| Summer 2008 > Mont-Blanc Tour > Mont-Blanc Tour "intégrale !" |  |
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THE « WHOLE » TOUR DU MONT BLANC - Day sac hike (12 days) France - Italy - Switzerland (cont.) The TMB is undoubtedly the most reknowned Alpine tour. The great alpine classic which any hiker would be proud to have accomplished. These are just some of the reasons we are so attracted to the TMB : the great number of prestigous glaciers and summits such as the Bionnassay, the Peuterey, the Grandes Jorasses, the Mont Dolent,… and of course the grand daddy of all of them, the Mont Blanc, the highest point in continental Europe. Add to this the variety of countryside, crossing three countries, excellent pathways, and our mountain leaders who know every inch of the terrain and who will guide you through the magnificent corners of this region. The TMB is not a hard hike with 6 to 8 hours walking per day at an average of 1000m altitude change daily, but is more enjoyable for those in good shape. A bit of training beforehand should ward off any unpleasant surprises ! On this 12 day tour you will complete the Tour of Mont Blanc in its entirety. In fact, it is the combination of the two half tours of Mont Blanc which we offer, and we add in a night on us at Courmayeur between the two. Difficulty : 12 days of walking, 11 nights in gites or refuges (dormitories) carrying a light day pack (for midday pic nic etc) Overnight affaires are transported by minibus (change of clothing, toiletries etc) |
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ITINERARY : DAY 1 : CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES Up : 525 m / Down : 1100 m / Time to hike : 5 heures 00 To start the tour what better viewpoint than the Brevent. We get there via the Col du Brevent having taken the cable car to Planpraz. From the summit (2525 m), the view of the Mont Blanc in incomparable. However we have to descend and we go via Bel Lachat and Merlet. A short transfer brings us down to the valley to spend the night in Les Houches. DAY 2 : LES HOUCHES - LES CONTAMINES Up : 1090 m / Down : 1050 m / Time to hike : 6 heures 00 From Les Chavants we climb up to the col de Voza then to Bellevue from where there are great views of the Aiguille du Gouter. Then, a charming traverse passes right at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier. A rope bridge across a river and up to the col du Tricot (2120 m). On our way down to Contamines we will no doubt stop in at the chalets de Miage before getting to the val Montjoie. Night in Contamines. DAY 3 : LES CONTAMINES – NANT BORRANT via Tré la Tête Up : 860 m / Down : 570 m / Time to hike : 4 heures 30 When there is time it is fun to take detours and this one is not oftent taken by walkers on the TMB. From the village we will walk up to Armancette lake and the Claudius Bernard panoramic pathway brings us to Tré la Tête refuge (1970 m). We descend on the Combe Noire and join the regular itinerary of the tour and the Nant Borrand chalet refuge to spend the night.. DAY 4 : NANT BORRANT – LES CHAPIEUX Up : 1290 m / Down : 1290 m / Time to hike : 7 heures 00 Early departure toward the col du Bonhomme. The climb continues between higher, the Croix du Bonhomme. The climb continues between smooth rocky slabs to the col des Fours (2665 m). A bit of extra effort and we discover the magnificent viewpoint from the Tete nord des Fours (2756 m). On descending we pass the pretty little lake Mya. We arrive at les Chapieux via the petit Mont Blanc pasture. DAY 5 : LES CHAPIEUX – REFUGE ELISABETTA Up : 730 m / Down : 520 m / Time to hike : 5 heures 00 A short transfer brings us to Ville des Glaciers (1789 m). A cheese making visit is required : here Beaufort is king ! We reach the val d’Aoste via the col de Seigne (2516 m) and from there we see a most imposing view of the south face of the Mont Blanc. A path leads us around the Limestone Pyramids to reach the moraine of the Estelette glacier. Below this is the Elisabetta refuge where we spend the night. DAY 6 : REFUGE ELISABETA – COURMAYEUR Up : 1410 m / Down : 450 m / Time to hike : 5 heures 00 Today is without doubt the most spectacular. It begins with a small descent to get to lake Combal. The way up to the Arp Vieille (2420 m) is easy and takes us onto a magnificent blacony. Mont Blanc sits enthroned above the Brouillard and Freney glaciers and summits such as the Innominata and the Aiguilles de Peuterey – all epic names in alpinism. Descent to the col Checroui then to Courmayeur. DAY 7 : COURMAYEUR - LAVACHEY Up : 1200 m / Down : 890 m / Time to hike : 5 heures 30 Leaving from the hamlet of Villair (1340m) is a charming forested ascent to the Bertonne refuge, then over a crest dominating the Val Ferret we get to Tete Bernada (2534m), we are at the summit of one of the most beautifull lookouts on the whole TMB. There is no lift access here, no 4x4s, just the mountian and us. The view is exquisit. Descent to Lavachey (1640 m), a friendly family-run auberge for the night. DAY 8 : LAVACHEY – LA FOULY Up : 1110 m / Down : 1150 m / Time to hike : 6 heures 00 Leaving the auberge towards Malatra we walk along a pretty traverse bringing us to Arnuva. The ascent to the col Ferret (2537 m) is steep but enjoyable. On the col we cross the Swiss Italian border. Lovely downhill through valaisan pastures to the charming village of Fouly (1595 m). |
DAY 9 : LA FOULY - CHAMPEX Up : 450 m / Down : 480 m / Time to hike : 4 heures 30 Easy day with a descent of the peaceful Swiss Val Ferret. Passing through beautiful hamlets whose old chalets have seen generations of walkers, preceded by generations of travellers crossing the Alps from north to south. We reach Champex and its famous lake via a woodlands trails. DAY 10 : CHAMPEX – TRIENT Up : 720 m / Down : 900 m / Time to hike : 5 heures 30 The classic TMB takes the Bovine route. An hour and a half of easy walking followed by a rapid ascent in the forest and we are hanging over the Rhone valley and the town of Martigny. You will not be disappointed with this fabulous balcony. Easy descent to the col de Forclaz. There is a possible variation via the Fenêtre d’Arpette d’Arpette (2671 m), (Up : 1050 m / Down : 1420 m / Time to hike : 6 heures 30), a rocky area between the Pointe des Ecandies and Pointe du Genepy, a famous passage into the Trient valley across from its magnificent glacier (only for good walkers and in good weather conditions) We spend the night in Trient (1271 m). DAY 11 : TRIENT– TRELECHAMP Up : 860 m / Down : 714 m / Time to hike : 5 heures 00 The walk up to the Col de Balme (2131 m) via las Herbageres brings us back into France. From this col the view of the Chamonix valley is unique and stays with us along the Posettes ridge all the way to Trelechamp (1417 m) in the upper Chamonix valley. Possible variation on the Tseppes path. Night in Trelechamps or nearby. DAY 12 : TRELECHAMP - CHAMONIX Up : 780 m / Down : 300 m / Time to hike : 4 heures 30 From Trelechamp we climb up to Cheserys, a balcony offering grandiose views ; the glaciers of le Tour, Argentiere, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille verte, the Drus , the Aiguilles de Chamonix and of course the Mont Blanc dominating all these marvels. We expect to add a slice of wildlife to this day as a reward for our efforts, ibex are common here. The tour ends at Flegere, where we return to Chamonix by cable car in the afternoon.NB. The guide or mountain leader may modify the itinerary if conditons necessitate. Minibus support allows not only going lighter but also longer. This formula is ideal for composite groups and for the best of walkers who will discover all the variations as well as for the more modest walkers who can take advantage of the minibus service to shorten the day. Documentation : Valid passport or ID card Misc : Bring some euros and swiss francs for personal expemses Meeting point : - Departure will be from the Compagnie des Guides’office in Chamonix. - There will be a pre-departure meeting with your guide or mountain leader the night before at 6pm at the guides offices. Proposed departures for summer 2008 : Monday 7th and 28th July and 18th August 2008 Price summer 2008 : 1150 € per person (minimum 6 people) This price includes : - The mountain guide, the mountain leaders (12 people max per mountain leader) - Half board in refuges or inns (dormitories) - drinks not included, with the night in Courmayeur offered - Midday picnics - Lift tickets - Transportation to the end of the tour - Luggage transportation |
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