The trip

LEVEL ****

Elevation: around +/- 1100m per day
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours per day
Type of trek: this tour passes via rocky terrain with a few technically difficult cabled sections. This stay is designed for people who already have previous experience of mountain hiking, capable of handling technical passages and able to read IGN maps at 1/25,000.

The route in general is well indicated, and the Roadbook provided sufficiently complete to allow you to hike in complete safety. However, it is essential to be able to read an 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Guiding is not included in the self-guided package. snow and névés will be present on the paths until end of june at least. You may walk on long snowy sections that can make the tour a bit more challenging. High mountain boots, gaiters and walking poles are mandatory. Be prepared! You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio or the latest generation telephone with satellite connection.

You need a good endurance level and a mental capacity for long-term efforts. An experience in hiking is required. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 6 to 8 hours a week. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.

Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we will give you a travel pack including :
- 2 IGN TOP 25 maps with the route
- 1 road-book with all the necessary information for the hike
- 1 map holder
- The list of accommodation
On request, we will also provide you the GPX tracks.

ACCOMMODATION

5 nights in dormitory, in refuge.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are not included and can be ordered at every refuge by asking the night before. 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 - 3530 ET - SAMOENS and Top 25 - 3630 OT - CHAMONIX (1/25 000)
MPA (yellow) Trient valley (1/25 000)

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meet Sunday at 10am at the 'Bout du Monde' parking in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.

BY TRAIN
Cluses SNCF train station voyages-sncf.com
then with the Bus Y94 to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Cluses, then direction Taninges, follow signs to Samoens and continue to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. 
Parking for the week (around 5€)

CAR-SHARING 
Get in touch with people ! blablacar.fr, laroueverte.com, roulezmalin.com

End point in the afternoon, at the parking.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Samoens Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 34 40 28 / www.samoens.com
Sixt Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 34 49 36 / www.chamonix.com

TO CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +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
• Lightweight down jacket
• 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 (0.40L to 0.50L)
• 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 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the week (including 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.