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Summer in Vallandry

Summer in Vallandry

Our very own Julie Phillips shares what it's like to spend a summer holiday in Vallandry. She wrote this for the blog in 2017 to tell us about her first time running the Hucksters summer breaks.

Discovering a Love for Hiking around Vallandry

Discovering a Love for Hiking around Vallandry

After having spent six winters in Vallandry this was my first Summer. My knowledge of the area in winter is now second to none, yet in the summer, it is a very different place. It was hard to anticipate what it would be like and would I love it as much as the winter? The idea was that the chalet should open all summer for the first time. With a little help from my friends, I would stay in Vallandry and look after the guests who came for all the many varied and exciting sporting activities on offer. Sking is my sporting passion, whilst I enjoy a good hike, I am not as adventurous with my sports in summer. Would there be enough to keep me occupied?

I should not have doubted that walking in the mountains in Summer would have be anything less than spectacular. The many and varied routes to explore, all from the front door of the chalet have been more than enough to engage and expand my pleasure in a really good walk. From discovering a lake at the base of the Grand Col, to the fact that there is still snow on the top of the Aguille Rouge and the stunning environment of the Rosuel National Park with its lakes and waterfalls, have given me a renewed sense of adventure for exploring on foot. A day trip to Chamonix and a guided walk up the base of the Mont Blanc beside the Mer de Glace glacier was a stunningly challenging walk with most amazing views!

The Highlights of Summer

There was of course work to be done, guests to be looked after, rooms to be changed and meals to be prepared. Despite the day-to-day running of the chalet, there was still time to have fun. Running the Petit Mont Blanc and having, for the most part, bed and breakfast guests, has given me the opportunity to find that all elusive work-life balance - well, for the summer anyway. Just being here in France with so much going on was fantastic, being able to see the Tour De France first-hand was a definite highlight. Swimming in the stunning lake Annecy on a hot day and picnicing on bread and french cheeses was very much part of a special summer holiday feeling. Driving the various Col's that we can ski in winter and discovering the Valloire Straw statues sitting there in a field as you drive from the Col de Galibier was a sight not to be missed. The Col de Madeleine that links the Maurienne valley to Moutier in the Summer looked very different from the road then the piste last winter, the Pizza's served in the Refuge restaurant on the top were still as good.

The Highlights of Summer
Here's to Many More Summers

Here's to Many More Summers

Whether it was time spent with friends or relaxing at the open air swimming pool at Arc 1800 this has been a very special summer and one I would have no hesitation in repeating hopefully for several more summers to come! Stunning hot summer days, followed by cooler evenings and the occassional amazing thunderstorms. Then there was the exploring, swimming, picnicing; all the vital ingredients for me that make a summer. The answer to the question I posed for myself is yes I do love the mountains and Vallandry as much in the summer as the winter. Perhaps next year I can persuade more of you to come and experience this very special place and have the opportunity to explore yet more of the mountain scenery and activites. Perhaps I may even get a little braver next year and take to two wheels or possibly the skies!

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You can find out more about our Vallandry summer breaks by visiting the page or getting in touch by the form below.

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Customer Reviews

You don't have to buy the snowshoes, ice grippers and trekking poles you'll need on mountain walks. If you don't have the necessary kit for hiking, Evolution 2 offer kit for hire.

Top Tip

By dispensing with things such as towels and complimentary toiletries (bring your own) and guaranteed en suite bathrooms, Hucksters has managed to create accommodation that is definitely communal and cheap but in that no-frills way that makes you feel pretty smug at the money you are saving. It has ...

The Guardian - Top 10 Affordable Ski Lodges

We have travelled with Hucksters as both a school group and a family for an incredible 18 years. Never have I worked with a company who is so flexible and accommodating to individual needs. The ski and board options are exciting and varied to suit all abilities, from novice to the extreme, from door...

Mrs Denise May MBE

We have travelled with Hucksters as both a school group and a family for an incredible 18 years. Never have I worked with a company who is so flexible and accommodating to individual needs. The ski and board options are exciting and varied to suit all abilities, from novice to the extreme, from door...

Mrs Denise May MBE

We stayed with Hucksters in Serre Chevalier, they went above and beyond to provide an outstanding service. The best value for money I've ever had, and the area is stunning! We will definitely be returning.

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