mont blanc guided walk At UTracks, it's all about u + the tracks you want to explore, be it walking the scenic tracks of the Austrian Alps, a leisurely cycle along the backroads of Tuscany, or trekking the famous Compostela Trail. We are specialists in active walking, trekking and cycling tours throughout Europe, with creative itineraries that feature the best of each region at the greatest possible explore europe your way value to you. There are more than 140 different self guided and small group guided itineraries on offer, lasting as few as four days or as many as 15 days throughout France, Germany, the Alps, Portugal, Iceland, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Belgium, Czech Republic, Holland, Spain, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. 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TRIP NAME MONT BLANC GUIDED WALK TRIP CODE MBG TRIP DURATION 7 DAYS GRADE 4-5 (MODERATE TO CHALLENGING) 1 2 3 4 5 2009 DATES EVERY SUNDAY FROM 30 MAY TO 3 OCT 2008 PRICE REFER TO www.utracks.com ACTIVITY GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION 6 NIGHTS MOUNTAIN REFUGES/GÎTE-HOSTELS highlights ´ Trek through stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe ´ Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps ´ Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette ´ Sharing your walking day with a group of like minded travellers the trip The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular walks of the world. Brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this. Joining an international group led by a bilingual mountain guide, the emphasis is on full immersion into the sublime mountain culture, with overnights in cosy mountain refuges or charming village gîtes. Carrying only a day pack, our mules transport your luggage leaving you free to enjoy the days walk. Page 1 of 7 mont blanc guided walk Commencing from the Chamonix Valley in France, the route takes you through Italy and Switzerland during a horseshoe circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. There is plenty of time to enjoy the small villages along the way, including the delightful hamlets of La Fouly and Trient. Itinerary at a glance DAY 1 Commence walk to Bonhomme (5 hours / 1200m) DAY 2 To Elisabetha (6 hours / 900m) DAY 3 To Elena (5 hours / 500m) DAY 4 To La Fouly (6 hours / 800m) DAY 5 To Champex (5 hours / 600m) DAY 6 To Trient (5 hours / 1000m) DAY 7 To Le Tour (5 hours / 900m) detailed itinerary: Please note the itinerary will change according to the meeting point and may be operated in reverse. The following description is a guide only. Important: The heading for each days description below shows the approximate time it will take to complete the walk for someone of good to excellent fitness and the days ascent in metres. The hours indicated are for walking only and do not include breaks for lunch and rest stops. The planned itinerary can be affected by mountain weather and trail conditions. DAY 1 Walk to Bonhomme – 6 hours/1200m Today begins by meeting the rest of the group and your guide. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided and begin walking. This is a big days walk with a long and sustained ascent which will test your pre trip training! The route commences along the ancient Roman road that leads us into the beautiful Nature Reserve of Contamines. We make our way through the “Bonhomme” mountain passage and have some fun making our way around Beaufortin and Tyrol, two mountains which form part of the French Alps. Overnight: Refuge with shower. DAY 2 Walk to Elisabetha – 6 hours/900m Descending through luscious pastures, we have ample opportunities to buy Beaufort cheese from the shepherds, a great addition to our lunch. We will later pass through the City of the Glaciers – a magnificent vista where the green pastures are covered by ice. Following a steady ascent we reach the Seigne Passage (2516m) where the ruins of a customs hut remind us that we are now crossing into Italy. Here is our first glimpse of the Mont Blanc massif from a southern face. Descending to the Vallon de la Lée Blanche, there are good views of the fabulous limestone and snow pyramid of the Grand Combin and the Estelette and Lée Blanche glaciers which is a rocky landscape in stark contrast to the lush pastures of this morning. Overnight: Refuge with shower. Page 2 of 7 mont blanc guided walk DAY 3 To Elena – 5 hours / 500m In the enchanted valley of Veni, the enormous Miage glacier flows down into the beautiful Lake Combal. This is the Italian side of Mont-Blanc, where the views are incredible – many rate this as the best day on the trail. The trail continues along the flat valley floor overlooked by the serrated rock pinnacle of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey (3773m). There are some steep climbs, rewarded by magnificent alpine views, before we arrive in the town of Courmayeur, where you should definitely make the most of the delicious Italian Gelato (ice cream). There is a transfer by bus before rejoining the trail to reach our destination. Overnight Refuge with shower. DAY 4 Walk to La Fouly – 6 hours /800m The sight of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), is with us all the way as we make our way to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), and the whole atmosphere is out of this world, and despite the climb is a very rewarding section of the whole walk. The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The ascent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and eventually the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight Hotel with shower. DAY 5 Walk to Champex – 5 hours /600m Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des hommes”. Overnight gîte with shower. DAY 6 Walk to Trient – 5 hours /1000m The guide will decide on the route to be taken. It will either be the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite a challenge, or the mountain pasture of Aulp and Bovine Mountain which overlooks the Rhône valley and the village of Martigny. Regardless of the route, the morning’s hike is almost completely uphill and the trail is not as well defined as on previous days but as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are the extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier. This ascent will be one of the most memorable moments of the trek. From the pass there is an initially steep ascent before the gradient levels out to the Trient Valley. This evening will be spent in a gîte in Trient with shower. Note: the choice between the two routes (Fenêtre d'Arpette and Aulp / Bovine Mountain), depends upon the weather conditions and the fitness of all the group members. (If 1-2 people do not possess the required physical condition then we will take the latter option). This is a standard rule that is applied to all groups operating in the Mont-Blanc region. DAY 7 Walk to Le Tour – 5 hours /900m On our last days walk we make our way to the Balme mountain passage. Weather permitting we will be afforded wonderful views over the Mont Blanc chain. Our walk concludes in the valley at Le Tour. Page 3 of 7 mont blanc guided walk inclusions ´ 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties ´ 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. It is possible to spend 5 nights in a double room – supplement applies. ´ Luggage transfer by mule (limit 7 kgs) ´ Experienced mountain guide Items not included ´ travel to and from the trail head ´ drinks ´ items of a personal nature ´ storage of luggage ´ transfers ´ travel insurance getting to / from Chamonix Valley BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following website www.ShellGeostar.com or www.viamichelin.com. BY TRAIN FROM PARIS - If you are flying into Paris you can take a train from Paris to Saint Gervais les Bains le fayet and change to a local train to Les Houches.