Monday, March 19, 2018

Tour du Mont Blanc and the Environmental Issues



“From knowing comes caring & from caring comes change”

As Tour provider & of course as a trekking guide Mont Blanc Treks our obligation to minimise any harm on the environment that we work in and has a duty to make sure all our guests visiting are fully aware of the environmental issues that face this most impressive landscape.

It’s a fine balance between the love & passion people have for this area & the effects of tourism, the environment around Mont Blanc is extremely fragile & its location and accessibility is its own worst enemy. This is the third most visited site in the world & Mont Blanc attracts approximately 6 million visitors a year. Tourism has been the focus within the area since the 17th Century and since then Chamonix & its surrounding area has developed into an all year around resort & a mecca for mountaineering, hiking, skiing & sightseeing. The very fact that you can, within an hour from Geneva international airport, be up close & personal with the highest mountain in western Europe & be in spitting distance of the most impressive glaciers in the world is why this environment is under such threat.

In the 25 years that I have been in the valley I have noticed a massive difference & have seen the environmental impact with my own eyes, most noticeable is the retreat of the glaciers to incredible proportions.

Main problems
  • ·      Air pollution
  • ·      Littering
  • ·      Erosion
  • ·      Degradation of vegetation
  • ·      Disturbance to Fauna

Air pollution
Air pollution in the Chamonix valley is a real problem this is caused by the volume of traffic from tourism & also the location of the Mont Blanc Tunnel which connects France to Italy making an easier route for freight traveling through Europe. It is also caused by residents burning green waste during the winter. As the ‘V shaped’ valley is so steep sided polluted air often remains trapped in the valley bottom especially in winter.

So how is the problem being tackled?
  • ·      Redevelopment of the rail system making the valley more accessible by rail from the outlying areas.

  • ·      Free transport system within the valley & the investment in green buses.

  • ·      Forbidden access to the valley for the most polluting vehicles

  • ·      Financial incentives & tax benefits to those renovating properties in an environmentally friendly & energy saving way.

·      There are still major issues with the volume of freight using the Mont Blanc Tunnel which is Swiss, French & Italian owned. Before we see any significant change here there needs to be greater intervention & investment from central government.

How can you help?

Use the local public transport provided, in most cases its free or heavily subsidised.

Use shared transfers to & from the airport rather than arriving individually.

Littering in the mountains
The state of our world oceans has hit major headlines over the past year but this is also a problem in the mountains, it’s hard to believe in this day & age but the mountains are littered with obsolete facilities such as barbed wire, live shells, ammunition, abandoned ski stations and disused cable and of course rubbish left behind by climbers, hikers & skiers.

So how is the problem being tackled?

Since 2002, Mountain Wilderness has been working on this problem, including raising awareness of the adverse impacts of this debris on fauna and fora, soils and rivers, and on the global ecosystem. With projects, such as Cleaning up the Alps

How can you help?

We ask that you do your bit when coming to the Alps this year & in the future. “Take only memories & leave only footprints”, pass though this environment, enjoy what you see & leave minimal trace. Take your rubbish with you!

Erosion & degradation of vegetation
As you would expect the trails on the Tour du Mont Blanc take a pounding between June & the end of September. The trails are scars on the landscape & we are not going to be able to reverse that but we can reduce & stabilise the effects. The effects of trampling on vegetation when folk veer off the trails, and the rate of recovery of vegetation is massive. Considering most of the landscape you walk on between June & September is covered with snow for 6 months of the year there is limited time for rejuvenation. The flora & vegetation is fighting a losing battle when if the only time of the year it can flourish it gets destroyed by us.

So how is the problem being tackled?

·      In most parts of the tour there has been great efforts made by communities & volunteers to implement erosion control.

·      Sections of the trail that are most at risk have been closed & diversions are put in place.

·      Areas of fragility have been sectioned off to prevent human traffic.

How can you help?

Don’t take shortcuts & stay on the trails & respect any signage, notices & redirections.

Disturbance to Fauna
It is fantastic to see Ibex, Chamois & Marmot whilst out on the trail but this has become less frequent in recent years due to the number of hikers. Human intrusion into their territory disturbs them as wild animals are shy and love to be on their own.

So how is the problem being tackled?

·      The creation of National Parks & Nature Reserves & you will pass through several these on the Tour du Mont Blanc & Haute Route.

·      Strict rules & guidelines for folk to adhere to, these are clearly displayed on the boundaries to the Nature Reserves.

How can you help?

Take notice when entering the Nature Reserve, adhere to the rules & regulations. Do not leave food around after a pic-nic stop even biodegradable waste for example, an apple core or banana skin.

Active organisations

There are several organisations that are active in this area & worldwide, take a look at the work they do & the projects they promote & support. They rely on our support whether that be by means of donating, becoming a member or just casting your vote in support of a particular project.

Mountain Wilderness: http://www.mountainwilderness.org
Mountain Wilderness International (MWI) is an umbrella organization that facilitates communications and exchanges between the country organizations or chapters of Mountain Wilderness, where most of the action occurs. It coordinates and organizes international actions and is the official representative of the association in all international contexts with Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations. 

European Outdoor Conservation Association: http://www.outdoorconservation.eu
The outdoor sector and the millions of people who enjoy the great outdoors are active champions for the conservation of nature and wild places*
As a charitable organisation directly funding specific projects, the association wants to show that the European outdoor industry is committed to putting something back into the environment, and all working together a real difference can be made.

The third most visited natural site in the world, Mont-Blanc attracts nearly 6 million visitors yearly. Without the benefit of international protection, the mountain is in real danger to the pressures of economic development and climate change. The goal of proMONT-BLANC is to make this mountain region a model of tri-national management and sustainable development - with a legal and political status recognized by the 3 countries and their local municipalities. ‘‘ Barbara Ehringhaus, Présidente of proMONT-BLANC

Mont Blanc Treks gives financial support to EOCA & Pro-Mont Blanc


For further advice & information regarding the environmental issues facing this area of the Alps then please get in touch at: info@montblanctreks.com

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.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

What's the food like on the Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route?

What will the food be like on the Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route?



We get asked many times about food offered on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Walkers Haute Route & Traverse of the Gran Paradiso. And quite rightly so, it’s a very important element of your trekking holiday.

The enjoyment of eating local cuisine after a long hard day in the mountain is such an enjoyable part of the experience. You will be burning lots of calories each day so fuelling up during the day & when you get to each destination is essential & of course delicious!
One of the most important things in addition to fitness is your nutrition & hydration during the trek. Poor nutrition & hydration can severely affect your physical performance & it is important to get your nutrition & hydration right, you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid each day so it is imperative you carry the right kinds of food & enough water with you to avoid dehydration & malnutrition.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water before you sent off on each day’s trek so you are fully hydrated. A pack lunch can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation if ordered the night of arrival. If you are not familiar with the kinds of food & drink that would be good when exerting yourself on a daily basis do some research beforehand and trial what works best for you.

So, what is on offer & what is provided when clients have dietary requirements.

On all of our treks guided or self-guided breakfast will be provided each day, 3 course evening meal is also provided on all nights apart from your first & last night, please see individual trek information for further clarification.

When trekking on the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Walkers Haute Route you will be trekking through 2 or 3 countries, France, Italy & Switzerland and each county has its own specialities. Its the mountains so its good calorific hearty food, plenty of local cheeses, dried meats, bread & pastries, sweat pies made with local fruit & fresh salads. Local specialities tend to be Fondue- melted cheese with lots of tasty bits to dip in, Tartifalette- baked potatoes, cheese & bacon, Rostie- grated potato, cheese, meet & egg & of course delicious Pasta & Pizza in Italy.

Breakfast: This varies depending on accommodation, some locations are more basic than others. But you can expect at least cereal, milk, break & jam. When staying in hotels they will offer a more substantial breakfast including yogurt, cheeses, cold meats, eggs & pastries.

Lunch: This is not included & you will need to purchase a picnic to carry with you each day. This can be bought from local bakeries or supermarkets or when staying in more remote locations it can be ordered from the refuge on the night of arrival. Allow approx. 10 euros each day for your picnic. Make sure you take plenty with you, don’t reply on stopping for lunch en-route although on some days this will be possible it’s always good to have your own provisions in case the refuge or café is closed or very busy.

Evening meal: when on the trek, this is provided & will consist of 3 courses, typically you will have soup or a salad for the starter, meat or vegetarian option for the main course and a dessert or cheese.

Dietary requirements: If you have any specific dietary requirements you must let us know at the time of booking & then we will inform each accommodation so they are prepared. It is advisable to remind them on arrival as they have many many guests each day & sometimes requests do get overlooked. The accommodations we use will do their best to accommodate specific requests however it is advisable if you are lactose or gluten free to carry additional food supplies, for example gluten free bread with you in your bag transfer so you can supplement the food provided if need be.

Drinks: Drinks with the evening meal are not included & we ask that all drinks bought at the accommodation are paid for at the time so we don’t have any additional bills to chase after you have departed.

For further information on any aspect of food & dietary requirements 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.


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.