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 leader and mountain guide. Groups of 4 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 10 am 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.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER THE STAY

Chamonix Tourist Office: +33 4 50 53 00 24 

TO CONTACT US

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.