Do you like hiking and would like to go a little higher, a little further, in the heart of glaciers and peaks?
We offer you a short stay, 2 days to discover the high mountains and to introduce you to the techniques of mountaineering. All in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, with a night in high mountain refuge, far from the valley.
You will like
A short stay, 2 days, the time of a weekend, to immerse in high mountains
An exceptional setting and a unique view of the largest northern faces of the Alps
GLACIER DU TOUR Ascent to altitude and first steps on glaciers.
Meeting point in the little village of Le Tour. Equipment check and presentation of the tour. From the small ski area, it's easy to reach the impressive glacial moraine. At an altitude of 2702m, discover the comfortable Albert 1er refuge (renovated in 2014) and get to know the glacier. Picnic on the glacier.
Overnight at the Albert 1er refuge (2702 m) 6h walk/ Altitude difference: +950m
Day 2
BLACK TOWER PASS Glacial hike from the refuge.
Breakfast at the hut, then an early start for the Tête Blanche (3429 m), climbing the whole of the Glacier du Tour. This glacier has few cracks and is gently sloping. Arriving at the col, we discover the vast glacial plateaux on the Swiss side. Picnic on the glacier (or at the Albert 1er refuge), close to the refuge before returning to the village. 7h walk/ altitude difference: -2000m/ +750m
This is an example of a mountaineering program MOUNTAINEERING INITIATION. The weather, snow and mountain conditions, as well as the level of the participants could obligate the guide to modify the program or to take different routes.
The trip
LEVEL ****
Physical level:
The weekly practice of an endurance sport is a good thing. Walking with altitude difference or better, cross-country skiing or hiking, running, swimming. If this is not the case, resuming the sport 2 months before departure (brisk walking then jogging 3 times a week) is essential and will allow you to make the most of your stay.
Technical level:
Learn the basic techniques of mountaineering, in snow and ice and rock. The proposed outings are easy races. Before all our discovery trips, such as glacial hikes, or mountaineering training trips, we must above all be a good hiker, including off-trail, and be broken to walk 6 to 8 hours a day. A sports background is recommendable and the taste of effort is essential to make the most of the days. It is necessary to present oneself rested and fit to any high mountain circuit.
GUIDANCE
State-certified mountain guide. Groups of 5 people maximum.
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 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 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.
ACCOMMODATION
In dormitory, in refuge.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation.
For lunch, picnics and food races planned by your mountain guide and ordered at the refuge.
CARTOGRAPHY
IGN Chamonix 3630OT Card
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet at 8:30am at village du Tour (74400).
BY CAR
Parking nearby.
BY TRAIN
Night train direct Paris/St Gervais or TGV in the day. Correspondence for Chamonix, please check on SNCF at www.voyages-sncf.com.
END OF STAY
End point in the afternoon, in the village du Tour.
If you are late, contact the agency: +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
Comfortable backpack from 30 to 40 liters
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
1 or 2 telescopic sticks
Technical equipment provided:
1 ice axe (adapted to its size)
1 pair of pre-set spikes + mandatory "antibott" system (to prevent snow from sticking)
1 shoulder harness
1 safety carabiner
1 lightweight mountaineering helmet
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Rental of shoes and backpack possible, count +/- 15€ day depending on the models. Prices given as a guide. To be booked and paid directly on site before departure. All details for the rental of equipment will be given to you after registration in your notice.
2 Days
Guided / with a guide
Without baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level **** 
From 425 €
Next departure on 07/06/25
