Easy Hiking Chamonix, France

Imagine yourself almost face-to-face with a mammoth glacier, admiring its azure beauty, unaware of its slow downhill creep. Surround yourself in formidable snow-covered peaks from your safe village haven, cosseted in a remarkable French inn. Here hospitable local hosts/owners share with you their love of this place, as well as attractive, comfortable accommodations. Think of leisurely walks along green paths, always with views of rugged mountains; all this followed by gastronomic feasts and picnics awaiting you in Chamonix, in the Arve River-centered valley of Europe's eastern France.

Dominated by the Mont Blanc massif, Chamonix is both cosmopolitan and rural, offering quiet corners as well as a bustling energetic downtown. Glaciers of this area feed the headwaters of the Rhone, one of France’s major rivers. Man has inhabited this region for centuries, creating a system of trails and customs throughout the area. We will note environmental concerns and sustainable tourism practices as we enjoy the brisk early fall beauty of Chamonix.

Please note that the itinerary below is tentative. We are planning a diverse itinerary featuring gentle mountain walks, using trams and chair lifts to gain elevation. The order may change depending on the weather, group desires, trail conditions, and safety concerns.

Day 1: We meet this evening at our hotel in downtown Chamonix. After introductions and a trip orientation, we will have dinner together. Early arrivals may enjoy exploring our local neighborhood and visiting the Tourist Information Center to gain more knowledge about the area.

The trip begins and ends in Chamonix, France. The nearest airport is in Geneva, Switzerland, about 1 1/2 hours away by shuttle van. Geneva is a major airport and can easily be reached by flights from the U.S. or hub airports in Europe. Details for the shuttle or taxis between Geneva airport and Chamonix will be sent to approved participants, but you are responsible for your own travel arrangement. Please do not purchase non-refundable travel arrangements until you have been approved by the trip leader.

Please make sure that your passport has four empty pages for immigration stamps, and is valid for at least six months past the end of the trip -- a requirement of many countries. You are responsible for having your own passport and obtaining any necessary visas or other travel papers. Trip cancelation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended. Sierra Club now includes some medical evacuation insurance in the trip price; details will be sent to participants. The leader will send out newsletters with additional travel information and ideas of things to do in the area before and after the trip. You are encouraged to arrive at least a day or two early to help overcome jetlag before we begin hiking. It would also help should your luggage be delayed in arriving.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.