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Indiana University Bicentennial Grand Expedition French Alps Mountaineering
Brought to you by
Indiana University Outdoor Adventures and Alpenglow Education

Join us for an amazing adventure to celebrate Indiana University’s 200th anniversary. With this course, you’ll travel to the birthplace of mountaineering high in the French Alps in the charming mountain village of Chamonix. From there, you’ll spend 7 days exploring this historic village, mountaineering in the Mont Blanc Massif, riding one of the tallest gondolas in the world and touring the Aiguille du Midi. You will have the option to sample some of France's culinary classics including fondu, escargot, fromages, crepes, and of

June 11-17, 2020
$1,500

course, baguettes! We have reserved a day in our itinerary to “choose your own adventure”. Options include paragliding over the Alps,rock climbing (via ferrata), whitewater rafting, hiking, or further exploration of Chamonix. You do not want to miss this amazing experience!

What’s Included: 

  • Lodging while on course starting the evening of June 11 through the morning of June 17

  • Breakfast and Lunch every day

  • Dinner on the mountaineering section

  • Expert American and local mountain guides

  • Lift tickets for mountaineering section

  • Tickets for Aiguille du Midi

  • Equipment Rentals

  • All access to real person to help you prepare your travel logistics

  • Transportation while on course​

What You Provide:

  • Dinner on all but one night

  • Transportation to/from Chamonix before/after the course

  • Choose Your Own Adventure Day Activity Fee

  • Travel Insurance

  • Rental items beyond what's provided in the “mountaineering package” (i.e. warm jacket, backpack, or gloves)

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Chamonix

Day 3

Climbing Preparation

Day 5

Summit Attempt Aiguille du Tour and Descend

Day 7

Depart Chamonix

Day 2

Aiguille du Midi Ride

Day 4

Travel to Refuge Albert Premier

Day 6

Choose Your Own Adventure

  • Paraglide

  • Via Ferrata

  • Whitewater Raft

  • Hike/Explore Town

Level of Difficulty

Strenuous 

During the mountaineering section, on our summit attempt day, we will be walking for 7-10 hours. Overall, we will be walking uphill 4,500 feet between the 2 days. 

While you do not need to be a super athlete to partake in this course, you should be in good physical shape to undertake the above mentioned challenges. The more fit you are, the more likely you’ll be able to summit and not be too exhausted to enjoy yourself after. To prepare for this course, we recommend cardio like running, long distance walking, and stairsteps. You should be able to walk 6 miles.

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