TTMB

France, Italy, SwitzerlandFrance, Italy, SwitzerlandFrance, Italy, SwitzerlandFrance, Italy, Switzerland

Tour du Mont BlancTour du Mont BlancTour du Mont BlancTour du Mont Blanc • Best of the TMB- Classic Alpine Circuit

• Alpine passes, valleys and meadows • Charming Champex

SELF-GUIDED Departures for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together

Tour Grade – C Tour Code - TTMB

For dates and prices visit: www.walksworldwide.com

France- Tour du Mont Blanc 2 www.walksworldwide.com

Introduction Walking through France, Switzerland and Italy the TMB is perhaps the most iconic and famous of all walks in the Alps. This circuit of Mont Blanc affords spectacular views at every point and is quite simply a “must do” for all mountain walking enthusiasts. Crossing renowned alpine passes the route takes you beneath glaciers, through valleys and across summer meadows and of course breathtaking mountain panoramas. Star of the show is Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, which at 4807m is the “Monarch of the Alps”. With intelligent, yet limited use of public transport, this world famous circuit can be completed within a one week holiday. This isn’t back-packing either. Your main baggage (with the exception of one night) is transferred to each of your overnight accommodations meaning you can enjoy this classic trek unencumbered, carrying only your usual day pack. Some flexibility with your preferred dates of travel is advisable as the TMB is a justifiably popular walk, with just a short season for everyone to do it in and this also coincides with the peak summer holiday season. Weather conditions from the previous winter, as well as later in the trekking season by and large dictates when the Mountain Refuges open/close.

______________________________________________________________________ The Holiday Routine As this is a self-guided holiday you can of course dictate your own schedule, although it is good practice to start early. In general you’ll usually walk from your overnight accommodation (your main baggage will be transferred to your next accommodation except for the night of day 2) to your onward accommodation. You’ll be walking each day for between 5-7hours generally. Breakfasts and Dinners whilst on trek will be taken at your overnight accommodation. Lunches can either be a picnic purchased from your overnight accommodation, or a halt at a Mountain Refuge along the way. Sleeping bags are not required for the nights spent in Mountain refuges as blankets are provided, however we recommend you bring along a lightweight silk or cotton sleeping bag liner. Walking conditions You’ll be following alpine trails that are generally well waymarked. Conditions underfoot are generally quite good, but of course alpine trails can be rough and rocky and so good, sturdy, mountain footwear with ankle support is advisable. Challenging ascent and descent is a natural feature of this holiday through alpine terrain and a good level of fitness and stamina is required. Walking days vary between 5-7hours, and you should ensure you are capable of walking through a mountainous environment for these lengths of time for several days continuously. Although this is not a route of a technical nature it is alpine walking and this holiday is not suitable to mountain walking novices. The TMB is only suitable for experienced, competent mountain walkers. Brief, easy sections of scrambling/ladders/chains may be encountered. At higher elevations and crossing

passes, late lying and even fresh snowfall may be encountered. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found in our brochure or online at www.walksworldwide.com. You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. Self-Guided Holiday As the name suggests, self-guided holidays are for those that prefer to be independent. Within reason you are able to dictate your own schedule, as well as walk at your own pace with the aid of route notes and maps. All your accommodation has been reserved in advance and unless otherwise stated within this trip dossier, your main baggage is transferred between each accommodation along the way, so there’s no need to worry about carrying heavy loads and having to back pack. This means you only need to walk each day and carry your usual lightweight daypack. However, it is important that you are entirely comfortable with being independent whilst on a walking holiday. For detailed information as to what a self-guided holiday entails please read the self-guided walking holidays section at Types of Trip section on www.walksworldwide.com before booking your self-guided walking holiday. Route Notes- Help keep them up to date Things can and do change along the routes that self-guided walking holidays follow. A sign may have been changed, or even removed, a path may have been obstructed, even re-routed, a landmark the route notes refer to


may simply no longer exist. It is clearly impossible to keep track of all the changes that may occur outside the local tour operators control and knowledge. It may be the route notes translation can be improved (they are translated into several languages by the local operator after all) too. Clearly a case of “last person to walk the route” has the most up to date information. In the spirit of camaraderie amongst walkers and in an effort to constantly keep route notes updated and improved upon, the local operator (contact details in your final joining instructions) will always welcome notification of any changes along the way/recommendations for improvement if you would care to forward any useful and specific information to them. Alternatively, send to Walks Worldwide and we will forward accordingly. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.

Itinerary IMPORTANT- Before booking you should read our “Types of Trip” and “Essential and Useful information” sections on www.walksworldwide.com including our ‘Important Warning’. Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day t o day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also le ad to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any o f our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossie r will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your “Final Joining Instructions” approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans.

Day by day ascent and descent guide

Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. M eal plan 1 Arrive Les Contamines Les Contamines Hotel 2 Trek up to the Col de Croix du Bonhomme Croix du Bonhomme Mountain Refuge BD 3 Two options to Refuge des Mottets des Mottets Mountain Refuge BD 4 Beneath the Brenva face to Col de Checroui Col de Checroui Mountain Refuge BD 5 Descend to Courmayeur and on to Champex Champex Hotel BD 6 Two options to Trient Trient Auberge BD 7 Over the Col de Balme to Chamonix Chamonix Hotel B 8 Depart Chamonix B


Day 1 Arrive at your accommodation in Les Contamines (See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier). Your chalet style hotel tonight is located in the heart of this alpine town. There’s a good choice of eateries in Les Contamines, as well as ATM facilities, shops etc. Hotel, Les Contamines. Day 2 Tonight’s accommodation is the only place en route where your main baggage cannot be transferred. So, you’ll firstly need to include a little overnight gear in your day pack for today. Your main bags will be transferred to Refuge des Mottets to await your arrival the following day (day 3). Your first day on the TMB is mostly ascent (around 1320m height gain). However, you have come here for some serious alpine trekking haven’t you? So, it’s from up above that the best views are, so up it is. The TMB ascends gradually at first through woodland above a river gorge. En route you pass the small church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. The slabs beneath your feet were laid by the Romans. The trail then begins to increase in gradient as you ascend steeply up to the Chalet de Balme, a refuge at 1706m and a handy refreshment halt. There’s the option here of taking a detour to Lac Jovet. Above the woodland, as you climb ever higher the views just get better and better, especially when you reach your first pass of the TMB, the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). A large cairn marks the summit of the pass and the valleys of the Beaufortain come into view below. Just 50m below the summit lies your overnight halt, the Refuge Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) and your first taste of the good nature and pleasures of overnighting in high alpine mountain huts. Its good mountain hut etiquette to remove your boots before entering, place them on the racks provided and put on the hut slippers also provided and introduce yourself

to the hut guardian. Around 6hrs walking and 1320m ascent. Refuge “Croix du Bonhomme” Day 3 Today you have two route options. The first is a more challenging, but equally more spectacular route via the Col des Fours. However, this route should not be attempted if there is any threat of poor visibility, bad weather, or substantial late lying snow/fresh snowfall. The route leads from the previously climbed Col de la Croix along a ridge crest to Col des Fours (2665m), the highest point of the TMB and there are good views of Mont Blanc above the Aiguilles des Glaciers. The trail then descends steeply over shale slopes to reach Les Tufs (1993m). Joining a farm track to cross a river, the route then rises gently to reach the atmospheric Refuge des Mottets (1887m), a converted dairy farm. Walking time approx 6hrs, with 320m ascent and 875m descent.The easier route is to descend down the main valley and through grasslands, past the Chalets de la Raja to Les Chapieux (1554m) and then follow the easy trail that leads up to Refuge des Mottets (1887m). Walking time approx 5hrs with 315m ascent and 880m descent. Your main baggage will be here at Refuge des Mottets. Refuge des Mottets


Day 4 A longer day and best described as all up, then all down. Your up, is the route to the Col de la Seigne (2516m). There are a couple of short, steep sections initially, but mostly it’s fairly steady ascent. Arriving at the Col you’re now on the borders with France and Italy and the further revelation is the new expansive view. From the Col the strong mountain walker may wish to make the short ascent to the summit of Mount Fortin (2758m), which affords breathtaking views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc. The TMB then descends into the Val Veni, passing the refreshment opportunity at Refuge Elisabetta (2300m). Not a bad place to stop as it overlooks the Vallon de la Lee Blanche. From here a further 3-4hrs walking along a balcony trail leads down to the Refuge de Maison Vieille (1956m), your overnight halt. Walking time approx 7hrs, with around 975m ascent and 890m descent. Refuge de Maison Vieille Day 5 It’s a good idea to get cracking as early as possible today. A pleasing descent to Courmayeur (1244m) beneath Mont de La Saxe, also provides good views of Mont Blanc as well as the impressive Grand Jorasse. To avoid walking on the main road, you’ll need to hop on a bus (cost approx €3) to Arnuva (1769m). From here it’s back on your feet and over the Col Ferret (2490m) that marks the border with Switzerland, passing the Refuge Elena along the way. Descending into the Goms Ferret you reach the hamlet of Ferret itself. Time to relax and have a drink whilst waiting for the bus that will take you direct to Champex. Walking time approx 7hrs, 1200m ascent and 1350m descent. Hotel, Champex

Day 6 Today there are two options to choose from. The easier option (bearing in mind there is no such thing as easy in alpine walking) takes around 5hrs and involves around 745m ascent and 685m descent. It’s an undulating route through green pastures up though forest and neat meadows to Bovine, where there are refreshment opportunities and then mostly down towards the Col de la Forclaz and finally sharply down to Trient (1326m) The more challenging route (arguably the toughest section of the TMB) is to walk via the Fenetre de Arpette (2671m). This route involves over 1000m of ascent and descent and takes around 6-7hrs, but it is spectacular and the “Fenetre” is one of the highest points reached on the TMB and a true alpine mountain pass. The views from the pass make it worth it, especially of the Trient Glacier on the descent. It’s a tough slog up to the pass, with the final climb being quite steep and narrow across a chaos of boulders. Care needs to be taken. Reaching the pass, you’ll soon appreciate why it is called the Window as a whole new world opens out before you. Descending sharply through a clutter of rocks, it gets very steep at times and then eases as you reach the tree line and continue downwards to Trient (1326m). A tough day with 1220m ascent and 1350m descent. Auberge, Trient Day 7 Your final day on the TMB begins with a steep climb up to the Col de Balme (2191m) and the French border. The views over the Chamonix Valley are truly breathtaking and the effort really is worth it. From here you then follow a variant of the TMB and descend to the village


of Montroc (1354m). You can now either continue to walk down to Chamonix, or hop on a train (15mins journey time, approx every half hour). Reaching Chamonix your TMB may be over, but with Mont Blanc towering over this famous alpine town there will much adventure to reflect back on. Walking time approx 5hrs. Hotel, Chamonix Day 8 Depart Chamonix (See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier). If you don’t need to leave Chamonix early we highly recommend you take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3870m). The close up views of Mont Blanc are incredible as well as the alpine panorama from this high vantage point. Practical Information Joining Arrangements and Transfers The joining point for this holiday is the first nights accommodation in Les Contamines on day 1 of the trip itinerary and depart Chamonix on day 8. The nearest International Airport is Geneva. Airport transfers are not provided and there are regular public bus services from Geneva Airport to Les Contamines and from Chamonix to Geneva Airport. However, we find it’s easier to take a private shuttle bus (and about the same price too). Typical examples can be found at www.ski-lifts.com and Geneva Transfers. Journey times are around 2-3hrs and cost approx €25-€40 each way. International Travel The nearest International Airport is Geneva. For total flexibility and choice, the price of our holidays often excludes flights. However, as an ATOL bonded agent we are able to arrange competitively priced tickets with the majority of international airlines. Where low cost airlines offer a better option, we are also able to arrange these, subject to a small booking fee. Only by arranging your flights with us can we offer you the peace of mind and 100% financial protection that booking with a licensed tour operator brings. Contact us to discuss your regional flight options for this holiday. If you would prefer to make your own International travel arrangements you can book this holiday as Land Only. You will need to book flights to/from Geneva that subsequently enable you to arrive at Les Contamines early evening on Day 1 of the trip

itinerary. Return flights should be booked to depart no sooner than late morning on Day 8 of the trip itinerary. Please note if you are booking Land Only it is your sole responsibility to ensure you arrive at the joining point for the contracted arrangements in good time before these commence. No refunds will be provided in respect of any unused services contracted as a result. Similarly our contractual obligations cease at the end of your contracted arrangements. IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the status of your chosen holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket. You should not book your International flight tickets or other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the Internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. We request you limit your main luggage to one piece per person. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle a normal suitcase can be used for your main baggage. During the walking day you’ll carry only your usual daypack. Passports and Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders) do not require a visa to (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Accommodation For the 3 nights you spend in hotels accommodation will be reserved for you on a twin share basis unless you have already requested a single room in advance at extra cost. Please note the single supplement does


not apply for nights spent in Mountain Refuges and Auberges. Rooms in hotels (2*) are en-suite. In the Auberge rooms are small dorm. Three nights are spent in Mountain Refuges. Accommodation in these refuges will also be in small dorm rooms (4-6 beds per room). Private rooms (including single accommodation) are not available in the mountain refuges/auberges. Considering their high mountain. Remote locations Mountain Refuges along the TMB are surprisingly comfortable and to many staying in these refuges is a major highlight, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow trekkers on the TMB in such spectacular locations. The Mountain Refuges all have toilet and shower facilities (showers usually at a token supplementary charge) and most have open fires to add to that cosy atmosphere, as well as a small shop where you can purchase trail snacks, water etc. Blankets are provided at Mountain Refuges are provided, but bed sheets are not, so we recommend you take along a lightweight silk or cotton sleeping bag liner. Food Meals included are shown in the outline itinerary. We have intentionally not included dinners in both Les Contamines and Chamonix in order that you may enjoy taking dinners at a wide selection of cafes and brasseries in these towns. Whilst on trek you’ll take breakfasts and dinners at your overnight Mountain Refuge accommodations. Breakfasts will a continental style. Dinners will be 3 courses, usually from a Limited set menu. Hearty and wholesome. Vegetarians may find their options limited. Lunches can be purchased from your overnight accommodation (request the previous evening) as picnics to carry along with you, although en route you will also pass other refuges from where you can buy lunch too. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. You should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions in the Alps. Summer storms are entirely possible, and even in August snow fall is not uncommon at higher elevations. For climate statistics visit www.worldweather.org The retreating glaciers of the Alps are a sure indicator of climate change, and alpine weather at the best of times can be unpredictable. Theoretically by early July the trail is mostly snow free and the most settled

weather in September. Fresh snow in August at higher elevations is not unheard of, although August is usually the warmest period. Snow is likely to be encountered at any time at higher elevations and pass crossings. Temperatures will vary dramatically according to elevation. In the lower valleys it may be warm/hot, but up in the mountains the temperatures will be colder, especially at night when it can fall to freezing or below. Basically, you need to be prepared for all weather conditions. Altitude The TMB involves ascending to moderately high altitudes. However, if you are fit and healthy this is not something you should be concerned about, although at higher elevations you may experience a little breathlessness. Walking at a slower than usual pace when ascending and remaining well hydrated (4l-6l of water per day) is of great benefit when trekking at higher altitudes. We are always happy to give advice on altitude related concerns. Local transport During the course of this holiday you will use the local public bus service/train as shown in the detailed day-to-day section of this trip dossier. The costs of using these services are not included and you should allow approx €15. Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are necessary for the TMB. A useful travel health online resource is www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online www.dh.gov.uk or from your local post office – you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor. First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Currency . Euros and Swiss Francs will be required for spending money, purchasing packed lunches, drinks etc. Please refer to www.xe.com for up


to date rates. ATM machines are available at Geneva Airport, and at locations where you overnight in a hotel/Auberge. Language Although this holiday passes through France, Italy and Switzerland, by and large French is the common language of the TMB. Whilst some people in hotels/refuges may speak good English do not expect English to be readily spoken by all and taking along a French phrase book is recommended. Tipping Tipping in restaurants, mountain refuges etc is entirely at your discretion. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on 0845 301 4737 or e-mail us- [email protected] for a quotation.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions � Accommodation � Baggage transfers between

accommodations (except to Day 2 overnight accommodation)

� Meals as indicated in the outline itinerary � Route notes and maps

Exclusions � Drinks � Souvenirs and personal items � Insurance � Meals not indicated in the outline itinerary � Public bus/train service tickets (allow

approx €15) � International Flights � Airport transfers


At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING

� Walking boots and spare laces � Trainers/approach shoes � Socks – 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual) � Underwear 3+ � T-shirts 3+ � Trekking Pants � Short trousers 1+ � Light fleece 1+ � Thick fleece 1+ � Thermal Baselayer shirt 1+ � Waterproof jacket with hood � Waterproof trousers � Warm Gloves � Sun Hat � Warm Hat

EQUIPMENT

� Daypack/rucksack (size approx. 35 litre capacity) � 2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) � Sleeping Bag liner (for nights in Mountain Huts) � Towel – quick drying pack towel is recommended � Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) � Camera & accessories � Binoculars (optional) � Sunglasses � Trekking poles (highly recommended) � Reading material (optional) � Washing/Shaving kit � Insect Repellent � Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) � Anti-Bacterial Handwash � Water purifying tablets � Sun Cream & lip salve � Blister plasters – i.e. Compeed � Tickets/E tickets � Passport � Money

Clothing and Equipment Lists


The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday

� Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) � Moisturising cream � Baby wipes � Snacks/Energy bars � Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) � Padlock for your kitbag � Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) � Small mirror � Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) � Spare glasses/contact lenses � Earplugs (against snorers) � Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable)

Travel adaptor

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TTMB