Dawson Cornwell’s French Alps Charity Hike for Dads House

Over the weekend of 13-15 September 2025, 24 of us from the firm took on a truly unforgettable challenge: hiking through the French Alps to raise money for the incredible charity Dads House. For many, it was a leap far outside our comfort zones – something we never imagined attempting, let alone completing and enjoying!

Our journey began in the alpine village of Pralognan, nestled in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. After arriving late Friday in Geneva, we drove a couple of hours to our chalets, which would be our base before and after the hike. Following a few hours of much-needed rest, we laced up our boots, packed our waterproofs and sweets, and set off.

We started at Les Fontanettes, where we met our brilliant French mountain guides, Anna and Camille, before boarding the chair lifts that carried us above the treeline and onto the historic Salt Route. From there, we hiked through alpine meadows, rocky paths, and glacial lakes, framed by the towering peaks of the Vanoise Massif. We spotted many marmots basking in the sun and consumed multiple packets of Haribo sweets to keep spirits high – arguably the unsung heroes of the weekend.

One of the most memorable moments came at Lac des Vaches (Cow’s Lake), a shallow alpine lake crossed by a stone path just beneath the surface. We paused for lunch by the lakeside, sharing snacks and laughter as the rain began to fall, adding a dramatic (and damp) atmosphere to an already stunning setting. We continued past Lac Long, with views of the Aiguille de la Vanoise and La Grande Casse, the highest peak in the range.

We arrived at Refuge du Col de la Vanoise in the late afternoon, tired but thrilled to have conquered the day’s ascent. Greeted with steaming mugs of hot chocolate, we dried off and settled into the cozy refuge. That evening, we joined fellow hikers for a hearty three-course dinner made with local produce, including cheese from cows grazing back in Les Fontanettes. Supplies are flown in by helicopter, a reminder of how remote and special this place truly is.

After a snug, stuffy night in the dormitories, we woke early to fresh mountain air and a communal breakfast. On day two, our guides offered two challenging routes. Some pushed themselves further, climbing to the Patinoire (Ice Ring), a spectacular glacial lake tucked high above the refuge. The steep, rocky ascent demanded stamina and nerve, but reaching the quiet, icy lake was a fitting reward for the effort.

Others took the trail to the Col de la Vanoise, navigating narrow ridges to glimpse Lac Rond (Round Lake), glistening in the morning light. The temperature shifted constantly, prompting frequent wardrobe changes as we climbed and descended.

Running on little sleep and tackling these physically demanding hikes, many of us found ourselves going further than we expected during those final miles. It was a solid challenge, and we each came away feeling proud – both of ourselves and of the incredible team we shared it with. 

We returned to our chalets by Sunday afternoon, exhausted and each in need of a warm shower. That evening, we celebrated with a well-earned raclette, local wine, plenty of cheese (of course!), and a competitive, loud game of Werewolf – the perfect end to a weekend none of us will soon forget.

This hike wasn’t just a personal challenge, but a shared team experience for a cause we care deeply about. Dads House does incredible work supporting single fathers and families, and we were proud to contribute in our small way.

It was a real team effort, but we want to highlight that the trip wouldn’t have been possible without Floriane Laruelle, our Senior Associate, whose brainchild this whole adventure was and who played a key role in making it happen: organising the routes, booking the guides and accommodation, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. We’re also incredibly grateful to Solicitor Isabela Maculan, who provided fantastic support throughout the weekend, especially with the delicious food and transportation logistics. Their efforts truly brought the whole experience together and made it unforgettable.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported us, and if you’d still like to donate, the link to our fundraising page is here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/dawsoncornwell-llp