HIGH ALPS QUEST

• 10 days of hiking

• 12 nights shared accommodation (sleeping bags and pillows provided)

• Dinners (Days 1-10)

• Breakfasts (Days 2-12)

• Daily Mindfulness

• Permits & taxes

• Transfers within the trek

• Transfer of one piece of luggage from the hotel in Chamonix to the hotel in Zermatt

• Transfer to and from the airport

• 3 Pre-trip group calls

• Expert tour leaders

• An accredited UIMLA International Mountain Leader

• Pre/post trip support via email, phone, WhatsApp

• Discounted pre/post trip 1-1 mentoring and support

• Airfare

• Travel insurance and global rescue

• Lunches - you will have the option to buy packed lunches at the accommodations or buy groceries along the way (most common)

• Meals on the last day - the integration day will be more free flowing, allowing participants to reflect and have a relaxed schedule

• Snacks - plan to bring your own from home or purchase upon arrival

• Tips - plan for $10-20 per day for our guide, Julien

• Gear - you must have your own gear - we will provide a list, recommended brands, and second-hand suppliers

On the Swiss Alpine Club alpine hiking scale, this trek is considered T3 (Difficult Mountain Hiking), classified as follows:

• Terrain: path not always obvious, some exposed areas where there is a risk of falling, sections over scree or talus.

• Requirements: good balance and surefootedness.

You must be a seasoned hiker able to walk 9-10 miles per day with significant elevation gain (see details for daily ascent/descent). While no climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary, all trip members should have ample hiking experience.

Training programs and opportunities for personal training with our esteemed performance coaches will be offered to all participants upon registration.

ARRIVAL: Please plan to arrive at Geneva Airport no later than 10:00 AM on September 6, 2025, to ensure you're on time for the 12:00 PM shuttle to Chamonix. Keep in mind that customs and international arrivals can cause delays, so we highly recommend taking a red-eye or arriving a day early to avoid any issues.

DEPARTURE: Please schedule your departure flight from Geneva no earlier than 2:00 PM on September 18, 2025, to allow time for the earliest train from Zermatt to Geneva. As customs and international travel can sometimes cause delays, it's best to give yourself plenty of time.

Throughout the trek, we’ll stay in cozy, well-located inns, huts, and small hotels that are popular among hikers during the season. These accommodations are clean and comfortable, though not luxurious, with room sizes and amenities that can vary. Our leaders will do their best to rotate room assignments fairly to ensure everyone enjoys a balanced experience. In some locations, bathrooms will be shared, and on a few nights, we’ll stay in mountain huts with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements.

The timing of our trek through the Alps is ideal, but mountain weather can be unpredictable. In early September, daytime temperatures may range from the mid-50s°F to low 70s°F, with cool breezes and a chance of rain. Nights can be much colder, especially at higher altitudes, and we may even encounter snow on the trails.

We hope that the weather will cooperate, but as often is the case in the mountains, it can change quickly and without much notice. Though we will be checking forecasts daily, you should be prepared for some hiking in wet or adverse conditions or for a change in itinerary.

Lunches will typically be enjoyed at at scenic picnic spots or along the trail, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. Evening meals will be provided at our accommodations and feature hearty, nourishing Swiss mountain cuisine, often showcasing the flavors unique to the region. In the huts and more basic hotels, meals are simple but satisfying, prepared with local ingredients and designed to fuel us for the next day's hike. Keep in mind that in Switzerland, dinner is served later than in the U.S.; while we aim to secure earlier reservations for our group, meals are often scheduled around 7:30 p.m.