You are using an out of date browser and this website will not function properly.

Please upgrade to Edge or Chrome browsers.

Walk in to 2022 : 10 Top Trek Ideas

Trek Grades and Fitness Preparation

Enquire now Feefo - Independant Service Rating

Our hiking holidays offer you the best the mountains have to offer, however, if you aren’t up to walking for extended periods on varied terrain you won’t be enjoying the spectacular hiking trails and you may be putting yourself at risk.

TREK GRADING

We have graded each of our pre-planned treks to help you choose the hiking trail that is right for you. Each trek is graded from 1 to 10, depending on the difficulty of terrain and numbers of days of sustained trekking. If you have any questions about whether you are fit enough for a trek in the mountains we are here to help and can create tailor made treks for your ability.

TREK PREPARATION

Preparation is the key to enjoy walking through the mountains. Make sure you are aware of the daily distances you will travel and the height gain and descent so that you know what to expect. Practice hill walking so that you are used to ascent and descent and take a rucksack out with you each time you go out on a hike. See our kit list page for more detailed information on what you will need.

TREK GRADING

We grade our treks from 1 to 10 (1 being relatively easy and 10 being extremely hard), each trek receives a grade depending on the difficulty of terrain and numbers of days of sustained trekking.

GRADE 3 RELAXED

Chamonix Valley Walks: General walking fitness on flat and easy terrain, no previous walking experience required. All the trails will be flat with no elevation or descent, walking distances can vary between 6- 14 kilometers depending on the route.

GRADE 4 VIGOROUS

Chamonix Middle Mountain Treks: A reasonable level of fitness is required for example; at home, you do regular exercise each week. During the day walks you will experience a degree of height gain and descent in addition to a distance of between 12-18 kilometers each day. Hill walking experience is advisable so you have knowledge of what it takes to walk in the mountains.

GRADE 5/6 TOUGH

Chamonix Iconic High Mountain Treks: These treks are tough and a good level of fitness needed before you arrive. The height gain and descent are in the region of + or – 800 meters per day without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep and rocky ascents & descents.

GRADE 7 CHALLENGING

Tour du Mont Blanc, Tour du Monte Rose and Tour of the Vanoise: These treks are challenging and a good level of fitness needed before you arrive. The height gain and descent are in the region of + or – 1200 meters per day without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep and rocky ascents & descents.

GRADE 8 STRENUOUS & DEMANDING

Walkers Haute Route: This is a strenuous and demanding trek that requires a high level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. You need to have plenty of mountain walking experience and exercise on a regular basis. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 m per day without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep and rocky ascents and descents.

GRADE 9/10 TECHNICAL & EXTREME

Traverse of the Gran Paradiso (AV2): This is the most physically demanding treks we offer and an excellent level of fitness is required for the type of terrain you will encounter on this trek and previous mountain trekking experience is essential. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 m per day without a break. You will trek to an altitude of over 3000 meters and the terrain is remote, exposed and difficult at times with steep and rocky ascents and descents.