Eleven Chalet Hibou Pre-Arrival Guide 2024

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SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE | 2024

Let’s Get Planning.

Your Eleven Experience Team is here to help design the perfect adventure. This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to meeting you at Chalet Hibou, but until then, let’s start making some plans.

Getting Here

A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO AND FROM FRANCE.

Entry requirements for visitors differ slightly depending on place of birth, length of stay, and what items accompany the traveler. All persons entering France must travel with a passport that is three months or more from expiration beyond their planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. Travelers should also have in their possession a return or onward journey ticket and proof of funds to support the traveler during their visit. Tourist visas are not required for stays under 90 days.

By Plane:

The closest airport to Chalet Hibou is the Chambery Airport (CMF), which is about 1.5 hours away by car. This airport is serviced by Atlantic Airlines, British Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and others. Guests may take a commercial flight to the Geneva Airport (GVA), or the Lyon Airport (LYS), both of which are about a 2.5-hour drive from Chalet Hibou. Commercial airlines that service these locations include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, United Airlines, and Emirates, among others.

Those interested in flying by private or charter aircraft can land on the private airstrip at the Lyon, Geneva, Chambéry, Annecy and Albertville Airports.

By Train and Heli:

Alternatively, guests can arrive by train. The closest train station is Bourg St. Maurice, which is only 20 minutes from our front door. Another option is to arrive at the Chambery train station, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away.

Eleven is happy to assist with coordinating ground or helicopter transfers from your arrival location to Chalet Hibou for an additional cost. Please see our Pricing Guide for more information on additional transportation options.

Adventures

HIKING

Head out with our knowledgeable guides to hike past pristine lakes in glacial valleys, waterfalls hidden in alpine forests, and historic forts tucked away in the hillsides. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, chamois, ibex, and wild girolles mushrooms.

E-BIKING

Explore the landscapes of the Alps with ease on our fleet of industry-leading e-bikes. Ride cross country on single track through forests and open meadows, or pedal leisurely along abandoned alpine roads.

CANYONING

Glide along natural canyon slides, jump into basins of deep water, and swim under the waterfalls on this unique aquatic adventure. Our guides will equip you with a neoprene wetsuit for comfort and show you the way.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

This exciting adventure gets the adrenaline pumping on 18 kilometers of Class 3 and 4 whitewater rapids on the Isère River. A wetsuit and neoprene boots will keep you insulated from glacial waters.

CLIMBING

Whether you come with plenty of experience or are excited to learn, let our expert guides show you the ropes on a variety of outdoor climbing routes and indoor walls. With plenty of options and the appeal of classic alpine rock climbing, this is a guest favorite.

VIA FERRATA

Via Ferrata offers an excellent introduction to safe, fun rock climbing. Follow a steel cable up a series of ladders that are fixed to a rock face. Along with epic views, you’ll experience the historic mobilization system that dates back to WWI in the Dolomites.

VIA CORDATA

Via Cordata is a mix between hiking, climbing, and Via Ferrata. Move across cliffs and through the mountainside with minimal equipment, enjoying a great introduction to mountaineering surrounded by unbeatable views.

GLACIER TREKKING

Traverse high-altitude glaciers with the help of a private guide, ropes, crampons, and ice axes. Discover icescapes, crevasses, and sheer rock faces on your way to the top, where a summit view polishes off an exciting adventure.

FLY FISHING

The Tarentaise Valley offers a variety of angling options with its wide rivers and high-altitude lakes. Great for the whole family or as an individual outing, this guided fly fishing trip offers a tranquil way to experience the French Alps.

TRAIL RUNNING

Known for its dramatic scenery, diversity of trails, and sheer amount of terrain, the French Alps have drawn runners from around the world for years. Find your stride with an Eleven guide, whether you want to take it easy through sweeping pastures or tackle a high-altitude route.

GLACIER SKIING

Try summer skiing at Tignes’ Grande Motte glacier. Take the funicular train and a cable car through the mountains, then start your descent from almost 3,500 meters. Wind your way through 20 kilometers of on-piste terrain.

DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING

Ride some of the world’s best-known downhill mountain biking tracks in Tignes, Val D’Isère or Les Arcs for an adrenaline-filled experience. With plenty of options for all levels, you can lap downhill tracks all day with easy lift access.

ROAD CYCLING

Ride some of the most famous Tour de France climbs like the Col de l’Iseran, Cormet de Roselend, Col du Galibier, Col de la Madeleine, and more. You can also discover designated cycle tracks around Lake Annecy or follow the Isère River from Bourg St. Maurice.

MOUNTAINEERING

Summit Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, plus some of the most technical peaks in France, Italy and Switzerland with our experienced guides. Hike, rock climb, and traverse glaciers to reach your peak of choice.

ROWING

Rowing in Lac d’Aiguebelette offers a serene yet invigorating experience for all levels of rowers. Glide across the calm waters of the lake, surrounded by lush greenery and the stunning backdrop of the French Alps.

PARAGLIDING

Experience the valleys and mountain ranges from above on a tandem paragliding trip. Get a bird’s-eye view of the incredible landscape with your pilot, who will control the fabric wings as you take in the vistas.

LUGE

Reach speeds up to 45 km/hr as you race down 700 meters of forested rail track on a sled, hitting features like slopes, a footbridge, and a spin. Available year around, this “X-treme Luge” is a must-do activity for anyone who loves a thrill.

HORSEBACK RIDING

There are a variety of ways to ride horses year around in our valley. Suitable for a wide range of levels and ages, options can include beginner riding lessons, advanced rides, carriage driving, ski jeering, and donkey rides for the kids.

TENNIS

Challenge your friends and family to a lively match in the heart of the French Alps. With options to play on clay courts in charming alpine villages or take lessons with a pro, this is destination tennis at its finest.

INFLATABLE KAYAKING

Paddle down one of the most famous rivers in the world, the Isère, in a single or double kayak. Your guide will help you navigate like a pro on stretches like Centron Gorge and Aime Rapids, plus show you riverside cliff jumping spots at Pont Romain.

MONT BLANC HELI TOUR

Head out in the helicopter for a scenic tour of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps. You’ll spend 30 minutes flying over the towering peak’s glaciers and its neighboring mountains, and get the chance to view rarely seen alpine lakes.

ARCHERY

Led by qualified instructors who provide equipment and guidance, this activity hones your precision, skill, and concentration as you aim for targets. Children and adults alike will enjoy the timeless art of the bow and arrow.

GOLF

Play Tignes’ stunning golf course, which hugs a 2100-meter lake and has 360-degree mountain views. Alternatively, perfect your swing at an Italian course that faces Grandes Jorasses Peak near Mont Blanc, which is the highest golf course in Europe.

Additional Experiences

All additional experiences offerings are priced separately.

TWO-NIGHT HUT TRIP

Eleven’s two-night guided hut trip takes eight guests from Chalet Hibou to our two private mountain huts deep in the Alps. Hike through France and Italy’s most staggering landscapes, enjoying chef-prepared meals and bunk-style accommodations each night at our picturesque huts. We can also personalize your route with e-biking, glacier trekking, and more.

ALPAGE OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE

Hike or bike into the heart of the Alps to our remote mountain hut, Alpage Ruitor, where you’ll be greeted with a chef-prepared meal and historic accommodations with modern-day comforts. Additional day trips from the hut can include hiking, glacier trekking, Via Cordata, and more in the surrounding alpine terrain. Single or double night stays can be accommodated.

Wellness

Take relaxation to the next level by adding our renowned wellness treatments to your trip.

Massages & Treatments

SWEDISH

Slow, rhythmic strokes calm the nervous system and release stagnant toxins, creating balance and tranquility in the body, mind, and spirit.

30minutes | 60 minutes | 90 minutes

DEEP TISSUE

A targeted variety of therapeutic massage techniques restore blood flow and alleviate chronic pain, injuries, soreness, and fatigue.

30minutes | 60 minutes | 90 minutes

THAI YOGA MASSAGE

Revitalize and invigorate your body with our signature treatment, expertly designed to unlock your body’s natural energy pathways through gentle pressure points and soothing stretches.

90 minutes

PILATES

Lengthen and strengthen the entire physique with a focused sequence of balance, flexibility, and breathing exercises geared towards core strength and posture awareness.

60 minutes

All wellness offerings are priced separately. PRICING

YOGA

Offered as a private group class or individual session, this practice is adapted by our knowledgeable instructors to align with guests’ abilities, needs, and comfort levels.

60 minutes | 90 minutes

Food & Drink

Enjoy a largely inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and French cuisine.

FOOD INCLUSIONS

Breakfast and après are included daily, and dinner is included every evening for up to six consecutive nights. We will also make your lunch reservations at a local restaurant, or can prepare excellent field lunches for an additional cost. We are happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions.

Our in-house chef team is highly experienced and sources local produce whenever possible. Breakfast yogurts and milk come from the independent dairy farm located right in our village. Local cheeses are a mainstay, with favorites like Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, and fresh goat cheese. Dinner plates reflect the region’s age-old culinary traditions and are balanced with nutrient-forward components to fuel your adventures.

DRINK INCLUSIONS

Chalet Hibou offers a fine selection of liquor, beer, and wine included in your stay. Each evening, our team thoughtfully pulls wines to pair with your dinner for a complete gastronomic experience. Our on-site bartenders are also happy to mix specialty cocktails from our beverage menu. To add to your experience, we offer personalized wine samplings paired with local cheeses, perfect for unwinding after a day full of adventure. If you have a special beer, wine, or liquor preference, please discuss this with your Experience Manager in the pre-trip planning process.

Preparing for Your Trip

Check out the essential information you need to know before you go.

Packing List

DON’T FORGET TO PACK:

Passport

Prescriptions and medication

Plug adapter (See page 18 for details)

Camera and charger

Batteries/chargers for devices

Personal toiletries

CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD

YOU PACKED:

Comfy clothes for relaxing around the lodge

Casual clothes for dinner and meals

Athletic clothes for outdoor activities

Warm layers for chilly summer nights

Rain jacket and pants

Windbreaker

Sandals or comfortable shoes

Athletic closed-toe shoes

Hiking/waterproof boots

Swimsuit

Polarized sunglasses

ADVENTURE GEAR:

Base layers

Gloves

Beanie

Warm jacket

Ski pants

Hat

Good to Know

CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:

• Check-in time at Chalet Hibou is 3:00pm and check out time is at 10:00am.

• Please note: Access to your room outside these hours is not guaranteed. Please communicate with the Experience Team to coordinate any conflicts with check-in and checkout times.

CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:

• If you will be spending time abroad before or after Chalet Hibou, we suggest you take cash in the form of Euros for taxis, tips, and other items. It is also recommended that you notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling internationally.

• Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted at restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions in France. Smaller shops and markets in the country sometimes only take cash. Amex is not accepted everywhere in France. Tips and gratuities are usually cash transactions.

• Note that Chalet Hibou is a cash-free property, meaning we only accept credit cards.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

• As a member of the European Union, France uses the Euro as its sole form of currency. The US Dollar is not accepted in France.

GRATUITY:

• While gratuities are not expected at our properties, guests wishing to leave a tip for the Chalet Hibou team may consider 10% to 15% of their total stay cost. This amount will be distributed among all staff and guides who contributed to your stay. Feel free to mention your preferences on how the gratuity is distributed.

• Outside the lodge, tipping is more of a gesture than an obligation in France. While tipping is not always expected, it is greatly appreciated. Servers often receive 5% of the bill if the service is deserving. Bartenders should receive a few Euro per round, depending on the amount of drinks ordered, while guides typically receive 15% of the overall bill as a gratuity.

LOCAL TIME ZONE:

• Sainte Foy Tarentaise adheres to the Central European Summer Time (CEST) zone.

CELLULAR SERVICES:

• Check with your cell phone provider before your trip to see if they provide international service in France. Some companies have inexpensive travel plans that will give you full cell phone service while traveling internationally, but you have to enroll before you leave.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Eleven Team can help you arrange a policy prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT:

• Electrical outlets in France and Chalet Hibou deliver power at 220–240 volts. This is much stronger than most North American sockets, which typically deliver 110–120 volts. Plugging a North American device into an outlet in France could result in damage to the item or a fire. While North American outlets typically use type A or B plugs, outlets in France require type E. We recommend bringing a power adapter for type E sockets to avoid any problems with powering your devices.