Mont Blanc Circuit

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  peter bourne

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written August 2009

  The trek was a very enjoyable experience made more so by the very competent and knowledgeable trek leader Mel Potter and support staff John. The route whilst challenging at times provided spectecular views of the Alps. Camp organisation and trek supervision ensured we got the best from what proved to be a memorable trip.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Taking photographs of Mt. Blanc and the surrounding snow capped peaks. The scenery was indeed majestic and will leave a lasting memory. The opportunity to travel with like minded people also gave added value to the trek. Support on the trail was unequalled to any I have experienced before and the group bonded well to make the trip even more enjoyable.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  4 Star leader - great support, excellent communication skill and and genuine enthusiasm for the environment. Her local knowledge proved outstanding in making everyday interesting. More importantly Mel Potter kept a watchful eye on everyone ensuring we all stayed safe and healthy. Always ready to support the less speedy walkers without forgetting the front walkers.

  An exceptional leader - The best I have encountered in 10 years of overseas trekking.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared to muck in on camp duties, make the best of the leaders knowledge and enthusiasm. Above all take a good camera as the scenery is truly awesome. Take the time to be inspired by natures wonders the Alps has to offer.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  There is a need to be positive on a trek to gain the maximum benefit. Undertake suitable training to get the best from the walking so as to enjoy the mountains without too many aches and pains, then again its worth a few just to remember it is also a challenge.    

   
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  Estelle Vasey

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written August 2009

  What can I say about Mont Blanc?  It was truly amazing.  We all had such a fab time and Mont Blanc itself was breathtaking.  John Hoppett and Mel Potter were wonderful.  They were friendly, entertaining and very knowledgeable.  John's cooking was worth going on the trip alone and probably why I've signed up to do it all again next year and Mel was truly remarkable with everyone and every situation.  Thank you guys.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  My most inspirational moment was standing on the Boarder of Italy.  The views could not possibly be discribed and I could never do it justice here.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Mel Potter is great.  If I could, I would fly her over to England to live with me.  She knew her job inside and out.  There was nothing that she did not know about, flowers, wildlife and of course Mont Blanc.  Whatever she is paid, could never be enough.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take very little.  There is washing machines in just about every camping site so save your weight at the airport. 

  Train........you must above all else train.  This is not a gentle work in the woods, but if you put the time in, you will love every moment.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  My only disapointment is on the second rough camp.  It was truly awful.  But we could have put up with it, if John could have cooked, but the food in the hotel was savage.  Melon and Lettuce you got, if you were a veggie such as myself.  If fact, all of the hotel/restaurant food was bad and I think John could have done all of the cooking himself which was great.

   
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  Gillian O'Connell

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2009

  A truly fantastic two weeks in the most amazing surroundings with a wonderful group of people 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Being 24/7 in the most beautiful surroundings was truly inspiring.  I didn't want to come back to reality

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was heroic, she judged the pace really well, kept us motivated and never made the back markers (me on the downhill) feel bad!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I came from London and am fairly fit but only on the flat... I would recommend a few weekend hikes beforehand with plenty of uphill and downhill (I did plan to do this beforehand but ran out of time!)

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I had the most wonderful time, with delicious food, magnificent surroundings and the best group of friends I could have wished for.  John our cook looked after us all exceptionally well, the food just got better and better and he made sure the bar was well stocked for us every night - as well as having tea and biscuits ready after our long hard days on the mountains.  Thank you Exodus for a really wonderful holiday!

   
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  Valerie Merges

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2009

  Outstanding scenery, challenging hiking, and unforgettable pastries along the route.  Exodus takes care of all the logistics, so you simply hike and enjoy. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the Grand Col Ferret (high pass between Switzerland and Italy) and surveying glaciers and jagged mountains in all directions.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Carey was the most organized and professional guide I have ever encountered in all my trips (and I have traveled extensively).  Carey would provide a minimum of one briefing per day (oftentimes more) about exactly what to expect and provide directions regarding the trail route.  Carey spoke fluent French so should could translate when needed.  Carey was very knowlegable in every aspect of our trip and even provided brochures of activity options for our rest days.  If there were a rating system of 1 - 10 and 10 was the highest rating, Carey would get an 11.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This is a challenging trek with extensive elevation gain and loss each and every day. Even if you believe your hiking boots are well broken in, bring plenty of blister-band aids.  Try to bring Euros in small denominations to buy coffee and snacks at the refuges along the route.  You do not need Swiss francs;  they take Euros in the areas you will visit.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is my first trip with Exodus travel and I was highly impressed.  The joining arrangements, tents, food, etc. were all highly organized and planned with efficiency.  The Mont Blanc Circuit is a European classic which everyone should aspire to complete.  Having Exodus handling the logistics and transporting the gear allows the traveler to enjoy the trek without any hassles.  The Tour of Mont Blanc has been one of the highlights of my life (thus far)!

   
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  Stephen Farley

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2009

  Stunning views throughout the trek, helped by the weather that always seemed to clear at just the right moments!!! Definitely recomend using the telepherique on "rest days", the Aiguille du midi-Helbronner cable car/views were a big highlight of my trip. (expensive at Eur60 tho......) 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Again "made" by the weather, bright/clear/warm/breazy..... the 360deg views from the Grand Col Ferret have to be a favourite, although every day was full of inspirational/favourite moments!!! (every day seemed to be "the best yet" view wise)

  Dropping out of the fog at 3842mtrs on the Helbronner cable car (leaving the Aiguille du midi station, crossing back into Italy above Courmayeur) was simpley stunning........... clear views of the Mont Blanc Summit, ice fields, "ants" below heading for the Summit!!!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Carey came across as a highly competent leader...... always managing to mix leadership with been sociable while leading (working!!), also being sociable in her "off duty" time..... meal time/relaxation time etc. 11/10 for Carey.

  Piers's food will become a "legend" for all on this trip........ a whole new meaning for the phrase "camp food". Always a cuppa/biscuit ready on return to camp, evening meal always top notch and on time, and again, sociable while "off duty"!!! 11/10 for Piers's cooking............ more camp food, less eating out please!!!!!!!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for walking up-hill for 3 to 4 hours at a time, and descending 2 to 3 hrs at a time......... but the views/sense of achievment make it worth the effort...... without a doubt!!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Helped by the group/weather/Carey/Piers and Mark........ (Beaufort..... thanks Mark) this trip/trek gets marked at 125%.

   
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  Richard Byers

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2009

  A Fantastic Holiday. Very well organised trip, would highly recommend to anyone. Views were amazing to the point of unbelievable. Unforgettable holiday, one not to be missed!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There are so many "inspirational moments". Just the sheer size of the Mont Blanc Massif from all angles with glaciers, cloud lining the summits, snow topped mountains beautiful scenery every day of the trek (helped of course by good weather at right times!). Crossing the borders from France to Switzerland then Switzerland to Italy then completing the loop back into France was quite amazing! The tarts en route were divine!! The leaders optional routes were a must gifting us 360 degree views (the Tete Nord des Fours 11/10)

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Carey was excellent! Her knowledge of the mountains and trails were staggering, she was very well organised and even took some fantastic photos of the group, she was a true professional, very dedicated, looking after everybody on the trip and helping out in tricky situations, seemed a very demanding job and walking the same routes as us then when we arrive at camp she helps out with camp preparation and then basically everything else! Carey worked really hard to make our holiday as enjoyable as possible, a big thanks to her! A special mention must go to Pears who was always there at camp with our tents and bags ready when we arrived after a long walk. He supplied tea/ coffee and biscuits on our arrival served up some excellent camp food, and made sure the bar was well stocked up with lager, wine, soft drinks and also chocolate bars and cereal bars for the trek the next day. At breakfast we had loads of choice and the making of the packed lunch became something of an art with so much choice of fillings, well done!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The walks are demanding and require a certain level of fitness to enjoy worked out it is equal to doing Helvellyn, Scarfell pike and sometimes Snowdon and Ben Nevis every day up and down, however you do need to stop quite a lot to enjoy the fantastic views so there are plenty of excuses for a rest and there is no prizes for finishing first! You basically need clothes for every season, we mostly had 30-40 degree sunshine, but had experienced high winds at the Cols, heavy rain, thunderstorms, snow at high altitude, so a good day sack is worth taking. Dont forget your swiming costume too as on a rest day at Les Contamines there is a huge outdoor pool and leisure park if you have the energy I had never used walking sticks before but found them very handy on some of the up hills.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This was an unforgettable trek, a very high sense of achievement on completion and highly rewarding, felt like I had been away for months let alone 15 days!  This was my first adventure holiday not just with Exodus but overall and I was hugely satisfied with the organisation, friendliness of fellow group members, and brilliant camp sites with good facilities and spectacular views and felt like the days went on forever. The rest days were spent in some wonderful areas, and I loved Courmayeur for its ice cream and fantastic shops and restaurants, Les Contamines for its out door Market and superb restaurants and cafes (tarts are very nice) and of course Chamonix with its expensive shops and beautiful surroundings. The final rest day on Friday gave us the opportunity to go on the Cable car up to Aiguille du Midi and while we were up there we went on the cable car to Hellbroner and were amazed at the viewsand also to see over to Courmayeur and the trails we did, this is a must although expensive but worth the money! Fantastic!

   
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  Laim Dennison

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2009

  The views were stunning and the trails were very fun and challenging. A very rewarding holiday. I recommend this trip to anyone of all ages. As the youngest on my trip (18), I was made to fit in very well and got on really well with the team. An unforgettable experience! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the summit of the Col de Tricot. What a climb!! Very satisfying and rewarding, with a spectacular 360 degree view. Also finishing the descent from the Col de Tricot to Les Houches. Very hard but a fantastic achievement!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Carey was a fantastic group leader. We were very lucky o be lead by her. She amazed everyone with her wide knowledge, from the names of all the mountains to names of small flowers. She was very sociable and fun. In the evenings she was fun to talk to. Always had a laugh with her. She explained everything very thoroughly so we always knew where we were going and what to expect. 110% for Carey!!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  By all means go ahead and book the trip as long as you are ready for a challenge! The trip includes steep climbs and steep descents and you will need to be very determined and motivated! If you are young like me and are not sure whether the trip is suitable for you, think again. At 18, I was the youngest on my trip and still really enjoyed it. Bring plenty of sun-tan lotion!!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This was an excellent trip and i would definately do it again. Senstational!

   

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