August, good weather continues
August brought continued good weather which was fantastic for our Augusts treks. We saw one half day of rain for the full duration on the Tour du Mont Blanc and likewise on the Haute Route.
This year we have used the Refuge Mottets for our guided and self guided TMB treks, this proved to be a very popular and clients really enjoyed the atmosphere of the place, great food and the evenings entertainment after dinner by the accordion playing host. Excellent evenings were also to be had with great accommodation and food along the way at the Hotel du Bois, Les Houches, Refuge Bonatti, Val Ferret, Hotel du Glacier, Champex.
On the Walkers Haute Route accommodation can be as varied as on the Tour du Mont Blanc, we had made some changes to that used in 2013 and these proved to be enjoyable. Using Grachen as a stopping point rather than Gasenreid gave us more options in terms of accommodation with the lovely Hotel Wallister and Hannigralp, The Hotel Antika in Zermatt was also fantastic.
September and back to snow!
Generally speaking September is usually a quieter time to undertake any of our treks however that didn't seem to be the case for us during the first half of the month with at one point with guided and self guided we had 46 folk trekking along the routes at any one time.
After just one month without snow on the routes September brought some much cooler weather with snow down to 1600m for one or two days. Although when it snows at this time of year it doesn't last it still caused a few minor problems but on the plus side it allowed folk to test out their warm weather kit! What was lost view wise the groups made up for in commaradery with our September guided group.
Our self guided clients had a fabulous time with some fabulous days of pristine views with cooler air and the freshening of new snow.
And now for a little reprieve before the next season arrives, 2014 winter and summer bring it on!
