Mountain Adventure Holidays
With temperatures rising and snow clearing from the trails, it’s an excellent time to start making summer plans. Why not put a multi-day hiking trip on your agenda? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or taking your first trip there are walking trips for all levels.
On Sunday, when I stood at the start of the 2018 Virgin London Marathon, I was full of the usual nerves and a few more. Training had been more difficult than usual: in January I had flu followed by a chest infection; winter in the Peak District had been severe by British standards so training had been in snow, ice and blizzards; only seven days before the start I’d sprained a ligament walking round a very muddy Chatsworth Estate and ridiculously, summer had arrived early and the temperature would be unforgiving.
It has been less than two weeks since I took my skis off for the final time at Nordkapp on completion of my solo ski journey the length of Norway. The immediate rush of emotions and elation that energised me that day has subsided into a deep sense of contentment.
What a stunning route, 135 km of cross country skiing through the heart of the Norwegian mountains. The Hallingdal Track, to the east of the famous Hardangervidda, is one of the lesser known long distance ski routes, but it's a cracker! We saw a grand total of four other skiers on the whole route, can you imagine how wonderful it felt to be out there in the wilderness and feeling as though you had the mountains to yourself. Such tranquility and solitude, and searing blue skies. Having just returned from our 'recce' trip I can't wait to get back there next winter to see how you like the latest addition to our ski portfolio.
Alpine towns don’t come any more iconic than Chamonix, nestled in the heart of the French Alps. Renowned for its proximity to Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, Chamonix has long been considered the centre of Alpine mountaineering.
A few months ago, I wrote a short article about being inspired to take part in the Birkebeiner, a world-famous 54km XC Ski Marathon from Rena to Lillehammer, Norway. Well, I’ve only gone and done it!!!
It may not seem like it with Siberian weather currently freezing Northern Europe, but Spring is not far away. To help take the edge off the winter chill, (and if you’ve had enough of the snow!) why not consider one of our upcoming sunshine escapes to Majorca or the Verdon Gorge?
We are delighted to be collaborating with Chloë Lanthier on our 2018 Chamonix trail running camp. Chloë, founder of the Chamonix based x-training school, is an extremely gifted and accomplished athlete with over two decades of experience competing across the globe.
We are pleased to announce that Tracks and Trails Director and co-owner Julia Tregaskis-Allen has been awarded the position of Ambassador for the British-owned outdoor clothing and equipment company Montane. As a member of the BAIML (British Association of Mountain Leaders), and one of four International Mountain Leaders chosen to represent the brand, Julia is very proud to have been selected and is looking forward to taking up the role:
Thank you Lizzie for sending us your wonderful cross country skiing story.......(to date!)
Mention cross-country to skiing to most of my friends and colleagues and I am usually met with a response along the lines of ‘that looks a bit too much like hard work’..... well, it can be hard work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, and for those people who enjoy trail running, long hikes or just some fresh air in the great outdoors away from the crowds, then it might just be worthwhile giving cross-country skiing a try.