The trip

LEVEL ****

Technical level:
Race accessible to well-trained beginners! No particular difficulty, it is however desirable to have already walked with crampons and to have a habit of walking (off-trail) in the mountains with a backpack of several kilos and walking at more than 3000m altitude. 

Physical level:
Used to outdoor sports. Regular practice of endurance sports (cycling, hiking, running, cross-country skiing, swimming). Otherwise do three times a week an hour of jogging, for 2 to 3 months before departure (10km/h). 

GUIDING

Number of participants between 2 and 5 people supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.

The guide may at any time modify the itinerary or interrupt the stay of a participant who does not have the level required for his/her own safety and that of the other participants. In this case, the participant concerned will not be entitled to any refund.
In the event of very bad weather, and again to ensure the safety of participants, the course may be cancelled. In this case, we will consider requests for reimbursement on the basis of the number of days spent on the course.

ACCOMODATION

Half board shelter in dormitory 2 nights, bed sheets and towels not provided, blankets provided, obligatory sack sheet, shared sanitary facilities. For personal purchases: CB is not accepted, take cash. 

MEALS

Breakfasts and dinners are served in the accommodation.
For lunch, picnics of days 2 and 3 are provided by the accomodation.

Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.

Practical information

ACCESS TO THE STARTING POINT

Meet in mountaineering outfit on day 1, plan to eat or have already eaten.

Meeting places:
If you come by car: Gressoney Staffal - Lift Office: 12.30 pm
If you come by train: Chamonix train station - Appointment: 09:30
 

End of stay in Gressoney around 3pm, around 5.30pm in Chamonix.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER STAY

We will send you as soon as you register the names and contact details of several accommodations, so that you can book a night before or after your trip. The appointment is then made at the accommodation.

TO CONTACT US

If you are late, contact the agency at: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07.

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT ADVISES

Clothes

• Breathable T-shirts
• Fleece or softshell jacket
• Goretex jacket
• 1 soft jacket or equivalent
• 1 simple and lightweight Gore-tex mountain overpantalon is recommended
• 1 pair of gaiters
• 1 pair of high mountain gloves + 1 pair of lightweight fleece or wool gloves.
• Hat or cap + headband + cap
• Hiking socks (double layer, curly...)
• 1 mountain trousers (sturdy and comfortable)
• High mountain shoes, cramponable and warm

Miscellaneous equipment

• Light toilet kit
• Glacier goggles (with side shells) IP 3 or 4
• 1 ski mask (in case of bad weather or strong wind)
• Water bottle (capacity depending on your consumption). Beware of water pockets, water can freeze!
• 1 thermos, recommended (capacity according to your consumption)
• 1 multi-purpose knife (optional)
• Small personal pharmacy (vitamin C, aspirin, dressings etc.) + high-index sunscreen
• Frontal + batteries or battery and spare bulbs
• A sack cloth (shelters provide blankets or duvets)
• Valid ID card or passport

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

• Comfortabe 40-50 litre backpack
• Ice axe (adapted to your size) (provided)
• Pair of telescopic walking poles
• Pair of crampons already adjusted + must be "antibott" system (to stop the snow sticking) (provided)
• Climbing harness (provided)
• Climbing safety carabiner
• Lightweight climbing helmet (provided)

LUGGAGE TRANSPORT

Carry personal belongings and groceries for several days by you.

If you extend your holiday, we can take over your extra luggage at the start of the hike, labelled in your name, which will be handed to you at the end of your stay.