How strenuous are the days?

That depends on the capabilities and ambitions of you or your group. And there-in lies the beauty of a private tour - we can shape it to exactly what you want! But to give a general idea:

• Hiking: On a typical full day hike we will usually cover around 13-16km (8-10 miles) with around 800-1000m (2600-3300ft) of height gain. On a typical half day hike we will usually cover 8-10km (5-6 miles) and 400-800m (1300-2600ft) of height gain.

• Trail running: On a typical full day trail running we will usually cover around 16-20km (10-12 miles) with around 800-1000m (2600-3300ft) of height gain. On a typical half day trail running we will usually cover 12-16km (7-10 miles) and 600-800m (2000-2600ft) of height gain.

• Snowshoeing: On a typical full day snowshoeing we will usually cover around 10-13km (6-8 miles) with around 600-800m (2000-2600ft) of height gain. On a typical half day snowshoeing we will usually cover 5-10km (3-6 miles) and 400-600m (1300-2000ft) of height gain.

What time of year can I hike or trail run?

Around Annecy it is possible to hike/trail run all year round and there is much to be said for taking to the mountains during the off season - considerably quieter trails, clear and crisp air, beautiful foliage on the trees during the autumn and vibrant colours of new growth and alpine flowers in the spring. Chamonix and La Clusaz/Grand Bornand are situated at higher elevations with a long period of snow cover during winter and spring. It is therefore usually only possible to hike/trail run in those locations from around May to November. If you are unsure, the Alp Trails calendar will show what dates are available in each location.

How long is the snowshoeing season?

Around Annecy it is usually possible to snowshoe from December to March or April. We may sometimes need to travel a little further depending on the snow conditions at the time. Chamonix and La Clusaz/Grand Bornand are situated at higher elevations and therefore the winter season is longer and the snow cover more consistent. It is usually possible to snowshoe in Chamonix and La Clusaz/Grand Bornand from December to April. If you are unsure, the Alp Trails calendar will show what dates are available in each location.

How long are the days and what time do we start?

A half day tour is 4 hours, starting at 8:30am or 12:30. You can select the start time when you book. A full day 8 hours, starting at 8:30am. A different start time may be arranged on an individual basis after booking.

Where do we meet?

This will vary depending on the location of the tour and the specific itinerary (based on current conditions in the mountains and the wishes of the group). A meeting point will be agreed upon by email or telephone in the weeks leading up to the tour date.

Is transport provided?

For a modest additional fee, Alp Trails can also transport you to/from the start point of the tour. The pick up/drop off point would usually be your accommodation and should be within reasonable distance (around 30 min drive maximum) of the tour venue.

What clothing and equipment do I need?

• Hiking: You’ll need to have trail/hiking shoes or hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, a spare warm layer (relative to the season), sun protection (cream/hat/glasses) and a rucksack large enough to carry any spare clothing and sufficient water and food for the tour.

• Trail running: You’ll need to have trail running shoes, a lightweight jacket, a spare layer (relative to the season), sun protection (cream/hat/glasses) and trail running pack large enough to carry any spare clothing and sufficient fluids and snacks for the tour.

• Snowshoeing: You’ll need to have appropriate warm clothing, warm & waterproof boots, a waterproof/insulated jacket, gloves and warm hat, sun protection (cream/hat/glasses) and a rucksack large enough to carry any spare clothing and sufficient water and food for the tour.

What about technical equipment?

Alp Trails will provide any necessary technical equipment. This includes snowshoes and poles for the winter tours and if necessary, avalanche safety equipment including a tranceiver, shovel and probe kit for each member of the group.

We will also provide any necessary safety equipment such as a first aid kit and radio, summer or winter.

What about lunch?

Lunch is not included in the cost of the tour. On a full-day, we will either have a picnic in the mountains or stop at a mountain inn/refuge for lunch. On a half-day tour, depending on the start time, we may stop for a light bite at a mountain inn or take some snacks to eat on the go. Final decisions on the choice of a picnic or a mountain inn will be made for each booking based on the chosen itinerary and, if it is feasible, the wishes of the group. For an additional fee it is possible to request a picnic lunch, prepared by Alp Trails using fresh, local ingredients.

Do I need travel insurance?

Alp Trails insists that all participants have a personal insurance policy including full cover for hiking, trail running or snowshoeing depending on which activity is booked. Please check that the insurance covers you for activities up to 3000m altitude and includes rescue, medical care and repatriation.

I’m travelling alone, can I book onto an “open enrolment” tour?

At the current time, Alp Trails is not offering pre-scheduled or “open enrolment” tours. All of our tours are “private” and can to be booked on any available date on the Scheduling Calendar. You are welcome to book a tour as an individual or a couple but the price is unfortunately fixed, whether it is one person or a group of eight. During peak periods, feel free to contact us and if we’ve had similar inquiries from other individuals we will endeavour to co-ordinate and make arrangements so that two or more individuals can share the cost of a tour.

Are there any other costs?

As mentioned above, we may choose to stop for lunch or a snack at a mountain inn, in which case you should bring cash to pay for food and drinks as most places don’t accept credit cards.

For certain venues, and after consultation with the group, we may decide it is beneficial to make use of a cabe car or lift to gain height quickly in the morning or to save tired legs in descent in the afternoon. This is not included in the cost of the tour.