| Summer 2008 > Mont-Blanc Tour > Tour du Mont-Blanc "Confort Tour" |  |
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The spectacular circuit around the Mont-Blanc (TMB) is one of the world’s classic hikes. From the massif of Mont Blanc (15 771’- the roof of western Europe), seven valleys extend into France, Italy and Switzerland. Each retains its own unique culture, architecture and landscape. Each day we hike up to the ridges and descend into valleys below, with time to enjoy views of glaciers, green mountain meadows and peaks (Bionnassay, Peuterey, Grandes Jorasses, Dolent, Aiguille Verte !..). The accommodations on this mountain hiking trip vary with location. As you might expect, there are good hotels in the towns we encounter, but more rustic lodging higher in the mountains. Accommodations fall into two categories: - Hotels: These have double rooms with baths. - Small hotels and mountain inns: Double rooms often with a bathroom down the hall. QUALIFICATION: The TMB Circuit is designed for fit, energic people who have a healthy dose of curiosity and enthusiasm about the world,and who like to be active.The most important prerequisites are a spirit of adventure and positive attitude. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You must be prepared and capable of walking an average of 5 to 7 hours a day on trails with steep ascents and descents.(averaging 3000 to 4000 feet up and 2000 to 3000 feet down each day). |
Vue on the Aiguilles de Chamonix |
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ITINERARY : Day 1: LES HOUCHES-LES CONTAMINES: We have a short transfer before going up with the cable car to Bellevue(5500’) where we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc range. Begin hiking down below the tumbling Bionnassay glacier,and up to the Col de Tricot (6955’). A steep descent brings us to the Chalets de Miage (5115’). After lunch, a short climb takes us up to Le Truc (5942’), then down through the thikly wooded hillside to the charming small town of Les Contamines (3829’). Hiking time is about six hours. B,L,D. Hotel: Hôtel Le Grizzli Day 2: LES CONTAMINES-LES CHAPIEUX: After a short drive, we hike up an old Roman road to the Plan des Dames, then make a long ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (7641’) and Croix du Bonhomme (8100’) for lunch. In afternoon we hike downhill on a grassy trail to les Chapieux (5500’). Approximately six and half hours hiking. B,L,D. Inn: Auberge de La Nova Day 3: LES CHAPIEUX-COURMAYEUR: We transfer to the end of the « Vallée des Glaciers », then enjoy a relatively easy hike over the Col de la Seigne (8245’) and down into Italy to Lac Combal and Visaille. Transfert in Val Veni to Courmayeur where you spend the end of the afternoon to explore this resort town spectacularly situated beneath the Grand Jorassas and Brenva Glacier. Here the views of the Mont-Blanc are Himalayan in scale - the mountain rises in a breathtaking abruptness from the Veny Valley to the summit 10000 feet above. Transfert to Lavachey in the Val Ferret, where we’ll spend the night in small and confortable inn. Hiking time is four hours. B,L,D. Inn: Auberge de Lavachey Day 4: LAVACHEY-CHAMPEX: After a short transfer, we walk up a nice trail past the spectacular « Glacier de Pré de Bar ». Cross the Grand Col Ferret (8300’) to enter Switzerland, and descend to the scenic village of la Fouly (5280’), located beneath the Glacier de l’A Neuve. An easy trail continues down into the Swiss Val Ferret to Praz-de-fort. Transfer to the small Lake resort of Champex. Hiking time is seven hours. B,L,D. Hotel: Hôtel Glacier & Sporting Day 5: CHAMPEX-LA FORCLAZ: We start hiking down to Champex d’en Bas, and then up a steep winding path heading towards the north across alpine pastures (great views of Martigny, the Rhone Valley and the Valais). Weather permitting, an alternate trail by the « Fenetre d’Arpette » (8760’), a rocky « window » across a mountain ridge, can be taken. Six or seven hours hiking. B,L,D. Inn: Hôtel du Col Day 6: LA FORCLAZ- CHAMONIX: Hike over the Col de Balme (7188’) through forest, high pastures and dairies, and back into the Chamonix Valley. Majestic views of Mont-Blanc reappear as we hike over the Col. We descend gradually into the forest to Trelechamp, hamlet above Argentiere. Hiking time is six hours.Transfer back to Chamonix. End of the trip. B,L. |
Dates proposed for Summer 2008 : Sunday 15th June – Mondays 30th June - 28th July – 25th August – 8th and Sunday 15th September LAND COST- Summer 2008: 695 € Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double accommodations. 6 persons minimum (Supplement for single room : 155 € per person if available) What’s included - leadership - accomodations in hotels, and inns (based on sharing double accomodations) - meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) - local group transfers by bus or cable car - ground transportation by van What’s not - transportation to Chamonix - hotel in Chamonix, - drinks and extras - insurance of any kind - optional tips to leader EQUIPMENT: This is a mountain trip where we cross passes above 8250 feet. Temperature can drop to freezing and windchill factor can make it colder. Be prepared for it. Layering is the best way to stay warm. Your day pack should be midsize to hold your raingear, lunch, water, and your camera. The rest of your luggage travels in the assisting minibus. DELAYS: If the trip is delayed because of bad weather, cancelled or delayed flights or delays on other modes of transport, or sickness situation for wich the Compagnie des Guides or its agents cannot control, the cost of delays is not included. |
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