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TOUR MONT BLANC - FULL CIRCULAR TOUR of MONT BLANC

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Opt for a 9 day FULL Tour Mont Blanc experience.   It is wonderful.  It includes excellent hotels and spa hotels, some convivial dormitory mountain accommodation, a leg stretching work out, some camping experience, go for this if you want a work out for your legs and lungs over 9 days whilst carrying all your gear.  It is a proper quality mountain experience.  Carry a mountain bivvi bag or 1 man tent, mat, synthetic sleeping bag with you in case of an emergency to be self sufficient, this is essential kit just in case.   The full Tour Mont Blanc goes through 3 countries:  France, Italy & Switzerland.  There is a slower and slightly longer option that is the trip starting on the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc mountain, you are met at Geneva Cointrin Airport and travel together to the start point at La Fouly in Switzerland.  The 9 day options start in France in Chamonix or Contamine.  The Tour Mont Blanc crosses several high mountain passes between countries which can sometime experience snow fall even in summer time making the surrounding mountains sometimes hazardous, and if you prefer a gentler option you can opt for 1 of the 4 sub sections of the Tour Mont Blanc which are available under the MINI options which offer each sub section as a stand alone trip avoiding the traverse from one country to the next over the frontiers.

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MINI TOUR MONT BLANC - ​MINI  CIRCULAR TOURS of MONT BLANC

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a)  MINI Swiss Section - top right section - Switzerland, to Italian border and back again - 3 days

b)  MINI French section - top left section - France, to Swiss border and back again - 4 days

c)  MINI French section - bottom left section - France, to Italian border and back again - 4 days

d)  MINI Italian section - bottom right section - Italy, to Swiss & French borders in 2 mini loops - 5 days

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TOUR MONT BLANC OPTIONS are all DIFFICULT (see walking categories).  

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The 4 mini sub sections called MINI Tour Mont Blanc are roughly1/4ly sections.   You can do it over long weekends or as a mini breaks when convenient for you.  Don't bite off more than you can chew for the first time in the French Alps.

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DAY TRIPS

All the day trips are designed to provide cultural interest, some geographic and geology interest, flowers and fauna interest, and opportunities for discovering the town or area where the walk is with cultural and historic information provided to clients and coffee stops along the way.  A good sit down lunch is considered important unless it is stated as being a picnic enroute walk.  All tickets are purchased in advance for clients and where possible museum tour guides are arranged to ensure specialist information is available to enrich the trip where possible.

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HOTELS and MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION:

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Sleeping is predominantly in excellent 4 star hotels in towns like Chamonix or Courmayeur, alpine mountain refuges and huts are used at altitude where dormitory rooms are the normal offering at high altitude sometimes they are basic alpine cow sheds and sometimes they are sophisticated eco chalets.  3 star hotels and guest houses are considered in towns but only if appropriately cared for, comfortable and clean, or if a 4 star preselected hotels fully booked.  A chalet in Switzerland is sometime used for the Tour Mont Blanc.

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Please note individual rooms in the mountain environment are rarely possible.  Group safety is important and being together is ideal.  Being in the same room with a group of walkers is the norm for conviviality reasons on a MontBlancTrip.  Looking out for people in your group is encouraged and considered important.  It is highly probable you'll share a room in the mountains with other walkers on a Mont Blanc Trip as this is the nature of the trip you are purchasing.  

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For mountain refuges / huts, they require you to bringing your own pillow case, sleeping bag, liner bag, or duvet cover to sleep inside, you can store these in an Ortlieb waterproof bag inside your rucksack, do not trust another brand, which you naturally carry with you at all times to ensure your full satisfaction of the Tour Mont Blanc or hiking trip.  Ruck sacks are not delivered for you they are transported on a clients' shoulders from A to B and entirely their own responsibility.  

 

 

CONTACT:

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Email:  Info@montblanctrips.com         

Watts App:  Claire on 00 44 7984 159 205         

Call UK mobile:  00 44 7984 159 205   

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4 WALKING CATEGORIES:  How easy or difficult do you want your trek to be?

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Select from very easy, easy, medium and difficult to ensure the right amount of challenge.  All walks are in a category.  Categories are easy to understand.  See below.

 

Walking Categories are according to relevant factors in any one day.   Factors include but are not limited to distance, flatness, steepness, height gain, maximum gradient, altitude, and duration of the entire trip.  Walking categories are defined according to factors listed on the Walking Categories page. 

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Conditions are dynamically risk assessed by the International Mountain Leader on a day to day basis whilst out walking in case something unexpected could happen, a walk may be adapted or re-categorised in the interest of group safety. 

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​Very, Very Difficult: 

 

So sorry but no walks of this kind are offered or will ever be offered by MontBlancTrips.  MontBlancTrips will never operate 8000m+  Please use a different service provider that operates in the death zone. 

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Description - A walk that exceeds 6400 meters and enters the death zone above 8000 metres above sea level.

Heighest Altitude - somewhere above 6400 masl and possibly above 8000 masl

Acclimatisation requirement:  Essential planning to avoid death at high altitude due to lower pressure and lack of oxygen being transported from the atmosphere into human blood.    

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SNOW on the Tour Mont Blanc: ​​

05/06/2024

Please note as of 05/06/2024 there remains considerable amounts of snow on the main Cols of the Tour Mont Blanc, many higher level summer foot paths are currently not visible as they are hidden under the snow that remains on the mountain sides.  ​Significant amounts of snow and a beautiful cornice welcome you as you enter Switzerland from Italy, the cornice has not melted yet, nor tumbled down yet, nor "been removed" which is beautiful but hazardous.  The snow is delightful as long as you do not allow your feet to slip anywhere. 

​On the descent into Switzerland from Italy, there are a number of patches of snow on the mountain side where summer paths are covered and blocked by snow, and crossing snow patches purposefully and carefully is the safe option.  To avoid falling off the mountain or descending the mountain in the wrong direction walking poles and a walking specific ice axe can be helpful.  There are some foot steps in the snow on the mountain side which create a type of ladder and if that is your cup of tea then fill your boots as it is a wonderful experience when completed safely, be safe and "calculate every step" taken where snow hazard exists.  As foot paths are hidden going up and down the mountains is currently a winter challenge even though it is June.   People are ascending with crampons summer hiking boots and alpine boots and 2 walking poles / ice axes in the hands and of my last visit on 05/06/2024, considerable amounts of snow are still in place on many summer foot paths going up and down the mountains making them an "invisible paths" snowy traverse and ascent experience.  The mountain sides are currently slushy and slippy, at other times of the day a slightly more solid snow and ice experience so if you have already done a winter skills course at a mountain centre then crossing snow purposefully using purposeful techniques will be easier for you than for others.  Having said that some people are able to jog across snow patches with no fuss or faff but I do prefer a slow controlled method.​  In particular, snow remains in place at Col de Bon Homme & Croix de Bon Homme in France, the approach to and from Col de Seigne which is the border between France and Italy, and even more so on Col de Grand Ferret between Italy and Switzerland.  The ascent from behind Refuge Helena is a steeper slushy and slippy undertaking if done in the day, especially in the afternoon or evening, and a slide down could be very dangerous. ​The lower paths in valleys are completely free of snow.  ​As of 10/06/2024 there remains over 3m of snow on the Swiss side of the Col Grand Ferret between Italy and Switzerland.

28/07/2024​

The Col de Grand Ferret is between Italy and France is now mainly free of snow although a few patches remain on the Swiss side.  On the Italian side the final section of the path is free of snow where before there were bottle necks to enter Switzerland when crossing the snow.  The Italian side foot path is visible and free flowing.  On the Swiss side there is no cornice hanging over the Col from the Italian side anymore.​

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TRIPS WITH A DAY PACK ONLY

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The VERY EASY walks only require a small day pack / rucksack as they do not cross mountain passes or require any mountain equipment.  They are valley experiences or town experiences. 

 

The EASY walks require 2 bottles of water to be carried and a rain coat, hat, 2 gloves, sun hat, sun glasses, sun cream, water proof trousers, personal first aid kit and so a day pack big enough for these items is required.

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The MEDIUM AND DIFFICULT walks all require a full sized mountain rucksack with all mountain equipment in them.  Full sized being a minimum of 60 L or extendable to 60-80L if you wish.

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PERSONAL 60-80L RUCKSACKS. BIVVI BAGS, MAT, SYNTHETIC SLEEPING BAG, HAT, GLOVES & SOCKS:

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All the MEDIUM AND DIFFICULT walks all require a full sized mountain rucksack with all mountain equipment in them.  Full sized being a minimum of 60 L or extendable to 60-80L if you wish.

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The above items are essential kit in the mountains if doing an altitude trek like Tour Mont Blanc or a MINI version there of.  MINI FRANCE tour uses the same hotel each night in Chamonix as it takes in the trekking sections within the Chamonix valley itself allow you to use a hotel as a base to a certain extent with only 1 night in an alpine mountain refuge when a Client will need to carry more than a day pack when using Chamonix for a base.  Other than the FRANCE MINI Trip all other trip require a full size rucksack, no porters are provided, no mules will transport your provisions or possessions. 

 

For a night in a mountain hut a Client takes their own overnight kit with them including, their own pillow case, towel, soap, silk inner lining bag or duvet cover to sleep inside as a hygiene layer, or a sleeping bag if sleeping at altitude as it is cold.  For all other trips, as mountain huts and alpines refuges are a norm a Client must arrive prepared for a self managed comfortable sleep session including ear plugs and shower flip flops.

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If a trip involves sleeping outside in the mountains it is specified in the product description as a bivvi trip or includes camping.  A Client carries everything they need to ensure emergency security and autonomy for such an adventure and mountain experience.  Clients are not permitted to participate with just a day pack as this is not the ethos of the company.  Autonomy in the mountains is a good discipline to be learned and stuck to as eventually something doesn't go to plan and iit is essential to be autonomous in the mountains.  Therefore survival kit is the norm in a trekkers rucksack.  A client will do the walking with the weight of the pack on their shoulders and back, there are no porter services provided or sherpas to assist a Client.  Rucksacks are not transported for a Client.  Rucksacks are a personal responsibility.   Rucksacks are not stored on behalf of a Client.  Rucksacks are entirely an individual responsibility. 

 

Rucksacks include all kit list items need as per the kit list including but not limited to a Lifestraw for filtering stream or glacial water, 2L of water minimum in summer time in a bottle(s), emergency bivvi bag, synthetic sleeping bag, a slice of mat to put under the back bum and head, so to survive autonomously as and when required as part of a group on a mountain side.​

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All TOUR MONT BLANC trips, and hikes, involve a Client carrying a large personal overnighter ruck sack to put their feet in in for warmth and cosiness, and otherwise it contains all self sufficiency insulation equipment known as a sleeping bag (non feather), a bivvi bag, a slither of mat, a hat and socks, a waterproof bag with some dry clothes in, so that they can survive overnight with their feet in a ruck sack (with dry insulation socks on) for survival purposes in the event of something unexpected in the mountains in the event of a storm or a cold spell. A client must never sleep in damp  or wet clothes and must remove anything wet before getting in a dry sleeping bag for the night so they do not get hypothermia in the night.

 

It is possible a client will return home without having used any of their insulation equipment, it may be too hot to use, they find themselves walking in a summer heat wave, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and so it is best to be prepared for all eventualities. 

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Ideally a bivvi has an inner mesh to protect against mosquitos and other insects in summer which should be purchased in advanced by client.

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BIVVI BAGS:

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Ideally a bivvi has an inner mesh to protect against mosquitos, large forest ants, ticks, midges that can bite the human skin quite easily in summer evenings.  Bivvi bags should be purchased in advanced by a Client to avoid any infections and to avoid any discomfort.  If it is preferred you can use a 1 man tent which allow gear to be kept inside the tent.  Clients must carry it in their rucksack where space is limited so consider an extendable expedition rucksack.  Bivvi bags are very often lighter than 1 man tents. 

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Bivvi Bags are an investment for sheltering in the mountain.  Bivvi bags are wonderful.  Bivvi bags are considered essential kit list items for all walks in the mountains in case your plans change and when things do not go as expected.  They are not just for an emergency but a nice dry and warm place to rest.  They can be left at the bottom of a rucksack just in case you need to take shelter in the mountains for any reason, unexpectedly or not.  In an emergency such as an accident, a bad weather break, a landslide requiring a long detour, strong winds, a sleep behind a wall after rerouting they are invaluable.  Bivvi bag options include a standard bivvi bag, a hooped Bivvi Bag or an Alpine Bivvi Bag.  Others prefer a light one man tent.  The choice is yours.  I opt for the hoop bivvi with an inner mesh at the entrance due to forest ants and midges and to allow the rain to run off the hoop shape.

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On the website there is only one Bivvi Bag specific trip available under the Tour Mont Blanc options which uses a Bivvi Bag every night. whether on a mountain side or inside a campsite.  This is where you sleep, beneath it, with all others in your group, in your own personal Bivvi Bag on a mountain side, by choice, every night.  You sleep in your synthetic sleeping bag, on your mat, inside your Bivvi Bag.  Fresh air is available day and night on the Bivvi Bag trip. You are under the stars at the foot of Mont Blanc each night, come rain or shine, as you walk around it every day.  No hotels or huts are used.  This is a slightly liberating and authentic walking tour, it includes cold and hot weather experiences, it involves sleeping outside in Italy, France and Switzerland although for 2 nights in Switzerland the legal requirement is to use a site with facilities but in France and Italy the aim is remoteness, mountains and views and you have to be on your way again by dawn.  The Bivvi bag trip is with restaurants.  No cooking is involved.  Restaurant visits are considered essential for comfort, to save effort and time, and "to stop off on the way" as needed by walkers. A personal breakfast stash needs to be carried to get you going in the morning.  This trip is worth trying for the experience alone. 

 

The BIVVI Bag option on the TOUR MONT BLANC trail is an increasingly popular option given the lack of accommodation enroute in the mountains in high season (July and August).  The French have created designated "aire de bivvi" for bivvi bags and 1 man tents on the Tour Mont Blanc.  When bivving you can sleep there but must depart at first light and make haste to find a toilet elsewhere.  This is therefore an option for early birds and walkers who like to go to bed early and depart at dawn.  The Bivvi Bag option does the entire route sleeping under canvas.  It accommodates the high volume of people from around the world wishing to do the Tour Mont Blanc in high season.  In Switzerland, all bivvi areas are usual campsites as it is not permitted to Bivvi on foot paths for hygiene, ecological, privacy and legal reasons.

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ALTITUDE & SICKNESS AWARENESS:

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Awareness of altitude sickness and altitude height change is essential on exiting a mountain lift, be aware the body may need to adapt to the change in altitude, any altitude sickness symptoms need to be communicated to the group leader, and self identification of not feeling well is key to successful management of any symptoms or the fact you may feel unwell, do ask for help from the group leader.  Communication to others allows an action plan to be created to treat any symptoms.  The aim is always to immediately descend the mountain when several symptoms present themselves.  No medication is given as a preventative or detective measure relating to altitude sickness.  Altitude sickness can present itself unexpectedly so remain aware.  Even if you have never suffered altitude sickness symptoms in the past, you may find you need to unexpectedly go back down again to the valley bottom is symptoms appear.  Therefore, you may find your tip is cut short unexpectedly and this may be unavoidable.  No refund will be offered (sorry) if your trip ends due to altitude sickness or other sickness or personal accident.  Please consider altitude sickness before booking a MontBlancTrip as it can be debilitating or even lethal even at lower altitudes for some people even if you have already been to great heights before in your life.  Are you altitude aware?  You can die at altitude and in the mountains.

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TO BOOK:  

 

1.  You can  Book Online.  The website uses a payment platforms via STRIPE (in the UK) which offers payment services including all major credit cards, Alipay, and you can also do a direct bank transfer if you prefer.

 

2.  Day Trips can be booked via the Day Trips page where there is a calendar for day trips which is takes you through to the payments section.

 

3.  If seeking clarification for the difficulty level of a trip simply refer to the walking categories  where there is a grid with the relevant factors.   Thereafter, do not hesitate to Watts App or call for a chat about a trip to go through details with the International Mountain Leader.  Or

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4.  Select your trip but only book only after you decide your desired level of challenge & work out for a Mont Blanc Trip.   Check the factors under walking categories.

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5.  Please be happy to agree to the Booking Terms & Conditions under T&Cs in the MENU, to ensure your customer satisfaction before booking. The ethos of carrying your own rucksack is not universally shared.  Mont Blanc Trips insists autonomy in the mountains is the primary way to be safe hence why large rucksacks containing lifesaving gear is the norm.  Insurance cover is essential too for the unexpected, unanticipated or unpreventable.  If a major geophysical risk like a mountain falling down or a boulder or a cornice landing on your head crystalises, as this can  happen, it is predictable, expected,  anticipated and known as an accepted risk if participating on a Mont Blanc Trip because it is common knowledge that mountains do erode and fall down whilst at the same time they are pushed up by the Earth itself and so this is the basic accepted understanding within the participation statement in the Terms & Conditions.

 

6.  Pay Online.

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7.  Receive a transaction confirmation email.

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8.  Receive a participation confirmation email confirming your place on a hiking trip or a day trip before booking your travel.

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