Ailefroide
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This area 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 aprincipal centre for mountaineering located in the Ecrins Massif not far from Briancon. The climate in summer is generally hot andsunny 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.
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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 new 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!
One 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 fullprogramme, 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 foreston the valley floor. Instruction on these courses is of the highest standard - our experienced staff include Mountain Instructors, International Mountain Leaders, rockclimbing instructors and local rafting guides. All specialist equipment is supplied - including campinggear, wetsuits, rockboots etc. as appropriate for each activity. No specialist equipment is necessary, but if you have your own equipment you are of course welcome to bring it. Please do not purchase any expensive equipment until you have received specific information and advice on what you will need.
The cost of this holiday includes almost everything - accommodation, food, instruction, use of all specialist equipment. The only thing not included is insurance; details of which will be provided when booking.
Dates and Prices - see the
'Dates and Prices' Page
Transport is by flight to Turin - served by Easyjet and Ryanair; and locally by hired car. Clients need to organise their own transport, but this is very straightforward - just call us for guidance.
Full kit lists and joining details will be sent to you on booking.
For any more information, please email
steve@trekco.com