The Alps
Hike, Raft, Paraglide and Mountain Bike in Chamonix Valley
Lodging
Hotel
Nights
7
Trip Details
Privately Guided
Price
From $1,870 per person
Transport
Feet, Cable Cars, Private Transfers
Experience
Journey
Based in the Chamonix valley, this multi-activity trip gathers a selection of the most scenic day-hikes around Mont Blanc & the best outdoor activities. Light day-packing, optimal guiding service and a well-adapted choice of comfortable 3 stars hotel in the heart of Chamonix are only a few great advantages this stay offers. Discover amazing day-hikes program around Chamonix with our guides who will also share their experience & knowledge about the greatest Alpinism ascent, the history of Chamonix and wildlife. Best of all, you’ll enjoy a great paraglide flight with an amazing view on the Mont Blanc range, mountain biking and river rafting!
This trip is cordinated by Pygmy Elephant and operated by Compagnie Guides of Mont Blanc.
Activities
Trekking
Guided hikes to the "Mer de Glace", Lac Blanc and Le Chapeau viewpoint.
Mountain Biking
Whether it's your first time out or you want to improve on your existing skills, we can design custom made programs to suit your rhythm: introduction ride for all abilities or technical trails.
Paragliding
Discover the Chamonix Valley from the sky, facing the Mont Blanc range. About 30 minutes in the air with your guide.
Rafting
A truly original way to discover the Chamonix valley. Join us for a gentle approach to the joys of rafting during an 8 km ride down the river “Arve”. Along the way, you will enjoy exceptional views facing the Mont-Blanc range.
Place
Chamonix is a resort town located in the Haute Savoie region of south east France. Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc, many expeditions led by intrepid mountainers to conquer Mont Blanc began here and the oldest and largest association of guides can be found here (Compagnie Guides of Mont Blanc est. 1821). Today, the valley is a base for a range of adventure activities including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, mountaineering, rock climbing and paragliding.
Itinerary
Track
Itinerary
Arrival and Welcome Drink
Welcome drink with your guide in your 3 stars hotel in Chamonix center town. Diner, Night & breakfast in your 3 stars hotel in Chamonix center. (D)
Top of the Aiguille du Midi - hiking to Mer de Glace
From Chamonix center, in only 20 minutes, you’ll reach the summits: the most famous cable car in the world will take you to the top of the Aiguille du Midi 3842m. This high-mountain area will offer you a unique 360° panorama on the whole Mont-Blanc massif, as well as on the higher Swiss and Italian summits. On the way back, you’ll stop at the middle station and have an amazing walk to the ‘Montenvers Mer de Glace’ site: The group will enjoy an ‘easy’ 4 hours walk with a break for lunch (picnic). Arriving at the Montenvers terrace, a spectacular view over the Drus peaks, Aiguille Verte, the Grandes Jorasses Mountains, and many other summits overlooking the glacier. While describing these legendary peaks, a certified Mountain Leader will give accounts of historical events and tales of our valley. The receding action of ‘Mer de Glace’ reminds us of the reality of global warming. It is a perfect place to exchange views and discuss the necessity of low environment impact. The group will take the famous train back down to Chamonix (20mn ride). (B,L,D) Overnight at 3 star Hotel in town
Paraglide flight from Planpraz – Brevent middle station
Activity = 2h in the morning & free time after that.
Discover the Chamonix Valley from the sky, facing the Mont Blanc range. About 30 minutes and the air with your guide... Exceptional panorama and guaranteed thrills! Activity in the morning or in the afternoon depending on the season. Free lunch & free diner - not included in the package. (B) Overnight at 3 star Hotel in town
Hiking to Lake Blanc & Cheserys Lake
From Chamonix center, we will take the local train to join La Flegere cable car departure, then we will take a chairlift to reach the top on the Index. Our guide will comment this breathtaking panorama on the Mont Blanc range and its glaciers. The group will start the hike across the mountain in the direction of the very famous ‘Lake Blanc’ and its refuge & ‘Cheserys Lake’. We will enjoy a nice break around these beautiful Lakes for the picnic lunch. The views on glaciers, Chamonix valley and Switzerland are absolutely gorgeous! During this hike we will be in the wildlife park of ‘Les Aiguilles Rouges’ and you might have the chance the observe Ibex, Chamois or marmots... After a picnic lunch the group will walk down to join the cable car again. (B,L,D) Overnight at 3 star Hotel in town
Mountain bike ride - Half Day morning or afternoon activity & free time.
First time out or skill improving sessions: enjoy everything about mountain biking! Custom made programs to suit your rhythm: introduction ride for all abilities or technical trails... enjoy all the advice of a professional mountain bike instructor. (B) Overnight at 3 star Hotel in town
Le Chapeau viewpoint – lunch in Mountain Inn & free time
A private transfer will be organized to join the small ‘Lavancher’ village (10mn by car). From this mountain village we will take an easy path to join the mountain Inn called ‘Le Chapeau’ from where the group will have an amazing viewpoint on the end of the ‘Mer de Glace’. We will have a lovely local lunch in the refuge before coming back to Chamonix around 3pm. (B,L,D) Overnight at 3 star Hotel in town
Rafting or Canoraft session – 2h morning or afternoon session & free time.
A truly original way to discover the Chamonix valley! Join us for a gentle approach to the joys of rafting during an 8 km ride down the river “Arve”. Along the way, you will enjoy exceptional views facing the Mont-Blanc range. (B,D) Overnight at 3 star Hotel in town
Pygmy miles
Pygmy Miles Total
Base Miles
You receive 1 Pygmy Mile for every dollar you spend with us.
Hiking Distance
Pygmy Elephant provides 10 Pygmy Miles for every mile hiked. We estimate you will hike 25 miles on this trip.
Mountain Biking
Pygmy Elephant provides 4 Pygmy Mile for every one mile biked. We estimate you will bike 30 miles on this trip.
Rafting
Pygmy Elephant provides 50 bonus Pygmy Miles for completing the rafting portion of the trip.
Paragliding
Perhaps the most challenging of all activities, we will reward you with 500 miles if you are able to take the leap and paraglide.
Total Pygmy Miles
Accommodation
3-Star Hotel of Your Choice
Chamonix City Center
Seven nights in 3-star hotel (twin or double room). Hotel will be based on availability and discussed with you prior to booking. To upgrade to a 4 star hotel, please discuss directly with Pygmy Elephant.
Practical info
When
The best time to complete this multi-sport itinerary is during the summer months, but late spring and early autumn are usually warm enough, as well.
How
Privately guided
This trip is for private groups only. You can choose the date of your departure and customize the itinerary. For example, you can add or subtract days and activities or upgrade to 4-star accommodation. This is a great trip for families and groups of friends.
Service Category
Pygmy Itineraries
This trip is coordinated by Pygmy Elephant and operated by Compagnie Guides of Mont Blanc.
Challenge Level
Technical Ability
Level : Medium
Mental Strength
Level : High
Physical Conditioning
Level : Medium
From Compagnie Guides of Mont Blanc:
"The hikes require good physical conditioning. Three hiking days on maintained trails. About 4 hours of hiking daily, minimum 800 feet of average vertical gain – maximum 1,325 feet. Good physical training and hiking experience on mountain trails are necessary. The other outdoor activities are easy, accessible to all."
Price
From 1st June to 23rd June, from 28th august to 30th September
2 people - $1,880 per person
4 people - $1,575 per person
6 people - $1,460 per person
From 24th june to 27th august
2 people - $2,080 per person
4 people - $1,755 per person
6 people - $1,645 per person
Exact pricing based on exchange rate at time of booking. Inquire for exact quote.
Base itinerary
- 7 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel, based on twin/double room
- 2 picnic lunches (days 2, 4)
- 1 lunch in a mountain inn (day 6)
- 5 three-course dinners in hotel (days 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)
- Cable cars for days 2, 4 (from 11th June to 18th September)
- Hiking guide on days 2, 4, 6
- Private return transfer Chamonix or Le Lavancher on day 6
- Paraglide flight with cable car on day 3 (30 minute flight, 2 hours of activity; includes gear rental)
- Mountain bike ride for half day on day 5 (includes guide, gear rental)
- Rafting session on day 7 (2 hours of activity; includes gear rental)
Not included
- 3 lunches (days 3, 5, 7)
- 2 dinners (days 3, 5)
- Drinks and personal expenditure
- Any expenses not mentioned above
- Transportation to Chamonix
- Repatriation & Cancellation insurance
required
- ID or valid passport
- Repatriation insurance
- Cancellation insurance (recommended, available through Pygmy Elephant)