CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

8 days from GBP1,079 to GBP1,129 including flights
Tripcode: CEC

Countries Visited: France

Essential Information

Trip Profile

5 days guided snowshoeing; no previous experience required for grade B weeks, some mountain walking experience essential for C grade weeks.

Price Includes

Return flights from Heathrow or Gatwick to Geneva with British Airways, airport transfers (for group flights only)
7 nights at the Chalet Savoy
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners
5 guided snowshoe walks
Snowshoes and poles
Tour leader throughout

Optional Activities:
Guided glacier walk
Downhill and cross-country skiing
Tandem paragliding
Helicopter sightseeing flight over Mont Blanc

Accommodation

Chalet Savoy

A homely chalet run by Oliver and Elaine Ensor for over 15 years, Chalet Savoy is perched on a hillside above the charming village of Les Houches, a few miles from Chamonix. There are 8 bedrooms, all with private facilities and mountain views, and some with balconies. The chalet has a sauna/wet room, an outdoor hot tub, drying room, dining room and a comfortable lounge where we take tea and cakes in front of an open fire.

Food

7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners.

Reality Check

No previous experience required, but this week is suitable for regular summer hill walkers. Routes are decided by the leader according to snow and weather conditions.

The average ascent per day will be 500-600 metres. Maximum ascent: 860 metres. Expect 3-4 walking hours per day for a Grade B week and 4-7 hours for a Grade C week.

Grade B weeks: 27 Dec (CEC153), 12 Feb (CEC206), 04 Mar (CEC209)
Grade C weeks: 22 Jan (CEC203), 18 Mar (CEC211)

Activity details and risk of injury All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.

High Mountain Snowshoeing We have chosen to categorize this holiday as 'High Mountain Snowshoeing', which is described as using mountainous terrain, but where we restrict travel to areas considered to have low avalanche risk. However these may become higher risk areas in certain conditions that may occur a number of times through the season. There is likely to be plenty of steep terrain, cliffs and drop-offs which must be avoided with careful navigation.

Each day the leader will carefully assess the situation and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the over-riding priority being group safety. Our leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including those mentioned in the brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be unacceptable.

Normal group size and age

Normally min 1, max 12. Minimum age 18.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

Relatively full days, with 3-4 hours of physical activity, although occasional longer or harder days may be involved. Previous experience is not necessary, but you should be confident of your fitness level.

Winter Activities: It's about seeking out alternative ways to have fun in unspoilt locations, you won't find standard skiing or snowboarding breaks here.