I'm a Celebrity……Get me to Chamonix!!

At least that seems to be the case for former England rugby players, Austin Healy and Will Greenwood, who will be in Chamonix all next week to ski the Vallée Blanche…..the hard way!

Hosted by Collineige, a luxury adventure operator based in Chamonix, the former England internationals will be trained by renowned Chamonix ski guide Jean-Marie Olianti. Over 3 days, he will be putting them through their paces with wilderness skiing in Chamonix and in Courmayeur, ready for their off-piste challenge on the 6th. Depending on how handy the three are on their skis, Jean-Marie will be taking them down either the Vrai Vallée Blanche or the L'Envers du Plan route. Olianti says: “It will be interesting to see how these rugby men and TV personality adapt to the mountaineering capital of the world.”

As well as Healy and Greenwood, Mike Catt will also be here to support his colleagues in their challenge; although due to his continuing rugby commitments, he's under strict instructions not to be pulling any fancy tricks in the snow park whilst he's here!

“I'm a Celebrity” and “Wish You Were Here” presenter, Mark Durden-Smith, will also be in town to follow their progress and interview the guys throughout their stay.

Collineige, which has been operating in the valley for the past 28 years, has launched a seasonal programme of luxury ski holidays and challenges during winter months in some of Chamonix's most beautiful luxury chalets - with climbing, trekking, cooking and art courses during the summer months. Colleen Olianti, Managing Director of Collineige says: “Collineige is not just about value for money but is focused on creating memorable experiences for their clients.”

Collineige and the Compagnie du Mont Blanc will also be hosting an event on February 5th 2008 at the grand Hotel du Montenvers where Mark Durden-Smith will be quizzing the rugby boys on their Collineige Challenge as well as tales from the rugby field.