Walking, Nordic Walking and Hiking Activities
The Giffre Valley and its surroundings are a paradise for walkers. There are walks to suit all abilities from beginner to completely expert where you need crampons and climbing equipment. There is no other word for it but the scenery is stunning - waterfalls, alpine flowers, lakes, glaciers...
There are 900 kms of marked walking tracks across the Grand-Massif. Walk from the chalet straight up into the mountains or you can go on your own or on a guided Trek (some have pack donkeys) and stay in a refuge high in the mountains. Several guided walking adventures from Nordic walking to nature walks from a few hours to a couple of days.
We have enjoyed some fantastic walking in the mountains and stayed at the numerous refuges. The refuges range from very basic to more luxurious. In the luxury ones you get your own room and there is a long menu. In the basic ones accommodation is dormitory style and the menu is short and basic. There are so many walks which are signposted and the views are mind blowing. We can give you first hand details - so please phone to discuss! We have lots of photos below in the walking photo gallery.
There are 4 ski lifts open in summer to take walkers and mountain bikers up to the plateau above Morillon, Sixt, Les Carroz and Flaine. This can make the uphill bit a bit easier!
Lots of other activities that you can combine on your walking holiday:
All mountain climbing activities including a Via-ferrata (metal cables) ideal for those who want to try climbing.
Caving - explore the deepest cave in the world.
Golf courses with stunning views,
Horse Riding and horse riding treks into the mountains
Fishing in the rivers or in numerous lakes.
‘Lac Bleu’ lake with its own beach and swimming, petanque area, picnic area, tenniscourts, volleyball, mini golf and terrace bar-restaurant.
The region’s largest ‘Indiana Park’ next to the lake which is ideal for all ages to experience adventure on cables above the ground safely. Children are supervised for a 2 hour session.
Farm visits, alpine wildlife discovery outings.
Paragliding - see the mountains from a birds eye view
White water rafting, Cano rafting, kayaking
A huge and diverse program of family entertainment (Bands, Circus, other acts and entertainment) from late June to early September (over 200 events).
Every Friday is market day in Morillon.
Yoga at the Chalet
For more detail on other summer activities see our summer activities page.
Walking Activity Details
Walking and trekking
You can do everything from very easy walks to real mountain adventures. Several guided walking adventures from Nordic walking to nature walks from a few hours to a couple of days.
You can rent the chalets self catered and organise your own walks. Walk from the Chalets into the 900 Kms of mountain tracks. Alternatively take the ski lift up at Morillon and then walk down the mountain tracks (one leads back to the Chalets). Also for all the family there are fantastic flat tracks that follow both banks of the river through the Giffre valley.
Alternatively you can come on one of our walking weeks where we organise everything for you. The first week is in May which is a beautiful time of year as the mountain flowers appear. Other weeks organised based on demand. Typical itinerary (which is totally flexible) is as follows:
Day 1 - Arrive morning Geneva. Back to Chalet to change and afternoon stroll along river at Samoens.
Day 2 - Sixt Fer Cheval - easy walk 'Fin du Monde' with lunch at mountain restaurant surrounded by huge waterfalls cascading down the circle of cliffs.
Day 3 - Walk to Alfred Wills refuge and beyond to see Marmots and spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Aguille mountains. Back to Alfred Wills Refuge for diner and overnight stop.
Day 4 - Walk from Alfred Wills refuge to Refuge de Salles for lunch, cross suspension bridge, and back via spectacular Roget waterfall. Wine tasting evening at Chalet.
Day 5 - Adventure day to suit party. Choose from: white water rafting, tandem paragliding, climbing, site seeing to Chamonix Glacier....
Day 6 - Walk to lake Ger and have lunch by the lake in a secluded valley at a mountain restaurant and spot the ibex.
Day 7 - Return to Geneva and the UK
Price only £350 per person including Chalet B&B, local transport and organisation. Contact Claire on 01494 485845
Other walking / guiding contacts:
Nordic
walking: Michele & Matt
Willmott +33(0)450581961
Pack Donkey trekking: +33
450895647
Guides: Bureau de guides +33 450344312 or guidesamoens.free.fr
Mountain adventure staying overnight at a refuge (mountain hut - from basic to ones with rooms and food). Visit: http://www.sixtferacheval.com/anglais/accommodation/refuge.htm
Walking photo gallery
