A guide to self-guided trekking and all you need to know before making decision between a guided or self guided trek.
If you don't fancy being guided and trekking in a group then perhaps a self guided experience is the best option for you. We offer self guided options for all our treks where all the accommodation & meals are sorted for you and we give you detailed route information including maps, route cards, local information etc., making your trek hassle free.
WHY BOOK A SELF GUIDED TREK
Our self-guided treks offer the independent and more experienced mountain walker a hassle free adventure trekking though the French, Italian and Swiss Alps.
All planning & preparation is done for you and we will provide you with all you need so you can just enjoy your holiday. A good degree of mountain sense is required in order to route find and navigate your way along the trails as it can be difficult at times especially in bad weather and visibility.
Once you have signed up for your preferred trek you need to prepare physically for the experience so you arrive ready for the challenge, see further information on: Trek grades and Fitness & Preparation. Once you are here you can then relax and enjoy the hassle free experience by having everything you need to self guide yourself through this impressive environment.
To compare the experience take a look at our guided trekking page or contact us to discuss this further so you can make an informed choice before you book your trek.
Our Knowledge
Being based in Chamonix all year round gives us a wealth of local knowledge & experience. We have trekked the routes for many years with our guided groups which is why we can suggest the optimum routes, the nicest accommodation and of course the places to avoid, we can also tailor make an itinerary to suit your needs.
By trekking self-guided with us you can tap into that knowledge and we will be available to help anytime before and during your trek.
What We Provide
We take the hassle out of all the planning and preparation, we book your accommodation and meals, give you unlimited expert advice and supply you will all the necessary information before you depart.
We will supply you with detailed itinerary, daily route cards, emergency and language cards, IGN 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 Swiss Topo maps, safety and information cards giving you further essential information on your chosen trek. One pack will be sent per booking and will be sent in advance of your trek start date so you will have time to fully prepare for your trek, additional packs can be purchased on request.
Being based in Chamonix enables us to meet you before you start your trek to give you any last minute advise and route information that will be essential to the smooth running of the trek. If you require this service please let us know at the time of booking and we will organise a time and place and put it in the diary.
What Does it Include?
- Good quality accommodation
- Breakfast and evening meals
- Unlimited expert advice
- Detailed itinerary
- Trek guide book
- Daily route cards
- 1:25,000/ 1:50,000 maps
- Historical & environmental information booklet
- Safety & emergency cards
- Language cards
- Bag transfer (at additional cost if required)
Our Itineraries
All our treks are offered as either guided or self guided. We offer full or half stages of the following trek:
- Tour du Mont Blanc: Classic treks around the Mont Blanc mountain range
- Walkers Haute Route: Classic Treks from Chamonix to Zermatt
- Tour of the Monte Rosa: Classic circuit through Switzerland & Italy around the Monte Rosa mountain range
- Traverse of the Gran Paradiso: Trekking the AV2 in the Gran Paradiso National Park
- Dolomites Alta Via 1: Traverse the beautiful Italian Dolomites
- Chamonix Classic Treks: Chamonix based walking weeks & short breaks
Tailor Made Itineraries
If you require a different itinerary to one of those advertised on our website we can tailor make this to suit you. Perhaps you require additional rest days or would like to start or finish in a different location?
It's sometimes a good idea to add in an extra day before the trek starts or after it finishes to explore the area fully. Let us know what you have in mind and we can tailor the self-guided trek to suit you (additional costs will apply if extra nights are required).
Solo Trekkers
It is not possible to provide self-guided treks for solo trekkers due to safety reasons.