Rock climbing holiday in the French Alps

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We encourage guests to travel to the Southern French Alps by train wherever practical, including connections with the overnight train from Paris. We're happy to provide information to help guests plan their journey by rail.

Guests stay in the same hotel in Gap throughout the weekend, rather than changing accommodation each night. Transport between the hotel and the different climbing venues is organised for the group.

We use Carmacal to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our holidays, helping us better understand their carbon footprint.

We provide itineraries, maps and practical holiday information through our smartphone app, reducing the need for printed travel documents.

We also make a contribution on behalf of every traveller to rewilding projects through our partner Mossy Earth, supporting initiatives focused on habitat restoration and biodiversity. These contributions are not presented as compensation for the emissions associated with the holiday.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

Our local climbing guides share their knowledge of the geology, wildlife and natural history of the Southern French Alps throughout the holiday.

The limestone cliffs of Orpierre and the surrounding valleys are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey such as golden eagles and vultures, which may sometimes be seen soaring above the mountains.

Climbing sites can also provide important nesting habitats for birds. Our guides follow applicable access regulations and seasonal climbing restrictions, including those introduced to protect nesting wildlife.

Guests are encouraged to respect the natural environment, stay on established access paths where appropriate, take all litter away and avoid disturbing wildlife.

We work with accommodation providers and activity partners who are expected to follow our supplier code of conduct, including any applicable environmental requirements.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our climbing holidays are led by qualified local guides and instructors who live and work in the Southern French Alps. We pay agreed professional rates for their expertise and services.

Guests stay in independently owned accommodation in Gap, with opportunities to enjoy local restaurants and discover regional food producers during their visit.

By working with local guides, accommodation providers and other businesses wherever possible, we help direct part of the holiday spending towards the communities guests visit.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

We work with qualified local mountain guides and climbing instructors, paying agreed professional rates for their skills and expertise.

Our small-group format allows guides to provide individual coaching and adapt the climbing programme to each participant's experience and objectives, whether they're moving from indoor climbing to outdoor rock, learning to lead or developing multi-pitch skills.

We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, from the local people we work with to the travellers who join our holidays.