Navigation Course in Chamonix, French Alps
Dive into the world of The National Navigation Awards Scheme personalized courses. Tailored to your unique skill level, these courses are designed to ignite the adventurer within. With each step, you'll unravel the secrets of navigation in order to chart your own course in the amazing landscapes of the French Alps.
Group
Alps
2 Days
Jun, Jul
High
Beginner
Highlights
- Acquire the navigation skills required to explore uncharted territories
- Explore the magnificent landscapes of the French Alps.
- Experience tailored courses designed for beginners and skilled adventurers
Description
Join us on an extraordinary program designed to help adventurers of all ages acquire navigation skills. Unleash your inner explorer as you dive into The National Navigation Awards Scheme (NNAS) personalized courses that cater to your particular skill level and awaken the adventurer within you.
The Bronze Award is suitable for beginners with no prior navigation experience, while the Silver Award builds upon the skills learned at the Bronze level and focuses on navigating off-path.
Begin your odyssey with the Bronze Award Course, an incredible opportunity specially crafted for novice navigators:
No prior experience is required as you delve into the mysteries of navigation, unlocking the secrets of maps and compasses.
Discover the art of finding your way, step by step, in the captivating wilderness.
Acquire the skill to identify linear and point features, along with major landforms, and effectively utilize them to verify location while navigating.
Prepare to push the boundaries of exploration as you delve deeper into the realm of off-path navigation with the Silver Award Course:
Master the skills necessary to venture far beyond the beaten tracks, embracing the untamed wilderness with confidence and finesse.
Utilize landforms and point features to align the map and navigate using hills, ridges, spurs, and valleys.
Plan and execute more intricate routes, considering personal fitness, terrain characteristics, and accurate timing.
In addition to the NNAS, both navigation courses offer specialized training tailored for trekking in the Alps. These courses will address unique skills such as variations in mapping techniques and legislation specific to the region, understanding European footpath markings and ratings, identifying hazards associated with alpine trekking, and considering the specific weather conditions found in the Alps.
Prepare for the excitement of charting your own course, navigating through uncharted territories, and conquering new horizons. Reserve your spot by contacting me today!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Please note that the cost of accommodation, food, and transportation is not included in the package. Additionally, it is essential that you have suitable insurance that covers hiking in the Alps. To facilitate convenient access to suitable terrain, we may utilize ski lifts, for which you will be responsible for the associated fees. Rest assured, these expenses will not exceed €20 per person for the entirety of the twoday course.
Itinerary
Equipment you will need to bring
Items you will need for this trip: * IGN 1:25K map * Compass * Paper * Pen * A4 paper maps * Appropiate clothing and footwear for hiking
FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Expect to cover around 10 km per day with a few hundred meters of altitude gain.
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
The Bronze course is suitable for anyone over the age of 16. The Silver course follows on from the Bronze, so we expect you to have an idea of the basics of map reading - orientating a map, following linear features (paths), interpreting map symbols, etc.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
Located in the captivating Chamonix valley, our courses primarily take place in the charming village of Argentiere, which is conveniently situated just a ten-minute drive or a short bus ride away from the center of Chamonix. This strategic location grants us seamless access to the terrain essential for both the Bronze and Silver courses. Moreover, Argentiere boasts excellent transportation connections to Chamonix and offers a wide range of accommodation options. As a customary practice, we typically gather on the first morning at the delightful Al'Pain bakery for an enjoyable introduction, complete with invigorating exercises and a cup of coffee. However, we will provide you with a confirmation regarding the meeting arrangements prior to the commencement of the course to ensure a smooth and organized start.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
You'll need to organize your own accommodation and bring a packed lunch for this course.
Can I join a group?
Yes, we have groups running in early July and will add more on request.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
As this is a navigation course, we'll treat bad weather as an opportunity to practice our poor visibility navigation skills. That said, we'll generally do more of the theory indoors over a coffee if the weather is bad, and find somewhere sheltered for our lunch stop.
Who is the course designed for?
The courses cater to both beginners (Bronze) seeking to obtain their complete NNAS Navigation Awards in the Alps and individuals with intermediate navigation skills (Silver). If you're unsure about which level would be the most suitable for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance.
What do I need to bring for this course?
To participate in the course, it is essential that you come prepared with specific items. Please ensure you have an IGN 1:25,000 map, a compass, pen and paper, as well as appropriate gear for a one-day hike. Let us know if you need to borrow a map or compass as we have a few spares.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Ian
5.0
(1)
Mountain Leader
Living in the mountains was a childhood dream for me, and for the last twenty years I’ve been making that dream happen. I live in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont-Blanc, and can’t think of anywhere I’d rather call home.
I’m an International Mountain Leader and a qualified ski instructor. This combination lets me help people explore the beautiful mountains we live in almost year-round. In the summer and autumn, I run hiking trips around the world-renowned Tour du Mont Blanc circuit as well as provide navigation courses to help you gain the confidence and skills to venture into the hills alone. In the winter and spring, I teach skiing and ski touring.
Please get in touch to book a group trekking holiday or a navigation course.
Languages
English | French | Spanish
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about Ian
We had 4 days trekking with Ian on the Tour De Mont Blanc, the booking and communication from the start was excellent with the whole package being first class. The pick up and drop off to the airport was super helpful and not rushed in any way, Ian met us all at the airport. The route was fantastic, every day was different, some really good stops for lunch, coffee and cake (really worth it), the huts at night gave you a real alpine experience finishing in Chamonix with pizza and beer, what more could you want! Well recommended thank you Ian.
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