Enjoy the ultimate holiday as you return each night from skiing to the comfort of your Chamonix hotel where you can enjoy the local entertainment, vibrant restaurants and bars of this exciting alpine wonderland that is the undeniable centre of the European alpine world.
An amazing network of lifts provides quick access to an unimaginable array of terrain on downhill skis, and for those with ski touring equipment, the availability of terrain is even greater.
The best skiing around Chamonix is found off-piste across the huge area of terrain in the region. Our guides are tuned into where you can find primo snow by utilising a combination of lift access and short tours each day throughout your week. There are numerous glaciers to explore and often, it is not far to find the untracked snow that makes touring so satisfying!
Classic ski runs such as the Vallée Blanche and the Grande Montets can be combined with ski tours around the Brévent, Les Trois Cols or the Crochues Bérard, to make up a multi-day program.
Our resident guides have a comprehensive knowledge of the region and know where to find the best skiing in some of the most spectacular terrain.
You can use this week as a way to develop your ski-touring skills with the help of your guide or you may already be a seasoned ski mountaineer who has a specific penchant for certain terrain. You decide with your guide on a programme that suits you, that can include as little or as much skiing as you want on the type of terrain that you prefer. This really is the ultimate holiday!
Short of time? Check out our Chamonix Ski Touring Weekend option.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their trips. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition and trip to offer our ski tourers the best possible experience.
We employ strong and specialised IFMGA Ski Guides, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry.
Many of our expedition members and climbers come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions and guided ski tours safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
For our European ski trips, prices are in Euros and must be settled in Euros. All prices are subject to change.
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account Number: 1000-594771-0002
Account Type: Euros
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Please note that in order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance. This especially applies to the high season period.
Deposit
In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Booking Form and a deposit of €500.
Balance Payment
Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start date for your trip. We will send you receipts for all payments.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. A skier may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
We recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent.
The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for the Adventure Consultants Chamonix Ski Touring Week.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The number of guides is determined by the size of the group, the ratio of guides to climbers is 1:2 or 1:4 depending on the skill level of the group.
Our Guides
You will find the Adventure Consultants Mountain & Ski Guides companionable and strong guides with considerable power and willingness to see you enjoy your journey through the Alps on skis.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their trips. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition and trip to offer our ski tourers the best possible experience.
We employ strong and specialised leaders/mountain guides, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams with the best back-up and support available.
Many of our climbers, ski tourers and trekkers come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make our expeditions and trips safe, enjoyable and successful.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.
Level of Experience Required
To ski tour in the European Alps, you will need to be able to link parallel turns in all types of off-piste snow conditions, be physically fit and have a minimum of 5 days ski touring experience.
Even skiing and climbing at the moderate altitudes in Europe has a definite physical effect on people. Most climbers and skiers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Ski touring days are physically demanding and can entail a 1,000m/3,300ft ascent at altitude.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Preparing for Your Trip
To make the most of your skiing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness and skiing/snowboarding prior to the trip. Your guide places special focus on fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trip.
History
The European Alps are full of climbing and skiing history. They are the birthplace of mountaineering and the rich heritage adds to the superb facilities (catered huts and lift systems), which provide for mountaineers and ski tourers that is not seen elsewhere.
Food
Adventure Consultants will provide breakfasts for the duration of the trip, from breakfast on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 6. You will be responsible for your own lunch and snacks each day, plus evening meals. This allows you to experience the exciting culinary options available in Chamonix, as there are many restaurants and bars within close walking distance that provide a variety of foods water, beverages or meals you purchase that are not mentioned in the inclusions will be at your own expense.
You should bring a selection of your favourite snack food and hydration drinks with you to ensure you are fuelled for by your preferred brands, as well as money for lunches and snacks whilst skiing. Actual amounts depend on your consumption but two per day in addition to your lunch would seem reasonable. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. If your dietary requirements are especially strict you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis in hotels for 6 nights. The hotels we utilise are clean and comfortable. If you want single accommodation or a higher standard of accommodation, we may be able to arrange this for you. Please enquire about options and costs at the time of booking.
Clothing & Equipment
Skiing in the European Alps requires high-quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable while touring. You will be sent an equipment checklist on confirmation of your booking and your guide will go through this with you at the beginning of your trip. You can rent ski touring equipment for the trip but you must provide your own appropriate mountaineering/ski clothing as per the equipment list. Actual equipment taken may vary subject to seasonal weather and route conditions. Group equipment including ropes and technical hardware will be provided by your guide.
| Day | |
| 0 | Arrive into Chamonix and overnight at hotel. |
| 1 | L’Aiguillette des Houches (2,285m/7,497ft) – From the village of Coupeau, it is a gentle ascent through the forests that takes us up past Chalet de Chailloux. Now, we are well above the tree line and the open slopes take us up to one of the best view points of the entire Chamonix valley. Spend some time refreshing skills and eventually descending back down through the trees to Chamonix. Overnight hotel. |
| 2 | Col d’Argentière (3,552m/11,654ft) – At the top, we are rewarded with amazing scenery of the Argentière basin with views of the summits of the Aiguille Verte, Les Droites, Mont Dolent and the Aiguille de Chardonnet. The terrain is huge and the skiing spectacular! Return to Chamonix, overnight hotel |
| 3 | Crochue Bérard – Starting from the La Flegérè, we take a cable car and chairlift to l’Index. Our first climb up to the Col des Crochues (2,704m/8,872ft) is started on skins, before a final boot pack with skis on rucksacks up to the Col. A long traverse descending into the Aiguille Rouges Nature Reserve takes us to our second 200m gentle climb on skins to the Col de Bérard (2,469m/8,100ft). All of our efforts are now rewarded with a stunning ski down the Combe de Bérard to the village of Le Buet. From here, we take the train back to Chamonix, overnight hotel. |
| 4 | Col des Autannes (2,777m//9,110ft) – From the Le Tour ski area, we have a climb of 650m/2,130ft up to the col before a brilliant descent on north facing slopes that often hold very good powder snow. This takes us down to the village of Trient in Switzerland. A bus and then train take us back to Chamonix, overnight hotel. |
| 5 | Vallée Blanche and Col d’Entrèves – Any ski trip to Chamonix wouldn’t be complete without a descent of the Vallée Blanche. From the Aiguille du Midi, we ski down the classic Vallée Blanche to Pointe Adolphe Rey before putting our skins on and climbing for 2 hours up to the Col d’Entrèves on the Italian border. Now it is time for our final run down the majestic Vallée Blanche, before heading back to Chamonix for a celebratory cold beer. Overnight hotel. |
| 6 | Depart for home. |
Brévent-Flégère
The Brévent-Flégère pistes face south. The steep couloirs for which the Brévent is known as an ideal introduction to steep skiing. The couloirs range from the serious ENSA couloir which has a very steep and often corniced entry to the delightful Col de la Glière, which is reached by a short hike (use skins or carry the skis) and takes you away from the crowds for awhile.
Flégère Lift System
The Flégère lift system has a wealth of fine ski tours which will take most of the day to complete; some are classic introductions to ski touring such as the Crochue-Bérard traverse (one hour to the top of the 40° Crochue couloir, a scenic west-facing traverse, a 30 minute skin to the Col de Bérard and then the reward - north facing powder and a picturesque valley). Others are more serious, such as the superb Glacier du Mort, the climb to the top of which usually entails the use of a rope and ice axe.
Tour-Vallorcine Lift System
Moving further up the valley, the Tour-Vallorcine lift system has both North and South facing pistes, and the off-piste skiing here can be some of the best in the valley. There are the Vormaine gullies, mildly steep south-facing skiing, the north and south sides of the Posettes which are both thoroughly excellent outings with a 900m of descent. There is the playground area of Les Jeurs, which will pay dividends if you bring skins; a 20-minute skin back to lift gives access to terrain ordinary skiers cannot reach or at least, cannot get back from! Finally, there are the descents to the Swiss village of Trient, the fabulous and easy Nant Noir, a long scenic valley and the steep couloirs (40°, 50° and 35° depending on the route) on the north east side of the Pointe du Van. Serious stuff, but you have the pleasure of skiing into one of more popular ice climbing valleys in the region.
North facing Grands Montets for many people IS Chamonix. Huge wide pistes, skiing from 3,200m down to 1,200m, endless off-piste variations returning to the lift system. Because of the altitude and aspect, the snow remains in condition here until late spring. There is good glacier skiing on the east of the Argentière Glacier, steeper skiing on the north side and to the west side of the top station are the brilliant Pas de Chèvre variations, which lead down to the Montenvers Cog Railway; some of the great classics of off-piste. The one downside of Grands Montets is that because it is so good there, it attracts a lot of good skiers and the competition for fresh powder is fierce.
Grands Montets is also the starting point for the Chamonix - Zermatt Haute Route as well as some classic short ski tours such as Col du Passon and the Three Cols, both of which finish down the Tour Glacier.
Aiguille du Midi
If you do nothing else in Chamonix, you really should ski from here at least once. There are no pistes here and from 3,800m, you are in mountain terrain. There is an embarrassing wealth of off-piste descents from the two lift stations. The absolute classic is the Vallée Blanche. When the snow reaches down to Chamonix, the descent is 2,800m over 22km. The variations on the classic route follow steeper slopes and alternative aspects exploiting the northern aspects for powder and southern slopes for spring snow. The Col de Plan, Envers, Vrai, Rognon and Noir variations all hold their special attractions; powder filled corners where you may find yourself alone surrounded by ice and snow-capped granite spires.
The Midi also is home to some of the very wild sides of skiing, but that is another story and you will find out about it when you are here. The mid-station on the Midi lift system, le Plan de l'Aiguille is the starting point for two or three great winter outings, and these need snow down to Chamonix. The Combe des Glaciers has a marvellous shallow couloir that is long and perfectly angled leading to a hidden entry to the forest above Chamonix.
Helbronner Lift System
On the other side of Mont Blanc (just 20 minutes from Chamonix) is the Helbronner lift system, which serves the Vallée Blanche as well as the south-facing slopes leading to the Italian side. Like the Midi, there are only off-piste runs from here. A great day can be had by skiing the Toula Glacier in the morning and finishing down the Vallée Blanche to Chamonix. And of course, skiing off the Mont Blanc Massif, there are a lot of exciting-going-on-wild steep couloirs and the classic on this side is probably the Marbrée, which has a steep entry (45° to 50°) followed by 200m of fine open slopes at 40°, then cruising, if you are lucky with the conditions, back at the lift some 2,000m lower. All of this set in the hugely atmospheric cirque under the Dent du Géant.
Courmayeur
Ten minutes further down the Aosta Valley are the lifts of Courmayeur, which have a network of pistes with off-piste variants, plus some quite long and scenic excursions into adjacent valleys. The latter are often used as the back half of a heli-skiing day.
Les Contamines
About 45 minutes from Chamonix and on the west side of Mont Blanc is the Les Contamines lift system. Here, like Courmayeur, are great opportunities for easier off-piste runs, a place to experiment and learn on the big powder days. The South West Face of the Aiguille Croche is a classic example; 800m of open slopes with a short section of 35°. In spring this is perfect for the old lags and beginners alike.
Les Contamines also has quite a few classic one-day ski tours. As with all the descents around Mont Blanc, there is a certain amount of overlap between skiing off the piste and full on ski touring. A lot of the off-piste require a short walk, booting it up to a better col or hill, sometimes it is worth attaching skins for half an hour to climb up. For this you will be using ski touring bindings on your skis.
At the other end of the spectrum are the multi-day tours and ski mountaineering. Different but related activities, all of which can be experienced at the highest level in the Mont Blanc Massif.
Chamonix is located in the heart of the Alps and is central to some of the best ski touring that Europe has to offer. There is a huge variety of properties on offer in Chamonix and after many years of operating in the Alps we have uncovered some of the area's finest. At Adventure Consultants we spend a considerable amount of time reviewing accommodation providers to remain aligned with our high standards.
Contact us if you would like to upgrade your hotel before or after your European Alps trip, as there are several superb properties in the area. We profile our favourite selection below:
HOTEL MONT BLANC
Why we recommend this property
Originally built in 1849, this fine establishment is located in the heart of Chamonix. Surrounded by private gardens, the hotel was recently renovated to be reminiscent of an elegant 19th-century palace. Each room offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains and has been interior-designed by renowned French designer Sybille de Margerie, inspired by nature and the environment. The 14-metre outdoor heated swimming pool can be used year round and offers spectacular views of nearby Mont Blanc. The hotel's in-house restaurant, 'La Mafatan', produces cuisine that will take you on a culinary journey.
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HOTEL LE MORGANE
Why we recommend this property
This luxury boutique hotel is located right in the centre of Chamonix and offers guests top-quality service. Chef Daniele Raimondi produces some of Chamonix's finest cuisine at 'Le Bistrot' restaurant. Le Morgane offers a variety of rooms from singles to deluxe and suites, each featuring balconies with views of Mont Blanc or Le Brévent. Hotel facilities include a small lounge, library, relaxation pool and spa, a ski storage room and free WiFi. Rental of bicycles and electric bikes, as well as a valet car service is available.
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Looking to make the most of the winter break in the Alps? Have a go at ice climbing on our Cogne Ice Climbing Weekend, or push it out to a full week of adrenaline and exploration on our Chamonix-Cogne Ice Climbing Week, taking in some of Europe's best and most classic ice climbing routes. Suitable for both beginner's and more experienced climbers, contact us to learn more.
Your family or friends may wish to join you on your holiday but may not like the idea of ski touring or climbing a mountain. Let us know if this is the situation and we will be able to put together an itinerary that keeps them busy while you are up high. There are so many wonderful things to do, so contact us and we will help to organise the perfect programme.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read the full story of AC's history here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
On all of the European trips that we operate, we offer focused guide attention throughout the course to ensure consistency across the programme. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days, we know that your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide.
Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guides. They are professional skiers and mountaineers and operate to the highest standard. Our guides are not only highly experienced climbers, but they are great guides with good people skills hence you will find that your guide is friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip.
What will the accommodation be like?
During your nights in town, accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis in a comfortable hotel with good laundry facilities. In the mountains, we stay in alpine huts in a shared bunk room or dormitory. Washing and shower facilities are not available in the huts.
A single supplement is not available in the mountain huts, but we are happy to arrange this for an additional cost at the hotels. If you wish to upgrade to a higher grade of hotel accommodation, then please get in touch to discuss the many fabulous options available.
Which meals are provided?
Adventure Consultants will provide breakfasts for the duration of your trip, plus dinners on nights spent in the mountains. You will be responsible for your own lunches, snacks and bottled water. We recommend you purchase snacks such as nuts, fruit, chocolate, muesli bars and baguette or crackers with cheese, ham and other fillings. Generally, lunch tends to start right after breakfast(!) and continue through the day as we keep energy levels high. Evening meals on non-mountain nights are also not included and this allows you to experience the exciting culinary options available in the alpine resorts. Should you decide to take a meal that is not in the programme, this is at your own expense. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip.
What is the hut food like?
Breakfasts in the mountain huts usually consist of European-style bread with jam and cheese etc. A typical evening menu would include a hearty soup followed by a pasta dish or stew and then dessert. If you feel like a glass of wine or beer with your meal, please bring cash or a credit card.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome (and encouraged) to explore your arrival/departure points before or after the trip if you have the time.
When should I book my ticket?
All our European ski trips operate privately on demand, so feel free to book whenever suits. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights early, you should ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
For our European departures, we recommend that you arrive into Geneva International Airport, which is located just over the French border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles and train services operate up to Chamonix and private transfers can be arranged to Zermatt, Lauterbrun, Verbier and Grindelwald. We are happy to assist in arranging any transfer requirements and the driver will meet you at the airport, as well as drop you off at your accommodation.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will get be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going, but in general, you will not need a sleeping bag in the European mountain huts as bedding is provided. Adventure Consultants have an experienced Equipment Coordinator, so should any questions arise as to what is required, please do let us know.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
The ratio of climbers to guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable 'Trip/Course Notes' section (above).
How much weight can we carry on the climb/course?
When initially accessing the mountain huts, you will be required to carry all of the equipment that you will need for your stay. For day tours from your hut or hotel, you will carry your day pack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers and skiers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance in view of climbing the world's highest mountains, or purely adventure. We provide courses, expeditions, treks, ski tours and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of Europe's more technical and challenging peaks. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in?
We encourage you to work on your fitness prior to your trip. Gym training, swimming, running and cycling add to your base fitness and are a great addition to a pack training program. Visit our Fitness Training page for more details and check out the training programs and online coaching services that we offer in conjunction with our partners at Uphill Athlete.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
In Europe, there is no need to use a satellite phone as you will find that there is cell phone coverage in most of the towns and mountain huts that we utilise. Your guide will also stay in touch with our European Coordinator in Chamonix with updates on the trip. It is very easy to purchase a European SIM card but do remember if using a French SIM in Italy, you will be charged international rates and vice versa.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The best place to reach a loved one is through our office. As mentioned above, your guide will stay in touch with our European Coordinator who is based in Chamonix, who then relays messages between your guide and our NZ office.
Can I charge electronic devices while in the mountains?
Generally charging is not available so please ensure that your phones, iPods and kindles etc. are well charged up before leaving the hotel for your trip.
What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report during the trip?
Forecasts are posted daily in the huts and information relayed through the hut guardian to the guides. Your guide will also be in cell phone communication with our Operations Coordinator and/or Chief Guide for weather updates throughout the trip.
What insurance do we need to get?
We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as evacuation and medical insurance. Read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for ski or snow boarding, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Evacuation insurance is required for members of our European trips to cover your evacuation from the mountain in the case of your injury or illness. You must ensure that your policy covers you for off-piste ski touring as many policies exclude these activities from their schedule of benefits. In the European Alps, rescues are coordinated by the local authorities and the very high costs are charged directly to the user i.e. you/your travel insurance company.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trips for reasons such as family illness, injury to self, etc. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can, however, recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified guides, small group sizes, safe client-to-guide ratios and quality equipment, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors 'cheaper' trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
What is the best equipment for photography in alpine environments?
Remember photos are wonderful records of your trip but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to the mountains.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
