Tour du Mont Blanc July 2012

After an unsettled spring & early summer we were due for a bit of good weather!

Things didn't bode well the weather on day 1 was very trying!! Low cloud, rain & even hail at some point during the day!

Fortunately this was short lived as the weather just got better with day after day of clear blue skies showing every side of the Tour du Mont Blanc in all it's glory.

A great group who were fit an able for any additional challenge opted for the 'high route' when possible going over the Tete de la Tronche from Courmayeur to the Bonatti for example.

Thanks to Joy for leading a great team: Pam, MJ, Irene, David, Shabnam, Sabrina & last but definitely not least Rachael.

More on the Tour du Mont Blanc visit: www.montblanctreks.com/tourdumontblanc

Walkers Haute Route- July 2012

After a snowy start to the trekking season no route was more affected than the Haute Route. There was so much snow left over from the winter making the days much longer as trekking over large snow patches rook lots of effort and was time consuming!

However we were blessed with some fantastic weather with some of the best views ever of Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn & of course the Matterhorn.

We just hope that the same applies to our August trek which departs 7th August from Chamonix.

For more info on the Walkers Haute Route, Chamonix to Zermatt take a look at www.montblanctreks.com/walkers haute route

Walkers Haute Route current conditions

As with the Tour du Mont Blanc snow has been more of an issue so far with some parts of the Walkers Haute Route.

The main problem being the section between Cabane du Mont Fort & Arolla as this section of the route goes & stay high for a number of days.

Mont Fort to Prafleuri via the Col des Chaux: Not too much snow on the Mont Fort side but lots on the back side & descent to the junction where you ascend to Col de Louvie. The snow is steep at the top so great care needs to be taken on the descent. See photo.

Sentier des Chamois: Is a better option, less snow & much better views if weather allows.

Col de Louvie & the Grand Dessert: Snowy & steep descent on to the plateau. Snow patches all the way across & on the rock step between before the Col Prafleuri. See photo taken looking back at Col de Louvie.

Col Prafleuri: Lots of snow on the ascent (see photo), no problems on the descent to the Cabane.

Prafleuri to Arolla: No issues with snow but path has been routed from last year and now heads up towards the Cabane des Dix and cuts across below the glacier (new bridge) and up the moraine to the Col Reidmatten or Pas des Chèvres.

No problems with descent into Arolla.

Rest of the WHR no real problems, patches of snow on shady north facing slopes but ok.

Europaweg: First half open but it's usual loose & horrible self, stone fall danger in the gullies. 2nd half still closed so you will need to descend to Randa & then back up towards Tashalp & on into Zermatt.

For more specific info contact: sara@montblanctreks.com

http://www.montblanctreks.com/walkers-haute-route

Tour du Mont Blanc East- Current conditions

A recce on the current conditions of the Tour du Mont Blanc from Courmayeur to Chamonix (West) found that in general the trails are snow free.

Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti: no problems.

Bonatti to La Fouly: Snow in the gully on the ascent from Arnuva to refuge Elena means the track has been re-routed up the road. Once the snow has retreated enough in the gully they will put in the bridge crossing the river and reopen the normal route.

There is a significant amount of snow over on the Swiss side of the Grand Col Ferret but it's is straightforward to traverse .

La Fouly to Champex-Lac: No problems.

Champex-Lac to Trient: Via Bovine no problems via Fenetre d'Arpette snow at the top steep section leading to the Col. Care needs to be taken here as the ground is steep & uneven and with the added complication of snow it can get tricky. If in doubt take the Bovine route.

Trient to Chamonix: All routes are relatively free of snow, some patches on north facing shaded slopes.

Traverse snow with care, kick in firm foot placements use of poles is advisable to aid balance & give purchase.

For more detailed information drop an email to sara@montblanctreks.com

http://www.montblanctreks.com