Tour Overview
The Mont Blanc region justifiably lays claim to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world, and is a stunning setting for our week of activities. Both Italy and Switzerland border the Chamonix valley, making this a truly international trip. We are based for the week at the Chalet Savoy, a few minutes walk from the Les Houches world cup downhill ski fields and cross-country ski trails. From our comfortable chalet we enjoy a range of fun activities including snowshoe walking, a snowmobile excursion, cross-country skiing in both classic and skating style, dogsledding, ice skating, riding the Mont Blanc Express train and also visiting a St Bernard dog kennels. There will be time to explore the town of Chamonix and a wide range of optional activities on your free day.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Chalet Savoy, Les Houches. Today, there will be an introductory briefing by your leader.
Day 2
A half-day guided snowshoe walk. Afternoon includes cross-country "classic lesson" with instructor dividing his attentions among the group. Option for down hill skiing in Les Houches.
Day 3
A day in the neighbouring Italian Ferret Valley with stunning views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc, for cross-country skiing and all day instruction for the group. Alternatively you can down hill ski in Les Houches or Courmayeur, take a marked prepared walk in the Ferret Valley or ride the ski lift to the Hellbrunner (3300 meters) for spectacular views including the Matterhorn. In the evening you may wish to visit the indoor climbing wall in Les Houches.
Day 4
Half-day dogsled outing in the Chamonix Valley (two sharing a sled). Then a scenic ride on the Chamonix express train to Servoz where we visit France's largest St. Bernard Dog kennels. Finally an orientation tour of Chamonix, shopping time and an ice skating session (entrance and skate hire included. Option to down hill ski in Les Houches or Chamonix/Flegere or cross country ski in the Chamonix Valley.
Day 5
Free day. Many options available including downhill skiing (lessons available), further cross country skiing, self guided snowshoeing on a marked trail, glacier snowshoe walk with a UIAGM mountain guide, ice climbing, tandem paragliding, helicopter sightseeing flights over Mont Blanc, ride one of Europe's highest cable car the Aiguille du Midi, take the Montenvers train to view the "Mer de Glace", free rides on the Mont Blanc express train and local busses to Chamonix for shopping and sightseeing, visit Chamonix's sport centre with swimming pool, hamman, sauna, and gym, in door tennis, squash - the choice is endless.
Day 6
A day in the neighbouring Italian Aosta region to enjoy a morning of cross-country skiing with an instructor. Emphasis will be on learning "skate" but those who wish can continue to do "classic". After lunch an introduction into the latest hiking craze "Nordic Walking." Then a short teatime snowmobile excursion (pulling trailer- 2 km return trip) to a mountain chalet where we enjoy cake and vin chaud and can admire a stunning vista across Courmayeur to Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jurasse. Option to down hill ski in Les Houches or Courmayeur.
Day 7
A full day guided snowshoe outing normally including a stunning view of three countries and the Mont Blanc range. Option to down hill or cross-country ski.
Day 8
End Chalet Savoy, Les Houches.
