Mountain-Guides
Summer Walking & Trekking - Tour du Mont Blanc
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Tour du Mont Blanc - Course Summary (11 Days Starting and Finishing in Chamonix)
 This is the famous classic of the Alps - a complete circuit of Mont Blanc, the
highest mountain in Western Europe, passing through three countries. We meet in
Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the world, and from there embark on a
journey taking in the rich history and culture of the mountains. We visit remote
farms and refuges, ancient Roman towns and beautiful lakeside mountain villages.
Our trips are meticulously planned and by using two guides the group size is
never more than eight. Our personal minibus support means that you have your luggage ready and waiting
for you each afternoon at any hotel that has vehicle access.
The minibus is also available for those that are feeling the pace and would
prefer a day off from the hike. In this case a shorter excursion is often an
option on arrival at that evenings venue.
Tour du Mont Blanc - Sample Program
| Day 1 |
Arrive in Chamonix and meet your
leaders for an informal briefing at your hotel. |
| Day 2 |
We set off from Les Houches, enjoying
stunning views of Chamonix Valley as we use the cable car to gain 900m
to start the trip. We cross under the Bionnassay glacier and head up to
the Col de Tricot, 2120m, before a steep descent to the Miage pastures.
From there a short climb over another col before heading down through
the forests to the small town of Les Contamines. Ascent 700m. |
| Day 3 |
Starting along a Roman road we make the long ascent through mountain pastures to
the Col de la Bonhomme, 2599m. We then traverse the hillside to another slightly
higher Col where ibex can often be seen, before a gentle descent to the lovely
hamlet of Les Chapieux where herds of sheep, goats and cows spend the summer
grazing. Ascent 1300m. |
| Day 4 |
We ease into the day with a minibus transfer along the valley where cows produce
the famous Beaufort cheese; with the opportunity to buy some for a picnic! A
steady climb to the Col de la Seigne, 2516m and into Italy with views of the
‘other side’ of Mont Blanc. From the Col a gentle descent to the valley past the
famous south ridges of the ‘Blanc’ such as the Peuterey with its impressive
jagged skyline. We arrive in the ancient Italian town of Courmayeur. Ascent 830m. |
| Day 5 |
Today we have rest day in Courmayeur
and after a leisurely breakfast we have a number of options, the town
itself has some great shops cafes and bars for those who want to just
wander peacefully, if you prefer to be pampered we recommend a trip to
the luxurious spa at Pre St Didier just 2 kilometres down the valley,
for the adventurous we suggest a trip up the cable car to point
Helbronner and fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the glaciers of the
valley blanche. Whatever you decide your rest day should leave you
feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead. |
| Day 6 |
We leave the old quarter of Courmayeur and head up the Mont de la Saxe Ridge
through pine forests to the Bertone Refuge for a coffee. Then along the ridge
with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range, before arriving at the
Bonatti Refuge for a true night in the mountains. The Refuge to which there is
no vehicle access, pays homage to the great Italian mountaineer and photographer
Walter Bonatti. Ascent 900m. |
| Day 7 |
The day starts with a gentle traverse of the mountainside to the Elena Refuge
for morning coffee! A climb to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m where we cross the
border into Switzerland. Down through meadows to the tiny hamlet of Ferret where
we catch a bus to the beautiful lake side village of Champex for the night.
Ascent 770m. |
| Day 8 |
A gentle start down to Champex d’en Bas where we begin to climb along the Bovine
trail which traverses the mountainside through flower filled pastures. Picnic
lunch at a rustic refuge with the chance to learn about the famous Swiss
fighting cows. Stunning views down to the Roman town of Martigny and the Rhone
valley as we walk to Col de la Forclaz for the night. Ascent 570m. |
| Day 9 |
As we come full circle we head up and over the Col de Balme from where Charles
Dickens penned a letter describing the stunning beauty of the mountains. Along
the Posettes ridge and down through the forests to the charming hamlet of Tre-la-Champ.
Ascent 1070m. |
| Day 10 |
From the Col des Montets we head up through the Nature Reserve to the famous Lac
Blanc which provides a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc Massif, with its peaks
and glaciers. A final chance to enjoy the flowers of the high mountain and see
ibex and chamois, often we can get very close. A cable car from Flegere back
down to Chamonix for a well deserved drink! Ascent 900m. |
| Day 11 |
After breakfast at your hotel depart
for your journey home. |
Pre-Requisites
- Participants on this trip must be reasonably fit and able to walk on rough paths for up to 8 hours a day.
Dates (Thu to Sun 11 Days)
- 19 jul - 29 jul 07
- 02 aug - 12 aug 07.
Prices
- £1275 per person
- Minimum group size - 8
- Maximum group size - 16
- Groups smaller than 8 prices on request.
What is Included
- Bus and lift fares
- Half board accommodation * 10 (accommodation is in twin bedded rooms and hut dortoirs - single room supplements are available on request)
- Mountain leaders and their expenses
- Minibus support and luggage transfer during the hike
- Packed lunches.
What is Not Included
- Beverages
- Incidental expenses
- Insurance
- Personal equipment hire
- Travel to and from Chamonix
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© 2005 Mountain Guides Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales No 05543177
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