Come and discover the Chablais, between Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc, Geopark Global UNESCO certified, the historical mountain pastures await... Sleep in a hunter style camp, follow marmots, walk to a mountain pass or a small summit and go beyond yourself. Make a herb garden and even a watermill!
And to round off the adventure, spend one last night away from civilisation, in a refuge nestling in the heart of the mountains!
Along the way the donkeys accompany us, faithful companions who carry our picnic, gently led by the bridle and cuddled, they quickly become children's best friends.
Dates | Status | Prices |
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Adult : 850€
Teenager (12-15 years) : 750€
Child (6-11 years) : 715€
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !Meet Sunday at 2:30pm infront of the Post Office in Morzine.
MORZINE - MONTRIOND LAKE
After a short briefing, start off on an easy hike to get used to the donkeys... learn to lead them, give some gentle coaxing and kind cuddles. Cross the Dérêches Park and climb up towards the Montriond Lake along the local river La Dranse. Swimming and nautical activities possible on the lake. Or an extra hike to reach the Ardent waterfall. Night in a hotel near the lake in a Canadian atmosphere.
2 hour walk / Elevation: +100m
COL DU FORON - COL DE LA BOLIRE
The day starts with a "hello" to Pierrot, always ready to tell a story about his life in the pastures with his herd. Climb to the Col du Foron (1832m), with the donkeys where we can see numerous chamois and marmots in this corner of paradise. Arrive at the Col du Foron and the brave mountaineers can climb to the summit of the Pointe de Chalune at 2116m with its superb views of the whole of the Chablais mountain range and Lake Geneva. Descend via Chalet Blanc and the Col de la Bolire. Return for a second night to our hunter style basecamp.
4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +/- 550m
1.5 hour walk / Elevation: +/-220m to Pointe de Chalune
COL DE LA BASSE - LES PRAZ - LAC DES MINES D'OR
It's time to reach our new playground. Climb to the Col de la Basse for a final view of the Roc d'Enfer and Mont Blanc. Descend through the mountain pastures of Les Praz and Côte d'Arbroz, before returning to the Vallée de la Manche after a short transfer to the Lac des Mines d'Or.
Settle into your hostel for two nights, facing the mysterious Terres Maudites...
4.30 hour walk / Elevation: +/- 350 m
SMUGGLING TO THE COL DE COUX
A big day! Depart early with the donkeys towards the farm at Freterolles to watch Louis-Paul making cheese, local tomme de Savoie and goats cheese. For those who don't like the smell of cheese you may drink a coffee (or a glass of local white wine!) in the farmhouse bar whilst you wait. We continue on to the Col de Coux at 1920m the French Swiss border rich in historic tales of smuggling, clandestine crossings, gold prospectors and a route for migrating birds... Descend through mountain pastures amongst local Abondance breed cows. Second night in the gîte at Lac des Mines d'Or.
5 hour walk / Elevation: +/-530m
COL DE LA GOLÈSE - REFUGE DE BOSTAN
Our budding adventurers set off on foot from the gîte, with our donkeys, for a final night in the heart of the mountains! We climb through forest and pastures to the Col de la Golèse. The landscape changes as the Dents d'Oddaz range emerges like the crest of a huge sleeping prehistoric animal... a short traverse, a last little climb to reach the refuge, nestled against the animal's side, and the discovery of the Lapiaz can begin. Overnight at the Bostan refuge, in the magical atmosphere of a late day far from civilisation!
4.30 hour walk / Elevation: +580m /- 210 m
VALLON DE CHARDONNIERE - MORZINE
From the refuge, traverse to the Bostan ridge and then descend to the Chardonnière mountain pasture, at the foot of the majestic Terres Maudites. Picnic by the stream (very useful for making dams and other water mills). Return to Les Mines d'Or along the footpaths and short transfer to Morzine.
4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +150m -510m
End point Friday at 4:00pm in Morzine.
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.
Elevation: +/- 500m average per day.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours average per day.
Type of trek: flexible adaptable routes. Easy treks from 8 to 12km maximum per day.
Tour open to children from 6 years old.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: Level of difficulty
Number in a group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.
To thank your guide, it is usual to tip him at the end of the trek. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.
The Chablais mountains are particularly suited to the discovery of the alpine environment:
We have designed this program with children in mind but also so you may enjoy this experience with them.
Donkeys are your children's companions. They motivate the children to walk beside them, carry the bags for the day, enjoy being brushed, gently led by the bridle and cuddled. They can carry a tired young hiker (children 40kg maximum) on their backs when the terrain permits.
Donkeys walk at around 4km/h and are not able to travel rapidly, but with a little firmness and lots of affection, you'll quickly win over your hiking companion.
One donkey is provided for 3-4 children.
The donkey is a docile, placid and gentle creature but has its own character! It can be unpredictable and we must always remain vigilant. During the hike, the possibility for a child to sit on the donkey is the sole responsibility of the adult responsible for the child. It is therefore requested to have accident and personal liability insurance.
2 nights camping (tents and mattresses provided, *bring your own sleeping bag) ;
2 nights in family rooms for 2 to 4 people in a gîte or hotel ;
1 night in dormitory in refuge.
The "hunter" style basecamp is as comfortable as possible whilst keeping close to nature: communal mess tent with dining table and wood stove, family tents for the night with thick sleeping mats, fire pit area for the barbecue, compost toilet and washing area.
The refuge does not have any shower.
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation or prepared together at the camp. During the two nights in the bivouac, meals are prepared together and the dishes are washed together using water from the nearby spring. It's a collective living space that provides a break from the usual rhythm of life and requires everyone to get involved.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader, comprising a variety of 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.
IGN 3528ET Morzine (1/25 000) GROUPE
Meet Sunday at 2:30pm in front of the Post Office in Morzine, with your baggage prepared and dressed ready to start walking.
BY TRAIN
Timetables must be checked on www.oui.sncf
BY BUS VIA THONON OR CLUSES
www.sat-leman/ligne-91-thonon-morzine
BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Cluses, then direction Morzine/Avoriaz (les Portes du Soleil), follow Taninges, Les Gets to arrive in Morzine. Covered free parking behind the church in Morzine (500m from the meeting point).
End point Friday at 4:00pm in Morzine.
Hôtel Alpen Roc : +33 (0) 50 75 75 43
Chalet Manava B&B : +33 (0)4 50 75 60 85
Tourist Office Morzine: + 33 (0)4 50 74 72 72
www.morzine-avoriaz.com
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
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. For children, a small backpack of 15 litres to carry a waterproof jacket and waterbottle.
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 10kg per person. Your baggage has to be carried everyday by a driver and will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle.
Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, think about their backs!
If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.
On night 5, your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening.
You can gather your belongings in a waterproof bag (furnished) which will be transported by the donkeys.