Self-guided
Chamonix treks 2025
Trekking
in stunning scenery in the Mont Blanc massif
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| Self-guided
Chamonix trekking holiday |
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Self-guided
prices |
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Self-guiding
is a rapily growing market, but
for those who have not come across
the concept before, it couldn't
be simpler. You guide yourself
and all the logistics are arranged
for you. In other words there
is no guide or group leader, but
we organise all the boring bits
so you don't have to; route information,
maps, hut bookings etc. You get
the advantage of walking with
your friends, at your pace, rather
than as part of a group. |
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We
are the only operator to offer
self-guided Chamonix treks, who
has an logistics team in Chamonix,
where you check in and are given
a full briefing by one of our
guides. This base is an essential
resource for you, in case you
need to change hut bookings or
any part of your itinerary. It
is there, with a 24 hour emergency
number, to support you throughout
your trek. This level of support
is not possible from others offering
self-guided from the UK... |
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During
your briefing in Chamonix, you
are given a map (for you to keep)
of the area you trek in. We provide
you an original copy of a map
with similar detail to Ordnance
Survey in the UK. As well as this
you are provided route cards for
each stage of the trek, and these
are key navigational aids, as
well as providing lots of details
of the sights and peaks you will
see along the way. |
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We
consider that the detail and accuracy
of our routecards are a key selling
point for our self-guided treks
as they have been meticulously
researched and produced by our
guiding team. The routecards are
waterproof and also detail emergency
escape routes, local numbers,
and key information about the
route. You must note that these
routecards used on self-guided
treks are suggestions, and that
should you opt to alter any section
of the route, you would be operating
outside the remit of the Icicle
holiday. You are totally responsible
for your own safety on self-guided
treks, as there is no guiding
element to the package. One set
of routecards, maps, etc is provided
per group, so that you have everything
you require, but aren't carrying
excess kit. |
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Prices
of self-guiding Chamonix treks.
This self-guided trek involves
5 days trekking, and 2 travel
days (7 day holiday). The prices
are as follows: 1-3 people = £199
in total, and for 4-6 people =
£299 in total. Please note
that these prices are NOT per
person, but in total. |
| Inclusions |
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Booking
of the B&B valley accommodation
of your choice in your name. |
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New map(s) of the route, for you
to keep even after your trek is
finished. |
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The detailed Icicle route information
cards, so you know where to go. |
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Language
cards with key phrases, so you
can communicate confidently. |
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Emergency
procedure and mountain rescue
card, in case of an incident. |
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Local information sheets, with
details about the region and key
sights. |
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Briefing
on arrival about the route and
kit to take, from a UIMLA guide. |
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24
hour in-resort emergency contact
support through our Chamonix team. |
| Exclusions.
Travel to Chamonix, all accommodation
/ food / lodging costs, activities
& travel insurance, equipment
hire, all other costs as required
such as valley transport via bus
or train. |
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It
is a popular feature for self
guided groups to opt to be guided
for a couple of days near the
start of their trek, so that the
leader can advise them on the
route, and ensure that their navigation
skills and equipment selection
is correct for the rest of the
tour. The cost of guiding is from
£200 per day. |
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How
to book a self-guided
trek?
Our
itinerary can start on
any day that you choose,
so decide what day you
would like to start your
trek, and get in touch
with us by e-mail. We
will then upload a private
self-guided trip onto
our online booking system,
that is in your name,
and then you can book
and pay securely online.
You receive an immediate
e-confirmation and equipment
list to help you start
packing, as well as an
Alpine Courses Booklet.
You receive your trip
detailed itinerary and
walking notes etc in Chamonix.
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Price:
£199
  1-3
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| Price:
£299
4-6
pers |
| Note
that these are the total prices, NOT
per person.
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| Trip
daily itinerary |
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Day
1 -
Travel out to the Alps and Chamonix
to arrive for full briefings on kit
and accommodation. Night spent in
Chamonix.
Day 2 - Cable car to the Plan
d'Aiguille, then trek across to Mer
de Glace via Signal, and down to Chamonix
for the night.
Day 3 - Train to Montroc then
trek over Aiguillette des Posettes,
to reach Col du Balme. Cable car or
trek to Le Tour. Return to Chamonix
for night.
Day 4 - Train to Montroc then
hike across Aiguilles Rouges via Lac
Blanc to Flegere or Planpraz, then
descend for the night.
Day 5 - Hike from the village
of Vallorcine to Chalets de Loriaz
and into the Berard valley,
before descending to Le Buet, and
back to Chamonix.
Day
6 - Cable car up to Brevent, then
hike to Col du Brevent and across
to Moede Anterne, before descending
to Servoz to catch the train back
to Chamonix
for the night.
Day 7 - Breakfast then depart
back home.
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| When
is the best time of year to travel for Chamonix trekking |
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The
best season is from mid June until mid September.
In the first few weeks of the season, there is a
greater chance of extensive snow patches on the
high passes, and this risk also exists for the last
couple of weeks of season too, as the Autumn snows
may start early (though generally not). |
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For
these reasons the July and August period is generally
the best for conditions, but you have to counter
that by pointing out that it is also the busiest
due to holidays. Also in the key two months it can
be hot, and afternoon convection thunder storms
are more frequent, but generally in June and September
it is slightly cooler, especially at the end of
the season with shorter days. |
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If your snow skills are good then consider dates
in June, otherwise July to mid September is better.
If you are worried about the conditions, we really
cannot stress enough that you should opt for a guided
trek, as we have never had a guided group to date
that has failed to complete this trip due to weather
or conditions. |
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Got
any questions?
We are sure you have, and have spent a while producing
a very detailed questions
& answers page.
Just click on the link, and the page will open in
a new window for you. However, please do note that
this page is for self-guided groups, and we obviously
expect a good level of self sufficiency from those
undertaking this method of trekking. If any of your
questions ring alarm bells, we'll let you know ;-) |
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Will
the self-guided Chamonix trekking option suit you?
Many people contact us about whether the self-guided
option would suit them in terms of experience. All
we ask is that you feel confident in the following... |
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Navigation
in poor visibility, such as dense cloud /
snow, or even in the dark. |
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Security
on steep / loose ground in terms or personal
ability and the group. |
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Language
skills in case of an emergency, or for day-to-day
communications. |
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First
aid training and medical awareness, especially
of altitude sickness. |
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If
you are unsure at all about any of these points,
consider a guided trek. |
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