Get ReadyChaletfor Hibou
SUMMER PLANNING GUIDE
Let’s Get Planning
Eleven’s 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
Explore our guided adventures in the Alps.
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 HIKING
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.
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.
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.
ROWING
Rowing in 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
Take a ride at the “Ranch El Colorado,” a year-round equestrian center. This activity is suitable for a wide range of levels and ages with options including lessons, carriage driving, ski jeering, and donkey rides for the kids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PRICING GUIDE
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 Pelerin 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.
OUTPOST OVERNIGHT
EXPERIENCE
Hike or bike into the heart of the Alps to our remote mountain hut, Refuge les Mollettes, where you’ll be greeted with a chef-prepared meal and historic accommodations with modernday 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.
AN ALPINE EVENING AT THE ALPAGE
Venture deep into the Alps for an unforgettable evening at one of our remote outposts. After a scenic hike or e-bike ride, arrive to a warm welcome—sunset cocktails, fireside fondue, and a candlelit chefprepared din Hike deep into the Alps for a remote evening at our backcountry outpost. Originally built as a sheep herders’ hut, this historic space has been reimagined with rustic charm and modern comforts, offering an intimate dining experience off the beaten path. When you arrive, enjoy sunset cocktails, fireside fondue, and a candlelit, chef-prepared dinner surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Then, hike or e-bike back to the chalets. ner surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Originally built as sheep herders’ huts, these historic spaces have been reimagined with rustic charm and modern comforts, offering an intimate dining experience off the beaten path. Whether it’s a cozy evening by the fire or a starlit night under alpine skies, this is adventure dining at its finest.
Wellness
Take relaxation to the next level by adding our renowned wellness treatments to your trip.
Massages & Treatments
All wellness offerings are priced separately.
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
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
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
Food & Drink
Enjoy a largely inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and French cuisine.
FOOD INCLUSIONS
Breakfast, après, and dinner are included in your stay at Chalet Pelerin, and we are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions.
Our in-house chef team, highly experienced and passionate about local ingredients, sources fresh produce whenever possible. Breakfast yogurts and milk come from the independent dairy farm in our village, while regional cheeses— Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, and fresh goat cheese—are a mainstay. Meals honor the region’s culinary traditions while incorporating nutrientrich ingredients to fuel your adventures.
While breakfast, après, and dinner are included, we also offer a Lunch Menu for an additional fee if you’d like to relax at the chalet. Alternatively, we’re happy to assist with restaurant reservations or prepare excellent field lunches to take on your adventures.
DRINKS
Chalet Hibou offers a separately priced selection of liquor, beer, and wine. Each evening, our team curates a thoughtful wine selection to accompany your meal, while our onsite bartenders craft specialty cocktails from our beverage menu. For those interested, we also offer a guided wine discovery experience featuring regional wines and local cheeses. If you have a specific beer, wine, or liquor preference, please discuss this with your Experience Manager during 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 Pelerin 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 Pelerin, 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 Pelerin 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 Pelerin 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 Pelerin 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 plugs. We recommend bringing a power adapter for type E sockets to avoid any problems with powering your devices.
