waxable skis). The bindings could be compatible either with Salomon SNS or NNN boots. Please contact us if you plan on bringing your own boots and would like to confirm that they are suitable for this trip.

  Please make note of any equipment hire on your booking form. We will need to know your height, weight, normal shoe size (you must give us your everyday shoe size and not your personal adjustment for wearing boots) and the measurement of your height up to your armpits for ski pole hire.

  The cost for your ski pass is expected to be 45 Euros for the 5 days and should be paid for in cash. You will need to buy a 3 day & 1 day pass for the Grand Bornand area plus a 1 day pass for the Plateau des Glieres.

• FIS Code of Conduct for Cross Country Skiers

  Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks. 

  • Respect for others
    A cross-country skier must ski in such a manner that he/she does not endanger or
    prejudice others.
  • Respect for signs, direction and running style
    Trail marking signs must be respected on any trail marked with an indicated
    direction. A skier shall proceed only in that indicated direction and ski in the
    indicated running style.
  • Choice of trails and tracks
    On cross-country trails with more than one packed track, a skier should choose
    the right-hand track. Skiers in groups must keep in the right track behind each other. With free
    running style, skiers shall keep to their right-hand-side of the trail.
  • Overtaking
    A skier is permitted to overtake and pass another skier to the left or right. A skier ahead is not obliged to give way to an overtaking skier, but should allow a faster skier to pass whenever this is possible.
  • Encounter
    Cross-country skiers meeting while skiing opposite directions shall keep to their
    right. A descending skier has priority.
  • Poles
    A cross-country skier shall make the utmost effort to keep his poles close to his/her
    body when near another skier.
  • Control of speed
    A cross-country skier, and especially going downhill, shall always adapt his/her
    speed to personal ability and to the prevailing terrain and visibility and to the
    traffic on the course. Every skier should keep a safe distance from the skiers ahead. As a last resort, an intentional fall should be used to avoid collision.
  • Keeping trails and tracks clear
    A skier who stops must leave the trail. In the case of a fall, he/she shall clear the trail
    without delay.
  • Accident
    In case of an accident, everyone should render assistance.
  • Identification
    Everybody at an accident, whether witnesses, responsible parties or not, must
    establish their identity. 
• Kit List

  When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. 

  Equipment

  We use 'classic' style cross country track skis for this trip either ‘fishscales’ or ‘skintec’. You can choose to bring your own 'classic' track skis (non-metal edged), however, do check with us first to ensure they are suitable. 

  Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental' section of the Trip Information page. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.

  • Ski ties - to hold your skis together, useful but not essential
  • Rucksack - 20 to 25 litres with waist and chest strap
  • Waist belt - this is optional and in addition to a rucksack, and only useful if large enough to take extra items you might need while skiing
  • Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry
  • Water container - 1 litre, drink tubes and bottles stowed on the outside of your rucksack usually freeze in winter
  • Whistle

  Clothing 

  • Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!
  • Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall
  • Trousers - lightweight, windproof and warm 
  • Thermal top - long sleeves
  • Thin fleece - long sleeves
  • Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 
  • Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)
  • Over-mittens for colder days can be useful
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat
  • Head/ear band 
  • Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)
  • Scarf or 'Buff' for neck
  • Socks - 2 or 3 pairs

  Comfort

  • Lip salve
  • Sunscreen - essential
  • Sunglasses - essential
  • Goggles - or Nordic Ski Visor
  • Snack bars/chocolate
  • Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
  • Anti-bacterial hand wash

  Personal First Aid

  • Personal medication 
  • Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
  • Painkillers/anti-inflammatory
  • Glucose tablets/Energy gel
  • 2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte
  • Throat lozenges
  • Antiseptic cream/spray

  Documentation 

  • Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory
  • Passport
  • Credit card
  • Cash - Euros

  Additional Items

  • Slippers for use at accommodation
  • Clothing for use at accommodation
  • Hair dryer if required 
  • Travel Kettle if required 
  • Swimwear for when sauna is available
  • Camera/ Book/Music
  • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
  • Ear plugs - if room sharing
  • Small thermos for hot drinks
  • Short gaiters for snowy days
  • Head torch - plus spare batteries 

  **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

  Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

• Group Kit

  On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

  The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

  If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

  Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

• Size of Group

  For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page. 

  We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.

• Single Supplements

  When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £500.

• Your Ski Instructor

  We go to great lengths to work with first class ski instructors who are passionate about their work. We believe we have an exceptional instructor for this week. 

  You will be with Tania Noakes, a BASI qualified Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports.

  Tania is also an International Mountain Guide (IFMGA) as well as being a BASI Level 3 ISIA Teacher.  She is a former member of the GB cross country ski-team having raced for a number of years at National level. In 2015 she lead a British Army ski-expedition which completed a journey across the European Alps. A challenging adventure of over 1000km (625 miles), with over 80,000m (262,400ft) of ascent and descent. In winter 2018 she embarked on what she calls "one of her dream journeys" to complete the classic 'Norge på langs' in winter.  A journey from Lindesnes lighthouse at the southern tip of Norway to the most northerly point, Nordkapp on the Arctic coast.  She skied this journey of 2533km (1583 miles) solo and completed it in 82 days. Tania is passionate about cross-country skiing as a means to journey through the winter mountains and as a recreational sport.  Her enthusiasm and love of the sport shines through her teaching.

• Luggage

  For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.

• Lunches

  We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills. 

  Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. 

  Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.

• Itinerary Statistics

  On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

  We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

  The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

• Currency

  It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

  On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

• Food and Water

  Food

  On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region. 

  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.

  If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.

  If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.

  Water

  The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly. 

• Passport and Visas

  A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

• Electricity and Plugs

  We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

  http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

  Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

• Health

  Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

  For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

  If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

• Care for the Environment

  We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

  You can read our full policy here.

• No Surcharge Guaranteed

  Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 

• Our Partners

  Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.

  There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners. 

  We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same. 

  We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. 

Trip Dates and Prices

Prices may vary depending on date.

2024