Self-Guided Hike from Chamonix to Annecy

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • 8-day hiking adventure from Chamonix to Annecy
    • Accommodation for 7 nights in a double occupancy room in 3-star or 4-star hotels*
    • Breakfasts from Day 2 through Day 8 & dinners on Days 3 and 4
    • Luggage transfers
    • Private transfer from Les Contamines to La Clusaz (Day 4)
    • Private transfer from Le Grand Bornand to Montremont (Day 7)
    • Digital travel packet
    • Smartphone travel app use during trip with GPX files
    • Tourist taxes

  Add-ons:

  • • Single supplement
    • Extra night before and/or after the tour
    • Printed travel packet

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to and from Chamonix/Annecy
    • Meals that are not listed in itinerary
    • Drinks
    • Personal expenses
    • Bus and cable car around Chamonix
    • Public bus ticket to Lac des Confins (Day 5)
    • Boat ticket to Annecy (Day 7)
    • Public bus ticket to the pass of Bluffy (Day 8)
    • All transportation that is not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section
    • Travel and medical insurance — optional

  Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a €50 administrative fee applies to each modification.

• How fit do I need to be?

  To fully enjoy the hike from Chamonix to Annecy, it’s recommended to have some prior hiking experience. The average daily distance is around 10 km (6.2 mi), but some days can stretch up to 18 km (11.1 mi), so you should be comfortable hiking for 4 to 7 hours a day, with elevation gains ranging from +400 m (1,312 ft) to +1,100 m (3,608 ft) daily. The trail offers both longer and shorter options on certain days, allowing you to adjust the difficulty based on your preferences.

  Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or a challenge, there’s flexibility built into the itinerary to cater to different fitness levels and hiking experience.

  For more epic adventures in Chamonix, click here!

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  Clothing:

  • • Hiking boots/shoes
    • Hiking socks — one pair for every day or two days of the trip
    • Sun hat — wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
    • Warm hat
    • Light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
    • Non-cotton hiking shirts (short sleeve and/or long sleeve)
    • Mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool,
    • fleece or polypropylene
    • Insulating jacket — down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
    • Hiking pants and shorts
    • 1 pair of lightweight to midweight base layer/long underwear made of synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
    • Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho made of breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon
    • Casual clothing & footwear — comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  Hiking equipment:

  • • Comfortable daypack (30 to 35L)
    • Personal luggage — small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack up to 15 kg
    • Hydration system — 2+L capacity (either water bottles or bladder/hose system)
    • Trekking poles
    • Headlamp
    • Picnic/lunch kit — knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.

  Personal equipment:

  • • Phone charger and power bank
    • Waterproof travel case or pouch
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
    • Personal toilet paper kit (toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer and sealable plastic bags)*
    • Toiletries
    • Contact lenses and glasses
    • First aid kit

  *In more remote areas, there may be times when you’ll need to use the natural surroundings for bathroom breaks, like digging a cathole so you’ll need a toilet paper kit.

  Optional items:

  • • 2-3 face masks
    • Travel power adapter (electric power voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E/F & L type)
    • Support braces
    • Sleep mask and ear plugs
    • Bug repellent
    • Quick drying towel
    • Swimsuit

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• What is a self-guided tour?

  A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator. These resources will be sent by email and include access to our smartphone travel app for navigating hikes and viewing local maps (available in English only), a list of your booked accommodations, any included travel vouchers, and all the detailed information you need for a successful trip. If you prefer, we can also provide a printed version of the travel packet for an additional fee.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this self-guided hiking adventure from Chamonix to Annecy, it takes at least 2 participants for the tour to run. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.
    • Solo travelers can also go on this self-guided tour, but there will be an additional single supplement fee upon checkout.
    • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
    • Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. There’s a chance that the guiding company might need to book dormitories instead. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

  Hiking from Chamonix to Annecy can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join this Chamonix to Annecy hiking adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To reach Chamonix—the starting point of your hiking adventure from Chamonix to Annecy—is Geneva Airport (GVA), which is about 1.5 hours away. From there, you have several options for getting to your destination, including public transportation. Also, most people take a shuttle service since it’s the most economical option. You can check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!

  Once you arrive, you can begin exploring Chamonix with leisurely walks through the town and surrounding areas.

  Important note on dates & accommodations

  Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).

  Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits
  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Cancellations
  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.