Alps Adventure

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Alps Adventure

Destination

Switzerland
France

Current Grades

8th-10th

length

14 Days

view dates and prices
Airports

Arrive: Geneva, Switzerland (GVA)
Depart: Geneva, Switzerland (GVA)

Don’t forget to bring a camera for this outdoor tour of the European Alps! We’ll take in the splendor of the Mont Blanc massif by hiking the world’s most famous trail, crossing through Italy, Switzerland, and France on foot. In Chamonix, undoubtedly the outdoor adventure capital of the world, we’ll explore by whitewater rafting and canyoneering during the day and relishing local cuisine at night. This adventure offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of any Bold Earth trip.

 

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Itinerary

Days 1-2: Whitewater raft in Chamonix

A day of whitewater rafting in the Alps awaits in Chamonix! We’ll hop on the glacier-fed Arve River, which carves through Alpine canyons and flows under charming bridges. Continuous class II rapids provide the fun while the panoramas of Chamonix provide the endless views.

Accommodation: Hostel Chalet

Days 3-10: Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Get ready to spend eight wondrous days trekking the most famous trail in Europe: the tour du Mont Blanc (aka the TMB). The TMB circles the Mont Blanc massif itself and covers three countries: France, Switzerland, and Italy. While we won’t cover the entirety of the TMB, we’ll be constantly rewarded with never-ending, panoramic Alpine views: the Aiguilles Rouges, Aravis massif, Mont Dolent, Grand Combin, and more! This is a hut-to-hut trek, meaning we’ll carry light backpacks and sleep in different (and beautiful) Alpine huts every night with three nights of van-supported camping mixed in (with access to facilities). We won’t be eating freeze-dried food, either—we’ll pass through villages almost daily, getting to savor local meats, cheeses, bread, and more.

Accommodation: Mountain hut and Camping

Day 11: Canyoneer in Italy

Across the border in Italy, we’ll spend a day canyoneering—a Bold Earth favorite, that was invented as a way to navigate narrow canyons in the Alps. A combination of rock climbing, ziplining, and rappelling will take us over bridges and waterfalls; in fact, we’ll get to enjoy lunch at the base of some falls!

Accommodation: Hostel Chalet

Days 12: Via ferrata in Chamonix

We’ll rise above the valleys of Chamonix by way of via ferrata in Passy! This common way of traversing mountains in Europe has a history dating back to Alpine regions in the 19th century. You’ll experience long-range views of the Arve River and the Mont Blanc massif and a never-ending thrill of traversing limestone while connected to cables and wooden beams.

Accommodation: Hostel Chalet

Days 13: Rock climb near Lacs des Gaillands

Get ready to lace up your climbing shoes and tie into your harness! We’ll spend a day rock climbing the gneiss cliffs in the Gaillands area of Chamonix Valley, where there is something for every level. After, we’ll cool off and have a picnic on the Lac d’Emosson, an alpine body of water so blue-green it’ll take your breath away.

Accommodation: Hostel Chalet

*Listed above is Bold Earth’s intended itinerary for this trip. All itineraries are subject to change in order to provide the best possible program quality.

Dates and Prices

Departure 1
  • Departure Day
    07/16/24
  • Return Day
    07/29/24
  • Grade
    8–10
  • Price
    $5,388
  • Availability
    Limited
Departure Day Return Day Grade Price Availability
07/16/24
07/29/24
8–10
$5,388
limited

Accommodations

  • 6 nights hostel chalet. 
  • 4 nights in mountain huts with showers.
  • 3 nights of camping; Bold Earth will provide comfortable tents and technical equipment

Activities

Canyoneering

Hut-to-hut hiking

Rock Climbing

Via Ferrata

Whitewater rafting

Reviews

Olivia, student from Seattle, WA

The people from my Bold Earth trip are some of the kindest, most amazing people I have ever met, and that connection that I have formed with them will have a huge impact on my life forever. 

Hilary P, parent from Scarsdale, NY

The Alps adventure was a strenuous trip, but Hayden felt such a sense of accomplishment. To be out in the wilderness for two weeks is such a gift. The small group was wonderful, and I loved how they all bonded. We are so glad she went! 

Lauren, student from Santa Rosa Beach, FL

My favorite part of this trip was hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. It was an amazing experience that was very rewarding. Rock climbing, canyoning, and rafting in between really tied the experience together. I truly loved every moment of this trip!

Emily K, parent from Seattle, WA

This trip with Bold Earth took our daughter over 100 miles through stunning scenery in the Alps, and I wouldn’t even say that was the best part of the experience. To me it was the incredible personal growth opportunity. The kids were responsible for meal planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning, being ready on time, blog writing, and having a role within the group. This made our daughter feel independent and that she had ownership with the experience. Her trip leaders were wonderful role models. These are the experiences that I want influencing my child. Bold Earth genuinely cares about their students. 

Christine, student from Middleburg, FL

My favorite part was meeting the people in my group and becoming close friends, despite having just met for the first time.

Mia, student from Beirut

My trip was amazing! There were so many highlights, but I think my favorite part was the whitewater rafting and canyoneering. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to grow and see the world in a different way. The people I met were kind and amazing souls.