Aravis Range – St Jean de Sixt to Lake Annecy – 7 Days

DISTANCE - AVERAGE

Distance training is undoubtedly a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan. Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Additionally, it also includes back-to-back walks to simulate walking on consecutive days. This helps your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, as opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from 10th June through to 10th September.
Some of the trails might remain closed due to heavy snowfall before mid-June. If this happens, we will do our best to reschedule the tour for a later date.

THE WALKING

Moderate to Challenging (or moderate if you take the easier options) —Tracks and trails on this tour can have prolonged ascents and descents, sections of rough surface, and steps. An active lifestyle and being an experienced walker make the journey enjoyable. We suggest an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week in addition to your usual weekly walks. See the fitness guide.

You will walk around 14km a day and climb an average of 400m a day (up to an optional 1100m if you choose the challenging options). The well-defined and waymarked trails cover various terrains, including high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths, mountain, lake towns and villages.

Although the route is well-waymarked for each walk, you will be provided with a comprehensive summary of daily walks and access to our smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in St Jean de Sixt. The closest airport is Geneva Airport. There are many ways to get to Geneva including flying and by train.

Geneva Airport to St Jean de Sixt

There are a few ways to get to St Jean de Sixt. A taxi which is expensive (about 280 Euro). The ‘metro’ train is located at Geneva airport. It is a short ride 10-minute ride into the centre of Geneva on the ‘metro’

By train/bus from Geneva airport to Annecy: approx. 45km

By train takes about 1 hour. You can check connections here:  https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-ch/

By bus (some buses are direct others take 1.5 to 2hrs). You can check connections here: www.sbb.ch/en.

From Annecy train station you can catch at taxi (approx 115 Euro one way) to St Jean de Sixt or (only available in July/August) a bus: Voyages Alpbus (French only). You can check connections here: https://www.alpbus-mobilites.fr/

Onward Travel from Annecy
The trip ends in Annecy. From Annecy to Geneva: bus/train or taxi (see above).

Another helpful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

LUGGAGE

Each morning, it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if you need any details. Bags must be no more than 15kg (this is French legislation)

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.