Hiking
Easy. From 2 to 4 hours of walking and a maximum of 300m/985ft of ascent/descent during the day. No technical difficulty, easy paths and trails. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Easy to moderate. 2 to 6 hours of walking and/or 300 to 700m (985 to 2300ft) of ascent and 300 to 1000m (985 to 3280ft) of descent per day, no technical difficulty, easy to medium paths and trails. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Intermediate. 3 to 6 hours of walking and/or 500 to 1000m (1640 to 3280ft) of ascent and 500 to 1200m (1640 to 3940ft) of descent during the day. Few technical sections, alternating paths and trails. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Sustained. From 3 to 7 hours of walking and/or 750 to 1250m (2460 to 4100ft) of ascent and 750 to 1500m (2460 to 4920ft) of descent during the day. Some technical sections, alternating paths and trails, possible snow patches at the start of the season, steeper slopes both up and down, sometimes a cabled handrail to assist in dangerous areas. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Expert. From 3 to 7 hours of walking and/or 750 to 1250m (2460 to 4100ft) of ascent and 750 to 1500m (2460 to 4920ft) of descent during the day. Some technical sections, alternating paths and trails, possible snow patches at the start of the season, steeper slopes both up and down, sometimes a cabled handrail to assist in dangerous areas. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Cycling
Easy. Short stages from 25 to 45km (15.5 to 28 miles) per day. No technical difficulties, flat, easy and virtually level. You can hire an electric bike to make these tours even easier. The trip can be organized as an itinerant tour, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Easy to moderate. Relatively short stages of 25 to 55km (15.5 to 34.2 miles, 10 to 15km/6 to 9mi longer at some flat destinations) per day. No technical difficulties, but up to 300m (985ft) of ascent per day. Electrically-assisted bikes can be hired to make these tours even easier. The trip can be organized as an itinerant tour, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Intermediate. Stages from 35 to 65km (21.8 to 40.4 miles, 10 to 15km/6 to 9mi longer at certain flat destinations) per day. No technical difficulty, but it is preferable to have prior experience cycling several days in a row. Daily elevation gain varies from 200 to 500m (655 to 1640ft). A few easier climbs. Electric-assist bikes can be hired to simplify these tours. The trip can be organized as an itinerant tour, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Sustained. Stages from 35 to 65km (21.8 to 40.4 miles, 10 to 15km/6 to 9mi longer at certain flat destinations) per day. The route is hilly, with steeper ascents and descents. The daily elevation gain varies from 400 to 850m (1310 to 2790ft), usually with the occasional higher elevation gain stage during the week. Participants are required to be in good physical condition and to have previously cycled several days in a row. Electric-assist bikes can be hired to simplify these tours. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Expert. Stages of 35 to 80 km (21.8 to 49.7 miles, 10 to 15km/6 to 9mi longer at certain flat destinations). Elevation gain varies from 400 to 1200m (1310 to 3940ft) per day. Suitable for cyclists accustomed to cycling at least once a week. Electric-assist bikes can be hired to simplify these tours. The trip can be organized as an itinerant tour, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Skiing
Discovery for beginners: easy. Daily itinerary of 5 to 10km (3.1 to 6.2 miles) with no technical difficulties. Stages lasting 2 to 5 hours. You'll discover skiing on flat, gently undulating terrain. Learn to position yourself on skis and move around with ease.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Initiation: easy to moderate. Daily itinerary of 8 to 15km (5 to 9.3 miles) and/or 200 to 300m (655 to 985ft) of ascent/descent. Stages of 2 to 5 hours of skiing. A good level of fitness and at least one week's cross-country skiing are required. Introduction to hilly off-track skiing for Nordic ski touring trips. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage. Accessible to alpine skiers of all abilities.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Intermediate. Daily itinerary of 15 to 20km (9.3 to 12.4 miles) off-trail or 15 to 25 km (9.3 to 15.5 miles) on groomed trails, with 200 to 500m (655 to 1640ft, or even 600m/1970ft once during the tour) of ascent/descent. Stages of 3 to 6 hours of skiing on groomed runs or off-trail. You must be in good physical condition and ski at least one week per winter. Good balance and braking techniques (snowplough and half-snowplough). The trip can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage. Accessible to all alpine skiers of all abilities.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Sustained. Daily itinerary of 15 to 25km (9.3 to 15.5 miles) off-trail or 15 to 35km (9.3 to 21.8 miles) on groomed trails, with 300 to 700m (985 to 2300ft) of ascent/descent. Stages of 4 to 6 hours of skiing on groomed runs or off-trail. Comfortable, all-round skier. Basic techniques must be mastered. You must be able to manage your speed and changes of direction. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage. Accessible to alpine skiers of all abilities.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Expert. Daily itinerary of 15 to 35km (9.3 to 21.8 miles) off-trail or 20 to 40km (12.4 to 24.9 miles) on groomed trails, with 400 to 900m (1315 to 2950 ft) of ascent/descent. Stages of 5 to 7 hours of skiing. Versatile skier with good skiing experience. You'll be able to adapt your technique to the situations you encounter, on trail as well as off-trail, and with changing snow conditions. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage. Accessible to alpine skiers of all abilities.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Snowshoeing
Easy. Itinerary with little change in elevation. Short stages of 2 to 4 hours of walking on terrain that presents no technical difficulties. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Easy to moderate. Itinerary with elevation gains of 50 to 250m (165 to 820ft) per day. Stages of 2 to 5 hours walking. The terrain is accessible to all. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Intermediate. Itinerary with elevation gains of 150 to 500m (495 to 1640ft, or even 600m/1970ft once during the trip) per day. Stages of 3 to 6 hours of walking. The terrain is accessible to all, but having a good level of fitness is essential. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Sustained. Hilly itinerary with elevation gaions of 300 to 750m (985 to 2640ft) per day. Stages of 3 to 6 hours of walking. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
Expert. Alternating steep ascents and descents. Stages of 3 to 7 hours with a hilly itinerary presenting elevation changes of 350 to 850m (1150 to 2790ft) per day. You must be in good physical condition and regularly enjoy hiking in hilly terrain. The tour can be itinerant, with a change of accommodation at each stage.
► Please refer to the “Difficulty Level” section of the relevant trip Information packet for specific itinerary details.
How can I train for trips?
"When the vacation starts, I'm already exhausted...
During the year, I don't have much free time for training...
...they tell me to arrive in shape!!!"
Don't panic! It's manageable, and we're here to help advise you.
Our team offers tips and tricks of the trade to prepare yourself before trips and how to properly participate during trips.
Hiking, cycling, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing: are all types of general endurance activities. A little regular exercise all year round, or a few months in advance, will keep you in shape, and help prepare you for your outdoor recreation vacation. It's that simple!
Many types of endurance sports are very accessable and can be practised on a daily basis: walking, cycling, swimming, running, rollerblading, etc.
Gymnastics (of all kinds), dance, yoga, martial arts, etc. will strengthen your muscles and give you the flexibility you need to limit muscle soreness and strain.
What about other sports, such as tennis or soccer? They're all great for improving your physical condition, but it's a good idea to supplement your training a few weeks in advance with an endurance activity, even a gentle one.
 Advice from Thomas |
 Advice from Camille |
Be realistic and honest with yourself: just because you crossed the Oberland in Switzerland 15 years ago, doesn't mean you can climb the Matterhorn today. Conversely, have confidence in yourself and don't underestimate yourself just because you've never done a trip like this before. We have one rule: we openly talk about it together!
Please Note! Arriving exhausted or untrained on a mountain trek increases the risk of physical problems (tendonitis, muscle strain, etc.). But the physical effort will clear your head, make your body "come alive" and give you back your zest for life. So don't choose a trip that's too easy for your current abilities, but stay within reason when choosing a trip to challenge yourself.
Prepare your butt for cycling! (literally)
Whatever padding your saddle or cycling shorts might have, the 1st km/mi can be uncomfortable. The best way to avoid or limit this is simply to start cycling beforehand, not a lot, but regularly: your anatomy will get used to it.
How to avoid aches and pains?
Let's face it: you're going to have a few, unless you're doing regular physical activity that works the same set of muscles, and at the same intensity, as you experience during your trip. It's not serious at all, just a little painful, but regardless you can limit it. Here are a few tips: drink plenty of fluids; do some stretching; after exercise, take a hot shower + a cold shower or, better still, a sauna + a cold shower; above all, don't "skip" a day if you wake up in pain: by continuing your activity without exerting yourself, the lactic acid in your muscles will be recycled.
It's all in your head!
The mind is interactive with the body. If this is your "first time", prepare yourself psychologically for the change of surroundings and environment, and the experience of new physical reactions.
FAQ
No, but prepare yourself well in advance, gently and regularly. As we age, we lose muscle mass, tire more quickly and recover more slowly, but our endurance remains, as does our mental strength, which is often reinforced by experience and self-knowledge! Adapt your ambitions to the reality of your body. You probably still have decades of beautiful journeys ahead of you!
Check with your doctor, but there's nothing to prevent you from taking part in our activities. It's just that you might be limited in the efforts you can make. Choose a suitable trip that doesn't involve too many changes in altitude and, above all, test yourself on one or two days of the same type of activity before booking, and then do some gentle endurance activity on a regular basis before your trip.
You should consult your doctor before booking. Only professional medical staff can safely advise you on what activities are right for you and a specific medical condition.
Not unless the activity is technical (skiing). Otherwise a level 1 difficulty trip might be too easy for you. Please feel free to call us to discuss it and our team can advise you properly in deciding what difficulty rating is best for your specific situation.
