The French Alps
Whitewater rafting, climbing, via ferrata, mountain hikes, canyoning…
The TrekCo French Alps trip - an adventure like no other!
Adventure to the max!
We really can’t do justice in our descriptions of this amazing adventure trip. It’s the best thing we do, and we’ve been running these trips for over 30 years.
Ailefroide is the centre for our activities in the French Alps for several reasons. It has all of the advantages of a high alpine region with mountains up to 4,000m (approx. 13,000 feet) and spectacular scenery of glaciers, alpine meadows and waterfalls. Ailefroide is at the head of a valley which, in winter, is home to a ski resort. In the summer it is known as a principal centre for mountaineering located in the Ecrins Massif not far from Briancon. The climate in summer is generally hot and sunny with cool nights which makes it almost the perfect venue for adventure holidays. Rising from the valley floor at the side of the campsite are rock walls of over 1,000′ providing superb rockclimbing within 5 minutes’ walk – the crags are bolted and specially equipped for beginners and are ideal for training in climbing.
Many of the rivers can be whitewater rafted, and at least one rafting trip will be involved in the holiday; the 18km descent of the Durance River from St. Clement to Embrun. Another activity will be Canyoning which is an exciting French sport – many of the local glaciers have streams in narrow gorges cascading down the hillsides, and we descend these by abseiling the waterfalls, jumping into plunge pools and sliding down chutes – with a helmet and wetsuit of course! We will undertake mountain expeditions, hiking up to the Refuge du Glacier Blanc at 2550m. A popular activity for those happy with heights is the Via Ferrata, steel cables high on mountainsides which you clip into and traverse along, often 1000 feet above the ground but perfectly safe. Other activities will give a full programme, and specific rest periods are built into the programme at the local lake after activities.
Accommodation is camping – the beautiful campsite here has all facilities and is set in the pine forest on the valley floor. Instruction on these courses is of the highest standard – our experienced staff include Mountaineering Instructors, International Mountain Leaders, rockclimbing instructors and local rafting guides. All specialist equipment is supplied – including camping gear, wetsuits, rockboots etc. as appropriate for each activity.
For further details please contact by email info@trekco.com
The cost of this holiday includes almost everything once you’re there – accommodation, food, instruction, use of all specialist equipment. The only thing not included is insurance. Group cost is £1300 + vat per person for a one week (seven activity day) trip. Please note that transport to/from the Alps and around the area during the trip is not included.
The Activities
Via Ferrata
Now a popular sport, via ferrata were once a way of moving troops around the mountains. The ‘iron way’ is a cable attached to a sheer cliff face, giving you the opportunity to go where you’d never normally climb. You’ll need a head for heights, although we’ll start off easy! A special via ferrata kit is clipped to your harness and you are attached to your instructor so it’s all under control.
Canyoning
is an exciting French sport – many of the valleys below the local glaciers have streams in narrow gorges cascading down the hillsides, and we descend these by abseiling the waterfalls, jumping into plunge pools and sliding down chutes – with a helmet and wetsuit of course! The water is cold but the sun is hot - an ideal combination for a fun time.
Whitewater Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rivers from the Grade 3 Durance up to the (optional) Grade 5 Gyr - the grades only go up to 6! The Gyr is the hardest commercially rafted river in France.
Rock Climbing
There’s climbing everywhere here! Literally in the campsite there are several crags to go climbing on, with every climb from the easiest to the hardest so you can progress and move at your own speed. Ideal for learning, these crags offer some of the world’s best climbing. We provide everything you need including specialist rock shoes and most of all, fun and encouragement!
Mountain walking
The scenery in the Ecrins National Park is absolutely stunning - from the Barre des Ecrins to all the other stunning peaks in the area, this is a wonderful place to be. The weather is usually hot and sunny, and the trails are magnificent - especially the ones using chairlifts!
Alpine Life
The activities are the main reason for this holiday of a lifetime, but the campsite is stunning too. Life on the campsite is relaxing and peaceful, and the bar is just up the road - this truly is an idyllic place.
