As a company we wanted to have a greater focus on responsible travel to help protect the environment that we encourage you to join us in which is why we've created our NEW Low Impact holiday collection which can be identified by this new stamp.

In Chamonix, in the stunning French Alps, we are celebrating! The first Winter Olympics was held in the town in 1924, and 2024 marks the 100th anniversary. At that time competitors were chosen not just on their past results, but on whether they could take several weeks off work. You were required to take a boat to Europe, and pay your own costs. 

Chamonix. This mythical Alpine town is home to Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, which has captured the hearts of mountain lovers for generations. Located on the Eastern border of France, right in heart of the French Alps, Chamonix marks the border with both Italy and Switzerland. Steeped in Alpine history and home to some of the world's best hiking and running trails, skiing tracks and climbing routes, Chamonix is an adventure lover's perfect playground.  

At Tracks and Trails , Chamonix is our home-away-from-home and we run several hiking, trail runningsnowshoeing and family adventure holidays based from this wonderful and historic mountain town. Read on to find out more about Chamonix Mont Blanc and why the magic never dies. 

 

Describing this wonderful winter sport to the uninitiated is a challenge, not because it is difficult to learn or indeed to describe, but because it can be hard to get to grips with the many different types of skis and ski techniques. The terminology and language is a challenge in itself. “Am I actually booking the correct type of ski course?” is a common question.

At Tracks and Trails we specialise in ‘cross-country skiing'. This article will attempt to clarify a few points, and answer some frequently asked questions. 

 

Snowshoeing using the latest lightweight equipment has opened up a whole new world to those who previously thought mountain walking was only a summer activity. Snowshoeing is neither technical or complicated and allows access to a wonderful snow covered playground. You don't need any prior experience to snowshoe in the Alps, just some warm clothes and a sense of adventure! With a little guidance you can soon pick up the skills: we regularly see whole families wandering through magical snow covered forests or across high meadows enjoying the views normally only afforded to mountaineers or skiers. There is also the myth that it's all hard work. Indeed, if you happen to have to break the trail it’s a bit of a workout, but if there is a trail already there, and there often is, then it's really no harder than normal hill walking.

Snowshoeing continues to grow in popularity. More and more of you are realising that hiking in the winter mountains is a marvellous way to experience the beauty of nature. One of our most popular snowshoeing trips it the fabulous Traverse of the Chablais a long distance hike over six days. Since we first introduced this trip it has become a 'classic' for those who love the winter mountains. We visit remote villages, stay in characterful family run hotels, sample delicious local food, and get lots of fresh air and exercise. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.