In the mountains, you quickly learn to walk differently. The mountain stride is steady and measured, in tune with your breath and the slope. It requires you to stay attuned to the terrain and your own breathing, without rushing.
Mindfulness extends this awareness. To meditate is to be attentive to what is happening in the present moment—in both your body and your thoughts—without trying to judge it. Your mind often wanders, and that’s normal. The practice consists of noticing this and then returning to the sound of the wind or the sensation of your foot touching the ground.
Hiking and Meditating at the Foot of Mont Blanc
Maison Umaylam offers walks and meditation sessions along the trails of the Chamonix Valley. In the summer, the trails lead up to the mountain pastures and high-altitude lakes. In the winter, people go snowshoeing in the snow-covered forests. , where the tracks of the fox and the mountain hare are visible in the snow. Rima, a mountain guide, leads a simple meditation there—open to beginners—that is learned step by step.
Activities in Chamonix by La Maison Umaylam
Small-Group Meditation Hike
A day in the mountains, with a maximum of eight people, on trails of moderate difficulty. The hike alternates with guided meditation sessions while taking in the scenery, and you’ll discover the local flora and fauna along the way. In winter, snowshoe hikes take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In summer, they take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Price: 69 € per person.
The Private Hike
On the same day, whether alone or with your loved ones, on a route chosen based on your preferences and skill level. Upon request, starting at €310.
Discover Meditation Through One-on-One Sessions
For those who have never meditated before, or who would like to revisit the basics. The session takes place indoors or outdoors, depending on the season. The rate is 63 € per session.
Support: A Rope Team to Help You Move Forward
A ten-session program inspired by ACT, an approach centered on acceptance and commitment. The idea is simple. Learn to embrace whatever comes your way—even when it’s uncomfortable—and keep moving toward what matters to you. Just like in a climbing rope team, everyone sets their own pace. Price: 530 € for the full follow-up.
Further Reading
Maison Umaylam also organizes a five-day meditation retreat in a mountain chalet, with access to the spa, as well as small-group trips to the Himalayas in the spring and fall.
Your companion
Rima is a state-certified mountain guide and mindfulness instructor. For the past seventeen years, she has been guiding groups from the Andes to the Himalayas, including the Alps and Corsica. Meditation has been a part of her life for over ten years.
Practical Information
- Audience: adults and children ages 12 and up
- Level: Activities for Beginners
- Language: All activities are conducted in French
- Seasons: snowshoeing in the winter, hiking in the summer; private sessions year-round by appointment
- Location: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley
- Reservations: on the umaylam.fr website
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to have meditated before?
No. Both the group walks and the individual sessions are designed for beginners. Each meditation session is guided.
Do you have to be athletic?
You just need to be used to walking for a few hours. The pace is moderate, with regular breaks.
Do you need to know how to walk in snowshoes?
No, you can learn the technique in just a few minutes before setting out on the hike. Snowshoes are available for rent at sports stores in the valley.
Does meditating mean clearing your mind?
Not at all. Thoughts continue to come and go, and that’s normal. The practice involves noticing them with kindness, without getting caught up in them, and then returning to the present moment.
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