Over the coming weeks we
will be focusing our blog on 10 of the top frequently asked questions. What do
people need to know before making the decision to come to this impressive environment
and challenge themselves on one of our ‘Must
do’ long distance trekking holidays, Tour du Mont Blanc
& the Walkers Haute Route.
I will start with one of the
basics
questions:
When can you trek the Tour du
Mont Blanc, Walkers Haute Route or Traverse of the Gran Paradiso & what
will the weather be like?
In short for the Tour du
Mont Blanc mid-June until late September & for the Walkers Haute Route
& Traverse of the Gran Paradiso mid-July until late September.
The European Alps are in the
Northern hemisphere so December to April we have lots of snow & the
mountains that tower above Chamonix, Zermatt & Courmayeur are a reserved
for snowshoeing, skiing, ski touring & winter mountaineering.
The snow starts to recede in
the spring and the lower trails are accessible by May, if you are planning to
arrive here at that time then it is possible to tailor make a series of
Chamonix trails at lower altitude but the higher multi day routes are not
accessible.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is
possible from mid-June however you will come across a good deal of snow on the
high cols & shaded slopes which makes the route difficult & potentially
dangerous. If you are intending trekking at that time it is essential for you to
carry the correct equipment with you, walking crampons, ice axe, walking poles.
You also need the ability to move confidently on snow for large periods of time.
The route tends to be snow free by early July however this can change each year
& the amount of snow on the route depends on how much snow we have had
during the winter & of course how warm spring has been. All accommodation
& transport is open from Mid-June to the end of September.
The Walkers Haute Route
& Traverse of the Gran Paradiso are different, both routes trek to a higher
altitude up to & over 3000m so trekking isn’t advisable until mid-July. Both
routes are doable until late September.
Weather-wise many clients
ask what will it be like? In a word, changeable! This area of the Alps around
Mont Blanc has its own micro-climate and during our trekking period we at MBT
will experience all types of weather (sometimes in one day!) and it is not
uncommon to have fresh snow on the trail in July & August. You need to be
prepared and have the correct clothing and equipment to protect you in poor
weather. You also need to be prepared for warm weather, with a high factor sunscreen,
sunglasses and head shade for those scorching days with breath taking views.
Average valley temperatures for Chamonix at 1100m,
allow for temperature drop for altitude gain as the Cols at 2500m will be
significantly cooler.
June-July
|
Min +7°C /
+9°C
|
Max +20°C
/+24°C
|
August-
September
|
Min +8°C /
+6°C
|
Max +22°C /+18°C
|
If you need any additional
information regarding the trekking season & weather for the Tour du Mont
Blanc, Walkers Haute Route or Gran Paradiso please do not hesitate to get in touch
on: info@montblanctreks.com
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