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Page 1 Nepal www.rawtravel.com Mt Blanc Trek The European Alps offer some of the most spectacular and enjoyable walking in the world and this adventure offers the chance to combine three countries into one trip as we cross the rugged Alps from Switzerland to France and Italy. The trek around Mt. Blanc is one of Europe’s best mountain walks and you’ll get a chance to appreciate the different cultures, foods and peoples whilst you hike through glorious Alpine scenery. The spectacular circuit around Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s classic hikes, demands some respect. From the massif of Mont Blanc (4801m- the highest mountain in western Europe), seven valleys extend into France, Italy and Switzerland. Each valley retains its own unique culture, architecture and landscape and it’s through these valleys we will hike. Each day we hike up to the ridges and descend into valleys below, with time to enjoy views of glaciers, green mountain meadows and snow capped peaks. Itinerary Day 1: ARRIVE CHAMONIX Arrive today in the Mountain town of Chamonix. After meeting with your trek leader the afternoon is free for you to explore the town and it’s amazing mountain surroundings. Take a cable car up the famous Aguille de Midi for spectacular views over the Alps or relax in the many street cafes offering excellent cuisine. DAY 2 : CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES Up : 525 m / Down : 1100 m / Time to hike : 5 hours 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 3 : LES HOUCHES - LES CONTAMINES Up : 1090 m / Down : 1050 m / Time to hike : 6 hours Starting by the Col de 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. Overnight in Contamines. DAY 4 : LES CONTAMINES – LES CHAPIEUX Up : 1290 m / Down : 850 m / Time to hike : 7 hours From the village of les Contamines, we will walk up to the col du bonhomme.We leave the Val Montjoie to go to the Beaufortin The Mont Blanc circuit Page 2 Nepal www.rawtravel.com valley. We arrive at les Chapieux via the petit Mont Blanc pasture. DAY 5 : LES CHAPIEUX – REFUGE ELISABETTA Up : 900 m / Down : 520 m / Time to hike : 6 hours 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 : 470 m / Down : 1600 m / Time to hike : 5 hours 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 : 900 m / Down : 890 m / Time to hike : 5 hours 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 beautiful lookouts on the whole TMB. There is no lift access here, no 4x4s, just the mountain and us. The view is exquisite. Descent to Lavachey (1640 m), a friendly family-run auberge for the night. DAY 8 : LAVACHEY – CHAMPEX Up : 850 m / Down : 1100 m / Time to hike : 6 hours 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).Transfer to Champex. DAY 9 : CHAMPEX – TRIENT Up : 720 m / Down : 900 m / Time to hike : 5 hours 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 and views of far ranging mountains. 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 10 : TRIENT– TRELECHAMP Up : 1080 m / Down : 800 m / Time to hike : 5 hours 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 11 : TRELECHAMP - CHAMONIX Up : 780 m / Down : 300 m / Time to hike : 4 hours 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 Mont Blanc dominating all these mountain marvels. We expect to add a slice of wildlife to this day as a reward for our efforts, as 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 conditions necessitate. The Mont Blanc circuit Page 3 Nepal www.rawtravel.com Day 12 Depart Chamonix The trip finishes today and you are free to stay on or we can help arrange a transfer by private vehicle this morning from Chamonix to Geneva airport ( not included). IMPORTANT NOTE: THE TMB is a very popular walk and refuges sometimes get overbooked. This is just a guide to route & details may change and the actual refuges booked may vary from what is written here, dependent on client numbers, wishes and availability. This adjustment with refuges may alter the exact distance walked in a day so the above itinerary should be used as an indication to overnight stops/ distances. Meeting point hotel & arrival info You will need to make your way to the meeting point in Chamonix, the Chaumiere. Access to Chamonix from Airports The nearest Int’l airport is Geneva, which is approximately 1.5 hours from the town. We can help book your international flights from Australia to Swiztzerland if you are an Australian resident. Other possible entry points include Grenoble in France, Zurich in Switzerland or Milan in Italy. But Geneva is easily the most convenient place to fly into for access to Chamonix. Chamonix - Hotel Chaumiere Tél: +33 (0)4 50 53 13 25 http://www.hotelchaumierechamonix.com/ If staying in Geneva The airport is located at nearly 4 km from Geneva city centre. It is easily reachable by train or by bus using the united network of public transport Unireso. It takes only 6 minutes from/to Geneva city centre by train (every 12 minutes at rush hours). The airport railway station has direct access to the airport Check-in and Arrival levels. All trains stop at Geneva-Cornavin station (city centre). you can pick up a free ticket for public transport from the machine in the baggage collection area at the Arrival level. This Unireso ticket, offered by Geneva International Airport, allows you to use public transport in Geneva free for a period of 80 minutes If you are staying at a hotel, the establishment will offer you the “Geneva Transport Card” that allows you to use public transport in Geneva free of charge during your stay. Fares between airport and city range from about CHF 30.00 to CHF 35.00 and depend on traffic conditions, time of day and number of passengers. Presently, the fare within Geneva, including airport, is the amount shown on the taximeter. The driver will request a small extra charge for luggage. Transport Walking & cable car Is this the right trip for me? When considering booking a trip it’s important that you look at the descriptions in these trip notes relating to the accommodation, food and difficulty level to ensure that it matches your expectations. Particularly with the physical difficulty rating it’s vital to select a trip that is realistic for your ability. With physical gradings it’s important to understand that a label, of say ‘moderate’ can mean two differ completely different The Mont Blanc circuit Page 4 Nepal www.rawtravel.com things to two different people depending on their experience, fitness level and mental attitude. For our Australian based walking trips there is now a track grading scale that we refer to (developed as an industry standard). For overseas walking or cycling trips you need to rely upon interpreting the information given and relating it to your own fitness levels and abilities. So if a trip describes daily activity of 5-7 hours a day walking or cycling then you must ask yourself are you currently doing walks or rides of that distance in comparable terrain? So if a walking trip involves ascents of 500-1000m each day then you should go and walk a mountain with a 1000m ascent and see how you cope. If a trip is a cycle ride with average distances of 80km a day then go out and ride a comparable distance to see how you cope. While we often see amazing improvements in people’s fitness with a programme of regular training before a trip you have to be realistic about whether you can commit to regular training with your current lifestyle. If you feel that you would be unable to commit to doing the training to achieve that level of fitness then you should consider another trip that is less demanding. This is the only way to accurately judge whether you can cope with the demands of any given trip. Physical Rating MODERATE - DEMANDING Have a look at the pre trekking guide for tips and advice on fitness levels. You will be walking on steep mountain terrain for between 5 & 7 hours a day carrying only a daypack. http://rawtravel.com/trekking We expect people to have a good level of fitness where they are taking regular physical exercise in the lead up to the event. This can be from walking ,cycling or going to the gym. You will also need to practice hiking in a mountain environment with your equipment that you’ll be taking to Mt. Blanc. You should prepare for walking several hours ( 5-7 hours per day) a day with steep ascents and descents. We will average almost 800-1000m a day in ascents so your training should reflect this in the led up to the event. Choose hills with steep ascents to train on and push yourself to do long days to prepare yourself adequately. You should have some experience in walking in a mountain environment to consider this trip - it is not a novice’s trip. Meals All meals are included whilst trekking and in total: 11 Breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners We have not scheduled meals other than breakfast when you have free time in Chamonix. Breakfasts are served each morning at the hotels and refuges. Lunches are picnic style on the trail. Dinners are served at the refuges. Breakfast: Will usually consist of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread, and conserves. Lunches: Picnic of Breads, cheese, meats etc - there is usally a variety available. Evening meal: Generally consists of a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. (Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals). Accommodation Chamonix (2 nights ) we will be staying at a small hotel with twin share, en suite facilities. Chamonix - Hotel Chaumiere The Mont Blanc circuit Page 5 Nepal www.rawtravel.com Tél: +33 (0)4 50 53 13 25 http://www.hotelchaumierechamonix.com/ Refuges Once we get into the Mountains we stay at Refuges - wonderful rustic farms that have been converted to accommodate hikers - where the accommodation is much more basic and communal. The atmosphere is friendly and jovial as hikers from many countries gather to spend the night. Staying in the refuges and small hotels offers a wonderful opportunity to meet hikers from other parts of the world, experience something new and take part in the tradition of European style of hiking hut-to-hut. Where possible we have requested more private rooms of triple/ quad share but sometimes you will be in shared, dormitories that provide mattresses, pillows and blankets. We have shared indoor toilet and shower facilities. Throughout the trek we use small family run hotels, pensions and refuges and on most trek nights we will be in shared dormitory accommodation (It is usual in Europe that dormitory accommodation is mixed sex.) Please be aware that room sizes in both hotels and dormitories and their facilities will vary from one place to the next and sometimes from room to room within one hotel. Some have washbasins in the rooms. You may wish to bring a compact travel towel, as those provided are sometimes small. What’s it like underfoot? Underfoot you will experience a variety of tracks and trails on the TMB. Typically the mountainous sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc run on single-track paths that can be rocky in places, sometimes with steps but mostly just the bare earth. Mud is not a problem in the same way as on Mounatin paths in Victoria, for example! Tracks are also common - perhaps gravel forest roads, ski pistes, or rough tracks for vehicles over agricultural land. There are some sections of country lanes, of which much the longest is one 4.5km stretch near les Chapieux. Depending on Spring weather in Europe there may be snow on the passes and your local leader will advise in this instance when you reach Chamonix. Visas Europe Australian citizens visiting Schengen countries ( of which Switzerland, France and Italy are part of) do not need to apply for visas if staying for not more than 90 out of 180 days. Important Notes 1. Please note this RAW trip is led by an experienced local guide, who is fully quliafied as a Chamonix Accompantuer through the Company De Guides Chamonix. They are first aid trained and fully versed in the local environment and evacuation procedures. You may possibly accompanied by a RAW leader(s) ( depending on eventual group numbers). 2. Passengers with special meal requirements must ensure they or their travel agent inform RAW of this at the time of booking. 3. We will have a vehicle to carry your main luggage from refuge to refuge. There is limited space available in the vehicle for luggage storage so please only bring essential items on the trip. See ‘What to Take’. 4. Make sure that your Insurance covers you for emergency rescue. Phone your insurer directly if you are not certain. What to take? Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible and we recommend keeping the weight under 12kg. Because of limited space available in the vehicle for luggage storage you will only bring essential items on the trip. If you need to then The Mont Blanc circuit Page 6 Nepal www.rawtravel.com bring a bag for extra items / clothing which can be left back in Chamonix. Your main luggage is transported for you on the trip, so you carry only a daypack. Suitcases are NOT recommended for this trip. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although a sports type / carry all bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. You will also need a good hiking day pack when out walking to carry a clothing and personal effects such as Camera, sunscreen, water, snacks, blister kit. Checklist (suggested list): Travel Documents - Travel insurance, air ticket - Credit card & spending money Personal Items - Blister kit, rehydration salts and any personal medication you use - Alarm clock and LED head torch/flashlight - Water bottles or Camel Bak system ( 2-3 litres recommended) - Sunscreen, hat and high UV sunglasses - Comfortable hiking daypack ( 30L+) with padded shoulder support & waist straps - Waterproof bags for pack rain protection while walking (garbage bags are fine) Clothing - Well worn in hiking boots with good ankle support - 3 pairs of walking socks - 3 T-shirts (lightweight quick drying tec fabric) or long sleeved Trekking shirts - 2 pairs of shorts and at least one lightweight trousers (for walking in - avoid wearing Jeans! ) - Thermals for sleeping - Warm fleece, sweater, hat, gloves (cold evenings) - Waterproof, breathable jacket & overtrousers ( Goretex or similar) - Spare pair of flip flops / trainers for inside refuges or if boots are wet - Broad brimmed Sunhat Optional but highly recommended -walking poles. Good for balance & taking weight off your knees on descents. Can also be hired in Chamonix at 5e a day. Expect 20-30 C at lower altitudes and at night temperature can fall below10c. Being in high mountains you should prepare for all eventualities with weather. High altitudes will always be cool and if cloud sets in it can be cold & damp. It is not unknown for snow to be on the passes into Summer after a cold spring and your local guide will advise whether any additional equipment is required such as Crampons which can be hired locally. Other Suggestions - Silk sleeping liner - good for extra comfort with blankets - Camera - Spare batteries for camera - Reading & writing material - Spare pair of flip flops / trainers for inside refuges - Knee brace - not essential but useful for injury - hand sanitiser - optional The Mont Blanc circuit Page 7 Nepal www.rawtravel.com - Miniatures of your usual tolietries - Snacks - though these can be purchased locally - Book - Swiss army knife - Mobile & charger Electrical outlets Generally two pin round , 230V in France and also in Italy, but some variations there & Switzerland. We are not guaranteed access to electric points in every refuge as power points are shared so you should take adequate batteries for your cameras. Other Sightseeing & Activites The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Excursion Prices Aiguille du Midi - Panoramic views of Alps €39 Mountain biking - Full day’s hire €25 Rock climbing - Half day €40 Rafting - 1.5 hours / €40-60 per person (depends on number of people taking part) Public swimming pool - (3 pools, jacuzzi, death slide) €6 Paragliding - 1000m vertical descent €100 / 2550m vertical descent €220 Travel Insurance Clients must have insurance to cover themselves for helicopter search & rescue for this trip. Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the