CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Louise Bottomley

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written March 2011

  We'd been to the Chalet Savoy on a previous summer trip (9 years ago), so it was great to be back in winter (despite the lack of snow lower down). Great accomodation, lovely hosts, fabulous food, just a bit disappointing that it wasn't that snowy - but not much you can do about the weather! (although we still managed to walk in snow-shoes nearly the whole time we were out) 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The walk up from Le Buet - a lovely sunny day, and great views from the top. Fantastic lunchbreak taking in the view and eating a great packed lunch.

  Best part of the walking in general was coming down the steeper slopes that had plenty of snow on the them - zero points for style and technique, but a lot of fun!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Oliver is great - full of knowledge about the area. He always knew the best places to go for the best conditions - there were only a couple of short periods when we needed to walk without snow shoes.

  He is very safety conscious and good at keeping the group together, and making sure everyone knew all the dos and don't to make the trip run very smoothly.

  Loads of info on what could be done on the day off.

  And we loved his jokes!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Snow shoeing is quite hard work - I noticed the extra weight on my feet, but maybe that's because I was doing it wrong!

  The group did have to stick together and walk "in convoy" rather than the "every man for himself on the mountain" approach that we've had on other Exodus holidays - I'm sure this is because it's winter and it's nowhere near as obvious where the path is / there's lots of different routes you can take in the snow rather than in summer / easier to hurt yourself, but if you don't like sticking together and walking at the pace that the leader sets then this might not be the trip for you.

  We did get all sorts of weather - scorching sunshine, cold winds, snow, and rain as well - so for once just about everything in the rucksack got used at some point.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Chalet Savoy is a lovely place to stay - Elaine's cooking is fantastic - somehow 8 of us managed to finish off a massive cake each afternoon (after a hefty lunch which included more home-baking), and still have room for a big 3 course dinner each evening. Our room was really comfy with a fantastic view, and we miss Nog the cat! So it's a lovely place to go on holiday even if you do get iffy weather!

   
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  sue atkinson

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written February 2011

  This trip was just what i needed for a winter getaway - birght blue skies, wall-to-wall sunshine, cosy warm chalet, excellent home cooking and baking, great walks, scenery, brilliant guide and a fantastic group - not to mention the extras including a hot tub , cake every day, log fire.....  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Every day had brilliant views and excellent photo opportunities. Even though there had been no snow for a month Oliver always seemed to know where to take us to benefit from some great walks and he always managed to find us the sunshine - much appreciated!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Oliver was calm, professional, knowledgable, laid back and kind. You did feel very well looked after as he had so much experience of the area. His bad jokes are really that bad - but funnily enough by the end of the week they were kind of a bit infectious and we found us a group starting to come out with some just as bad.....

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Just book it and enjoy......

  Couple of practical things:

   Take some flip-flops or light outdoor shoes to run from the chalet to the hot tub!

  A flask is a good idea for the outdoor picnics

  If oliver can organise at such short notice, you might be able to do some dog-sledding on your free day. Four of our group went and it was absolutely briliant - the dogs were adorable!  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A top class holiday, the only slight criticism is that occasionally we had to walk on ice rather than soft snow just because of the total lack of recent snowfall in the area. Nothing anybody could do, apparently the mild weather they had been experiencing was very unusual.

  A big thankyou to the lovely elaine - can definately see why oliver married her, ha ha. Her cakes are amazing and were the perfect end to a days walking!

   
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  Gerard Neilan

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written January 2011

  A lovely trip which was exactly what we were looking for, some great treks up to 2000M with some absolutely stunning views. This was the grade C week and was challenging at times as specified in the booking, which was exactly what we wanted. The whole week was full of picture postcard winter views.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of our first big mountain /hill on the second day in Switzerland and looking at the stunning views of the valleys way below us and the peaks above us. Made the long trek up all worthwhile.

  Also sitting in the hot tub outside at night and looking up at the alps under moonlight was an amazing sight. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Oliver knew his stuff very well and you could tell his alpine knowledge and experience was vast. He changed things on certain days to suit the prevailing weather conditions to ensure the group remained safe at all times but also took the most appropriate stunning routes. On one day he decided the difficult trek we would have done would be dangerous due to ice on the slopes on the mountain behind the Chalet so he took us on another trek into a beautiful valley in the shadow of Mt Blanc which was part of the grade B tour. This inspired confidence in that the group knew their safety would not be compromised as the Alps are clearly an environment where you should not take silly risks as you would put yourself at serious risk.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure for the grade C week you have either a decent level of fitness or being a competent summer hill walker as the grade C week certainly was not a walk in the park physically. We did 5 full days snow shoeing over six days which was an enjoyable challenge.  I would imagine the grade B week would also involve a need for some fitness too.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Chalet is certainly a warm, cosy homely place which was a welcome retreat after the end of each long day. There was a big well received cake baked by Elaine for us at the end of each day. Elaines cooking was excellent and both she and Oliver were very friendly. Be prepared to endure Olivers long list of christmas cracker jokes however.

   
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  gwen lewis

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written January 2011

  I've been on snowshoeing holidays before and know that for a perfect week you need the environment, the weather, the snow, the accommodation, the food, the group and the guide to be good. This was such a week. It was superb. To think it was all run by two people - Oliver and Elaine -  is incredible! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were several: walking up through lovely quiet valleys such as Lavachey and Bionnassay.Views from the peaks we climbed to - 360 degrees of big mountains spanning three countries sometimes. A bit of adrenaline rush climbing a steep little hill and descending the other side. Sitting in a hot tub in the early evening looking at the majestic  peaks above Chamonix with their ice shining in the moonlight.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Oliver was a superb guide. He chose excellent places to walk in to make the most of the snow conditions. He was very knowledgeable about the area, having lived there for some time, and he imparted his love of the environment. He set a steady pace and we had good full days leaving us feeling we deserved the cake by the time we arrived back! He was professional and courteous.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Ring the office before booking This was a challenging week (as opposed to moderate) but some people didn't know that as they had booked online.

  Also as temperatures last week fell from 13 to -8 I wished I'd taken a small flask to have a hot drink rather than my cold water.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A holiday I would do again very happily.

   
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  Sue Bayliss

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written February 2010

  Making fresh trails through deep snow away from the crowds, beautiful views, the satisfaction at completing the climbs and then the fun of descending. Oliver and Elaine looking after us so well. This was my first snow shoeing trip and I can't wait to go again. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Exploring a wonderful area on snow shoes.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Oliver is very experienced and works hard to ensure the group get the most from the week, whilst ensuring everyone's safety. His local knowledge means he knows the best walking options each day based on the conditions and gives you a range of different walks throughout the week. He made all the walks really enjoyable, although I don't think the jokes have improved (see previous comments!)

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read the trip notes for info on kit needed and activity levels. On the grade B week you'll be ascending & descending between 500m and 600m a day so you need to be reasonably fit. Enjoy it!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Chalet Savoy is a very comfortable and welcoming place to return to each day, especially to find one of Elaine's home made cakes waiting for you after each walk and of course there's also the hot tub and sauna.

  Snow shoeing is easy to pick up, but if like me you don't master it straight away, falling over in soft deep snow is all part of the fun!

   
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  John Midwinter

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written February 2010

  I love snowshoeing and the mountains in winter and as someone over 70, find it to be something I can do on equal terms with others 40 years younger. But I felt the accomodation standard on this trip was well below that, say, on the Dolomites or Rondablikk, ones that I have also enjoyed, and I also felt that at times the grading of "moderate" as defined by Exodus rather underestimated the effort required. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I suppose it is always the thrill of a new snow-filled vista opening up as one emerges from the trees or crosses a ridge. And in general, the pleasure of being in the mountains without the encumbrance of downhill ski equipment or the necessity for massive machines (ski-lifts) to deliver one there. And then linked to that, the peace and beauty when one arrives, without the worry of a mad skier hitting one at 70mph!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  My personal view on this specific trip was that he did not adequately consider the needs of his clients, in stark contrast to the leaders on the other Exodus trips I have been on.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you enjoy walking in the mountains in the summer, then you will love snowshoeing in them in the winter and apart from extra clothing, need nothing else by way of fitness or training. I have recommended these holidays to several (retired) friends and they have all enjoyed them.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I have always found the Exodus office very helpful.

  Exodus Response

  We are sorry to read that Mr Midwinter was unhappy with some elements of the trip and appreciate his feedback. We rarely receive comments about the grade being incorrect for this snowshoe trip and feel that the level is accurately described in the trip notes. The accommodation he enjoyed in Rondablikk and the Dolomites are 3 and 4 star rated hotels as opposed to a chalet. The Chalet Savoy itself is perhaps not the most modern but we do feel it offers a homely charm which most guests enjoy. Our leader, Oliver Ensor has been guiding trips for many years and is use to looking after groups with varying abilities. He consistently receives top reviews, which can be seen here and on both the Mont Blanc Winter Activity Week (CEB) and Mont Blanc Highlights trip (TWN) trips.

  
  

  - Exodus Staff

   
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  Sally Ann Pedlar

  CHAMONIX SNOWSHOE

  

  Written February 2008

  A beautiful area and superb location with a real family feel. Oliver and Elaine looked after us so well and the walking was great. Sitting in the hot tub by night looking up at L'Aiguille du Midi and the rising moon takes some beating! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The feeling of awe on the Mont Blanc Glacier at 3,000 m, looking across to the Matterhorn and feeling very small. There were so many superb landscapes throughout the holiday and the weather was beautiful - sparkling snow and laden trees.

  I really did love the hot tub outside - such a treat at the beginning and end of the day - looking at the changing sky and peaks all around.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent, very professional and great fun. Endless store of corny jokes! He really did his best to look after us all with our differing abilities. So on the day we came back early due to weather he offered a mini walk to the keenies - which turned into 2 hours and was rounded off by a visit to a very elegant new hotel! Impressed by his knowledge and attention to detail - like the avalanche equipment and training.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Its a great holiday if you like walking, but be aware its fairly strenuous and you need to be reasonably fit

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I really love snowshoeinging - have tried and failed skiing - no sense  of balance and hate slipping and sliding but I feel really good on snowshoes - so just want to keep doing more . Please keep these holidays going and add more.

   But I could well return to Oliver and Elaine's confortable home with open fire and homemade cakes and of course the hot tub!

   

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