Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 1st stage

Aiguillette des Houches- Day 2

One of the most popular long distance treks in Europe approximately 170kms in length with an accumulation of 9,500 mtrs of height gain, the Tour du Mont Blanc is truly spectacular. It can be tackled in various stages, in various lengths and in various ways. To undertake the full trek allow at least 8-9 days of trekking but as an alternative doing the TMB in half stages is a great idea if you are limited with time or want a more relaxed experience. Mont Blanc Treks offers an itinerary that allows you time to prepare by doing the Chamonix to Les Houches section of the TMB as a day walk before embarking on the 4 day hut to hut classic trek from Les Houches to Courmayeur of approximately 54kms through France & Italy. The trek also builds in time to explore Courmayeur and 1 free day to take advantage of the many excursions on offer in Chamonix.

Above the Contamines Valley- Day 4

The holiday starts when you are 

transfered from Geneva airport to the hotel in the Chamonix Valley an early evening welcome & trek briefing allowing you time after to explore the bars and restaurants for evening meal.

On day 2 we take the Brevant télépherique from Chamonix and commence a day walk within the stunning Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve and the Chamonix to Les Houches section of the TMB.

Day 3 starts from Les Houches 1007m were we take the Bellevue télépherique to gain a bit of height before climbing to the Col du Tricot at 2120m we then descend to the beautiful Chalets du Miage for a well-earned refreshment break. Continuing to Les Contamines and on to our accommodation for the night at Nant Borrant.

Italian Val Veny- Day 5

We start day 4 with a steady climb to the Col du Bonhomme 2329m and the Croix du Bonhomme 2483m where we can enjoy stunning views of Beaufortaine region of the Alps. We then descend to the remote alpine village of Chapieux where we will send the night at the Refuge de la Nova.

Day 5 takes us up to the Col du Seigne 2516m and across the Italian boarder with sunning views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Gaze in wonder at the Glacier de la Leé Blanche above the Refuge Elizabetta whilst we sample delicious Italian coffee. We continue along the idyllic Val Veny to our accommodation for the night at the Refuge Maison Vielle 1956m.

The last day on our trek takes from Refuge Maison Vielle to the stylish Italian village of Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley. On arrival we have time time to explore the old Italian alpine village before getting our private transfer back to Chamonix.

Refugio Maison Vielle above Courmayeur- Day 6

We reserve the final day to explore Chamonix and take advantage of the many excursions and ‘must do’ tourist attractions like the Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers train to the Mer du Glace.

Day 8 brings our farewell and departure via private transfer to Geneva Airport.

Check out more TMB trek information at: www.montblanctreks.com

Map information: Tour du Mont Blanc 1st stage Map

Mont Blanc Treks 2011

Walkers Haute Route Grimentz to Zermatt

In addition to the Tour of Mont Blanc offered by Mont Blanc Treks we also focus on other classic treks in the Western Alps in particular the Walkers Haute Route. Normally the full tour is completed in 12 to 14 days from Chamonix to Zermatt. The route takes you from the Chamonix Valley in France to the Valais region of Switzerland covering 180 kilometers with ascents of 11 high mountain passes with approximately 12,000 meters of ascent. The trek includes 2 days on the classic Europaweg as we approach Zermatt. 

The Haute Route trek is also offered in two half stages Chamonix to Grimentz and Grimentz to Zermatt. Grimentz is the starting point of our second stage Haute Route trek it lies in the Valaisian Val d’Anniviers at an altitude of 1570 meters. This picture-book village famous for its granaries, which have been nearly burnt black by the sun and an abundance of traditional trailing red geraniums in the window boxes.The picturesque Valaisian village of Grimentz belongs to the municipality of Anniviers, a tour of the village reveals all of its charms for example, The Burgher House from the 15th century forms the center of the village.

On day one of our trek we head up towards the Lac Moiry with the Moiry Glacier beyond. We discover the rich variety of fauna and flora on a walk to the Moiry Reservoir and the Moiry Glacier with its Glacier Falls is one of the most spectacular in the Alps. From the Lake we gain height to the Col du Sorbois at 2836 meters our vantage point gives us great views over the Swiss Valais before we start our descent back into the Val d’Anniviers and the village of Zinal.

Join us this summer on our 2^nd stage Haute Route trek from Grimentz to Zermatt, 16^th to the 23^rd July 2011. See www.montblanctreks.com for further details.

Click here to view the 2nd Stage Haute Route map: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=216891430280392617790.0004a0b74f401cefa96f0&z=11

Visit the Grimentz Tourism website: http://www.grimentz-stjean.ch/fr/Regions/

Mont Blanc Treks 2011

Mont Blanc from another perspective

Given the opportunity to take a look at the Mont Blanc Massif from another angle I didn't need much persuasion. John Taylor IFMGA mountain guide who owns and runs Mont Blanc Guides and specialise in Mont Blanc ascension courses (acclimatisation treks and summits during the week with the final achievement of Mont Blanc 4810m by the end of the course). In his spare time he has achieved his light aircraft pilots licence through Megeve Aeroclub and is keen to get out to increase his flying hours. 

Trient Glacier

With a good forecast and a Sezner that was available for the morning we took the little plane built in the 1960's for a trip around the Mont Blanc Massif. A little worrying to start with as we climbed up in this little bean tin reaching in excess of 4000m. The flight was surprisingly stable until we crossed the Swiss boarder and headed over the Trient glacier. Bobbing and rolling we took a thermal to get out of the turbulence a rocky ride continued until we passed over the ridges towards the Vallee Blanche. 

Grand Jorasses

Passing the north face of the Grand Jorasses over the Gieant icefall to the Aiguille du Midi... it was a busy day descending the ridge for the off piste skiers. We exited the massif by passing Mont Blanc below the summit before heading towards the lower alps of the Aravis with Annecy beyond. After a quick coffee stop at Annecy airport we headed back over the lake to the little Altiport of Megeve.

Truly stunning to see the Mont Blanc massif in this way peering over the ridges and summits seeing ski tourers on the Winter Haute Route and the day trippers on the Vallee Blanche below.

Aiguille du Midi

Many thanks to John for the experience.

More information on John's company Mont Blanc Guides and Mont Blanc ascent courses at: www.montblancguides.com

Megeve Altiport Mont Blanc pleasure flights:

www.aerocime.com

Mont Blanc 4810m