New for 2010 BASS Chamonix are offering a guided summer walking programme in The Chamonix Valley with our qualified International Mountain Leaders (IML).

The IML is an internationally recognised qualification for leading trekking and mountaineering activities worldwide (excluding on glaciers and where climbing equipment is needed) http://www.baiml.org/. 

The Mont Blanc massif provides breath taking views and an excellent location for walking holidays for all abilities.  The sheer beauty and variety of routes here will satisfy any walker.

Whether it is for a long weekend, a special day out, or a week long holiday, we tailor a programme specifically to meet your needs.  These are just some of the options you can pick from:

Fun and Relaxation

It doesn’t have to be strenuous! There are many options that don’t require a lot of exertion. We can sometimes use ski lifts to give the legs a rest, and there is an abundance of suitable places to stop for refreshments whilst taking in the view.

Examples – walk to the famous Lac Blanc above Flegere ski resort or visit the Chalets de Miage and sample their exceptional raspberry tart!

Wilderness

“Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit”

Hiking offers arguably the best opportunity to explore the many wild, unspoilt areas that surround the Chamonix valley. It isn’t long before we are away from signs of civilisation, and tramping through lush alpine meadows, surrounded by imposing, jagged peaks.  There is also the option to spend one or more nights in rustic mountain refuges. These ‘huts’ vary in their creature comforts, but assure memorable nights far from the madding crowd.

The Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is indisputably one of the world’s classic multiday mountain treks, circumnavigating Europe’s highest peak, and taking in some of the world’s finest mountain vistas. Whether you want to take on the entire circuit (at least 10 days walking) and stay in high mountain refuges, or have our expert leaders select the finest sections for you to enjoy as day walks from a comfortable hotel base, a challenging but highly rewarding experience awaits.

Other Challenges

The Mount Blanc Massif and surrounding Alps provide some of the finest high mountain panoramas in the world. It is within most peoples’ ability to comfortably take in one of the many lesser alpine peaks in a day, for a breath-taking 360 degree view, often all to ourselves. If peak-bagging is your thing, talk to us about your aspirations (no mountaineering experience needed).

Navigation Training

Done some hillwalking, but lack the confidence to strike out on your own? Familiar with navigating in the UK, but unsure about heading off unguided in the Alps? Why not develop your personal navigation skills under expert instruction with BASS Chamonix?

Condensed into 1 or 2 days training (depending on your current experience and aspirations), you will become familiar with French and Swiss Maps, learn how to plan a safe and enjoyable alpine walking itinerary, assess weather and other conditions, and route-find successfully in all conditions with map and compass.

This could be the perfect preparation for those wishing to extend their personal hill skills outside of the UK, or prepare for an unguided alpine trek.

These trips could also be combined with an overnight in a mountain hut.

Our Leaders

Alison and Phil both hold the IML Award and are passionate about walking in The Alps, in particular The Chamonix Valley.  They are very experienced at working with groups in this environment and we are able to tailor your walk to meet your needs.

Alison Culshaw

Alison has worked on our ski instructor team for 5 years.  Recently she has been heavily involved with groups doing The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  She has skied and climbed in Chile, Peru, Canada, South Africa and across Europe.

Phil Jarratt

Phil has been living in Chamonix for 4 years and during the winter time runs his own snow shoe business http://www.british-snowshoe-tours.com/chamonix/. His enthusiasm for mountainous parts of the world has seen him trekking and expeditioning in Europe, South America, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China and Mongolia.

Kit List

Your leader will confirm with you exactly what you need before your walk but these are some items that you will most probably need.

• Suitable footwear for walking in.  This will depend on which walks you go for but out leaders can advise you accordingly.  A lightweight walking boot with ankle support will be suitable for all itineraries.

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• A spare warm layer

• A waterproof jacket

• At least 1 litre of water

• A Packed Lunch

Prices - Full Day £300, Half Day £200 (prices are inclusive up to 8 people in a group)

Any transport, Insurance or uplift required is not included. Or where a hut night is used.

Max group size is 8.