Author Archive for Sally Guillaume
Sally is the owner and director of Undiscovered Mountains, who specialise in multi activity and adventure holidays in the Alps.
Top tips on how to enjoy your ski holiday when there is no snow
By Sally Guillaume on Jan 13, 2016 in Europe, France, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The unseasonably high temperatures and lack of snow in European resorts this Christmas holiday created a serious challenge for ski resorts. The snow canons were running on full throttle (when temperatures were cool enough) and every valuable snowflake nurtured and dammed into as many skiable pistes as possible. One resort even helicoptered in tons of 
The best Winter activities for teenagers
By Sally Guillaume on Dec 11, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Family Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
There is is no doubt that as your teenagers grow older and more independent any precious moments you can steal with them are highly valuable. All the more important that these moments are fun, special and memorable and deepen the lifelong bond between parent and teen. The Alps in winter are a fabulous snowy playground 
The best unknown climb in France for cyclists!
By Sally Guillaume on Nov 14, 2015 in Europe, France, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Unless you are a local cyclist, you have probably never heard of Mont Colombis (1734m)…! Not many people have, but for those in the ‘know ‘ and the connoisseurs of the French cycling world, it has earned the reputation of being one of the toughest road climbs in France, if not ‘THE’ toughest. It is a pretty mountain 
3 great reasons why you should try cross country skiing this Winter
If you’ve never been cross-country skiing before, it might seem a bit daunting, but speaking from experience, once you have tried this fantastic sport, you will be hooked and never look back. Here are three reasons why I am now a dedicated cross country ski fan to inspire you. You will wonder what took you so long to try. Healthy
3 reasons why you should come walking in the Southern French Alps in Autumn
Most walking trips in the Southern French Alps are advertised in the Spring and Summer when the majority of people take their holidays. However, walking in the Autumn has to be one of the best times of year to visit this beautiful part of the world with it’s dramatic mountains, alpine pastures and raging rivers.
The best places for lake kayaking in the Southern French Alps
By Sally Guillaume on Aug 10, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, France, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Paddling across a beautiful clear blue lake surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery with the sun on your back has to be one of the best feelings in the world. When you get too hot, you just jump into the cool water and then jump back in and continue your journey exploring the coves and admiring 
The best ways to experience the white water of the Southern French Alps
By Sally Guillaume on Jul 31, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Leisure Travel, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The Southern French Alps have the best play spots in the Alps for experienced white water kayakers with big water, technical descents and roller coaster rapids on famous rivers like the Durance and the Ubaye. However, unless you have already spent several years learning and perfecting your white water kayaking skills, this will be out 
3 of the best places to eat after a day in the mountains of the southern French Alps
By Sally Guillaume on Jun 16, 2015 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Everybody knows you don’t need 3 Michelin stars to produce delicious unforgettable food. One of the joys of a trip off the beaten track is the discovery of these hidden jewels of gastronomy in unexpected places. After spending a day exploring the valleys and summits of the mountains on a sun-soaked summer activity trip, or after an 
The top 3 adrenalin buzzes in the Alps this Summer
By Sally Guillaume on May 12, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Italy, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The summer in the Alps is a paradise for extreme sports enthusiasts. For the serious adrenalin junkies, the wingsuit flying craze, has to be the ultimate mad thing to do. However, this is really only accessible to the very elite. It involves wearing a specialized wingsuit, jumping off a cliff and in effect freeflying for 
The best times of year to travel to the French Alps
By Sally Guillaume on Apr 10, 2015 in Europe, France, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Whether you are planning on visiting the Alps for a winter snow holiday, a walking holiday to photograph Alpine flowers or a family summer activity holiday, the weather and local conditions can make or break your trip. Here are a few tips to make the most of the different seasons in the Alps. Spring The 
3 of the best overnight Alpine adventures to try ‘en famille’
By Sally Guillaume on Mar 13, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Family Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Quality time with our children is a priceless luxury that we would all like more of. However, the reality of trying to juggle a full time job, house and family means that those precious moments are often sacrificed for work and other daily distractions. The family activity holiday is a great opportunity to indulge in 
Top tips to finding quality mountaineering off the beaten track
By Sally Guillaume on Feb 05, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The dream of climbing to the top of a mountain, exerting your physical capabilities to the max and indulging in the privileged view you have earned, is a dream shared by many. There are many mountains in the Alps but for some reason there are only a few that ever get on the bucket list 
Top 3 activities for teenagers on an Alpine activity holiday
By Sally Guillaume on Jan 04, 2015 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Family Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Being a teenager is challenging. Being the parent of a teenager…! After investing xteen years loving and caring for our beloved babies, they suddenly turn their backs on us and prefer to spend time with their mates. If they are not ‘hanging out’ they are glued to the iPad in cyberspace, which, of course, we as 
Top tips on how to make an Alpine activity holiday ‘luxury’!
By Sally Guillaume on Dec 27, 2014 in Europe, Family Travel, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The attraction of an alpine activity holiday is evident – lots of fun and adventure and memorable bonding experiences to be shared between family and friends in the fresh air and beautiful mountains! Take that experience to the next level and do it in luxury. Make every activity a special one with all the trimmings 
3 good reasons why you should try snowshoeing in the Alps
By Sally Guillaume on Nov 27, 2014 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Snowshoeing is the ultimate in winter walking, giving access to the most privileged of experiences off the beaten track. Snowshoes distribute your weight evenly over a greater surface area so you don’t sink in (as much!!). This simple application of science makes the snowy wildernesses of the Alps accessible to walkers and the technique is easy 
