Tour of Mont Blanc
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| Swiss, French, and Italian Alps | |
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| Key Facts | |
| Dates : 17 - 28 July 2010 15 - 26 August 2010 Price : 1490 € Group : 4-10 persons Meeting : Geneva, Switzerland. More details upon booking. Difficulty :  |
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The Tour of Mont Blanc will change the way you see the mountains. Surely, nothing will be the same after this trek. Twelve days amid glaciers and gorgeous alpine landscapes inevitably have an impact on the spirit.
We choose alternative paths whenever it is possible, and personally choose the best mountain huts. In addition, unlike 90% of companies and individuals that offer and make the Tour counter-clockwise, we offer it in the other direction, that is, contrary to everyone. The choice is not just a whim. You'll see the advantages of this formula on the very first day of the trek.
Itinerary
Day 1
You'll be greeted at Geneva airport and transfered to the village of Chamonix, situated at the foot of the impressive Mont Blanc massif. It is here where alpinism was born, on the 8th of August 1786, when Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard conquered the top of Mont Blanc for the first time. We'll have some spare time to walk around Chamonix before going to the mountain hut to spend the night.
Day 2
After breakfast, we start the hike towards Aiguillete des Posettes (2201m), enjoying the views of the Le Tour glacier, the Mont Blanc, and the panoramic views over the Natural Reserve of Aiguilles Rouges. From Aiguillete des Posettes we continue to Col de Balme (2191m), the mountain pass that divides Switzerland and France. From here we descend towards Trient. Walking time: 6h30.
Day 3
After our first night in Switzerland, we begin the day climbing up to 2040m. We enjoy the view of the Swiss Alps while we take a rest. Then we continue the hike towards Champex. The wooden houses and a beautiful lake make of this typical Swiss town a magical place. Walking time: 6h15.
Day 4
We start the day descending towards the town of Issert, enjoying a beautiful forest of firs. Not far from our destination we enjoy the wonderful views of the glaciers of l'A Neuve and Dolent. Walking time: 6h15.
Day 5
We begin the day climbing towards Col of Gran Ferret (2537m), with the imposing Mont Dolent (3823m) presiding the views. After several days of trekking in Switzerland, we enter in Italy. From Col Ferret we enjoy the wonderful views of the Swiss and Italian Alps. Not less impressive are the views from the mountain hut, where we have the Grandes Jorasses and the glacier of Frébouze just facing us. Walking time: 6h00.
Day 6
After the deserved rest, we move on and the Monte Bianco is even closer. We also enjoy the glaciers of Fréney and Brouillard. Before reaching Courmayeur, we have our picnic from a viewpoint, contemplating Tète Bernarda, the glacier of Brenva descending from Monte Bianco, the Dent du Geant, the Grandes Jorasses, and Courmayeur, where we are delighted by a delicious Italian supper. Walking time: 4h30.
Day 7
Today we head towards Dolonne, a small village that we traverse before starting our ascent towards Col Chécrouit (1967m). After a 3-hour hike we arrive at the wonderful Combal Lake, on the banks of the glacier of Miage; we cannot get much closer to a glacier than this. Today's hut is in the heart of the Lee Blanche valley. Walking time: 7h00.
Day 8
We bid farewell to Italy to return again to French territory. We begin the day climbing Col de la Seigne (2696m), and then we proceed towards Col de Fours (2665 m). We arrive at the highest refuge of the tour, where we are delighted with some live music after supper. Walking time: 6h30.
Day 9
We descend towards Les Contamines. We sleep at the foot of two glaciers, where a frozen lake rested a million years back. Walking time: 6h30.
Day 10
After a good breakfast, we begin the day climbing col Tricot (2123m), and enjoy the glacier of Bionnassy. We go through col Voza and arrive at Les Houches 1h30 later. In this town, everybody starts the Tour in the opposite direction. We then begin the ascent towards the Brevant. We spend the night contemplating the incredible views of the Chamonix valley, its imposing glaciers and the great Mont Blanc facing us. Walking time: 8h00.
Day 11
With the impressive views from the Brevant (2526m) it is very easy to get to La Fleguere. The Chamonix valley runs parallel to us, and we get to the refuge from where many of the typical photos of the Chamonix valley are taken. Walking time: 7h30.
Day 12
With a little hesitation to wake up and put an end to our Tour, we begin the day descending towards Tre-le-Champ (3h00 hike), passing by the Cheserys lakes. In this area it is easy to see herds of chamois and their offspring. Once we close the circle and complete the Tour successfully, we have the possibility of starting it all over again, if we wish :)
Recommend this trip to a friend
The price includes:
• Meeting/assisting at Geneva airport
• All transportation from and to Geneva
• 1 night bed and breakfast in Courmayeur
• 10 nights in mountain huts, half-board
• All meals in the form of picnics
• Services of the mountain leader for the entire route
• Travel insurance
• Personal mountain rescue insurance
The price does not include:
• Airfare (for recommendations, click here)
• Beverages and meals not specified