Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route bag transfer.

Do you need bag transfer? Well that is a personal question & is entirely up to you & whether you want to be fully sufficient carrying your own kit or if you wish to lighten the load & just carry a day sack. We offer bag transfer on all of our trek whether you are trekking guided or self guided. Some bag transfers are included in the price (guided treks) & some are at a supplement & depending on the trek & the distance travelled will very much depend on the cost.

All our guided treks include bag transfers so the option is there whether you decide to take it or not. Bags are available on all nights apart from when staying in the mountain refuges & more remote locations.

On our self guided treks this is again optional & is charged at a supplement. Providing bag transfer on Tour du Mont Blanc is more straight forward than on the Walkers Haute Route or Traverse of the Gran Paradiso & this is reflected in the cost.

Tour du Mont Blanc Bag Transfer

On the Tour du Mont Blanc bags are available in all locations apart from when staying in any of the following refuges:

Refuge Bellachat, Chalets des Miage, Refuge Nant Borrant, Refuge de Balme, Refuge Croix de Bonhomme, Refuge Nova, Refuge Mottets, Refuge Elizabetta, Refuge Lac Combal, Refuge Randonneur, Refuge Bertoni, Refuge Bonatti, Refuge Elena, Refuge Lac Blanc & Refuge Flegere.

Bag transfer is included in the cost of all the Tour du Mont Blanc guided treks. For our self guided treks the cost will be as follows for our standard itineraries, if you have a tailor made itinerary please ask for a quotation.

To give you more information:

Walkers Haute Route bag transfers

On the Walkers Haute Route bags are available in all locations apart from when staying in any of the following refuges: 

Cabane Mont Fort, Cabane Prafleuri, Cabane de Dix, Cabane de Moiry, Cabane Bella Tola, Hotel Weisshorn, Hotel Schwartzhorn & the Europahutte.

Bag transfer is included in the cost of all the Walkers Haute Route guided treks. For our self guided treks the cost will be as follows for our standard itineraries, if you have a tailor made itinerary please ask for a quotation.

If you opt for baggage transfer, there is a weight limit of  15kg for each bag. This is for health and safety and logistical reasons. Bags need to be ready for collection at 8am each day & left in the designated area in each hotel/ accommodation. Your bags will be delivered to your next accommodation by 6pm at the latest. Bag transfers are not available at certain locations due to the remote nature, see individual trek for further information.

You will be given a bag strap & tag so we can easily identify your bags each day. 

To give you more information:

For all other trek bag transfers, for example the Traverse of the Gran Paradiso please ask for a quotation.

For further information on any aspect of bag transfer contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com   or take a look at our bag transfer page on the website:  http://www.montblanctreks.com/bag-transfer   

Find out more information on our Guided & Self guided treks see our website:

Walkers Haute Route: The Walkers Haute Route also features as one of the worlds top ten treks & is approximately 180km in length, the route crosses 11 high mountain passes with 12,000m of ascent through France and Switzerland the Haute Route walk makes for a fabulous challenge.

Tour du Mont Blanc:   The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.

Walkers Haute Route Accommodation

What kind of accommodation is on offer on the Walkers Haute Route?

Accommodation: For our standard trek we use 3* hotel, auberge or mountain refuge accommodation depending on location. Rooms are on a twin/ double basis unless requested otherwise. Single rooms are available most nights at a supplement. The Refuges offer dormitory style accommodation with shared facilities. Please request your room preference at the time of booking.

Meal arrangements: Bed, breakfast and 3 course evening meals will be included with the exception of Chamonix & Zermatt, which will be breakfast only. Please let us know any dietary requirements at the time of booking. 

The following gives an idea of the typical accommodation used by Mont Blanc Treks on the Walkers Haute Route, this list is not exhaustive & we have many more options from 5 star hotels to remote mountain refuges along the route.

CHAMONIX Hotel l’Arve
You will receive a welcome in the great mountain tradition; treat yourself to the pleasures of a comfortable setting, a family atmosphere and an oasis of calm right in the heart of the Chamonix. Facilities include bar, lounge, sauna and gym.

TRIENT Auberge Grande Ourse
The Auberge Grand Ourse is located at 1300m in the village of Trient. The auberge has been recently refurbished and has rooms and dormitories with shared facilities (hot showers and WC). The auberge has a cosy bar and restaurant serving good local food. Meal basis: HB

CHAMPEX LAC Hotel du Glacier
Comfortable rooms including some that overlook the lake, are equipped with shower or bath, Toilet, TV, telephone and radio. The Hotel du Glacier has a fantastic restaurant offering modern and traditional cuisine. Meal basis: HB


VERBIER Cabane du Mont Fort
The Cabane du Mont fort is situated (2457m) above Verbier and on the Walker Haute Route trail. The refuge has modern facilities with dormitory accommodation, hot showers and good food. Meal basis: HB

DIXENCE Cabane de Prafleuri
The Cabane du Prafleuri is located 2662m above the commune of Heremence and at the foot of the Rosablanche (3336m). The refuge is situated on the Walkers Haute Route path and has dormitory accommodation, note showers and good food. Meal basis: HB

AROLLA Hotel du Glacier
The hotel is in the center of the village and has a café, restaurant & cellar bar. Its sunny terrace is ideal to contemplate the magnificent panorama of Arolla. The rooms are equipped with shower/ bath and toilet with a private balcony. In the evening you can taste the local specialties in the restaurant. Meal basis: HB

LA SAGE Hotel La Sage
Hotel de la Sage Evolène located in the heart of the Valais Alps. Our newly renovated rooms are all equipped with individual bathrooms. Facilities include: Bar, lounge, restaurant, sauna & free Wi-Fi. Meal basis: HB 


ZINAL Hotel de La Poste
Hotel de la Poste is located in the village of Zinal. Furnished in Alpine style, the rooms at Hotel de la Poste have a shower and a washbasin with shared toilets. Breakfast is served every morning and the restaurant with a terrace offers typical Valais and Swiss specialties. Free Wi-Fi. Meal basis: HB

GRUBEN Hotel Schwarzhorn
The Hotel Schwarzhorn is a pension style accommodation with bedrooms and dormitory accommodation with shared showers and W/C. Other facilities include: bar, restaurant and shop. Meal basis: HB 

GRACHEN Hotel Hannigralp
The 3* hotel Hannigralp situated in the pedestrianised village of Grachen. The facilities include: swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant serving delicious local specialties. Meal basis: HB

ZERMATT Hotel Antika
The 3* hotel Antika offers cosy rooms in mountain hut style right in the center of Zermatt. All the rooms in Antika have private bath/shower, toilet, hairdryer, phone, radio, cable TV, free Internet and balcony. Meal basis: B&B

Meal basis: HB= Breakfast & Evening meal, B&B= Breakfast only

For further information on any aspect of accommodation contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com

Find out more information on our Guided & Self guided treks see our website:
Walkers Haute Route: The Walkers Haute Route also features as one of the worlds top ten treks & is approximately 180km in length, the route crosses 11 high mountain passes with 12,000m of ascent through France and Switzerland the Haute Route walk makes for a fabulous challenge.

Summer 2015

After the relatively snowless winter the

summer season 2015 started without too many glitches. The trails were snow free
by late June and the only thing we had to worry about was the heat! This region
of the Alps saw unprecedented temperatures as The Chamonix valley saw excesses
of 30 degrees. In all my time living in this area I have never know it that
hot, it was like being on the Mediterranean coast!

This was fabulous for views and dry days in
the mountains but did make the ascents very tough for everyone. This balmy
weather lasted all the way until the end of July with temperatures returning to
the norm for the start of August.

August and September went well and our first
guided trek on the Traverse of the Grand Paradiso was a success with an optional
ascent of the Gran Paradiso 4020m summit at the end of the trek (see specific
blog).

We once again had some fabulous groups &
met some great folk from all over the globe.

Thanks also to our trusty guides Joy, Ali,

Duncan, Kelvyn, Vicky, Alex & Gary who did an excellent job.

For more information on the services
and trekking holidays we offer see our website.

Sara Haley, UIMLA guide & owner
of Mont Blanc Treks 

High on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Col du Seigne, Tour du Mont Blanc

Refuge Mottets, TMB

Bionassay, TMB

Col du Torrent, Walkers Haute Route

Summer 2014 on the Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route

Another busy summer season comes to an end in the Chamonix valley and ends on a high with superb weather throughout September & October however this wasn't always the case!

After a warm spring the trails were relatively free of snow in time for the arrival of our first clients at the end of June. Our first guided and self guided clients enjoyed good weather on the Tour du Mont Blanc but this was soon to change with the arrival of July!

Generally July is a great time to do the TMB we have settled warm weather the trails are not mad busy however this year July was a test! The western Alps experienced some horrendous weather lots of rain and cold temperatures and snow on the high ground. It seems our Haute Route treks from Chamonix to Zermatt faired better as they were trekking further east they seemed to miss out on most of the poorer weather, lucky for them!

August brought improvement but still unsettled at times with one of our August TMB groups experiencing high winds, rain & snow on the first section, fortunately for the group the weather changed and for the second half of the trip they enjoyed magnificent views.

We hoped and prayed for an Indian summer & boy did we get it with amazing clear & sunny weather for all our groups on the TMB and Chamonix to Zermatt in. September.

We are always asked the question which is the best month to do the Tour du Mont Blanc and Haute Route however there really isn't an answer to that question. Every year is totally different. Everybody who has mountain experience knows that weather can be fickle and temperatures can change rapidly with good weather an be replaced with bad fairly quickly but on average you would expect to have one or two day poor weather for the duration of your trek. 

With that in mind this year certainly wasn't the norm and don't let it out you off, the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Walkers Haute Route are without a shadow of a doubt two of the best multi day treks worldwide.

For more information on Guided or Self-guided trekking on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Walkers Haute Route and any of our treks see: www.montblanctreks.com

Summer 2013 continued

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!

Summer 2013

It's hard to believe that it is October already and after a very
busy season we have now time to reflect on the trials and tribulations of this
summer.

June Winter remains!

Col des Chaux from the Cabane du Mont Fort, July 2013

June is always a tricky time to undertake any of the high level
trekking routes in the Alps, for example, people presume the Tour du Mont Blanc
will be fine by mid June but in reality that is often not the case, depending
on the amount of snow during the winter and the weather and temperatures during
the spring therefore with the snow abundant winter of 2013 and the extremely
cold spring the start of the season was a challenge. After spending some time
recceing the route mid June and passing this information on to our self-guided
clients starting later in the month we found that there were three main areas
of concern... Day 3 Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Criox du Bonhomme & Col des
Fours, day 4 via the Col du Seigne & the Mont Fauvre Spur and day 6 via the
Grand Col Ferret. Self guided clients who started towards the end of June had a
challenge on their hands and were advised to hire crampons and walking roles to
aid balance on steep slopes where a slip or fall could be problematic. On a
recce to the Col du Bonhomme on the xx June it was still snowing at 2000m just
making the problem a whole lot worse, when would spring and summer finally
arrive?

Col du Bonhomme, 27 June 2013

July, Straight into Summer

The start of July brought a total change to the weather, it was as
though someone had flicked a switch bypassing spring and going directly into
summer with temperatures of 28 degrees. This made the routes more achievable
however the amount of snow would take sometime to abate on the more sheltered
shady slops and high Cols.

Swiss Valais from Bovine

Our self-guided treks

Both our Tour du Mont and Walkers Haute Route proved popular again
this year and during late June and July we had many groups undertaking each
trek, with or without crampons!! During summer 2013 in addition to our own
clients we also provided self guided TMB treks for Macs Adventure providing
accommodation, self guided packs (daily route cards, maps and important trek
information), bag transfers and on hand support during the trek for all
clients.

Our guided treks

Walkers Haute Route July 7- 21 July, excellent weather and snow
abundant cols.

Walkers Haute Route group July 2013

After a recce of the high sections of the Walkers Haute Route we
realised that it really wasn't advisable to take our guided group over the
Fenetre d'Arpette and on the section between Cabane du Mont Fort and Arolla.
The week before we amended the route by taking the Bovine route from Trient to
Champex and arranging a minibus from Le Chable to Arolla then adding an extra
night in Grimentz which created an additional day of walking. The rest of the
trek remained unchanged although the group came across large amounts of snow on
the on and around all of the high Cols en-route. The Europaweg (high level
route from Grachen to Zermatt) continued to be a problem throughout the season,
the section between Europa Hutte remained closed and new stone fall between
Taschalp and Ottanwen made this section impassable. This meant that the low
route had to be taken for the majority of the season.

Tour du Mont Blanc,11-26 July & 28 July- 4 August, always be prepared!

TMB group July 2013

Descent from the Col des Fours July 2013

You would have through that by mid July that we would manage to get
around the tour du Mont Blanc without seeing that much snow, how wrong! Our
group that departed 7 July had fabulous weather and a great deal of residual
snow to deal with especially on day 3 from Contamines to Refuge Mottets. The
descent from the Col des Fours was epic and clients perfected the art of glissading
for the best part of 600m, this of course made that section of the descent
quicker than usual! Our only bad weather day was day 4 via the Col de Seigne
where wind, rain and low temperatures prevailed, this was a timely reminder
that having good kit with you at all times is essential and some of the group
who had decided to travel lightweight were cold and damp! Thanks to LaBet and
here sparkling wit we laughed our way through most of the day!

August and September to be continued....

For more info on our guided & self guided treks visit www.montblanctreks.com