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Welcome Guide (Summer)
It's not long until your Summer holiday to the Chamonix Valley with Mountain Base and Mountain Lifestyle, so to make sure everything runs smoothly, we thought we'd provide you with some useful information. Please take a few minutes to read through the information because, amongst other things, there are details of your arrival and departure procedure. If you have any questions about any of the items please contact us.
Please remember that the earlier we get the information (particularly for courses and guiding) the better. They can get booked up early, especially in the peak weeks.
Arrival and Departure - you will be met at the property by a representative from Mountain Lifestyle. Unless by prior arrangement, entry cannot be before 4pm . For any entries after 8pm (where a meet and greet is required) there will be a €20 charge which is payable on arrival.
The representative will show you around the property and can answer any questions you may have about the property. They will know about the hiking/biking areas, the best instructors and guides in the Chamonix Valley and the best places to eat and drink. They will also provide you with your lift passes if you have ordered them from us.
The representative will know your approximate arrival time, but please could you call Mountain Lifestyle (numbers below) when you are about 15 minutes away . If you are driving, this is where you begin to drive up the large viaduct into the Valley. This will ensure you arrive to a warm welcome!
Security Deposit Form - please could you give the representative the completed Security Deposit Form. This will be checked by them so please have your card with you. If you have forgotten it or could not print it off then please have your credit card details ready to complete a form that they will provide. Nothing will be drawn from the card unless there is damage to the property, to items in the property or if the checkout procedure has not been followed.
Just to clarify, all beds are to be stripped (leaving the mattress and pillow protectors) and left in a pile with the other linen, the washing up done, the rubbish taken away and the oven and hob left clean.
During the meet and greet, you will be shown where to leave the keys on departure. If you are not shown where to leave the keys please call Mountain Lifestyle when you are about to leave and they will come and collect them from you and lock up the property. Please don’t forget as we have had people who have found keys in their pockets on the plane (this is the same with car park remote controls if applicable!) You are expected to leave the property by 10am at the latest on your day of departure.
SARL Mountain Lifestyle France tel: +33 (0)450 471 627 Reuben Mob: +33 (0)634 554 389 Sophie Mob: +33 (0)618 983 958 Email: [email protected]
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Activity Page
Paragliding/Parapenting 3
Mountain Biking 3
Mountain Bike Madness & Massage duo 4
Golf 4
Rock Climbing 5
Via Ferrata 5
Ice climbing 5
Mountaineering 6
Mont Blanc Ascent 6
Hiking, Walking & Trekking 6
White Water Rafting 7
Canyoning 7
Kayaking & Rafting 8
Hydropeeding 8
Multi-Activity Packages 8/9
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Now for the Exciting Stuff……….Summer Activities
We can help arrange most of the activities for you, so please give us a ring during your stay or email prior to your arrival. We can organise any of these and more at NO EXTRA COST - THIS IS A FREE SERVICE! If not, please mention Mountain Lifestyle when you book anything as you may get a discount!
Summer Lift Passes - we also offer a FREE SERVICE for ordering your Lift Passes so that they are ready for your arrival. No queues, no hassle!
In no particular order, here is a selection:
Paragliding (parapenting)
What better way is there to experience the natural wonders of the Chamonix Valley than being 1,000m+ above the valley floor in a “parapente”?
Tandem flights (with the safety of an instructor) last from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the thermals and the take-off site. A flight will cost you from €90.
Les Grands Montets. €190 pp
Aiguille du Midi. €255 pp
Mountain Biking
Chamonix has become a magnet for mountain bikers with trails to suit all levels of ability. The Valley and the surrounding valleys are laced with fantastic, well maintained tracks. The 15-mile long valley has six separate lift systems and boasts a rideable vertical range of over 2000 metres.
As above, the lifts open in June and close at the end of September so you can limit the amount of uphill biking you have to do. There's also the year round 'bike friendly' Mont-Blanc Express train, which links Chamonix with Switzerland at one end and the Vallée de l'Arve at the other. There are two bike rental shops with excellent equipment, so hiring bikes couldn’t be easier. But due to the growing popularity of mountain biking, booking in advance is often wise.
Prices:
Free ride day with qualified guide €179 per person (bike & helmet included)
Private guide – half day (4hrs) €145 (price per guide for up to 8 people, bike & helmet not included)
Private guide – full day (8hrs) €220 (price per guide for up to 8 people, bike & helmet not included)
From the extreme downhill version to the more sedate mid-altitude tracks, the freedom offered by the itineraries around our base is almost inexhaustible. Bikes rental, transfers and lifts passes are included
Group from 4 people €145 pp.
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Mountain Bike Madness & Massage
Why not spend a few hours mountain biking on easy forest trails with wonderful views over the Chamonix valley. Taking a break from two wheels at the helipad in Argentiere, a breathtaking helicopter ride takes us right up close to the incredible ice walls of the Argentiere glacier. We rejoin your bikes close to the Lognan lift station for a beautiful downhill ride back to the Valley floor, ending the day with tea and a Jacuzzi at the exclusive Albert 1er hotel in Chamonix. Includes bike rental, guide, lifts access, helicopter, tea and Jacuzzi.
Group from 4 pers. €335 per person
Massages
We can also arrange for ‘door to door’ massage therapy in the comfort of your own properties by our qualified UK qualified Sports Massage Therapist and Aromatherapist.
Each treatment includes an initial free consultation
Golf
There are plenty of options in the region if you are interested in a golfing break. The Chamonix Golf Course is an 18 hole course (5,855m par 71) and is situated next to the village of Les Praz (under 5 minutes’ drive from Chamonix centre).
Constructed in 1934, originally with 4 holes, it was officially opened on the 20 July 1935 with 9 holes completed. 10 years later, on the 26 September 1982, it was relaunched with the full 18 holes. The course was designed by Trent Jones Senior.
Other glorious courses in the area include:
Evian 18 hole course 6,006m par 72
Mégève 18 hole course 6,100m par 72
Aix les Bains 18 hole course 5,597m par 71
Les Gets 18 hole course 5,227m par 70
Annecy 18 hole course 5,074m par 74
Warm up and practice range with a pro. Professional instruction on an 18 holes course to help you improve all facets of your game. Drinks and individual video training. Pro comments and personal correction.
Please contact us for price and more information.
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Rock Climbing
Climbing on the Mont-Blanc massif and the Chamonix Valley means warm rock, high mountains, superb granite and miles of limestone cliffs.
If you’re a novice then there are plenty of qualified instructors who offer courses from a few hours to a full week. Most instructors will provide you with all the equipment you will need – all you’ll need is a bottle of water and a strong grip!
If you are experienced, the specified routes within the valley are generally equipped with fixed bolts and therefore a 60m rope for top roping is required. The routes within the valley can provide years worth of climbing for even the most experienced of climbers, however if it’s high mountain routes you are after there’s plenty of literature we can recommend.
Prices:
Climbing School Half Day (3hrs) €49 pp (includes the safety equipment)
Climbing School Full Day (8hrs) €79 pp (includes the safety equipment)
Beginner Course (4 half days of 3hrs) €170 pp (includes the safety equipment)
Via Ferrata
Scale a vertical rock face by using cables and iron ladders. This hugely exhilarating experience is great for all the family and no previous rock climbing experience is necessary. Your high mountain guide will lead the party and ensures that everyone gets the most from the day.
Number of people from 1 to 6 according to guide ratio & itinerary, transfers, equipment and lifts passes not included.
Full day: €360
Ice Climbing
The challenge of the ice formations on the Mer de Glace and Argentière glaciers are an exhilarating experience. Harnessed, roped and wielding crampons and ice axes under the leadership and guidance of a high mountain guide, there is plenty to learn - the sensation of walking up sheer ice is unique. Discover a side of the Alps that few get to experience and the sensation of conquering this impressive terrain. Equipment, transfers and lifts passes included
Group from 4 people. €157 per person
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Mountaineering
If you want to experience the thrill and excitement of the high mountains, there are a long list of routes and itineraries, all in the company of a high mountain guide with years of experience climbing in the region. For more experienced climbers, there is plenty of literature available on numerous routes in the world’s most famous and popular climbing area.
Mont Blanc Ascent – 4,810m
The highest mountain in Western Europe was first climbed on the 8th of August 1786 by a local crystal hunter, Jacques Balmat and a local doctor, Michel Gabriel Paccard. They claimed the prize money that Horace Benedict de Saussure had offered in 1760.
It is Europe’s most popular natural tourist attraction and is now conquered by up to 200 people per day throughout the summer.
Guiding/instruction is essential as this is a mountain that is often underestimated – one guide to two clients is a must. Most guides will require you to commit to a 5-day program, enabling them to teach you the necessary skills for the climb and assess your fitness and ability to deal with the altitude.
We will happily chat through the possible routes with you and put you in touch with a guide who can tailor a program to suit your strengths. They will also happily provide you with an indication of cost (3 days course: 1 training day and 2 days climbing @ €1050 price per guide, 2 people per guide).
Hiking, Walking and Trekking
People are attracted year upon year to this most beautiful area of the Alps. There are plenty of one- day walks around the valley, so the huge glaciers, thick pine forests and breathtaking granite forms can be experienced without having to spend days away from the luxuries of a hot bath or an evening barbeque.
If exploration is your motivator then Chamonix marks the beginning of the famous Haute Route (Chamonix to Zermatt) and the Tour du Mont-Blanc (circular route around Mont-Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy).
Alternatively, why not walk on the Valley’s famous glaciers…? The environment is unique and the walks are spectacular. For this you will need a guide and all safety equipment will be provided.
Prices:
Walking on the “Mer de Glace” – half day €49
“Mer de Glace” – full day €99
Traverse the “Vallée Blanche” €99 (from 12yrs)
Traverse the “Glacier d’Argentière” €99 (from 15yrs)
Group hikes
½ day (4hrs) €20 pp (family price for 3 people @ €55)
Full day (8hrs) €33 pp (family price for 3 people @ €55)
2 day hikes (with an overnight) €159 pp (family price for 3 people @ €395)
Your private guide will help you explore some of the beautiful trails and wildlife of the valley at your own pace.
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White Water Rafting
With the spring months the melt waters swell the rivers that pass through wild, rocky gorges and the waters remain high well into summer months. The Mont Blanc region holds outstanding rafting territory. On our doorstep we have the Giffre, L’Arve and the word class Dorea Baltea. Rafting is a great team exercise and offers a vastly different perspective on the raw power of nature around us. Groups from 4 people. Equipment and transfers included.
L’Arve – Sallanches Valley
Ideal for beginners and families.
Grade: River Class 2 - 2,5 hours including 1 hr 15 mins ride
Minimum age: 6 years
Rafting on the Arve: €35 (children under 12 years old: €25)
Private boat for up to 8 people. Half day: €480.
Le Giffre – Samoëns Valley
Magnificent scenery and more challenging rafting (Every Wednesday and Thursday, June to September)
Grade: River Class 3 - 1 hr 30 mins ride
Minimum age: 10 years.
Rafting on the Giffre: €50
La Dora Baltea – Aosta Valley (Italy)
The ultimate rafting experience down one of the most famous and beautiful rafting routes in the Alps.
Grade: River Class 4 - 1 hr 30 mins ride
Minimum age : 15 years.
Equipment provided : wet suits, socks (specially for rafting), helmet, life jacket rafting on the Dora Baltea : €115 (transfer included)
Dorea Baltea: Private boat for up to 7 people. All day: €895.
Canyoning
Canyoning is an increasingly popular sport amongst those seeking an adrenalin rush. If swimming and abseiling down narrow waterfalls sounds fun, then you should give it a try. At Servoz, just a few miles from Chamonix, is "the finest canyon in the northern Alps". It is 3.5km long and of its 36 waterfalls, 25 are possible to jump. Thick wetsuits and helmets (which are provided) don’t stop all the bruising, but you’ll have a great day and definitely one to remember.
Prices:
Barberine Half day: € 95 per person
Marecotte (Swiss) Full day: €142 per person
Italy Full day: €162 per person
Group from 4 people. Equipment and transfers included.
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Kayaking and Rafting
The River L’Arve, which runs through Chamonix, and other nearby rivers provide the perfect setting for some white water Kayaking and Rafting. The routes can vary between 45 minutes and a full day (with a picnic). There are a variety of rafts and kayaks on offer, so you can choose just how extreme your day is going to be!
Prices:
Grade 2 - 45 mins Chamonix Valley €30
Grade 2 - 1hr 15 mins Sallanches Valley €38
Grade 3 - 2 hrs Samoens Valley €45
Grade 3-4 – half day Italian Dora Baltee €75 (incl transport)
Hydrospeeding
Been rafting and need a new buzz? This is white-water rafting without the raft. If you feel you need the ultimate adrenalin rush, then this is the one for you.
Prices:
1hr 15 mins Sallanches Valley €45 (min age 12yrs)
1hr 30 mins Samoens Valley €50 (min age 15yrs)
Multi-Activity Packages
JAMES BOND SUMMER DAY/ NIGHT
Come to enjoy this outdoor 4x4 driving instruction experience. Setting off from your chalet at either 08:30 am or 4:00 pm.
Transfer to Burzier (45 minutes) 4 x 4 ascent to “Tornieux”. Then, you will experience a 1 hour 4 x 4 instruction session: how to drive a 4 x 4 vehicle with a professional instructor. Lunch or dinner at “La ferme de Tornieux”, a fabulous typical mountain farm, where you will have a Savoyard lunch or dinner. Transfers and lunch or dinner included
Group from 4 adults. €184 pp. (children €40).
ROCK CLIMBING AND CANYONING (FULL DAY ADVENTURE)
This combined day is a mix of learning and excitement and a taste of several sites in the valley, always in beautiful ranges: Gaillands- Servoz - Le Chapeau-Vallorcine - la Joux or Cheserys
Professional instructors will introduce or review the fundamentals based on your experience, then adapt the climbing to your pace and skills. Then, in the afternoon, you will descend canyons, using special equipment and techniques such as abseiling and basic climbing skills. This is great fun for the whole family. Equipment and transfers included
Group of 4/6, children over 13 welcome. €145 pp.
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PENDULUM JUMP AND ROCK CLIMBING (FULL DAY UP AND DOWN)
The Chamonix valley offers a huge number of climbing areas. Whether you’re beginners or confirmed climbers, professional instructors will introduce or review the fundamentals based on your experience, then adapt the climbing to your pace and skills. After confidence boosting and rewarding climbs you’ll descend, at speed. Experience one of the most exciting extreme sports today : the Pendulum Jump. You are attached with your harness and with a cable fixed under a bridge, you are ready to Jump: Adrenalin guaranteed. Equipment and transfers included
Group of 4/6, children over 12 welcome. €135 pp.
PENDULUM JUMP AND CANYONING (FULL DAY OF EXCITEMENT AND ADRENALIN)
Pendulum jumping is one of the most exciting experiences in extreme sports today: You are attached with your harness and with a cable fixed under a bridge - Ready to Jump! Try several different jumps.
Then, experience the descent of torrents, swimming, jumping into water holes, abseiling down waterfalls - the exciting sport of canyoning. This is a moderate to difficult full day. Both activities combined will make this day full of adrenalin! Equipment and transfers included
Group of 4/6, children over 13 welcome. €155 pp.
WET AND WILD DAY
After a few hours mountain biking on gentle forest trails around the Chamonix valley, we feel you’ve earned a special treat. Our spectacular helicopter ride takes us so close to the towering peaks of the Mont Blanc massif, you could almost touch them. With our feet back on terra firma we then take a short transfer to the white water rafting base for a delicious barbeque, finishing the day with an exciting raft descent of the River Arve. Includes bike renting, guide, helicopter, lunch and white water rafting and taxi back to Chamonix
Group from 4 pers. €392 pp
Chamonix’s extensive array of activities is almost endless. I hope this helps and if you’d like any further information about any of these please do not hesitate to call/email either of us:
Reuben Mob: +33 (0)634 554 389
Sophie Mob: +33 (0)618 983 958
Email: [email protected]
Mountain Lifestyle, Chamonix Activities