4 days of immersion in the heart of a massif with unique biodiversity
With its remarkable geology, unique biodiversity and sublime views of Mont Blanc, the small Fiz massif is definitely worth a visit. We're offering you a little more than that with this 4-day total immersion in a wild environment.
On this programme, with no luggage transport, authentic accommodation and guided by a passionate naturalist, you'll feel cut off from the world. A change of scenery guaranteed.
You will like
4 days focused on discovering the mountain environment
Guided by an enthusiastic Naturalist Mountain Leader
A short, accessible itinerary enabling you to discover a wealth of nature and cross the Passy nature reserve
FROM PASSY PLAINE-JOUX TO THE REFUGE DE PLATÉ
"CLIMB A CHIMNEY AND GO BACK IN TIME".
The adventure begins here, in the small family resort of Passy Plaine-Joux (74). It begins with a forest path that leads down to the Ugine torrent. The vegetation gets lighter as the slope gets steeper. We swim to the centre of the Charbonnière cirque. A final limestone fortress rises up before the "Desert de Platé". We finally make our way down the Egratz chimney (which means "stairs") before taking our first step into the coveted desert! Overnight in a dormitory in refuge.
3h30 walk / Elevation: +850 m -200 m / 7km
Day 2
A NATURALISTIC APPROACH TO THE "DÉSERT OF PLATÉ"
"A DIVERSE GEOLOGICAL TREASURE CHEST".
To walk in the "Désert de Platé" is to admire Mother Nature's grandiose display. A wide plateau framed by green pastures reveals white rocks with large fissures: lapiaz. Although lapiaz is of oceanic origin, it does not retain water but is nonetheless home to a rich biodiversity. Fossils millions of years old lie beneath your feet, testifying to the incredible geological history of this desert. Your guide will help you to understand this natural wealth and also to observe the masters of the place: the ibex. Overnight in a dormitory in refuge. 5h30 walk / Elevation: +850 m -850 m / 12km
Day 3
FROM THE REFUGE DE PLATÉ TO THE REFUGE D'ANTERNE ALFRED WILLS
"FROM DESERT TO WATER, THERE'S ONLY ONE STEP!
Today you leave the "desert" behind. Via the Col de la Portette, you'll see the Sales valley, the west face of the rocky Fiz mountain range and the Mont Blanc massif. A long descent takes you into a much greener world, where the water flows in gentle torrents leading to beautiful waterfalls. Marmots and chamois are not far away! You skirt round the pointe des Sales to reach the mountain pastures of the montagne d'Anterne, where nature and pastoralism are one and the same. Overnight in a dormitory in the refuge. 5h30 walk / Elevation: +750 m -1000 m / 13km
Day 4
FROM ALFRED WILLS TO PASSY PLAINE-JOUX
"MOUNTAIN LAKES, ISLANDS IN NEED OF PROTECTION"
Lac d'Anterne, Lac de Pormenaz and Lac Vert, three natural jewels with very different atmospheres. Lac d'Anterne is dominated by the imposing wall of the Fiz mountains and is home to a special flora. Lac de Pormenaz is hidden in the foothills of the Aiguille Rouge massif. Here the colour of the rock changes, as does its hardness, and the water has settled like an island beneath the Pointe Noire de Pormenaz. And it's with the story of the creation of Lac Vert that your guided adventure in the Fiz comes to a gentle end.
You return to the small resort of Passy Plaine-Joux for a final farewell to the majestic Mont Blanc. It's also the perfect opportunity to look forward to another mini-adventure in the Alps... 5h30 walk / Difference in altitude: +600 m -1050 m / 13km
End of the hike in Passy Plaine-Joux around 4.30pm.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Difference in altitude: +/- 600m to 1350m on average per day
Walking time: 4h to 6h30 on average per day
Type of walk: mountain route on marked, often rocky paths. There are a few variations with steeper sections requiring steady footing.
General fitness is essential. Regularly practice an endurance sport such as walking, running or cycling, for 3 to 4 hours a week. Your physical preparation will make your stay easier and help you enjoy it all the more.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
GUIDING
Number of participants between 6 and 14, supervised by a qualified professional (mountain leader).
As a thank you, it is customary to tip your guide at the end of your hike, depending on your satisfaction. This is not compulsory, but it is greatly appreciated.
LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
Without luggage transport : you will be responsible for transporting your own luggage.
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights in a refuge in a dormitory.
The Platé refuge is located on the Platé karstic desert. In this context, water is scarce during the summer and is precious. There are no showers in the hut, but you can still wash up in the outdoor solar showers provided by the hut.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each refuge. Picnic lunches are also provided by the refuges.
Please inform us about any 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 DEPARTURE POINT
BY TRAIN
Outward journey: the day before, departure from Paris-Gare de Lyon at 12.18pm, arrival at Saint Gervais les Bains le Fayet at 6.16pm.
Return: the following day, departure from Saint Gervais les Bains le Fayet at 10.44am, arrival at Paris-Gare de Lyon at 3.42pm.
The times given are for information only and must be checked with the SNCF
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 on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Equipment & luggage
EQUIPMENT LIST
Clothing
Hiking trousers
Shorts (1 swimming costume just in case)
Breathable or merino wool T-shirts
Breathable or merino wool long johns
Fleece or jumper
Windbreaker or Goretex jacket
Rain cape + gaiters or Goretex-type trousers + a sack cape
A pair of gloves and a light hat
Hat or cap
Hiking socks (double layer, looped...1 pair per day)
Hiking shoes that are already broken in and have well notched soles.
1 change of clothes for the evening
A change of shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toiletry bag
Towel (quick-drying, sold in specialist shops)
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or thermos flask (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife and cutlery
An airtight plastic box as a plate for your picnics
Coffee cup
Small personal first-aid kit (painkillers, compeed bandages, etc.)
Survival blanket
Headlamp or torch
Two telescopic poles (strongly recommended)
Valid identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Pack a comfortable 40-50 litre rucksack for your personal belongings for the week (including warm clothing, rain cape, water bottle, picnic box and cutlery, sun protection and identity papers) and a little room for a picnic and snacks.
In the 'weight is the enemy' section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic zip bag or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.
Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week
A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
Shaving foam: a small sample can
A small microfibre towel
A small bottle of shampoo
A travel toothbrush
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring:
Elastoplast or hook-and-loop tape
"second skin" tape to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
A small tube of sun cream and lip balm
Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!
4 Days
Guided / with a guide
Without baggage transportation
Refuge
Level *** 
From 495 €
