Chalet based guided walking, French Alps

As with all OutBreak Adventure holidays, we aim to offer a challenging experience. These holidays are graded either 2 Peak or 3 Peak, dependant on the week, with more than one grade available on many of the weeks (refer to Dates & prices for grading of specific weeks). The strenuousness of the walks increases with the increase in grading.

Grading: 2 Peak weeks
On the longest day, you can expect to be walking for between five and seven hours each day, ascending up to 900 vertical meters (3,000ft), which is the equivalent to climbing Snowdon via the Miner's Track. This may involve some scrambling but very limited exposure to heights. You should be used to walking all day, but you don't need to be especially fit.

Grading: 3 Peak weeks
On the longest day, expect to be on the mountain for seven to nine hours, with up to 1,200m (4,000ft) of vertical ascent, which is equivalent to climbing Snowdon on the Watkin Path. Certain walks may involve some scrambling and walking in difficult terrain (scree, blocks, snowfields, etc), including passages equipped with chains and cables. You need to be fit and a fairly regular walker, with a reasonably good head for heights.

Note that for all grades, the pace is always leisurely and we stop regularly to admire the views and discuss the environment around us. Within reasonable limits the pace will be adjusted to suit everyone within the group. Contact us to discuss these grades in detail.

The Haut Giffre
The Haut Giffre offers stunning scenery, including views across to the Mont Blanc Massif in the adjacent valley, hundreds of waterfalls in the u-shaped valley of Bout du Monde (End-of-the-World), or the feeling of being on top of the world during the dramatically named Roc d'Enfer (Hell's Rock) walk. We try to ensure that as many of the walks as possible are off-the-beaten-track, often off the track altogether!

The wildlife and plant-life
Wildlife abounds in the Haut Giffre and the chances are you'll spot Chamois, Alpine Ibex and Marmots during our walks. Birds of prey that we will commonly see include Buzzard and Kestrel, with occasional sightings of Golden Eagle and the massive Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture). The flora is no less exceptional, especially early during the season, and we'll spot numerous rare orchids, the emblematic Gentian and perhaps also Edelweiss.

Making sure everyone's happy
In the unlikely event that any guests prove to be significantly less fit and able than the majority of the group, we reserve the right to either move the guest(s) into a lower graded group, if available, or offer self-guided walks on two of the days. This will ensure that everyone gets at least two challenging days on the mountain.