Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Geneva; transfer to campsite at Les Bossons, near Chamonix. On arrival to Geneva airport we take a bus transfer to our start point just outside Chamonix, France (approx 1hr 15 transfer time). Wonderful views from the campsite of Mont Blanc and the dramatic crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. Those not flying with the group join us at the campsite in the afternoon. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Follow the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to les Frasserands. From Les Bossons (1,012m – 3320ft) we have a short bus journey to Chamonix from where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (1,860m – 6100). The trail today is named the 'Grand Balcon' and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (1,371m - 4500ft). In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend. 8.00 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 980m – 3220ft down Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 3 Cross over Col de Balme to Switzerland and camp at Trient. We begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m – 7200ft), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (2,191m – 7190ft) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (1296m – 4250ft). Good views of the Trient Glacier. 7.5 hours walking. 970m – 3200ft up, 1060m – 3466ft Campsite: Basic Camping, near Trient Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 Cross Col de la Forclaz to Champex. We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft) and then onwards from where we can look directly down into the Rhône Valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. We follow a historic path used to take the cows to summer grazing, the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft) that takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to the charming town of Champex (1486m – 4880ft) set beside a picturesque alpine lake. 7 hours walking. 920m – 3017ft up, 720m – 3261ft down Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Head up Val Ferret to La Fouly. Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif we walk south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1,055m – 3460ft) and other pretty alpine farming villages. This is also quite a good day for flowers earlier in the season, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village of La Fouly (1600m - 5250ft) which lies at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy. 6 hours walking, 440m – 1450ft down, 540m – 1780ft up Campsite: Camping les Glaciers, La Fouly Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Climb to Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the trek. Still following the same valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. Now in Italy, the valley is also called 'Val Ferret'. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the valley to Arp Nouva (1,770m – 5800ft) where we then take an optional bus to Planpincieux (1,600m – 5250ft). For the first and last trip of the season the bus may not be running and we may need to walk to camp.7.5 hours walking. 970m - 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down. Campsite: Camping Grands Jorasses, Val Ferret Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Rest day. The nearby ex-spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older sections, which are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer. There is a cable car from La Palud to Point Helbronner (3461m – 11350ft) and on across the glacier to the Aiguille du Midi (and in fact on down to Chamonix). This is a splendid (optional) excursion, which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Campsite: Camping Grands Jorasses, Val Ferret Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Ferret Valley around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur and on to Val Veny. We start with a short bus ride to pick up the TMB and from the road (1675m – 5500ft ) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (2025m – 6640ft). Today we follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional as are those of the towering, peaks of the 'Grandes Jorasses' and the glaciers which crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon we have a long, steep descent to Courmayeur (1230m – 4030m) (superb ice creams!) from where we take a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (1530m – 5020ft). 8 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 900m 4400ft down Campsite: Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Re-enter France across Col de la Seigne and through La Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux. The trail climbs gently along the Val Veny beneath the moraine of the massive glacier du Miage and passes Lac Combal before the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road across today's pass, the 'Col de la Seigne' (2516m – 8250ft), marking our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m – 5870ft) and finally to Les Chapieux (1553m – 5090ft), a small hamlet which is only inhabited in the summer months. This is one of the longer walking days. 8.5 hours walking. 990m – 3250ft up, 970m – 3180ft down Campsite: Basic Camping, Chapieux Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 10 Climb to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contour around to Col du Bonhomme. We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2478m – 8130ft) and then contour around to the Col du Bonhomme (2328m – 7640ft). We then descend (again on a Roman road) to our campsite in Les Contamines (1180m - 5900ft). 8 hours walking. 930m – 3050ft up, 1375m – 4510ft Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Rest day. There are short and long optional walks in the area, many accessed by a chairlift or gondola, that have spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Mountain cafes make a nice place for a scenic lunch. Alternatively, you could take the Mont Blanc cog driven tramway to the eagle’s nest – the starting point for many wanting to conquer Mont Blanc itself. There is little there but the view but the journey is charming and scenic. Otherwise time can be spent visiting the half-day market in Les Contamines, or you can simply relax around town or in camp and recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Cross Col de Tricot and Col de Voza to re-enter Chamonix Valley and descend to village of Les Houches. Another long day; we walk through Les Contamines, ascend to Chalets du Truc (1720m – 5614ft) and then descend to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m – 4120ft). From here we take the trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay where we will enjoy good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually we make another short ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m – 5418ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to the village of Les Houches (dependent on the time of year there is optional cable car descent from Bellevue to Les Houches). A short bus ride takes us to our camp in Les Bossons (1,012m – 3320ft). 9 hours walking. 1200m – 3980ft up, 1370m – 4500ft down Campsite: Camping les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Probably best views of Mont Blanc today on the long ascent to Brevent; descend to Plan Praz. We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through pine forest. The high point of the day is Brevent (2525m – 8290ft) from where there are panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Chamonix Valley. We walk down to Plan Praz (1970m - 6460ft) and then descend by cable car to Chamonix and then on to our camp at Les Bossons (1012m - 3320ft). It is possible to take the cable car descent from the top (dependent on the time of the season), this extra journey will be payble locally should you choose not to walk. Our last day on the TMB circuit is long with a tough climb of over 1500m but affords the best views of Mont Blanc and its neighbours of the whole trek. 7.5 hours walking. 1480m – 4850ft up, 520m – 1690ft down Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Free day at Les Bossons. Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m - 12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem Paragliding flight. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Transfer to Geneva; fly to London. For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. Meals included: Breakfast
Camping The campsites are mainly comfortable and modern with hot showers and electricity to recharge batteries etc. Many have a bar and WiFi and a lounge or sitting area to relax in. We provide a large communal tent (if we do not use the campsites communal area) where we eat at tables with benches and have an unlimited tea and coffee station, camp bar and some more relaxing seating such as inflatable sofas. The campsite are in stunning settings and sharing an after trek drink with newly made friends as the sun sets over a glaciated mountain vista is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors. Accompanying you throughout the trek is a dedicated camp support leader who will take care of all the logistics and catering. Your tent will be put up for you each night. In the morning you will be asked to take your own tent down, put your bag in the back of the van and wash up your own personal breakfast dish. On four nights out of fourteen you will be asked to join a washing team and help with the dishes of that night. A 20 minute job. Otherwise you are free to relax and your time is your own. You will spend 14 nights camping in roomy 3 person tents, but with a maximum of 2 people per tent. We use modern dome tents incorporating a 210 cm x 210 cm inner tent with sewn in ground sheet and a supplementary 230 cm x 70 cm covered porch that is an ideal place to leave your walking boots and poles etc. The tents are completely waterproof and packing them away should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes each morning. Single tents are available for a small additional cost as are camping mats and sleeping bags with liner and pillow. Our camping mats are a full length air and foam filled variety which are comfortable to sleep on and provide excellent insulation from the ground. Our sleeping bags have a synthetic filling, as opposed to feathers, with a 3/4 length zip and are rated for good warmth. All our equipment is bought with both comfort and practicality in mind and we hope represents a higher quality than most individuals would buy for themselves. Two remote campsite are in a stunning areas but is a little more basic than average and do not have showers. We eat in restaurants on these nights. Thermal matress hire: £32 - please request in advance with your sales agent. Sleeping bag hire (3 or 4 season), pillow and liner: £63 - please request in advance with your sales agent. Single tent hire: From £150 - please request in advance with your sales agent.
August 3, 2020 Our top 5 favourite hikes in Tuscany Imagine the Tuscan landscape and postcard-perfect rich green and warm amber, rolling hills, intersected with winding
July 9, 2020 Wine and cheese pairing: The perfect French combination Whether you’re looking to discover the enchanting chateaux and aristocratic estates cycling in the L
April 28, 2020 Your Guide To…Taking The Train To An Exodus Trip Since the first commercial airline flight in 1919, passengers have been extremely lucky to enjoy air travel as a quic
April 27, 2020 Why Take a Walking Holiday in North America? Maybe it’s this time of year when we ponder kick-starting our healthy (OK, make that ‘slightly healthier’) resolution
Reviewed September 2019 Kevin Power Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek 2019 TMB Trek Our recent TMB was excellent. Not only did we have spectacular weather to go along with the stunning scenery we had two top notch guides in John and Emily. The pace John set for the 14 trekkers was bang on; resting when called for and pushing us as we needed to be coupled with a great 👍 sense of humour. Emily made certain out campsite was setup each evening after our long treks and cooked us fabulous meals given we were camping ⛺️. Her energetic personality provided a welcome spark especially at the beginning of the day. G Adventures in Peru 🇵🇪 were really great 👍 too but Exodus our did them with respect to quality of the guides and the excellent dinners. A little more variety in breakfasts and lunches is strongly 💪 recommended for sure. I would also suggest stretching the tour to 14 days given there are currently some extraordinarily long days of trekking. Another trip of a lifetime for me. Thanks John and Emily! 🥾 What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The energy from other trekkers to grind out the long hikes each day.
Reviewed September 2019 Paul McGuire Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek A trip of a lifetime We did the TMB in July - 14 trekkers from Canada. John and Emily were our guides and they were amazing. I can actually say I learned how to walk again in the mountains with John's careful guiding instructions. By the end of the trek, we were able to trek straight up 4 km with a verticle of 1500 m. There is no way we could have done this without our amazing guides. I cannot say enough about Exodus and the people who work with this amazing organization. They are truly professional and we are well into planning our next group trek for July 2020 to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Can't wait! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Making it to Brevant at 1500 m on the last day and looking down into the valley and seeing Chamonix, realizing that we had done it. Easily one of the most challenging treks I have ever done! What did you think of your group leader? John was amazing. He is truly a gifted leader and I would recommend him for any group planning a trek in the Alps. Very wise and experienced, a really amazing leader and teacher. Emily was wonderful. The two of them worked together as an expert team. They were both what made the trip an incredible success. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You certainly need to train for the TMB. Once you have done this please listen to your guides, they really know what they are doing and you need to listen and trust them. Exodus has chosen well and their guides are truly amazing. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank-you Exodus - Tony, John and Emily did everything they could to make this trip a huge success. We were able to raise over $35,000 for recreation programs for kids here in Ottawa, Canada. Exodus is a great partner for us and Christie Lake Climb for Kids will be trekking again with Exodus in 2020, this time all the way to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Reviewed July 2019 mark Flaherty Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Mont Blanc camping trek I did the Mont Blanc camping Hike it late June 2019 with a group of 7. The first day i had doubts i would make it from the uphill climb, it was tough. I got in better shape as the trip progressed, i made it. 110 mile hike, the scenery was incredible, its just awesome. Exodus employees were great. If your in shape you can do this trip, we slept in tents, hike 1000 meters uphill some days. You break camp in the morning and hike to your next destination, the hotel group stayed in the hotel we camped two different trips What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Finishing the hike at almost 1500 meters uphill. what a great trip. What did you think of your group leader? Aglier or (AGS) was great really helpful, she made the trip fun. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get in shape before you go, don't pack to much stuff like i did. Its going to be tough don't complain, expect it. Be very careful when walking i fell 3 times on the snow and mud, but not on the rocks Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks Exodus
Reviewed July 2019 Michelle Stracey Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Challenging and joyous! A really super trip. The leader Kim shared her love and knowledge of the mountains and kept our spirits high. Neil, our camp manager, cooked incredible three course meals every night, despite all our various dietary needs. It was a challenging trip but so much fun. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Mont Blanc in all its guises, the wild flower meadows and celebrating with Prosecco at the top of the final ascent. What did you think of your group leader? Kim was kind, funny and inspirational. We all loved her.
Reviewed October 2018 Mariana Kelemen Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Tour of Mont Blanc All went smoothly. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Mont Blanc from Punta Helbronner cable Car station. What did you think of your group leader? Good judgement in all his decisions. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read Exodus instructions carefully, follow them thoroughly. Is there anything else you would like to add? no
Reviewed October 2018 christopher Spencer Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Spectacular adventure This was our first group travel expedition and it did not disappoint. We had been looking at this trip for a number of years through another tour company but we went with Exodus because of the supporting camping option which the other company did not offer (and a benefit that we thoroughly enjoyed). We found the entire experience to be very positive, professional and well organized with just the right amount of flexibility so that we didn't feel like we were micro-managed. Our mountain guide was experienced and did a very good job of watching over the group while allowing us to go at our own pace (within reason). The camp support leader was funny, helpful, and a fantastic cook. The near-perfect weather and jaw dropping views obviously played a big part in how much we enjoyed this trip but I definitely think that the quality of this trip was above the pack. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every valley and every col had its own 'personality' and this made each day different. I loved turning a corner and discovering another fantastic view. It was also nice to be with a group so that the experience could be shared with others. What did you think of your group leader? Shaun, our mountain leader was knowledgeable and experienced. He knew the route and the region well and provided very accurate introductions to each day's hiking. His pace was as steady as a metronome and perfect for the speed of our group. Once he understood our capabilities on an individual level he was good about letting us go on ahead or lag behind the pack if that's what we preferred. I definitely felt like I was in capable hands. Peter our camp support was so much fun and a delight to see at the end of each day because he has such a positive and warm personality. We arrived to a camp that was already set up which allowed us to chill out and relax as soon as we arrived. His cooking was fantastic and much better than the few restaurant dinners we had along the way. He was good about ensuring that each of the group members had what they needed for breakfasts and lunches. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be very honest with yourself when evaluating your abilities if you're considering this trip. Our group overall was comprised of fairly experienced hikers. I think that someone who's not able to maintain the group pace would risk not enjoying this trip themselves and also negatively impacting the group. Proper equipment is also a must. Weather can change quickly and being unprepared can make for a miserable and potential hazardous day. Is there anything else you would like to add? I loved the supported camping option on this trip. I think the group had much more fun and bonded more than we would have had we stayed in hotels.
Reviewed September 2018 Matt Walker Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Another one ticked off the bucket list! Fantastic experience with a great group! This is one of the great hikes in the world and a fantastic way to experience the Alps. The camping element added to the camaraderie of the group and saw us all bond quickly. Paul was an excellent leader, very knowledgeable on the mountains, nature and wildlife, his company and humor were very much appreciated! Kieron managed the camp to perfection with his excellent cooking and organisation, and always ready with an story to share. Don't expect to lose much weight on this trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The glacial lakes and passing over the highest point, the Grand Col Ferret.
Reviewed August 2018 Nigel Donovan Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Great walk Wonderful to get on this walk at the last minute. 11 other generous minded walkers. Lotte a talented leader and Pete a great cook and camp organiser. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Each day was great. What did you think of your group leader? Lotte Stuer was excellent. Talented in making people feel at ease. Thorough and funny in her pre walk briefings. She kept a quiet eye on us all but was ready to let is go at our own pace in appropriate places. An excellent leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get a few good walks in to ensure the boots are broken in and know the challenge of a grade 4 week. Is there anything else you would like to add? Both Lotte and Pete worked well together and worked well together.
Reviewed August 2018 Sara McDonagh Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek I would do this again! This was an amazing adventure. I had never camped before nor had I ever trekked in the Alps, so lots of reasons to be a little nervous before I went. On reflection, any worry was unnecessary. The camping was fun and well managed. The scenery was amazing. And the trekking, although hard work at times, was entirely manageable and hugely rewarding. Incredible views. Wonderful people. If I could, I would do this all again. In fact I just might! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? How could you ever grow tired of looking at these mountains and trekking among them?
Reviewed August 2018 Len Glassner Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek 'It is what it says on the tin.' What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? One member initially nearly keeling over due to a lack of electrolytes, to go on to be as strong or stronger than the rest of us. What did you think of your group leader? Severely competent. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Yes. (See below.) Is there anything else you would like to add? Random comments on the TWB trip transpiring 7/7/17 to 7/21/18: Participants: Seven, plus guide and support driver/cook. All Brits, except for one US (me). The weather was exceptionally good. During the day, it sputtered a couple of times, but no heavy rain at all. Clouds had only a minor impact on views. Periods of rain on a couple of nights. All in all, far better than I expected. Only one morning I would call cold. (And I get cold easily.) Nothing approaching freezing, AFAIK. Photos here: https://len5742.smugmug.com/Len/2018-Tour-du-Mont-Blanc/ Campgrounds: Les Marmottes campground is said to be three-star rated. You will spend four of your fourteen nights here. - No toilet paper. No toilet seats. (Not a hole-in-the-ground squat toilet, just no toilet seat.) But you do have toilets! Bring a roll of TP. - Couple of the sinks have liquid hand-washing soap dispensers. Bring a bar of soap. - Crowded, at least at the Exodus-designated area, next to the toilet/shower building. (See photos.) Expect a fair amount of noise and kids running around until about 11pm. I arrived early from the US, and stayed at an auberge in Les Houches, before moving to the campground. After we finished the hiking and returned again to Les Marmottes, I bailed back to the auberge instead of spending the last two nights in the campground. I highly recommend moving to more peaceful accommodation for the last one or two nights, if you can afford it. All of the campgrounds had toilets, even the so-called wild camps. Some even had TP and toilet seats. There was at least one with squat toilets. Showers, when available, were at least adequately warm. We went to a refuge-prepared dinner at at least one of the two wild camps, can't remember about the other. 'Wild camp' = lack of showers and wifi? Certainly there was no lack of other campers. Showers: Some are free and as long as you want, a couple are pay-to-play. Protip: Note that for one shower we were given a card to use (for a fixed number of minutes), without further explanation. Turns out, you hold the card up next to sensor box that's in the shower, thus activating. Wifi: worked pretty well most of the time. I think I remember one camp where it didn't. Of course, each has its own connection ritual. At one place, you had to pay a euro or two. Food: Breakfast: - Tea and coffee. Also, orange juice and milk. I asked for hot chocolate mix, supplied w/no problem, but then I realized water plus mix tastes like hot chocolate water, so I gave that up. (Needed powdered milk.) - Muesli, all the way down. This particular mix was primarily uncooked oats, plus some unchewable things I think were raisons or similar. And a few clumps of not-oats. Mixing thoroughly with yogurt saves the day. Should do better here. Lunch: After you wolf down breakfast, you race to prepare your pack lunch. What I would call, in my lack of sophistication, 'French bread' (not sliced bread), is the base for make-your-own sandwiches. Sliced ham plus various cheeses, plus lettuce, onions, mayonaisse, etc. (Peanut butter and sliced bread available for US-passport-carrying participants only.) Also, bananas, oranges, apples, etc. Dinner: Either prepared by our support driver, or taken at a refuge/restaurant. The dinners prepared by the support driver I rate as pretty good to great. A couple of the refuge meals were just meh, otherwise good enough. One special note: The pizza we ordered out at an Italian campground was unequivocally the worst I've ever seen or eaten. Protip: Bring Clif bars or similar. My stomach was off the entire trip. It was suggested that it might have been due to the excessive consumption of dairy products. Something to keep in mind. Tent: The tent Exodus uses appears to be a Quechua '2 Seconds XL Air'. Never heard of this brand before, but saw a fair number of their tents and backpacks on the hike. The tents have what is, to me, a novel design. The trip instructions tell you you're gonna have to pack up your tent. I envisioned just extracting some collapsible poles and rolling up the canopy, shoving in a stuff sack. Wrong. You need to watch and study this last 20 seconds of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAtckY8Vejs&list=PLIZaXMUrOOZcqXogjXImTYrpSsSvZsSSJ&index=233 The Exodus tents are an older version of the tent in the video, I think. In any case, you get to gather up, wrestle the tent into a figure 8, and fold up, without any assistance from straps shown in the video. But the video does give you a general idea what to expect. I'd guess on average it took three-four morning rituals to become adequately proficient in packing the tent. Protip: For the first couple of days, work with a partner to wrestle with this thing. Protip 2: If the tent is really wet, wear rain gear during the wrestling match. Typical Trekking day: 7-7:30 Individual packup 7:30-8 Breakfast, lunch prep 8-8:30 Wash dishes, pack support van 8:30-16:30 Walk Includes 'second breakfast' and lunch breaks, and a few other rests, combined or separate from two or more breaks at refuges. >16:30 Teatime? 19:00 or 19:30 Dinner, then wash dishes if not dining out The trail: Busy, busy, busy, busy. The trail tread itself is not that rough. I wore trail runners. Worked just fine. Heavy boots and their 'ankle support' not needed. Because the trip notes said otherwise, I asked for special dispensation for my footwear, and was allowed to proceed at my own risk. The last three days do have some steep climbs. The views/scenery: Nice enough. Spectacular? Hmm...For me, Val Farret col was the only place that came close to a knock-your-socks-off view. You never really get high enough to get a layers-and-layers type of mountain views. I rode up to Aguille du Midi before the start of the trek, and the views from up there kind of deflated the hiking views, at least for a while. I guess the repeated combination of strenuous hiking for a few hours, followed by sitting a refuge deck and drink lattes while enjoying mountain scenery makes for an enjoyable experience. Do not find Mont Blanc itself aesthetically appealing. I am reminded of a combination of the Michelin Man and the Pillsbury Doughboy. Extra credit activities: Ride up to Aguille du Midi makes for great views. Also enjoyed Montenvers train to the glacier. Personnel: Driver/cook: Very friendly, good sense of humor (laughed at my jokes). Perpared generally great meals. Guide: Very knowledgeable about flora/fauna, geology, etc. Set a reasonable hiking pace. She said at the beginning we didn't have to hike in a cheek-by-jowl configuration, but the majority seemed to prefer that. I generally hung back in my own space, as did a couple others. It seemed to work OK. Note re: The guide vs. the itinerary. The two descending cable car rides on the last two hiking days listed as optional (you have to pay for them) are really 'optional'. That is, particularly for the one on the second-to-last hiking day, you will be verbally brow-beaten into submitting to riding the cable car down. 'I don't know why anyone would want to walk.'...'will absolutely ruin your day'...'terrible trail tread'...worst of all...'takes two hours'. The whole group was sort of shocked at the level of vehemence. The excoriation of this particular section of trail was so over the top, I asked to walk down. Just had to see this awful no good really really bad section of trail. One other guy who had also initially expressed an interest in walking rather than riding first gave in, but then when I persisted, joined in again. So the guide and us two descended by foot, while the others rode down. It turned out to be a decent enough hike, with terrific views up and down the Chamonix valley initially, and then dropped into a cool (temp-wise) downhill walk in the forest. The trail tread was well-maintained. There was a short steep bit that required a minor amount of care, but was not at all outside the realm of prior experience on this trail. As it was of moderate downhill grade, could easily jog parts of it. Best of all, WE WALKED FOR AN HOUR AND SAW ONLY A COUPLE OTHER HIKERS. An absolute impossibility anywhere else on this trail. We finished in an hour. There was also another place earlier in the trek where the guide said 'I don't know why anyone would walk here', and yet some of us did walk, and enjoyed it. You will ride enough buses and cable cars as an aleady-fixed part of the itinerary, why add to it? I can sympathize with the guide getting bored after several years of guiding multiple groups each year, and wanting it to be overas quick as possible. But for the rest of us, this is a one-time experience. Maybe pick a new trek to guide? Random last thoughts: Bring electrolyte tabs, especially if you don't have a lot of experience full-day, strenuous, warm weather hiking. Bring a pee bottle if you're old like me. The tents have zipable windows on the side which make it easy to dump out. Bring shock cord or similar to rig a drying line for your always-wet towel.
Mont Blanc Highlights 257 reviews Walk the best of Mont Blanc Circuit in France and Italy Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,349 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details
Walking in the Austrian Tyrol 52 reviews Moderate and challenging walks in the heart of Tyrol Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,399 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details
Classic Dolomites - Premium 76 reviews Premium Superb walking in Italy's most spectacular mountain range Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,449 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details
Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek 51 reviews Walk the classic circuit through France, Switzerland and Italy Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 15 Days from £2,949 Guided (Incl. Flights) View More Details