Trip Details

Trip Details

refuge

Comfort

Whatever the level of comfort, we take great care in selecting our accommodation; the privileged location of a mountain refuge or hut may allow for more rustic conditions, however allow you to stay in the mountains in remote natural settings.

For the uninitiated, here are a few details on the comfort of each type of accommodation:

  • In rooms of 2, exceptionally 3: Shower / WC in the room, exceptionally upstairs. The level of comfort, and often the classification of the establishment (from simple hotel to 4* comfort), are specified in our trip information packets. Single rooms are usually available on request with a supplemental fee.

  • Gasthof: You'll find these in  Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Northern Italy. There's no difference from a hotel, except that they belong to the same family, are more welcoming and are often of a similar size.

  • Gasthof or hotel: Beds in German-speaking countries are generally made up of a single box spring and two mattresses, with individual blankets. The notion of having double beds and separate twin beds is rare.

  • Chambre d'hôtes (or home-stay): Whenever possible, we prefer this type of accommodation, because we know you'll appreciate the conviviality, the opportunity to meet the owners, the personal touch and the charm of the rooms. It is often difficult, however, to accommodate groups (insufficient capacity) or a single night.

  • You could call it a mid-mountain or lowland refuge! It allows Hiking enthusiasts to stop off without excessive luxury and in a friendly atmosphere.

  • Accommodation is generally in small dormitories (4 to 8). Sanitary blocks (showers and WCs) shared on the same floor, or, increasingly, in each small dormitory. Pillows, comforters and sheets are provided, but you'll often need to bring your own sleeping bag or comforter. A growing number of mountain lodges also offer rooms for two, with hotel services (sheets).

  • Here, the communal areas are vast and conducive to meetings and exchanges. 

  • Most often guarded, in dormitories.

  • Refuges are located at higher altitudes, and adapts to circumstances and its environment; what's easy in the valley isn't necessarily obvious in the mountains. On the other hand, the view is breathtaking and these refuges are always located in spectacular areas.

  • Dormitories can vary from a few places to large areas (now rarer, but a few still exist).

  • Sometimes there isn't always a shower; water is not always easily available on demand, and you may have to buy shower tokens and/or mineral water at the table in the evening. Toilets may be outside and composting style without water. Sometimes, especially in Austria, refuges offer almost hotel-like comfort!

  • When it comes to conviviality, the refuge is a place where everyone can talk about their route, their experiences, their wonders, their difficulties. The atmosphere is friendly and open, thanks in particular to the refuge keeper, who is the master of their domain.

  • Or under the stars for those who prefer! We're in areas where there's no permanent accommodation, or not enough of it. In general, there are no sanitary facilities. Tents and sleeping mats are provided, so bring your own sleeping bag.
  • Meals are prepared jointly or by a team (cook + helpers). You may be asked to join in and get your hands dirty.
  • These are generally memorable experiences, as much for the atmosphere and beauty of the evenings as for the strength of the experiences shared.
hotel

Trip Comfort Level Ratings

To help you choose the tour that's right for you, each of our tours has a "Comfort" rating.  This rating allows you to evaluate at a glance the type of accommodation you'll be staying in during your trip.

Please Note! This "Comfort" rating is an average of all the accommodation provided for the entire stay. For some stays, there may be several different types of accommodation.

Rustic, unguarded mountain refuges. Basic sanitary facilities are generally available. You'll need to bring a duvet/sheet bag for the night, as most of these mountain refuges are dormitory-style. We often privatize these accommodations for our hikers, for greater conviviality and privacy for the group. When we choose this type of accommodation, it's for good reasons, such as a privileged location in the heart of a wilderness nature reserve. 

Alternation of gîtes, guarded refuges/huts, guesthouses and simple hotels, in dormitories and/or rooms of 2 to 4. Toilets and sanitary facilities are available; The sanitary facilities are often collective. You usually need a sack sheet. It is the typical (and ideal) accommodation for itinerant hiking, in the mountains and mid-mountains; You will therefore often find this category in our guided hikes. Comfort, conviviality, meetings and exploration of the local environment are the order of the day on these trips.

Accommodations in 2* and 3* hotels or equivalent (non-classified hotels and B&Bs, similar in comfort to a 2-3* hotel). You are accommodated in a room for 2 people with an ensuite bathroom / toilet (exceptionally in a room of 3 for guided groups); On request, you can be in a single room or in a family room. This level of comfort corresponds to the standard comfort of most cycling trips in France, as it also corresponds to the traditional comfort style of different regions. 

Accommodations in 3* and 4* hotels or equivalent (non-classified hotels and guest houses, with similar comfort to a 3-4* hotel). You are accommodated in a room for 2 people with an ensuite bathroom/toilet; On request, you can be in a single room or in a family room.

Charm and excellence, that's what characterizes this level of comfort. You stay in hotels and B&Bs "with that little something extra" that forges lasting memories. The level of comfort is that of a 3*, 4* or even 5* hotels or bed and breakfasts; Accommodations can on exception may be a little simpler if the welcome, the environment, the staff, the breakfast, etc. make it a rare and exceptional stopover. You are accommodated in a room for 2 people with an ensuite bathroom / toilet; On request, you can be in a single room or in a family room. This is of course the comfort category we prefer for self-guided travel. It is also a partly subjective classification; we always appreciate guests sharing their impressions with us, once they are back home from a trip!

transport bagage

Luggage Transportion 

Who is carrying my bags?

You only carry your necessities for the day, including the picnic; Your main luggage is carried between each stage. With some exceptions, you are sure to pick it up by 5pm at the latest: if you know that you arrive early, you can keep a light change of clothes with you, to use as soon as you arrive and until your bags show up!

In addition to your belongings for the day, you carry what you need for one, two or even three nights, and sometimes the corresponding picnics. This formula allows you to stay at altitude with a more mountainous atmosphere away from the crowds. You will find the rest of your luggage on the following day(s) of trips with these logistics.

Most of the time, you won't need a duvet, and you'll carry a maximum of 2 or 3 picnics. So you can easily limit the weight of your bag.

bagage

Packing my luggage

  • Weight: with some exceptions, you are limited to one piece of luggage per person, of a maximum of 15-20kg (33-45lbs.); specific weight limits will always be detailed on trip information packets.

  • The bag must be in good condition and easy to handle: put yourself in the shoes of the person in charge of transporting your luggage. On most trips, choose soft bags with wheels, or backpacks that are easy to carry. In the case of carrying by pack animals, a soft bag without wheels (sport or duffel bag) is preferable or even required.

  • In the case of extra bulky luggage or group packing on a trip, partial repacking into smaller bags may be necessary. Grand Angle then supplies these bags.

Weight: limit yourself to a minimum and try to not exceed 10-14kg (20-30lbs.)


Our Guides

  • Your guide is always in accordance with the country's legislation; they know the Grand Angle style well and share their passions and values: from one trip to the next, whoever your guide is, you will find the spirit and professionalism that you have already known as Grand Angle's style.

  • Our guides are EU certified "Mountain Guides" and/or ski instructors. When the terrain is right, you are supervised by a High Mountain Guide. They are Self-Employed Workers who have chosen to work with Grand Angle, and, just like Grand Angle, they engage their personal professional responsibility when they are with you.

  • In the field, your guide is the "captain of the ship". They have full discretion to modify or adapt the program that they deem necessary or preferable, for the safety and well-being of the group for which they are responsible. Trust them and respect their decisions, remember they are an experienced professional.


Dietary Requirements

Are you on a special diet or have food allergies? No problem, as long as you let us know in advance we can probably accommodate it!

Be indulgent and educational: 

  • When registering, give us all the necessary and precise information about your dietary requirementsplan,

  • As soon as you arrive, each day, remind the guide and accommodations of your dietary requirements.

  • Also understand that not all diets are easy to implement in the mountains, especially in terms of variety.

  • In case of stricter dietary requirements, we advise you to pack some basic personal foods/snacks, just in case any meal is lacking options... (rice cakes for gluten-free diets, for example). 

Walking, skiing or cycling requires energy. Your diet provides you with the calories you need for your effort, especially in the form of slow carbohydrates (pasta, starchy foods, rice, etc.), which give you strength throughout the day. Forget about deficient or fanciful diets during endurance activity tours: it's potentially dangerous!

Drink water! Whatever your age, your diet, your destination, remember to hydrate. Pure water or tea is ideal. And don't wait until you're thirsty to drink, hydrate regularly. Your muscles will thank you. 


Access - Arrival & Departure Travel

Our European destinations are almost all easy to reach by public transport and/or by flights. Refer to specific trip information packets for details on arrival and departure travel. Most of the time, you will also find detailed information on how to use certain transportation options (flights, trains, buses, airport shuttles, etc). We often have details on where to park your car, if arriving by a rental or personal vehicle. 


Travel Packets

  • You receive it on average 3 weeks before departure (+ or - 1 week).

  • For a guided tour: you will receive a summons in your customer area that reminds you of the time and place of meeting your group/guide, we give you the contact details of the first accommodation (in case of any delays), the name and mobile number of the guide, your electronic tickets/vouchers if necessary.

  • For a self-guided tour: the payment of the balance of the invoice triggers the sending of the digital travel packet, but at the earliest 4 weeks before departure. Depending on the case, the documents (vouchers, cards, etc.) are part of the file sent digitally or a printed travel packet awaits for you at your arrival on site. In any case, the file you receive gives you all the practical information for your trip andany electronic tickets if necessary. The trip information packet of your trip specifies the number of travel files (one per room, one per group, one for 2 to 4 people, etc.). For technicaldocuments (maps, topo, etc.), the printed travel packet is currently sent by mail.

  • Check all your travel packet documents before you leave and contact us if you have any questions.


Your travel story

Stories, videos and reviews are really important to get an accurate idea of a trip! So, please remember, when you come back from your trip, to put a detailed review of the trip and, if you have a little more time, to tell us about it, with some photos. And to encourage you and thank you for the time spent writing this story, Grand Angle is offering you a 50€ credit on your next trip! Send us your illustrated story and we will publish it in Le Mag Grand Angle.