Useful infos

Here are a few words about the principles of a guided trip. Although they may seem daunting, reading them carefully will help you avoid surprises on our trips. If you have any doubts or questions, the easiest way is to discuss them directly. So please don't hesitate to contact me.

THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS :

THE ROLE OF THE GUIDE

Whether walking in summer or winter, the two most important aspects of my work are the safety and well-being of the group. I have to make sure that each participant has an enriching experience, while choosing the most appropriate route according to the group's abilities and expectations. As well as the physical and scenic aspects of each excursion, I do my best to share my knowledge of the mountain environment (flora, fauna, heritage, geology, etc.) and my practical advice (equipment, walking techniques, etc.). Occasionally, however, things go wrong and we all have to think about what to do next. In situations where opinions differ, I remain the sole final decision-maker to ensure that decisions are made in the interests of collective safety. Hiring a guide also means accepting his decisions

EQUIPMENT

It's important to be well-equipped to ensure our safety and comfort on our trips. To this end, I'll be bringing along a collective equipment such as :

a first aid kit
a radio to call for help if necessary
a large tarpaulin
a kit for repairing equipment and lighting fires

For your part, it's important to dress for the weather, whether it's :

sunny > take a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
rainy > take a poncho or waterproof jacket
windy > take a windproof jacket + fleece
snowy > take a waterproof jacket + down jacket + fleece

You should also dress appropriately for the duration of the activity (over several days, take a change of clothes and something to wear in the evening).

Don't forget that meals and snacks are not provided. Make sure you have enough water - at least 1.5 litres per person per day - to keep you well hydrated.

For walking in summer, choose shoes with a good grip on the sole. In winter, insulated footwear is a great comfort.

Walking poles, if used correctly, are a great help. I can advise you on how to get the most out of them.

Finally, the weight of your rucksack should generally not exceed 6kg for a day's walk and 12kg for a multi-day walk.

PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL LEVELS

Hiking is for everyone. From then on, everyone can do it, without exception. For example, I have walked with people who have had two hip replacements or heart problems. All you have to do is adapt the route to each person's physical abilities. As a mountain guide, this is part of my job. That's why communication is so important when preparing your trip. I'll want to know about your mountaineering experience and any recent physical problems you've had so that I can tailor the effort and technical requirements to suit you. We'll need to be honest with each other so that our discussions are not biased. From there I'll work out an ideal itinerary, which we'll adapt as we go along.

For multi-day treks, I recommend that you have already done a day's walking in the mountains before embarking on a trek. The rugged, steep terrain of the mountains can be unsettling on the first few days, especially when it comes to balance and keeping your feet on the ground. Add to this a 10kg rucksack on your back and walking can quickly become uncomfortable for beginners.

PRICES AND CUSTOMS

Although prices are not regulated in France, customary practice provides a framework for the price of an excursion. These standard prices can usually be found on the websites of the various mountain guides. At Versant Aventure, the price includes only the supervision of the guide and the provision of the collective equipment mentioned above. Individual equipment (including snowshoes, poles and avalanche transceivers) is never included. I can, however, advise you on your choice of hire equipment in Grenoble or arrange for you to collect and return the equipment (on request, extra charge for this service).

The booking will be confirmed upon receipt of full payment. This must be received within 7 days of receipt of the amount quoted in writing (estimate, e-mail, messaging applications). The only methods of payment accepted are bank transfer (preferred) and cash. For the refund policy in the event of a change or cancellation of an excursion, please refer to the general terms and conditions of sale.

INSURANCE

I have professional indemnity insurance which is not sufficient to cover you personally in the event of an accident. I advise you to check with your individual insurance company to see if you are covered for the planned outdoor activities. If not, several organisations offer individual solutions (diot montagne for customized packages).