Cross-Country Skiing: Chamonix, France

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 7 reviews.

Heidi Darley

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written February 2012
A great convivial Chalet Party ambience -- with a lounge ( TV, Computer, WiFi and that DVD "The Mountain"(1956) with Spencer Tracy!!) and kitchen with log fire and provision of tea/coffee/ dilutes ( even steaming hot mulled wine one day) . A great format to be driven by the owner = leader "door to loipe and back" every day, instead of having to head for busstops and catch connections. If one did not want to use the ski/wax room, the skis could be left in the van -no lugging! And excellent food throughout
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Happiness: the fellowship and camaraderie and sharing and exchanging between/amongst the leader and the group and the on-going technique fine-tuning and engaging the body
What did you think of your group leader?
5 Gold Stars ---Our group leader took us each day to a different area , all offering a choice of colour-coded (mostly circular and running failrly parallel to each other ) loipes (green, blue, red, black), so that skiers could chose -- as differing experiences invariably exist in a group -- and our leader was always around offering technique training and tips. One day several loipes were closed for a race, and the local knowledge of the leader ensured we transferred smoothly to another option. We had expert tuition and guiding throughout, and as the leader had an inexhaustible repertory of anecdotes and 'intelligent' jokes , he made the week real fun, was highly professional and awesomely experienced.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring a bathing costume and enjoy the hottub at the end of the skiing day - towelling ponchos are provided, walking barefoot through the snow to the tub proved s a lovely sensation -
on our off-day the leader put me in touch with the skischool where a guide led a snowshoe tour which made another happy memory
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our leader's wife Elaine created wonderful meals throughout, and packed us very tasty, filling lunch parcels every day - the local baker who bakes that amazinbgly tasty French Bread deserves a mention here as well. On our arrival back at the Chalet, there was always one of Elaine's freshly baked large cakes by a blazing log fire in the open plan kitchen/lounge awaiting us - and the kettle was soon humming
Helen Stephens

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written February 2012
Chalet Savoy was very comfortable and Elaine had no problem dealing with a vegetarian. We had great snow and the mini bus meant we got to visit a different ski area each day. Oliver local knowledge meant he chose each day's venue according to the weather conditions ensuring there was somewhere warm for lunch especially as the temperatures dropped as the week progressed. As usual a good mix of people on the trip and lots of comparisions of other cross country skiing trips we had done.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
When we finally got some blue skies to go with the great snow and could fully appreciate the mountains.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver took us on some nice trails and also helped us to improve our technique. Even some of his jokes were quite good! Both he and Elaine looked after us very well. He was really good with one memeber of our group who had never skiied before.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You will have a good time; take your slippers as outside shoes are not worn in the Chalet but Oliver and Elaine have plenty of spares. WiFi conection was excellent so a good place if you need to stay in touch with work.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Chalet is a home from home especially with Pebbles the cat and Dylan the dog. Elaine's cakes are not to be missed and so easy to justify after a day's ski-ing
Elizabeth Parvin

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written February 2012
Cross-country skiing is usually good but this holiday was made so much nicer by the friendly welcome we received from Oliver and Elaine. The Chalet Savoy is warm and comfortable and we felt very much at home right from the beginning. Oliver took us out in the minibus to some excellent skiing areas and we came home every day to tea and freshly baked cake. This was followed by a lovely evening meal cooked by Elaine. At lunchtimes we had excellent sandwiches and – you’ve guessed – more cake! Most days we were able to eat this in a ‘salle hors sac’ or a café that did not mind having us – we were not too keen on eating out of doors as we had a very cold week!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hard to say, but probably the first day when I got back on skis for the first time since an accident last year and realised I could still do it. Oliver was very encouraging and did not mind my 'chickening out' on one or two rather scary-looking bits!
And am I allowed to say the hot chocolate in Val Ferret?
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic - excellent knowledge of the area and very helpful with the skiing technique. He took us to the right places depending on the weather/availability of warm cafes etc. etc. Then there were the awful jokes and the 'compulsory' viewing of Spencer Tracy in 'the Mountain'!! It all added to the very pleasant atmosphere.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Going by train is very easy - Paris to Geneva on the TGV is a great ride and one can then get to Geneva airport in less than 10 minutes to meet the rest of the group We added a night in Paris at each end of the holiday - highly recommended!
As others have said, take slippers, swimsuit, 'spikies' for boots if it is very cold, and thermos for the occasional days when you have to eat outside. And don't forget to take your sense of humour ready for the jokes!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had one day off and there was plenty of choice on what to do – some went downhill skiing, others snow-shoeing or shopping in Chamonix. Three of us went up the mountain on a fantastic little train and into an ice cave in the glacier.

Very small criticisms: the heating in the minibus was definitely not up to the job, and the dining room was rather dark. But, against that, the homely atmosphere (with our own kitchen area) was great and the bed was so comfortable.
Timothy Mason

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written February 2012
This holiday allowed us to access absolutely superb skiing. The scenary was stunning with fantastic snow.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views from all the daytrips. Most of our skiing was done at altitude in sunshine and clear blue skies.If you think dobbiaco is unbeatable for scenary, believe you me this is slightly better.
What did you think of your group leader?
Absolutely top class. Oliver is a legend, Tommy Cooper on skis, or is it Bruce Forsyth?
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You must remember to let them know if you are a vegetarian or have a gluten intollerance. There is plenty of meat and bread
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is no choice of daily menu. Also no fizzy soft drinks are available in the Chalet. Some people might find this a disadvantage
Alan Thornton

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written January 2012
Excellent range of cross country skiing areas within an hour's drive or less from the Chalet, mainly in France but one in Italy. All were very well prepared and signed, and some offered relatively challenging track skiing. If the weather is kind - which it was for us - then the views of Mont Blanc and other local ranges as you ski are stunning.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Skiing on the fringes of the tree line above Les Saisies one day, and above Praz de Lys on another, with cloudless blue skies and superb views of Mont Blanc.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver has very good local knowledge, and put together a good programme for the week. He organised the skiing effectively for a group whose demands varied: some people wanted to develop their skills and be led around the domains, others wanted to explore on their own. That is not always easy to achieve, but Oliver did it well.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Footwear that grips in icy conditions is highly desirable, whether it be designed as such or achieved by fitting spikies. And take a head torch if you want to see what you are eating in the evening - the light bulb in the dining room struggles to illuminate the corners!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Remember this is a homely, small chalet rather than a hotel, and adjust your expectations accordingly. Also, to take advantage of the more distant ski areas can mean long days, and not all the domains have cafes at convenient points for lunch; simple picnic lunches (provided by the chalet) can be the order of the day, and so you may want to take a flask for a hot drink.
Martyn Cribb

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written January 2012
A brilliant week with excellent snow, sunshine all week and a guide -Oliver - and host - Elaine - who excelled themselves giving us a great week. Cross-country skiing to challenge the best with a wide variety of tracks and locations.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Fantastic views of the Mont Blanc Range with 100% clarity and extensive skiing.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver was tireless in his efforts to make the holiday a great event. His organisation was excellent and he made sure that we always got the best out of the daylight hours. At pains to help us improve our skiing he always sought ways to help and inspire us. He has a wonderful sense of humour, is quick witted and was never lost for words. Highly qualified and intelligent he is simply one of the very best guides we have had.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared to throw yourself into this great experience. The fitter you are the better but enthusiasm is everything and a sense of humour to match Oliver's a great asset.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a great value holiday where Oliver and Elaine combine to make the holiday really memorable. Great skiing, super food, excellent company and a warm and comfortable chalet make for a wonderful holiday.
Caroline Merrifield

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: CHAMONIX

Written January 2012
A brilliant week with perfect weather and snow conditions, and magnificent scenery.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We went to different areas to ski each day, all very beautiful. Snow ploughing down hill and round bends was such fun.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver was a good and extremely hard working leader, and attentive to the wishes and needs of the whole group. He was good fun to be with, with his extensive repertoire of aweful jokes.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The chalet is warm and comfortable in a homely sort of way. Its a completely different atmosphere to being in a hotel. I loved it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Elaine fed us extremely well with good breakfasts and enormous packed lunches with delicious cake. After a long day's skiing we were welcomed back to the chalet with bread, tea and more cake, then tasty 3 course dinner. Very good value!