The Company of the guides of Chamonix

Summer 2010 > Randonnée & Trekking >> Bear Valley Tour :

THE VALLEY OF THE BEARS

Although bears disappeared from our region a long time ago, we can still find traces of them in local toponymy which remind us of their presence. The name of the village of Vallorcine means “valley of the bears”. We propose following these traces by touring this preserved valley.
This four day trek will allow us to discover both well known and lesser known sites, such as Lake Blanc, the dinosaur footprints above old Emosson, or even the hidden valley of Emaney.The backdrop will be the majestic Mont-Blanc, seen from some unusual angles.

Comfort : 3 nights in small hotels and staffed mountain huts; 2 nights in double rooms + 1 night in a dormitory. You will carry a light backpack (personal belongings for the day + picnic). Transportation of your baggage by minivan from hut to hut throughout the trek. Two nights hotel accommodation gives this trek added comfort. We can also adapt the trek depending on the ability and wishes of the participants by choosing alternative and shorter routes. Ask for details.

Technical Ability :4 days of trekking for experienced hikers, with stages of 6 -7 hours on footpaths and mountain trails of varied terrain.

ITINERARY :

DAY 1 : LA FLEGERE - LE BUET
We take the Flégère cable car then hike up to Lake Blanc in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. The spectacular view needs no presentation. Descent by Les Chéserys and La Remuaz towards the Col des Montets where we find the Nature Reserve chalet. We will pass our first night in a hotel in the hamlet of Le Buet.
Up : 475 m. / Down : 1017 m.

DAY 2 : LE BUET - EMOSSON
On leaving the hotel we trek up via a forest trail as far as the Loriaz meadows where the landscape opens up over the impressive Argentière basin below. At the Terrasse pass we can descend to the site of the dinosaur traces; we rejoin the Emosson Dam by an ancient path or by the Combe de la Veudale which offers an attractive alternative to descend directly to the mountain hut. Dormitory accommodation at the Gueulaz hut near the crown of the dam.
Up : 1300 m. / Down : 561 m.

DAY 3 : EMOSSON - FINHAUT
Our walk starts by traversing the Emosson tunnel, then by following the lake for a short while. A gentle hike up through wild countryside leads us to the Barberine pass. The descent starts in a long scree field as far as the lost valley of Emaney and then traverses the meadows where the local shepherds still produce excellent cheeses. From the hamlet, a piste then a forest trail joins the village of Finhaut. Overnight hotel accommodation (rooms) in Finhaut.
Up : 516 m. / Down : 1231 m.

DAY 4 : FINHAUT - LE TOUR - CHAMONIX
Short transfer in the morning to Les Jeurs where we start the day’s hike. Trek up to Catogne, then a traverse towards the Col des Posettes. Superb viewing point of the Mont-Blanc massif. Descent via the slate mines to the village of Le Tour in order to take maximum advantage of the fabulous views. End of the trek.
Up : 697 m. / Down : 544 m.

THE MOUNTAIN OR TREKKING GUIDE MAY HAVE TO MODIFY THE PROGRAMME DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS.

THE MEALS : The evening meal will be taken in the mountain huts or hotels. The trekking guide will take care of preparing the picnics. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any medical restrictions. The water in all the mountain huts is fit to drink, however, please check with your trekking guide before drinking water from other sources in the mountains.

Documents:A valid passport or I.D. Card.

Miscellaneous:Allow for euros and Swiss francs for personal spending.

Rendez-Vous:Depart on Day 1 at 8h30 from the Compagnie des Guides, Place de l’Eglise, Chamonix.
Or Meeting for information with your guide or accompagnateur, the evening before the trip at 18h00 at the office of the Companie des guides.

Price (summer 2010) : 430 € per person - Minimum 6 participants.
This price includes:
· The services of the guide.
· Half-board in dormitory accommodation.
· The Midday picnic.
· The cable car.
· Transport.
· The transport of bags during the hike.

A supplement of 15% is added to groups of 4 persons.

Departure dates (summer 2010) :
on 4th July and 22nd august.

We ask the hereunder deposit payment at the reservation.
The remaining has to be paid 21 days before the beginning of the course.