Compagnie des Guides de 190 place de l’église - 74400 Chamonix – France - Tél : + 33 (0)4 50 53 00 88 www.chamonix-guides.com - e-mail : [email protected]

HIKING - AUTHENTIC TOUR DU

Duration: 6 days Level: Price from: 750 €

The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix have developed a selection of trips with the logistics and comfort adapted to your needs allowing you to fully live the experience. Each trip guarantees you a hike rich in emotion:

- Classic Tour du Mont-Blanc: 6 days to discover all the unmissable sights - Tour du Mont-Blanc comfort: the classic itinerary with nights in hotel rooms

- Family Tour du Mont-Blanc: 6 days specially adapted for the family

- Authentic Tour du Mont-Blanc: 6 days immersed in the local heritage - Complete Tour du Mont-Blanc: 10 days to fully live the experience - Half complete Tour du Mont-Blanc: 5 days to hike half the complete tour (complete the loop next time !)

Get as close to nature as possible with this Authentic . An experience to total immerse yourself in your surroundings, to discover the fauna, flora and local cultures. Hike from mountain hut to mountain hut through typical alpine villages and fully enjoy the show offered by the mountains guided by a professional. A unique opportunity to discover more about the alpine diversity of France, and Italy and the rich heritage of these regions. A Tour du Mont-Blanc as authentic and as close to nature as possible. With your backpack full for the week, set off on the trails and spend the nights in mountain huts.

You carry your weekly belongings in your backpack to fully enjoy the mountains and the superb landscapes. Accommodation in a hostel or refuge with nights in a dormitory. Transfers are made by local transport.

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Chamonix - Col de de la Forclaz Our hiking adventure starts from the village of Le Tour. Once at Col de Balme (2 191m), our first hiking goal, we will say goodbye to the king of the Alps, Mont Blanc, and the nearby needles, and discover the and pastures. We follow the trail down to Alpages des Grands and lower down to the creek. The (1 527m) and our hotel are only 2 miles away. Elevation gain: 880m - Elevation drop: 700m

Day 2 : Croix de Bovine - - As we hike up to the alpine pastures of La Giète (1 884m), the Swiss Herens cow breed welcomes our arrival with a typical cowbell melody. While we leave behind us the busy cheese maker, the trail leads to Croix de Bovine. There the panorama rewards our efforts with an incredible view over the upper Rhone valley. The Bernese Oberland and the Penian Mountains border the Swiss Wallis region. It is time to hike down to the charming alpine village of Champex, from where we transfer to the hamlet of La Fouly by bus. After a few more minutes of hiking, we reach La Léchère mountain inn where we stop for the night. Elevation gain: 850m - Elevation drop: 740m

Day 3 : Grand - Maison Vieille hut Today we are on our way to the Grand Col Ferret (1 537m), the border between Italy and Switzerland. The view from the pass over the southern side of the Mont-Blanc range is breathtaking ! The , the emblematic summit joining Italy, France and Switzerland is just on our right. As we hike back down, the Glacier of Pré de Bar seems so close, and in the distance the looks so imposing ! Once we’ve reached Arnuva we will use the local bus to reach . After a quicky visit of the town, a last climb will leads us to Rifugio Maison vieille (2000m). To shorten the climb we might considerate taking Dolone's gondola. Elevation gain: 1 100m - Elevation drop: 760m

Day 4 : Col Chécrouit - Les Chapieux After breakfast, we leave the Rifugio Maison vieille and the Col Chécrouit. we hike past the Combal lake and Elisabetta hut, and finally up to Col de la Seigne (2 516m), the border between Italy and France. As we hike down into the green pastures of the Beaufort region, the grazing goats, and herds of light brown velvety-eyed Tarine cows liven up this remote and uninhabited landscape. We spend the night at the mountain inn of La Nova. Elevation gain: 1 015m - Elevation drop: 1 250m

Day 5 : Col du Bonhomme - Nant-Borrant hut We hike up to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and to Col du Bonhomme (2 479m). The trail runs across both passes and offers splendid natural terraces for us to enjoy our picnic under the indifferent eyes of ibexes. We descend down to La Balme, until we reach the Nant-Borrant hut, where we will spend the night. Elevation gain: 930m - Elevation drop: 1 000m

Day 6 : Col du Tricot - Bellevue - In the morning, we gradually descend all the way to Notre Dame de la Gorge. We walk across the small alpine town of Les Contamines and soon head up to Le Truc and the alpine pastures of Miage. The views that surround us are stunning ! Then we will test our calves on the steep switchbacks up to Col du Tricot (2120m), one of the reasons why we trained for this trip … Our loop ends at the summit of Bellevue. Happy to see the Chamonix valley again, we ride the tram down to the valley bottom and meet civilisation again ! We transfer to Chamonix in the afternoon. Elevation gain: 1 300m - Elevation drop: 1 000m

The guide may have to adapt the route to weather conditions and/or to group physical and/or technical ability.

GROUP BOOKING

The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.

Dates in 2021 : From Sunday June 20th to Friday June 25th - From Saturday July 10th to Thursday July 15th - From Sunday August 1st to Friday August 6th - From Monday August 30th to Saturday September 4th

Price for 2021 : 750€ per person - based on a minimum of 7 participants.

This price includes: - The organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide, - half-board accommodation in either a basic hotel or gîte in a mixed dormitory, - picnic lunches, - lift passes, - transfers throughout the hike,

Not included in the price : - Drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…), - repatriation insurance (compulsory).

PRIVATE BOOKING

A private engagement is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.

Prices for 2021 : 1 person : 2830€ per person | 7 people : 830€ par person 2 people : 1665€ par person | 8 people : 790€ par person 3 people : 1275€ par person | 9 people : 755€ par person 4 people : 1080€ par person | 10 people : 730€ par person 5 people : 965€ par person | 11 people : 710€ par person 6 people : 885€ par person | 12 perople : 690€ par person

These prices use the same conditions as the collective group formula.

FURTHER INFORMATION

In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).

Meeting point : meet at 8am at the Compagnie des Guides office, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix.

Ability level : 4/5 - TMB "Back to basics" is a strenuous trek. A minimum of 800m (2700ft) vertical gain and about 8 hours of hiking daily day. Hiking on maintained trails with off trail hiking sections, in scree and bouldery areas. Mountain terrain can involve difficult and exposed trails, for sure-footed hikers. Good physical training and multiday hiking experience on mountain trails are required.

Guiding policy : minimum 7 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice. Important: Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.

Accomodation : - During the trip : 5 nights half board in basic hotels or gîte in a mixed dormitory. Each hiker carries all their personal belongings and picnic for the entire trek. - Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.

Documentation : - Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up. - Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Preparing for the trip : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.

EQUIPMENT

We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.

Equipment - A backpack with a capacity of at least 40 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack. Your backpack should not weigh more than 9kg when you have everything inside. - A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters : talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.

Clothing For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly. For the day : - 1 short-sleeved t-shirt - 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric) - 1 polar fleece - 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece) - 1 pair of shorts - 1 pair of hiking trousers - 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric) - 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker) - 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover - 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do) - Sun hat or baseball cap - 1 warm hat - 1 pair of gloves For the entire trip : - At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric) - 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric) - 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers) - optional : short gators (start of the season)

Accessories For the day : - Sunglasses - Sun cream and lip salve - 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better) - 1 knife - 1 fork (type "spork") - 1 pair of telescopic poles For the entire trip : - 1 sleeping bag liner - Flashlight or headlight - Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential. - Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs - Identification (passport or ID card) - Money for your personal expenses - A bit of soap for laundry

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet