Alps Travel Guide

Trekking in the Alps

• Which airport do I fly to for my trek in the Alps?

  Our treks in the Alps all start in the French resort of Chamonix and we recommend you fly to Geneva Airport (GVA). Transfers from the airport to your hotel in Chamonix are included in the cost of your trip. The transfer time from Geneva Airport to Chamonix is roughly 1hr 15mins  (99km). 
  

• What can I do in the Alps?

  The Alps are known for the wide variety of outdoor activities available in incredible surroundings: 
  

  - Hiking and trekking - particularly the famous Tour du Mont Blanc
  

  - Mountain biking in the likes of Morzine, Samoёns and the Grand Massif
  

  - Kayaking the bouncy glacial rivers
  

  - Skiing in one of the many resorts, or ski touring through the snowy peaks
  

  - Climbing both sport and multipitch routes
  

  - Canyoning down deep gorges
  

• What should tourists know about the Alps?

  The Alps are the place to go if you are looking for outdoor adventure in a beautiful setting. There is a reason why they are given the glory of being the ultimate hiking destination. However, don't be fooled by the quaint towns and villages, these mountains are an undertaking, even for those who are fit and strong! Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc involves 1000m of ascent and descent, day after day and you should be properly prepared for this. 
  

• Where is the best scenery in the Alps?

  The Alps has incredible scenery wherever you go. Any area up high in the mountains will give you breath taking views and stunning pathways that traverse along the hillsides. As far as towns go, Chamonix has it all, the epic scenery, the quaint alpine feel and the bustling atmosphere. Over in Switzerland, Zermatt also is a mecca for unrivalled views, with a backdrop of the Matterhorn you can't get much more iconic. Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc or Haute Route will allow you to experience the Alps from many different viewpoints, only seen by those willing to take on the challenge. 
  

• How fit do I need to be to do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

  There is a lot of steep ascent and descent on this trek, so your legs will be getting a good workout. If you are comfortable walking for 6-7 hours with an ascent of 1000m then you are certainly fit enough to succeed on the Tour. Think of it as climbing Snowdon or Ben Nevis every day for six days! If you can do this then there is no reason why you can't make the entire Tour du Mont Blanc.
  

• Is climbing Mont Blanc dangerous?

  In short, yes. The Gouter Route involves steep scrambling over rock with fixed ropes and exposed ridge lines and on certain sections there is a serious risk of rockfall. In recent years, rockfalls have become more frequent and severe and it is becoming increasingly unsafe to operate climbs on the mountain. It is for this reason that we have decided not to operate the climb.
  

• What is the difference between the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc and the Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc?

  Both itineraries follow virtually the same route around the Mont Blanc massif, albeit in opposite directions. The Classic is the tour that is most commonly followed and uses traditional refuge accommodation. On this trip, you will be trekking for 7 consecutive days with an average trekking distance of 18km per day. We have designed the ‘Best Of’ tour to lower the trekking distance (averaging around 14km per day) and provide more comfortable accommodation. You have 5 trekking days with a rest day spent in the beautiful town of Courmayeur where you will travel on the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car in the morning then have the afternoon to do as you please.
  

• Do you include airport transfers on your Alps trips?

  Transfers between Geneva Airport and Chamonix are included on on your scheduled arrival and departure days only on the FULL version of our trips in the Alps. LITE trips do not include any airport transfers. 

• Can I store my luggage in Chamonix whilst I'm trekking?

  All hotels will offer secure luggage storage but many charge a daily fee for this (between 2 and 5 Euros per day). If you have booked a LITE trip, please remember that accommodation is not included at the end of your trek, if you want to store luggage, you will need to speak with your hotel or arrange storage at one of the many storage lockers that are available to hire in Chamonix.