LESSONS FROM CHAMONIX 2024

Our second year hosting in Chamonix came and went in a blink of an eye.  I almost didn’t do this a second year.  After the passing of my Dad, after learning what worked and what didn’t from last year’s group... I felt reluctant to do it again.  

I have a personal rule for myself: don’t make decisions based on fear.  My gut was telling me not to repeat the retreat, but the risk-taker in me said, DO IT.  Do it again, and do it better.  

Both feelings turned out to be right.  From a financial perspective, this year’s retreat was a loss due to many empty spots (the positive was these were filled by amazing friends and family who fostered an incredible group vibe).  From a business perspective, this year’s retreat was a success because every guest experienced transformations, pushing beyond their limits and replacing their limiting beliefs with self-confidence and hope.  My #1 goal for every retreat participant is to believe in themselves in ways they didn’t think possible.

5 FACTORS WHY CHAMONIX IS A WIN FOR TRANSFORMATION:

• Fantastic food: there are several organic markets, farmers’ markets and a long list of restaurants in the Chamonix valley.  We were lucky to have a private chef, Mercedes Justis -Zierke fly out to execute an organic, plant-rich, gluten-free menu using local and organic ingredients.  It’s difficult to eat well while traveling when we’re vegan, gluten-free, whole foods and organic.  Even more of a treat, we packed up our most popular P.S. & Co. baking mixes (pancakes, muffins, banana breads, tahini chocolate chip cookies) to recreate in Chamonix - and all came out just like at the restaurant! 

• The right Mountain Guide: the hikes Sandy Miller guided us on were the most scenic and spectacular I’ve ever seen.  This was my third time hiking the French Alps, and Sandy’s recommended hikes were the most incredible.  The trails and views far exceeded any other trail I have ever experienced.  I realized the traditional UTMB route is quite overrated - if you’re just in it for the views and not trail running the race!  As Sandy assured, there are so many other hikes that are far more spectacular and far less crowded.  Sandy also let our group spread out and allowed everyone to go at their own speed.  He was the most incredibly patient and accommodating guide.  I’ll never forget what he said, something along the lines of his priority is for clients to be happy, to have fun and of course be safe.  If you decide to explore Chamonix, I highly recommend Sandy as your private guide.  He’s the best guide I’ve witnessed from all of my hiking trips. 

• Chalet: a good night’s sleep is priceless.  Camping or sleeping in mountain huts aren’t my idea of a restful evening.  Our chalet was just on the edge of the main street of Chamonix, which meant the area was quiet (no loud voices, drunken crowds, etc).  The chalet was also modern and made of concrete, so our rooms were sound proof and maintained naturally cooler temperatures.  Oh, and having our en-suite bathrooms is a must.  And, having organic shampoos and conditioners at our disposable was on brand!  This year, I purposely scheduled our retreat in late June (after much of the snow melted and before the large crowds and higher temperatures of July and August).  Air conditioning is not available in the mountain towns, so be sure to seek out a quiet dwelling so you can peacefully sleep with windows open.  I found our chalet on Airbnb and linked it here.  If you’re thinking of staying here, message me, and I’ll tell you all the good and minor not-so-good features

 

• The People: this is the wild card factor.  Put a group of strangers together for a week, mix them all up, and what do you get?  It’s either a bunch of cliques or you feel a love that keeps growing.  I can’t believe how amazing this year’s group got along.  Everyone wanted to know about the other’s story, include each other, encourage each other and the love and positive mindsets were infectious.  I was amazed that no one wanted to try the restaurants in Chamonix, and everyone wanted to stay in and dine together with our private chef!  (This was not the case last year!) 

• Location: I’ve learned that guests do not like to feel trapped.  They want options to explore town in the evenings, go shopping, the option of eating out, exploring other excursions and not be too far from the nearest airport.  Chamonix is within 75 minutes of Geneva airport with airport shuttles under 100 euro round trip.  My go-to recommendation is Mountain Drop-Offs.  Chamonix is incredibly vibrant with chic boutiques, high-end shopping and a variety of restaurants and markets.  All surrounded by an outdoor junkie’s playground!  If I have the funds one day, I would spend summers there living out my extreme adventures.

How I changed our second year’s retreat in Chamonix to improve upon last year’s:

• Booking in June instead of July (less crowded, slightly cooler temperatures).

• Instead of yoga, I brought my stretch-mobility teacher, Kip Martin, who also teaches the best adult ballet at Symmetry Dance Wellness in Philadelphia.

My observations from previous groups, in my humble opinion, most (not all) yoga enthusiasts enjoy more relaxing activities and are not necessarily looking to push themselves.  Those looking to hike 10+miles/day and challenge themselves are not typically interested in stretching, mobility or restoration.  I realized my ideal combo wasn’t actually popular!

My hope was that bringing a mobility teacher would be more appealing.  Kip is a profound teacher.  I was so grateful our guests found his teachings to be on another level.  He also met with each participant and gave a personalized routine for each to practice at home. I love how Kip added a personalized touch to each retreat participant.

• Healthy and delicious meals executed by a health-focused private chef! Beautifully plated food and all created with minimal oil, salt yet full of flavor.  It was the healthiest I’ve eaten while traveling, and you know how food always tastes better when someone else prepares it?  It was such a pleasure to return to the chalet with beautifully prepared meals.  Oh, and our packed lunches on the hikes were so special!  Nothing like you could purchase in town.  Far superior than a sandwich the other hikers were enjoying!

• Connecting with a better Mountain Guide, but I wouldn’t know what was a good guide without experiencing what didn’t resonate.  Biggest lesson learned: people don’t like being told they can’t do certain hikes.  I’ve learned to have the recommendations come directly from the guide, so it doesn’t seem like I’m doubting anyone’s ability.  Plus, what do I know?  I think everyone can do anything, so I’m encouraging everyone to just push through it!  I also learned, some guests don’t like to be pushed.  It’s a delicate balance.   I learn a great deal about human psychology by witnessing how our guests respond in the face of stress and the unknown.  Who sees things as the glass half full?  Who exudes positivity and encouragement?  Who dwells in the drama and seeks comfort in misery?  My job is to better understand guests before having them join a retreat, so the group is overwhelmingly positive and up for anything.

The Paris Olympics are currently on as I write this, and I am incredibly inspired by all the athletes who overcame major health setbacks (Suni Lee’s 2x kidney disease, Simone Biles’ twisties and mental health struggles, Katie Ledecky smashing more world records, Kristen Faulkner winning road cycling gold after only biking for 7 years)....

It’s an incredible example of how we’re in the driver’s seat. How do we choose to respond in the face of adversity or something less than favorable?  Our mindset can determine whether we have a disappointing vacation or the most transformative experience.  The mind is incredible - we have the will and the power to see the good, experience growth and learn life-long lessons.  

I hope you’ll embark on your own transformational travels.

I leave tomorrow to go on a solo cycling adventure in Sardinia, group hiking in the Dolomites and exploring the areas of each to finalize our 2025 retreats where I hope to curate a dynamic group of participants to experience a memorable and life-changing retreat together.  

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about visiting, staying or exploring Chamonix!  

Xx,

Andrea