THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a small mountain town in the Haute-Savoie département in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The Alps run deep with ski history and the Chamonix Valley is at the heart of skiing. From the 1st Winter Olympics in 1924 to the birthplace of modern extreme skiing, very few places can match the pure beauty of this valley. Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and most notably the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. Chamonix borders two countries and features seemingly never-ending vertical.

Ski deep into the heart of the Alps & across multiple countries in one week. Carve turns through the infamous Chamonix Valley, from Courmayeur, Italy to Verbier, Switzerland. Drop into Chamonix’s famous 20 kilometers long off – Vallee Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi or from the Italian side of Mont Blanc, as well as the nine-kilometer long Argentière glacier off the Grand Montets. Our guides provide ski techniques, mountain safety, avalanche awareness & other skills needed in the big mountains. Learn the skills and techniques of the pros with local guides & professional athletes.

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Every morning a healthy breakfast with local ingredients will await you as we prep for the day. Lunches (not included) are enjoyed on the mountain or in local villages in each country along the way so you can sample a taste from all the areas we will visit. Experience the legendary Après Ski scene in the afternoon after skiing the best runs of your life.

There is nothing like celebrating this epic day with new friends, new memories and a cold beers at the bar while looking back up to the glaciers. Each day a new variety of flavors will leave you wanting more. We will experience the local fondue, raclette, and Savoie specialities that this region is well-known for. Enjoy a welcome and farewell dinner with the group and the rest of the dinners are open for you to explore the town and the several restaurants Chamonix has to offer.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

Hotel Les Aiglons Resort & Spa 4*
Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons is just a 10-minute walk from central Chamonix with views of Mont Blanc, Brevent or Les Aiguilles. It offers a heated outdoor pool (28 degrees celcius), and a wellbeing center with sauna, steam room, massages and beauty treatments. Each modern room at the Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons is equipped with free WiFi, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities (upon request for single rooms) and a private bathroom. The restaurant, La Table du Refuge, serves innovative cuisine for lunch and dinner. Meals and drinks can be enjoyed in the cozy lounge bar or on the pool-side terrace facing Mont Blanc. Breakfast is available for an additional charge. Rooms are Double Occupancy with the option for single rooms on request based on availability.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival Day

Fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) by 2pm where someone will be there to transport you to Chamonix. In some cases, you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 2pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

Le Grand Adventure Tours welcomes you to France! Upon landing at Geneva Airport (GVA) you will have a private transfer to your hotel. Settle into your comfortable room and get to know your new friends for the week. Tonight is your time to relax by an open fire, explore town. Steep yourself in French culture and immerse into European life.

If rentals are needed, we can arrange snow equipment for the week through our partnership with Scott Sports. We will have a selection of powder skis with touring bindings to choose from. There will also be the brand new Scott E-1 Patrol Backpack and avalanche kits available for rent for guests during the trips. Both items can be rented for the duration of your trip to save you time and money. If you wish to rent ski/snowboard equipment please let us know so that we can coordinate your rental.

Day 2 – 7

France:
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel with daily departures between 8:30AM-9AM. We’ll acclimate to the surroundings and terrain with ski runs on Le Grand Montets into the Argentière village.

Early runs are used to assess skiing ability and go over key fundamentals for safe and effective travel in the high mountains. We will prepare everyone to be confident and comfortable with the week’s upcoming locations. Daily ski destinations are decided upon with consideration of safety, weather, and snow conditions.

Lunch on the mountain is followed by an afternoon skiing some of the best terrain in France. At the end of the day let us show you the beautiful town of Argentière. Relax in one of the best après scenes in the world.

Italy:
Once everyone is up to speed it will be time to explore Italy’s Courmayeur area. Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel and prepare to depart Chamonix between 8:30AM-9AM. This amazing ski area provides a wide range of trails and off-piste options. We will improve everyone’s skills and ski ability, but most of all, have a blast!

Lunch on the mountain and ski some of the finest Italian terrain all afternoon. We end the day touring you through the beautiful town of Courmayeur, immersing ourselves into Italy’s renowned après offerings.

Savor the local cuisine nightly with the group, featuring regional fresh vegetables, meats & cheeses. Upon our return to Chamonix, make time for an evening stroll through the Village at your own pace.

Switzerland:
Ski the land of chocolate and powder filled peaks. Enjoy Breakfast at the Hotel and prepare for our daily ski departure. We will guide you through the highlights of one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland, bordering four valleys, Italy, and France. Freeride trails and off-piste areas, logging vertical on one of the best ski areas in the world.

Lunch on-mountain to recharge for an afternoon skiing sweet Swiss snow. At the end of the day let us show you the beautiful town of Verbier. Après with Swiss flavor before our return.

France Redux:
Ski the famous Aiguille du Midi. You will never forget one of the longest ski runs anywhere: 22KM down the Vallee Blanche. There will be something for everyone, from long open fields of powder to off-piste steeps around the glacier.

At the end of the day we will explore other areas of Chamonix and celebrate our week of incredible skiing. We will reassemble for a farewell dinner out in town.

Day 8 – Departure Day

Relax on our final morning, take in one last walk around the town of Chamonix. Sample another cappuccino, the wide variety of local shops, or savor an authentic French croissant. We will say our goodbyes and laugh over the great memories we shared over the trip. A private transfer will take you back to Geneva where you can spend an extra night exploring the city or begin your journey home. If you would like to spend another night in Chamonix, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements.

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour may be altered to adjust for weather and conditions. Our guides will plan the tour around the conditions to make sure you have the best trip possible.

DETAILS

BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL

PLEASE RESERVE YOUR TOUR WITH LGA & GET TRIP CONFIRMATION BEFORE BOOKING FLIGHTS.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS

You should arrive the day prior to the trip start date and spend one night in Genva. Arrive to Geneva International Airport (GVA). If you’re able to find a flight that lands the day of the Tour Start Date and will be able to meet by our 1pm pick-up time, that works as well. Flight time from the West Coast of the United States to Switzerland is approximately 12 hours and 8 from the East Coast depending on if you book a direct flight or a flight with stops.

Departure is around 9am to Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Please do not schedule your departing flight before 2pm. On the final day of the tour, we will transport you back to the airport where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the next city. If your departure flight differs from this, we would be happy to advise you with transfer and/or hotel options if needed. We can offer advice and suggestions if you need any assistance. Please give us a call or send us an email for more information.

HOTELS BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TRIP

Arriving the day before the trip allows room for any flight or luggage delays as well as gives you time to relax and adjust to the local time before the trip starts. You will need to reserve a night at a nearby airport hotel, we have provided our favorite options for you to select from:

• Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport
• Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva
• Mercure Chamonix Les Bossons
• RockyPop Hotel (Portes de Chamonix)
• Le Faucigny – Hotel de Charme

GEAR

RECOMMENDATIONS

We suggest you bring your own ski and backcountry gear if you have it. A ski with roughly a 100mm to 110mm is the best option. If you want to bring a wider pair of skis please feel free or we can rent these if needed. We highly recommend bringing or renting a touring set up as this will allow the group to really ski a wide variety of areas. (not mandatory)  Having this as a daily set up allows us to find the best snow on the resort, quick laps in the sidecountry or going a little deeper into the backcountry. There are also options for ski touring days if the groups wants. If you have a new pair of touring bindings (Dynafit, Plum, Marker, Salomon, etc) and are comfortable skiing a wide variety of terrain on them, please feel free to bring them. Always bring extra layers, good gloves, 2 goggles if you have them or extra lenses, winter clothes for after skiing and a down jacket. We will be in the mountains so bring clothes that will keep you warm in a wide variety of conditions.

SCOTT SPORTS DEMO SKIS

Through our partnership with Scott Sports we will have a selection of Scott Scrapper powder skis with Marker alpine touring bindings with skins to choose from. Skis can be rented for the duration of your trip to save you time and money.

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY GEAR

Avalanche safety gear is required on all of our tours. If you have your own equipment please bring it. We have Scott E-1 Patrol Backpacks including a beacon, shovel and probe available to rent for the duration of your trip.

ALL ABOUT FRANCE

WEATHER & MOUNTAINS

For the most accurate weather please check the Chamonix Weather Online a few days before your trip. We will guarantee you get the most out of your ski holiday as we have a wide range of activities that we can add to the trip in case there are down days due to snow storms or weather.

CURRENCY

Credit cards are widely accepted, but Amex is not always accepted. Better stick with Visa. You will need some cash – but just for casual expenses. Most things can be paid for by credit card. The currency is the EURO. It never makes sense to carry too much cash on you – anywhere. Withdrawing cash from your checking account using your US cash/debit card is usually much cheaper than converting dollar bills at an exchange desk and you will get the BEST Exchange rate. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee around 3-5%. This may be the time to get yourself a fun new rewards travel credit card that comes with “No Foreign Transaction Fees.”

Supermarket sell pre-made meals for between 3-10 Euro. Bars and cafés are the cheapest food option, cost about 9-18 Euro for a lunch special. Restaurants with table service are around 10-15 Euro for lunch and 10-20 Euro for dinner (starter, main, and drink) to start. You’ll typically find pizzas for around 12-18 Euro in a restaurant. If you’re dining out (but still trying to stick to a budget), you’ll spend an average of 25-45 Euro a day on food.

LANGUAGE
French is the main language spoken. You may hear some Italian and German as we Chamonix is near the border of Italy and Switzerland. You will find English is widely spoken all over France. It is still great to learn a few of the day to day vocabulary to be polite.

SAFETY
Chamonix, France is safe. Always take regular precautions whenever abroad to save yourself from any potential headaches that could interfere with your travels.

FAQ

Check out our General FAQs section. Here you will find answers to your general questions.

DO I NEED TRIP INSURANCE?

Trip Insurance is Not Included – We require trip insurance for all trips abroad. Protecting your trip & safety is our priority. We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations. They provide rescue and coverage designed for ski trips where other travel insurance options may not cover or rescue with skiing involved. This policy will cover you in case of any medical and personal accidents that could occur prior to or during your trip. This will also cover you if you have to cancel your trip for any reason or if your baggage gets delayed or lost.

DO I NEED TO TIP OUR GUIDES?

Gratuities for your guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7-10% of your trip price for the guide team. US Currency is preferred, however, local currency is also greatly appreciated. Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on the overall trip experience provided by our team.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS?

Contact LGA Tours via our website or telephone and an LGA representative will be in touch with you. After we confirm availability and confirm trip details, you will be provided a booking link to reserve your trip. Once you book the trip, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. In the confirmation letter you will find a link to complete your guest profile form online as well as a link to your liability release that you will need to complete. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a deposit is due at the time of booking. If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know before you go.

CAN I RESERVE MY TRIP WITH A DEPOSIT?

Yes, you can reserve your trip with a Deposit for all Multi-Day Tours lasting 24 hours or longer. If you seek to reserve a spot on a Tour more than 90 days prior to the Date of Departure, the deposit amount is $1000. For Private Group Tours the Deposit amount is fifty percent (50%) of the Tour Price. Within 89 days or less prior to the date of departure, the full amount is due at time of booking.

WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT FOR THIS TOUR DUE?

Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 90 days.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY?

Le Grand Adventure Tours cannot be held responsible for snow and/or weather conditions. Trips cannot be canceled or amended on the basis of snow and weather conditions. No refunds, reimbursements or discounts will be granted if, for any reason, client misses the tour, fails to join the tour, leaves the tour, is dismissed from the tour, or cannot fully participate in the tour. Any refunds will be at the discretion of Le Grand Adventure Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason. Travel Insurance is required on our trips to avoid the financial risks related to cancellations, involuntary early departures, medical reasons or any other travel related problems.

WHAT IS THE GROUP SIZE?

We like to guide small group tours to ensure you have a great experience. Groups are typically between four to eight people. Private groups range anywhere from 6-16 people.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Ski/Snowboard Gear:
Skis/Snowboard, boots, poles
Goggles
Helmet

Misc/Recommended:
Backpack
Avalanche Transceiver
Shovel/Probe
Touring Gear and Skins
Packable Puff
(We can assist with some gear, please feel free to contact us)

Après Clothing:
You will be in the mountains for a week so please bring warm clothing for when you’re not on the slopes.

Travel Requirements:
Current Passport
Credit card, cash and/or traveler’s checks
ID or driver’s license
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions or other medications
Important phone numbers
Proof of Travelers Insurance