A week in the mountains... between Leman and Mont Blanc !
Morzine is well known for its ski resort but is also part of a wider mountain range at the limits of Mont Blanc massif. The label "Géopark", awarded by Unesco in 2012, recognises the treasures of this area: wildlife, geology, history, human heritage, gastronomy, flora...
We'll discover some surprising landscapes during beautiful easy hikes. In the evening, a warm and cosy 3*hotel awaits us.
You will like
Easy hikes in a stunning and character filled mountain range
Discovering the cultural and human heritage
Wildlife, flora and geological treasures of the Haut-Chablais
A comfortable 3*hotel with swimming pool, spa and tempting dessert buffet
Accommodation with half-board formula from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day;
The road book: description and IGN maps (1 complete road book for 1 to 4 people, additional file from 5 people. Additional file: supplement of 10 to 25€);
Organisational costs and tourist taxes.
Does not include:
Lunchtime picnics;
Personal expenses (drinks, visits...);
Transfers are done with your personal car (or by line bus on certain stages only), except transfer option to ask at registration;
Cancellation assurance.
The rate is all inclusive from the meeting point to the point of dispersion.
The itinerary day by day
Day 1
Meet in the afternoon at your hotel in Morzine to check in (if you booked 5 days / 6 nights)
Day 2
COL LA BASSE AND COL RATTI (1905m)
An amazing panorama for the first day hiking overlooking the Mont-Blanc range. A flexible hike with different elevation possibilities to start the week easy. 3 to 4 hour walk / Elevation: between +350 to +600m / -250 to -500m
Day 3
LA CHAILLA RIDGES AND GOLESE PASS
Traversing through old pastures this hike takes us to a ridge (1837m) which offers a "postcard view" all over the Dent Blanche massif and one of the major Geopark spot : the "Rouleau de Bostan". Return via the Golèse refuge. 4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +/- 530m
Day 4
BISE AND DARBON LAKE
Change of valley to observe ibex between the Bise high limestone cliffs. Picnic at the edge of the emerald coloured Darbon Lake, a swim is possible for the more courageous ones! 5 hour walk / Elevation: +/- 620m
Day 5
PASS OR PEAK OF CHALUNE
Depart from the Foron pasture inbetween chamois and marmots that we can see in the near distance. Ascend to the Chalune pass and on to the summit (2116m) for those who wish. Return via the Bolire pass. 4.5 to 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: between +/- 640m and +/- 760m
Day 6
COL DE COUX AND FARM VISIT
Between smuggling and migration, Col de Coux (1920m) is full of stories... without forgetting the view over the Swiss mountains. Return via the Freterolles farm to visit their cheese production and a possibility of buying some local cheese. 4 hour walk / Elevation: +/- 520m
Day 7
End point Saturday morning after breakfast.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available. The possibility of unknown factors affecting this itinerary is possible including situations beyond our control which may change the route, timings etc.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +/- 400 to 700m approximately per day. Walking time: 3 to 5 hours per day depending on the group. Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails.
The tour with one hotel only allows you to have rest day during the week at any point.
ACCOMMODATION
5 or 6 nights in a 3-star hotel in twin/double bedroom. Single supplement on request.
Located 500m from the centre of Morzine, this hotel offers all the comfort for a week of sports and relaxation: a large living room with warming wood fire, spa with sauna, jacuzzi, indoor heated pool and a cosy bar. The hotel is also a food lovers heaven with a large menu of local dishes.
The village centre is within easy walking distance with a large selection of shops and an outdoor ice-rink. Weekly cultural events include: a visit to the sawmills in Morzine old town, the slatemines or the local cheese makers producing tomme, reblochon and abondance. Morzine also offers a lively après-ski nightlife with wine bars, pubs, open air djs, clubs....
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided at your hotel. Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader, comprising a variety of a healthy salads and local products. Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
MAPS
IGN Top 25 - 3528 ET Morzine and 3530 ET Samoëns
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet at the hotel Alpen Roc in Morzine to check in.
BY TRAIN
Departure from Paris Gare de Lyon, arrival in Thonon. Then bus Thonon>Morzine, and 10 min walk (or free shuttle) to your hotel.
Return journey : Bus Morzine>Thonon. Then train Thonon > Paris.
Timetables must checked with SNCF.
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches (0,4 ~ 0,5L)
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
7 Days
Self-guided
With baggage transportation
Hotel ***
Level ** 
From 710 €
