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 

BY BUS
Access by bus to Passy Plaine-Joux station: line Y85 serves Passy Plaine-Joux station from Le Fayet station.
Timetables can be consulted online at the following link: https://www.laregionvoustransporte.fr/lignes/y85-sallanches-passy-plaine-joux

BY CAR
A40 motorway to Passy (74190). Free parking at the Passy Plaine-Joux resort.

End of the hike at the Passy Plaine-Joux resort car park.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR STAY

Saint Gervais Mont Blanc Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 47 76 08

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 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!