The Tour of Mont Blanc is one of the oldest traditional treks in the world. The summit itself was finally conquered on the 8th August 1786 by Jacques Balmat, a crystal hunter who had already had many exploits and practice summit bids and Michael Paccard, a local Doctor.
The tour offers the chance to complete a circuit of the Mont Blanc massif, visiting France, Italy and Switzerland on route and experiencing changes in culture, customs and style as you enter each country.
Highlights:
Cross below the Bionnassay Glacier on a wire/wood footbridge
Summit 3 passes over 2,500 metres
Stunning scenery on every day
Experiencing the foods and wines of 3 nations on route
Look for Eagles, Lammergeier (bearded Vulture), Marmots, Ibex, Chamois and more!
On route you will have several chances to see the 'great white summit', the best views being from the Bonnatti Refuge, on the Italian side or from Col Du Balme as we cross from Switzerland back into France.
This trip also includes a 'variant route' (there are several options for these on the TMB) with an overnight stay at Lac Blanc. From here you can gaze across the valley and see the Mere du Glace (longest glacier on the massif) as well as view almost all the major summits on the Mont Blanc massif.
Itinerary (more details will follow with confirmation of your booking)
Day 1 - Arrive at your hotel in Les Houches. Late afternoon briefing from your guide about the journey and kit check.
Day 2 - Les Houches to Contamines - 19km, 8 hours. Ascent 1550m/Descent 1360m. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 - Contamines - Les Montets Refuge - 21km, 8 hours. Ascent 1625m/ Descent 967m. Overnight in mountain refuge.
Day 4 - Les Montets to Cormayuer (Italy) - 22km, 8 hours. Ascent 1025/ Descent 1300m. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5 - Rest day in Cormayuer. A chance to look around this traditional mountain town, enjoy nearby spa or take a cable car ride. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6 - Cormayuer to Bonnatti Rifugio - 16km, 8 hours. Ascent 1600m/Descent 700m. Overnight in mountain refuge.
Day 7 - Bonnatti to La Fouly - 18km, 7 hours, crossing into Switzerland. Ascent 900m/ Descent 1100m. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8 - La Fouly to Champex - 17km, 7 hours. Ascent 450m/ Descent 550m. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 - Champex - Col du Forclaz - 17km, 8 hours (via Fenettre Aprette weather allowing). Ascent 1200m/ Descent 1150m. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10 - Forclaz to Trelechamp - 20km, 8 hours. Ascent 1100m/Descent 1000m. Overnight in Gite D'Etape (basic hotel).
Day 11- Trelechamp to Lac Blanc - 10km, 4.5 hours. Ascent 550m/ Descent Nil. Overnight in Refuge.
Day 12 - Lac Blanc to Les Houches - 20km, 8 hours. Ascent 800m/ Descent 1900m. Arrive back at Hotel and end of tour!
Day 13 - Depart.
Enquire/Book
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Testamonial - See what a previous client thought of the trip. He liked it so much he made a short film clip! Just cut and paste the link below...
Tour of Mont Blanc - the 'TMB'
Hiding between the top of the Alpine tree line and and the Cols on the trip (most of which are at around 2,500 metres) are Marmots. Luckily they do not eat trekkers! Favourite places to spot them are on route to the Col du Bonhomme (day 2) or on the way down from the Col du Ferret (day 6).
On the Col du Seine, which forms part of the border between france and Italy. Mont Blanc is hiding in the cloud.
Crossing the bridge below the Bionnassay Glacier on route to Chalet Miage.
Hiding between the top of the Alpine tree line and and the Cols on the trip (most of which are at around 2,500 metres) are Marmots. Luckily they do not eat trekkers! Favourite places to spot them are on route to the Col du Bonhomme (day 2) or on the way down from the Col du Ferret (day 6).
Your Guide - Will be an International Mountain Leader with local knowledge and previous experience of running this trip
Accommodation and Meals -
8 nights in Hotels
3 nights in mountain refuges
1 night in a Gite D'etape.
Hotels are based on twin rooms (unless you pay suppliment for single accommodation). Refuges are in shared dormitory style accommodation. The whole trip is half board and you can by lunch for each day at the overnight accommodation (averaging 10-12 euro for packed lunch) On some days we may be able to stop at refuges at lunch time.
How fit do I need to be?
If you are a regular hill walker (20km days with a small pack on) or do 3 Cardio Vascular training sessions of 30 - 45 minutes each per week you should be fit enough to undertake this journey. It is as much about stamina as anything.
Cost:
£1,945 per person This includes half board throughout the trip in hotels and shared accommodation in huts. Services of a qualified International Mountain Leader throughout.
Extra's - Lunches and transfers to Start/Finish point.
Details of how to arrive by train/plane/car/bus will be supplied on confirmation of booking.
Dates:
TMB 1/2015 - Thurs, 25th June - Tues, 7th July 2015
TMB 2/2015 - Sat, 1st August - Tues 13th August 2015