Level 5 hiking holidays

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Thomas Praire

Technical Travel Manager

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Cassandre Dufour

Travel expert in France, Switzerland and Italy.

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Francesca Bigolin

Italy travel expert

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Our level 5 hiking holidays: trekking for mountain enthusiasts

A level 5 trek is an intense experience for seasoned walkers keen to tackle more technical trails and substantial elevation changes. It is an opportunity to push your limits safely amid magnificent alpine scenery.

Who are our challenging hiking holidays for?

These holidays are intended for very active hikers with excellent physical fitness who regularly walk in the mountains. You need to be prepared for days involving 6 to 8 hours of actual walking, with elevation gains that can exceed 1200 metres. Trails can be technical, with steep sections or stretches at altitude that require sure-footedness and a head for heights. If you would like a clearer understanding of the differences between the activities, we have explained the characteristics of trekking and hiking on our blog.

Why join a guided group for a demanding trek?

Choosing a group hiking trip for a level 5 trek means choosing safety and good company. Our guides, who specialise in high mountain terrain, handle navigation, manage the pace and make decisions suited to the terrain and weather conditions. With the logistics taken care of (mountain hut bookings and supplies), you can focus fully on the physical challenge and the beauty of the scenery. The group’s energy and shared experiences provide extra motivation to achieve your common goals.

How can you prepare properly for a level 5 trek?

Thorough preparation is the key to a successful trek. We recommend taking up an endurance activity (cycling, running or swimming) several months before departure and going on training hikes with elevation changes. Equipment is equally important: well-worn-in walking boots, technical clothing suited to a three-layer system and walking poles are essential. To make sure you do not forget anything, read our advice on what to pack in a hiking backpack.

Explore our hiking holidays for every level

At Grand Angle, we classify our holidays by difficulty level so that every walker can find a route that suits them.

Beyond our most physically demanding level 5 routes, discover our full range of hiking holidays, from Easy for a gentle return to walking, through Moderate and Intermediate to Strenuous to Difficult.

Do you have a question about your ability level or a holiday?

Assessing your ability level is an important step before signing up for a challenging trek. If you are unsure or would simply like to discuss your experience to find the right holiday for you, please contact our advisers. They will draw on their knowledge of the terrain to guide you towards the adventure best suited to your wishes.