The trip

LEVEL **

Elevation gain: from +500 to +575 meters and elevation loss from -430 to -530 meters on average per day.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours per day on average.
Route: well-marked trails, sometimes rocky, with no technical difficulty.
Snow may still be present on the trail until at least the end of June. You will likely walk on snow-covered sections, which will make the route a bit more challenging. Mountain hiking boots, gaiters, and walking poles are therefore mandatory.

It is necessary to be in good overall physical condition. Regularly practice endurance sports such as walking, running, or cycling. Your physical preparation will make your trip easier and will allow you to enjoy it even more. Discover the level descriptions by clicking here: hiking levels.

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we will provide you with a travel dossier containing:

• IGN maps with the route marked.
• A road-book with all the necessary information for the hike.
• A map holder.
• A list of accommodations.

HIKING SIGNS

The route is marked with yellow signs and regular ground markings. The trails are identified by numbering. The roadbook provides the necessary information for your hike. However, it is essential to know how to read a 1:25,000 map and be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to approach the route confidently, regardless of the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Professional guidance is not included in the self-guided package. You may cross areas with no phone signal. For your safety, you can bring a radio or a modern phone that allows satellite communication.

LUGGAGE TRANSFER

without luggage transfer: you carry all your luggage.
with luggage transfer: your luggage is transported to your accommodation (except on Day 2).

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights in dormitory, in refuge
3 nights in a room for 2 to 4 people, in hotel or gite
The accommodations are located in small rural mountain villages with a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as mountain refuges for a complete immersion. They respect the typical architecture of the area.
Dinners are an opportunity to taste local specialties: 'Fontine' fondue, pasta, polenta, cured meats, 'grolle'... all while offering varied, balanced, and well-prepared menus.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered in each accommodation in the evening. Possibility to buy picnic supplies in small local shops. 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

Carta dei sentieri 1/25000 L’escursionista editore N4 - Conca di Aosta - Mont Emilius - Mont Fallère

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

For luggage pick-up (if you have chosen this option), a meeting point must be arranged in Aosta, followed by a transfer to Gignod (if you have selected this option).

BY TRAIN
Please consult Oui Sncf to check the timetables.
Then bus transfer to Aoste.

BY CAR
A40 motorway to Chamonix, Mont Blanc Tunnel and way to Aosta.

End of trek in the mid-afternoon and optionnal transfer to Aosta to pick up your luggage.

ACCOMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Chamonix - Hôtel de l'Arve : +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
or Hôtel Vallée Blanche : +33 (0)4 50 53 04 50 

TO CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency : +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 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.

LUGGAGE TRANSFER

Your spare clothes must be packed into a single soft bag weighing no more than 10 kg per person. Your luggage will be transported by a logistics vehicle from stage to stage, except for the second night, at accommodations where access may not always be easy.
Please note, overly heavy luggage will be refused!