FAQs

To try give an indication of the suitability of a particular tour the following levels may help.

How hard a particular tour or trek will be depends on a number of factors including: height gained; distance; the type of terrain; the number of consecutive days spent trekking; the weather.

For advice on the "grade" of any of the tours and activities please contact me for more information.

	I enjoy gentle walks and am in good health but I'm not into sports. I prefer gently level or gently undulating paths. I'm happy to walk for up to 2 - 3 hrs with a little ascent (up to 150m).
	-Occasional walkers used to good, well maintained paths. Capable of walking 3 - 4 hrs during the day with up to 500m of ascent.
	Regular walkers used to well trodden paths. Capable of walking for up to 5 hrs during the day and with up to 750m of ascent
	Regular walkers who are used to mountain paths and . Capable to 5 - 6 hrs walking with up to 1000m of ascent during the course of the day.
	Experienced walkers who are capable of walking on rough, rocky terrain on or off paths with confidence. 6 to 8 hours of walking is not a problem for me. 1500m of ascent over the course of the day is within my capability.

With private groups it is usually possible to "pace" or adjust the tour according to the fitness and ability of the group although some tours require the next pre-booked accommodation to be reached by a certain time.

Currently, all guiding is by Mark Tennent except in exceptional circumstances.

The size of the group is stated in the "Tour Details" section of each trip description.

Some trips require minimum numbers in order for them to operate.  You are strongly advised not to book flights or make other arrangements until I have confirmed that the trip will definitely go ahead having achieved minimum numbers.

To really enjoy your trip it is best to make sure you are physically and mentally prepared.

Walking is an endurance activity so it is best to train with similar endurance type activities: walking, jogging, cycling, swimming. If you are able try to do some regular trips to the hills for some walks.

Remember that you are likely to be in close proximity to the other members of the party during the day and in the evenings (if staying in huts) so be prepared for the "group" aspect of the tour.

Some of the tours reach altitudes of approximately 2700m. This height is not sufficient to induce altitude related symptoms although you may notice yourself breathing a bit more heavily with a slightly raised pulse.

For EU citizens there are no visa requirements for any of the tours. Clients from other countries should consult the French embassy website in their home country.

Please note that on some tours the route will take us through Italy and / or Switzerland.

The climate in France is varied. In the Savoie, French Alps region it is quot;continental" in nature: warm/hot dry summers and cold, dry winters. Temperatures may reach the mid-30's centigrade during the day; although in the mountains with temperature decreasing with height it is cooler and there's usually a breeze. Corsica, in the Mediterranean, is hotter and dryer. A hat, sunglasses and suncream are essential.

Whilst many French people know some English in some of the more remote areas this may be limited or non-existent. It always helps to know the basic greetings and polite phrases.

Meals included in the tour are detailed in the "Tour Details" section.

• French breakfasts typically consist of bread, a hot drink (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) butter and jam or honey.
• Dinners in huts / refuges are usually carbohydrate loaded meals with a main course of pasta, polenta, potatoes or rice. There's usually plenty of it! Soup is a typical starter and cheese is often the final course of the dinner. Bread is usually freely available.
• Remember in huts that all the food may need to be transported by helicopter or muel. Lunches where included as part of the tour are either taken at a refuge or consist of a packed lunch.

A first aid kit is carried by the tour guide however clients should carry a small, personal, first aid kit for coping with minor ailments including blisters.

The tours use a variety of types of accommodation. The types of accommodation are noted in the "Tour Details" section of each trip description.

An equipment list will be sent to you when you book however if you have any questions prior to booking please contact me or call me and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

I hold several mountain related qualfications:

• The "Mountaineering Instructor Certificate" - this is the highest United Kingdom mountain qualfication with the exception of the "Guide de Haute Montagne" (IFMGA Guide - International Federation of Mountain Guide Assocations). I also have the "prerogatives" of the French Rock Climbing instructor (except the part for canyoning) and this is detailed on my "Carte Professionnelle" (giving the legal right in France to work professionally within the remits detailed on the card).
• The International Mountain Leader (with the formal "equivalence" French "Accompagnateur en Montagne" - Brevet d'Etat Alpinisme; Accompagnateur en Montagne).

Make sure your "guide" or "leader" holds the required qualfications if you are in France.  If they don't they they are acting illegally and are liable to arrest, on the spot, and a substantial fine, up to 15,000 Euro and/or imprisonment!