Mont Blanc Guided Hike

What's Included

• Accommodation
  6 nights gite/refugio

• 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, 1 night quadshare – supplement applies.

• Luggage transfer by mule (strictly max 6kgs, early season departures use luggage van, and for first 2 days of Room Upgrade version on regular departures)

• Experienced mountain guide

• Group internal transfers by bus

• Travel to and from the trail head

• Drinks and snacks eg trail mix, protein bars

• Storage of excess luggage

• Transfers not noted as included - ie cable cars etc

• Travel insurance - mandatory

• Items of a personal nature

What's Not Included

• Drinks

  Drinks are not included in the package.
  
  

• Items of a Personal Nature

  Items of a personal nature are not included.
  
  

• Storage of Excess Luggage

  Storage of excess luggage is not included.
  
  

• Transfers

  Transfers are not included.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
  
  

Accommodation

6 nights gite
efugio. Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels with an option to upgrade to double rooms on 5 nights and 1 night quad share - supplement applies. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/doonas are provided.

Grading

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 - 5
The hiking is moderate to challenging (4 - 5) grade with daily guided hikes of around 5 to 9 hours, between 8 and 15 km and maximum ascents of 1400 metres per day. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care (eg steep drops, rocky terrain). The guide will use his/her discretion as to groups abilities and weather conditions to determine which route will be taken each day. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions and walking pace). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers who are sure footed with a good hiking pace. If your pace is slow in mountainous terrain we recommend you book on our Rambler trip.
If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund.
Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this hike.

Mode of Transport

Group internal transfer by bus and travel to and from the trail head are included. Luggage transfer by mule (strictly max 7kgs) is provided, with early season departures using a luggage van.