The trip

LEVEL **

Elevation: +/- 400m to 750m approximately per day.
Walking time: 3 to 6 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails, open to most people. Depending on the level of the group some alternative routes may be proposed.

You will need a good fitness level and must have a good health for this trek. A physical preparation will help you to enjoy your stay: please regularly practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, biking, swimming.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: Level of difficulty

GUIDING

Number in a group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.

To thank your guide, it is usual to tip him at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.

TRANSPORT

Each day transfers will be made to the departure point of the hike, either by public transport, lifts, a historical rack and pinion railway or by minibus with your mountain leader.

ACCOMMODATION

6 nights in a comfortable twin/double bedroom.
Individual bookings will be placed in non-mixed bedrooms with 2-3 people unless a single supplement is paid.

In France: 4 nights at the hotel Les Campanules**
In Italy: 2 nights in or near Courmayeur in a 4* hotel

Number of nights in each hotel may change subject to availability.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.

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.

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3630 OT - Chamonix and Top 25 - 3531 ET - Saint Gervais (1/25 000)

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meet in the afternoon on Sunday at Les Campanules Hotel in Les Houches.

BY TRAIN
Inbound, the day before : depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) at 8:18am (or 10:30am) arrive in Les Houches at 1:47pm (or 4:47pm).
Hotel Les Campanules is 500m on the left side from the train station.

Return, the day after : depart Chamonix at 9:20am (or 12:20pm) arrive in (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 3:42pm (or 5:42pm).
Times given are indicative and should be verified in a train station or on www.oui.sncf

BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix, exit Les Houches/St. Antoine. At the roundabout take the first exit right, 400m away turn right to the SNCF train station. Pass the bridge, turn right and follow the road up the hill. The hotel is 400m on the left. Free parking places near Prarion cable car. 
Hôtel Les Campanules, 450 Route de Coupeau, 74310, Les Houches.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact:
Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71 (60 to 80€ per week). 

CAR-SHARING                                                                                                                               
Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some website recommendations:   www.blablacar.fr www.covoiturage-libre.fr www.laroueverte.com www.roulezmalin.com

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
1 hour by car to Chamonix.
Bus and minibus services direct to your accommodation (25-35€ pp each way)
Lyon (LYS)
2h15 by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix, 4h15 journey (40-45€ pp return)
Paris (PAR)
7 hours by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix / 5-6 hour journey (80-120€ pp return)

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Les Houches - Hotel Les Campanules: +33 (0)4 50 54 40 71
Chamonix Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24
www.chamonix.com

If you book a night in the Chamonix valley, ask the hotel reception for a bus/train pass to use public transport for free in the Chamonix valley.

www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.

If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.

Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible by calling: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Toilet bag
• Quick drying towel
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
• Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics.
Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs! 

If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.