Alpine Elements Frequently Asked Question - Summer

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I ARRIVE AT GENEVA AIRPORT?
ARE THERE MEALS ON THE FLIGHT?
HOW LONG IS THE TRANSFER?
CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE?
CAN I USE A "FREE BIKE" ALL WEEK?
RENTING A PRO BIKE?
WILL I HAVE TO PAY A DAMAGE DEPOSIT FOR BIKES?
MAINTENANCE AND WORKSHOPS?
CAN I STORE MY BIKE?
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES?
STAFF DAY OFF?
WHERE DO I COLLECT MY ACTIVE PACK?
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES?
I'M NOT AN EXPERIANCED MOUNTAIN BIKER; DOES THAT MATTER?
WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIDED?
SWIM WEAR RULES!
DO WE GET HELMETS/ARMOUR WITH OUR BIKE?
FREE CHILDCARE

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Generally the Alps are very sunny and pleasant, bring lots of sun cream and also a light rain mac because it may rain. When it rains, it is often short lived and will brighten up again very quickly into hot sunshine. Thunderstorms in the mountains are also short lived and again will give way to sunshine very quickly.
Average Monthly:
June |Avg Low: 12° | Avg High: 22° | Avg precip: 8.43 cm
July | Avg Low: 14° | Avg High: 25° | Avg precip: 8.83 cm
August | Avg Low: 14° | Avg High: 24° | Avg precip: 7.43 cm
September | Avg Low: 10° | Avg High: 20° | Avg precip: 6.9 cm
FAQ Home

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I ARRIVE AT GENEVA AIRPORT
Arrival procedure - UK
We do not have a representative at the UK departure airport. However all guests are met in Geneva by our company representatives on arrival and before being transferred to resort by private coach, minibus or Landrover. It is our clients’ responsibility to ensure they make their outbound flight departure from the UK and so we ask you to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. If you fail to check in on time then the airline may refuse boarding. Please inform our French office of any missed flights (+33 (0) 479 00 4445)
FAQ Home

Airport arrival procedure - Geneva
If you arrive at Geneva airport and cannot find one of our reps (who are usually waiting to greet you in the arrivals lounge) then this may mean the coach is delayed or stuck in traffic. Please just wait in the restaurant at the end of the arrival lounge and our reps will come and find you! Our reps can be recognized by their black uniform or an Alpine Elements sign.
FAQ Home

ARE THERE MEALS ON THE FLIGHT?
With any of our flights, charter or adhoc (easyjet) There is a buy on board option only, there are no complimentary meals available.
FAQ Home

HOW LONG IS THE TRANSFER
Chamonix 1 hour 10 mins
Morzine-Les Gets 1 hour 10 mins
Tignes 3hours 30 mins
Please be aware that these transfer times are a guide only and have been calculated under normal driving conditions in a minibus at 100kmph (62.5mph). Please be aware that factors such as heavy traffic, extra bus stops (for the loo & refreshment) and adverse weather conditions may lengthen transfer times. Many of our transfers are subcontracted to third party coach companies and so we cannot guarantee their prompt arrival or any shortfalls in supply.
FAQ Home

CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE
Bikes will be charged at a rate of £55 by the airline and will be subject to the airline’s surplus baggage policy. The weight limit is generally 20-25 kilos p/pers. This information is given as a guide only. Please check directly with the airline for any changes in baggage charges or weight allowances.
FAQ Home

CAN I USE A "FREE" BIKE ALL WEEK
Our weekly holidays come with FREE Mountain bike hire for 3-4 days (3 days standard, the 4th day is subject to availability). You may extend your "Free" 3 day hire to a full 6 day week for £45 to £60 (dep on time of season). Our Free Bikes are Kona Fire Mountains (or similar spec bikes) which are high quality, classic bikes with lightweight frames, disc brakes and front suspension.

The 3 day "Free" mountain bike has been loaned to you for 3 consecutive days either Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday or Thursday Friday & Saturday of your holiday, after which time the bike must be returned in the same condition as at handover.

Please note that bikes cannot be loaned out on Sundays as the mechanics will be maintaining them ready for the next week.
FAQ Home

RENTING A PRO BIKE
We have a stock of Pro bikes to rent from our Morzine and Les Gets chalets and hotels. These are highest quality full suspension bikes and designed for all levels of rider. You WILL need to rent one if you plan on riding the mountain trails and Downhill tracks. Our own "Free Bikes" are not for use on moderate level trails and DH tracks.
FAQ Home

WILL I HAVE TO PAY A DAMAGE DEPOSIT FOR BIKES
We will ask that you sign a disclaimer for our bikes and that your card is swiped 100 EUROS per person to cover any damage you may cause. The money will not be taken from your card - it is just a security in case of damage. Normal “Wear and Tear” will not be charged to you, only breakages or damage that we attribute to wilful neglect or lack of proper use. If you follow our simple rules for bike use then you should not experience any problems, and nothing will be charged to your card without your knowledge.
FAQ Home

MAINTENANCE AND WORKSHOPS
Bikes will be maintained at all times by our qualified mechanics. However we ask that you inform us of any breakages whilst using the bikes. Sundays are Maintenance days therefore will not be available for hire.
FAQ Home

CAN I STORE MY BIKE
Bikes must be stored in the designated secure lock up as instructed by Alpine Elements Reps or mechanics. You must look after your bike at all times and not leave them un-attended or unsecured in a public area or whilst on the mountain. Any theft of bikes whilst in your care is your responsibility and will incur the cost of replacement.
FAQ Home

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES
You may check into you hotel / chalet room on your day of allocated arrival after 16.00. All chalets must be vacated by 10.00 on the day of departure. Our chalet staff have a big job to do on changeover day, which can result in unforeseen logistical problems. There may be some disarray throughout much of the day, with our staff turning the properties around for the arrival of the new clients. Properties may not be fully cleaned and fit for normal use until after 18.00. We would ask all earlier arrivals to be especially appreciative of this.
FAQ Home

STAFF DAY OFF
Staff do get one day a week, which usually falls on a Wednesday. On this day breakfast is laid out for a self serve affair and in the evening dinner is not provided, leaving you free to explore the local restaurants.
FAQ Home

EXTRA ACTIVITIES
Additional activities (other than the active pack) cannot be pre-booked. If you would like to partake in any other activities the rep will go through the options at the welcome meeting.
FAQ Home

WHERE DO I COLLECT MY ACTIVE PACK
All information will be provided by our repping team on arrival in resort. Where applicable you will be issued with a Multipass. Your bike hire and rafting excursion will also be scheduled by our team and the timetable for this will be made known to you in Resort.
FAQ Home

 
I'M NOT AN EXPERIANCED MOUNTAIN BIKER; DOES THAT MATTER
Mountain Biking in the Alps is not only for the serious Downhill and Cross Country riders out there! Alpine bike rides can be enjoyed by everyone including families and young children who perhaps want a more sedate ride along mountain trails and tracks among some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
FAQ Home

WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIDED
Each evening (except staff day off) you will be served a 3 course menu with wine included (wine is not included within the package offered in our hotels). In the event of late arrival, food will be provided but may not consist of a three course meal. For one day a week, (staff day off), breakfast is laid out for a self serve affair, and dinner is not provided, leaving you free to explore the local restaurants.
FAQ Home

SWIM WEAR
You are not allowed to wear “board style” swim shorts in public swimming pools in France. This is for hygiene reasons - so that you don’t wear the same articles of clothing in the pool that you have been wearing up the mountain!. Our own Hotel Pools are more relaxed but naturally we still insist upon the same hygiene ethic.
FAQ Home

DO WE GET HELMETS/ARMOUR WITH OUR BIKE
Basic sport/leisure helmets are provided with the bike hire. For upgraded (dual suspension Freeride) bikes it is recommended to use full face helmets and body armour or knee/elbow pads. We keep stocks of these items which are available for hire on a first come / first served basis. It is not possible to pre-book these items, but please speak to our mechanics on arrival in resort.
FAQ Home

CHILDCARE
New for summer 2011, Alpine Elements have introduced exciting new Kids Club options to your active alpine holiday. The Kids Clubs run out of Les Gets and Morzine and opens up many opportunities for the children to meet likeminded active companions to share new experiences with. Kids club is run with the children in mind but not forgetting the parents! Our aim is to provide a flexible childcare service to enable the parents to have some adult time to do as they please knowing the children are happy and being cared for by experienced and qualified UK child carers.


By operating our childcare with flexibility you can choose to balance your holiday with the right amount of family time and grown-up time that suits you and your family. We do ask that you reserve a space before you depart by calling 0844 770 4070 or emailing admin@alpineelements.co.uk so the team can be prepared for your arrival.
FAQ Home