France winter activity holiday
| country: | France |
| location: | Mercantour, French Alps |
| departures: | Can be tailormade any time between mid Jan - mid Mar (min group size depends on accom). Christmas departures available 20 Dec, New Years break 27 Dec. Small group departures also available |
| price: | From £715 (8 days) excluding flights and transfers, gîte based, depending on trip taken (see below). Also available in B&B/HB hotel option with transfer from Nice |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
For lovers of the great outdoors in winter this break offers the chance to take part in a variety of fun activities in the snow. Rather than just racing down hill on two sticks, we’ve responded to demand by offering a week of activities which offers, for sure some down hill skiing for the novice and some tuition. The slopes of La Colmiane are gentle and softly powdered making them ideal as a training ground.
There is also the chance to try your hand at cross country skiing, perhaps the ultimate body work out, and snow shoeing. Ice climbing may also be available, subject to interest and weather conditions. The deep snow also allows humans the chance to track animals more effectively by prints left in the snow, and the chance to visit the Wolf Park, Alpha in Le Boréon.
This is a perfect week for adults and children alike to enjoy some adventure. All activities are lead by fully qualified mountain leader/specialist activity personnel. The Mercantour National Park is just an hour’s drive north of Nice airport, easily accessible from most UK airports. Weekend and short breaks also available. Accommodation is in comfortable self catering gite, B&B or hotel options.
There is also the chance to try your hand at cross country skiing, perhaps the ultimate body work out, and snow shoeing. Ice climbing may also be available, subject to interest and weather conditions. The deep snow also allows humans the chance to track animals more effectively by prints left in the snow, and the chance to visit the Wolf Park, Alpha in Le Boréon.
This is a perfect week for adults and children alike to enjoy some adventure. All activities are lead by fully qualified mountain leader/specialist activity personnel. The Mercantour National Park is just an hour’s drive north of Nice airport, easily accessible from most UK airports. Weekend and short breaks also available. Accommodation is in comfortable self catering gite, B&B or hotel options.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Berthemont les Bains for gite accommodation or pick up in Nice. - hotel accommodation |
| Day 2: | Snowshoeing day. |
| Day 3: | Ice Climbing day. |
| Day 4: | Downhill skiing day. |
| Day 5: | Morning free, afternoon trek up to refuge at Madone de Fenestre. |
| Day 6: | Winter ascent of St Robert, return to accommodation late afternoon. |
| Day 7: | Downhill skiing day. |
| Day 8: | Depart from Berthemont les Bains gite. Hotel guests transfer back to Nice. |
travellers' tales
The most memorable part was definitely the ice-climbing. It's something I've always wanted to do, it was in a beautiful, unspoilt spot and the guides were excellent. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
 As permanent residents in the Mercantour, our business is fully integrated into the community in the Vésubie valley – using local qualified guides paid a living wage, and individually run hotels which ensures that all revenue generated is beneficial to the life of the area. In line with the published code of the National Park, our clients are encouraged to treat the region with respect and thus uphold the standards of conservation required in such a fragile area. Our gite As we await permission to fulfill our vision for our centuries old farm house and land, we are keen to implement as many environmentally sympathetic measures as possible. We encourage the preservation of our pure water which comes straight off the mountain and use our splendid climate for laundry drying outside. As much waste as possible is re-cycled, including pony manure which goes straight onto our vegetable patch. We aim to be as self sufficient as possible from your own garden. Gite guests are welcome to help themselves to fruit and vegetables. When meals are provided they are prepared with local produce only, often solely from the Vésubie valley. Vegetarians are willingly catered for. Energy efficient bulbs are used throughout the house. We try to minimise the use of paper in our office. Guests are encouraged to shop locally and of course to respect the integrity of the National Park. Working relationships We only work with qualified guides for all activities. These passionate locals create a genuine and rich experience for our visitors. They are paid the appropriate rate for professional guides. Our local accommodation partners are chosen for their warm welcome and a willingness to share their love for the region. Business development In the longer term we will use abundant natural resources (wood and sunshine) for heat and light as well as providing alternative accommodation on our land. A project for three bases in the Alpes-Maritimes is underway. This would provide an inspiring holiday venue for young and old alike. Access for the handicapped would be included. We are planning to use pack animals so our guests can share their adventures with a faithful companion, and leave directly from Berthemont. |
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