In mountaineering history, there are many stories of mountain men – often local guides and their wealthy clients. Stories of talented women climbers are less frequently told, yet numerous women accomplished major ascents in the nineteenth century. One of these was Isabella Straton. Born in 1838. Straton was an upper-class Englishwoman who found herself wealthy…
The Chamonix Valley needs no introduction to mountaineers as the birthplace of alpinism at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps (Mont-Blanc, for those not in the know). This article is the second in a short series, following on from our recent post on the Ecrins national park. Hikers come here to tackle…
In the first of a short series showcasing the areas we operate in, we take a look at the Ecrins massif. This range encompasses the Oisans, Briancon and Valbonnais areas. The next article will cover the Mont Blanc range and our home in the Chamonix valley. In the Southern French Alps lies a mountain paradise…
What animals and birds are you likely to see on an Alpine trek? Read on for the rundown of the wildlife around Chamonix and the western-Alps where we run our guided treks, hiking holidays and courses. The Alps are home to a huge range of wildlife, both birds and animals. Some of the best-known residents…
To the west of the Mont Blanc massif, Les Contamines ski resort makes a great starting point for ski touring. There are many possibilities here, both from the valley and from the ski lifts. The Col de la Fenêtre is a classic crossing point on the ridge dividing Savoie from Haute-Savoie. It’s often described as…
As a ski instructor, I don’t want to add too many glacier ski tours to the site. We aren’t high mountain guides at White Marmotte, so we don’t take customers onto glaciers. (This article is purely my personal view, for information only). The Col des Rachasses does deserve a mention within our list of more…
Lac Blanc is easily the most popular day-hike destination around Chamonix, perhaps the most popular in the Alps. And after a visit there, you’ll find it isn’t hard to see why. There’s the iconic panorama reflected photogenically in the waters, a refuge serving lunch alongside, plus a gondola and chairlift to take some of the…
A very pleasant day-hike, the Aiguillette des Houches nonetheless provides a stiff climb that is rewarded with a fantastic view. Like the Aiguillette des Possettes at the opposite end of the valley, the Aiguillette des Houches is also a great day hike with splendid views across the Mont Blanc Massif. This one is perhaps a…
Today, the Tour du Mont Blanc is the most popular long distance hike in Europe, if not the world. But how did it become established, and who was the first to walk it? To find the answer, we have to go back to 1767, and a man who would play a key role in the…
The trek to La Jonction is one of the toughest of the classic day hikes around Chamonix. With around 1500 metres of ascent in seven kilometres, the climb feels relentless. The rewards are some of the best up close views of the Chamonix glaciers. What’s more, you’ll be following in the footsteps of Jacques Balmat…
