Website: www.thehiking.club Contact: [email protected] Instagram: thehiking.club Facebook The Hiking Club Hiking Itinerary: To the glaciers edge - Elite Trail Description Did you know there are 70 glaciers on the Mont Blanc massif? Most of them are high up and difficult to reach without mountaineering equipment and skills, however, Le Tour glacier is within reach of hikers. Key Hiking Stats The route follows the Tour du Mont Blanc trail from Tre-Le Champ over Aiguillette des Posettes and eventually to Col de Balme where the border of France and Switzerland is located. Well maintained trails then guide you around the top of the Le Tour ski resort and along the valley wall on the Mont Blanc massif. Total Distance: 15.5 (mi) The climb steepens as the trail becomes a balcony, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and Aiguilles Rouges down the Chamonix Valley, with some exposed and cable/ladder assisted sections. Total Height Gain: 6,033 (ft) The final ascent is along a rocky path that zig zags its way up to the edge of Glacier du Tour and Albert Premier (1er) which has accommodation, food and refreshments available (tip: try the chocolate brownie if on the menu today). Total Height Loss: 6,033 (ft) The descending route initially follows the same trail along the balcony before branching north to cross an alpine plateau into the ski area and down to Le Tour. From here, follow the Petite Balcon Nord to Argentiere where your hike ends and celebration can begin 拾 Hiking Style: Elite Estimated Hiking Time: 7.7 (hrs) (Excluding Breaks) High Level Summary Map Mountain experience this hike offers Please note, this map is to show the general route and trail location within the area. It is not intened for navigation. Leg Strength: With 6,033ft of elevation gain, you'll build it! Endurance: Always going up or down will boost stamina. Packing: See the day pack list on the planning page. Nutrition: Take snacks & have lunch at Albert Premier. Hydration: Buy or fill up in bathroom at Albert Premier. Terrain: Some rocky, narrow and cable/step assisted. Weather: Exposed to the elements from Le Tour ski area. Humble Brag: I touched a glacier today! Logistics Start Location: Argentiere End Location: Argentiere Hike Type: Thru hike (different start and end). Leaving the Le Tour ski area First sighting of Le Tour Glacier Near Autannes chairlift in Le Tour ski area Transport Required for Hike Chamonix > Argentiere (Bus or Train) Best Options to shorten the hike (if required) 1. Take the gondola down from Charamillion to Le Tour to end your hike 2. Take the Autannes chairlift and Charamillion gondola down to Le Tour to end your hike Emergency: 112 Mountain Rescue: + 33 (0) 4 50 53 16 89 The underlying map is credited to © OpenStreetMap contributors. All of the coordinates are © The Hiking Club Above Refuge Albert Premier Rocky Balcony traverse above Le Tour ski area Chairlift and gondola in Le Tour ski area Trail Breakdown by Section Elevation Profile Section Finish Section Elevation Section Elevation Hiking Time Est Section Start Section Finish No. Distance Elevation Gain Loss (Excl. breaks) (ft) (mi) (mi) (ft) (ft) (ft) (decimal hrs) 1251 0.0 1 Argentiere Tre Le Champ 1.0 4,577 472 0 0.5 4,577 1.0 2 Tre Le Champ Aiguillette des Posettes 2.5 7,221 2,644 0 1.8 Aiguillette des Posettes7,221 3.5 3 Aiguillette des Posettes Col de Posettes 0.9 6,552 0 669 0.4 6,552 4.4 4 Col de Posettes Col de Balme 1.6 7,231 728 49 0.7 Col de Balme 7,231 6.0 5 Col de Balme Autannes Chair Top 0.4 7,218 33 46 0.1 7,218 6.4 6 Autannes Chair Top Lac de Charamillion Junction 0.9 7,398 213 33 0.4 7,398 7.3 7 Lac de Charamillion Junction Fenetre du Tour Junction 1.2 8,219 886 66 0.7 8,219 8.5 8 Fenetre du Tour Junction Albert Premier Hut 0.4 8,881 663 0 0.4 Albert Premier Hut 8,881 8.9 9 Albert Premier Hut Fenetre du Tour Junction 0.4 8,219 0 663 0.2 8,219 9.3 10 Fenetre du Tour Junction Lac de Charamillion Junction 1.2 7,398 66 886 0.5 7,398 10.4 11 Lac de Charamillion Junction Charamillion 1.4 6,070 0 1,329 0.6 6,070 11.8 12 Charamillion Le Tour 1.2 4,767 0 1,302 0.5 4,767 13.0 13 Le Tour Argentiere Jct 2.2 4,170 328 925 0.8 4,170 15.2 14 Argentiere Jct Argentiere 0.3 4,104 0 66 0.1 Argentiere 4,104 15.5.