Leadership Adventures

Chamonix Alps

Combining the grandeur of the world's most famous mountain range with the European charm of mountain and Mediterranean villages, the Chamonix Alps course is an adventure through the birthplace of alpine mountaineering. You will trek the northern half of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Travelling through France, Italy, and Switzerland you will be amongst its glaciers, high passes, and alpine valleys as well as savor the atmosphere of Chamonix, a favorite playground for trekkers and climbers from around the world. You will also trek across the high ridges of the Pyrenees weaving in and out of France and Spain. No European adventure would be complete without paddling the majestic waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the inlets, cliffs, caves, and abundant wildlife while navigating your own sea kayak. Perhaps no other Moondance trip offers as diverse a range of enriching experiences as the Chamonix Alps.

TRIP GEAR - EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
We have made it easy to help you find the right gear for your adventure. We have partnered with Half-Moon Outfitters on approved gear. Purchase gear at Half-Moon Outfitters for your trip .

SIGHTSEEING - BARCELONA, SPAIN
Your adventure will begin in the fascinating city of Barcelona. Located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and facing the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is a city rich in historical and experimental architecture. Visit the beautiful parks around the city such as "El Caramel", an outdoor park situated atop a hill with stunning stone structures and extraordinary tiling.

SEA KAYAKING - COSTA BRAVA
After seeing this enchanting body of water from the hills of Barcelona, your group will venture over to the coast to experience the Mediterranean Sea first-hand. Just off of the Catalan Coast, you and your group will kayak through the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to explore remote caves, secluded inlets, high sea cliffs, and search for unique wildlife. It will be the perfect way to begin your group’s European adventure.

ALPINE TREKKING - PYRENEES
Your group will then travel to the sacred town of Lourdes, France. Once a small market town and now an international site for Christian pilgrimages, Lourdes is a captivating area located at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here, your group will begin trekking into the Pyrenees, an enormous mountain range that separates France and Spain. This seven-day trek will take you to the southern-most glaciers of Europe, as well as to over 150 mountain peaks with an elevation of at least 9,800 feet above sea level. During the day, your group will trek for miles up and down rocky terrain visiting alpine meadows and streams along the way. At night, after a long day of trekking, your group will spend the evening at local mountaineer huts, eating family-style and enjoying the camaraderie of foreign travelers.

EXPLORE CHAMONIX
Deemed an "outdoor-enthusiast’s paradise" catering to wilderness adventurers for over 250 years, Chamonix offers a plethora of adventurous activities. Arriving by train, you’ll be able to have a unique panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc Massif before trekking.

ALPINE TREKKING - TOUR du MONT BLANC
After immersing yourself in one of the most incredible adventure towns in France at the base of Mont Blanc, you and your group will now have the opportunity to get a close-up view of one of the highest mountains in Europe. You’ll undergo a seven-day expedition that covers the northern half of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Your group will ascend to captivating heights, visit the picturesque alpine villages of France, Italy and Switzerland, and spend your nights in the charming alpinists’ hut system (where you’ll have the chance to share stories with fellow adventurers from around the world).

SIGHTSEEING - PARIS, FRANCE
After conquering both of your alpine trekking sections, your trip will come full circle as you explore the enchanting French capital, Paris. As one of the most artistically-charged cities, you and your group will have the opportunity to see incredible architecture, visit world-famous museums, as well as experience the unique Parisian culture. Considered one of the greatest cities in the world, Paris will be the perfect end to a wonderful trip.

See also

• Trip Finder
• Program Chart
• Get Your Gear
• Leadership Adventures - Other trips
  • Grand Ascents
  • Moondance Leadership
  • Northern Lights
  • Kilimanjaro