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.

When can you trek the Tour du Mont Blanc & Haute Route

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

Climate: http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,chamonix-mont-blanc,France

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

Traverse of the Gran Paradiso guided trek 2015

In 2014 we decided to look for an alternative multi day trek in our local area that would provide challenging progression and something a little different from the Tour du Mont Blanc and Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. We didn't have to look far and the Alta Via 2 Traverse of the Gran Paradiso made for a fantastic trek. After recceing the trek during the summer of 2014 we decided to offer this in 2015 as a guided trek and self-guided.

As we knew that the trek was rigorous trek with our guided option we decided to offer this to previous clients whom we knew would be capable of the difficult and challenging terrain.

So on August 11^th 2015 we met in Chamonix and provided a transfer through to Courmayeur for the group. We enjoyed a trek briefing over dinner and at 9am we were on our way by minibus transfer to the start of the trek in Champorcher at the far end of the Aosta valley.

Day 1: The first day takes you from the remote village of Champorcher up and over the Fentre de Champorcher 2828m to the Refuge Peradza. We had such a friendly welcome.... free shoulder & neck massages whilst we had our recovery beer! And delicious food and wine later in the evening.

Day 2: A long day ahead starting with a decent from the refuge to Lillaz and then along the valley bottom to Cogne. Lunch stop of panini and cappuccino before making our way to Vanotey & then a fairly steep ascent to Refuge Vittoria Sella at 2584m.

Day 3: Promised to be interesting as we had had snow overnight! We had to ascend over the Col Lauson, which is the highest & most delicate Col on the trek at 3299m, which is high by any alpine trekking standards. The group were fit and coped well with the terrain after a short sharp 800m ascent we were up and over and making our long descent to Eaux Rousses in the Valsavarenche valley.

Day 4: With the weather improving we made our way initially through larch woodland to the Alpage of Orvieille a perfect location for a rest stop whilst we watched the Marmots playing. It never ceases to amaze me just how much wildlife you see in the Gran Paradiso in comparison to other alpine areas, such abundance of Marmots, Chamois & Ibex and because the area is so quiet & devoid of human beings they don't seem to mind you being around. From here we made our way steeply at times to the Col Entrelor 3007m a tricky descent down into our next valley & to the beautiful village of Rhemes Notre Dame.

Day 5: Our Col for the day was the foreboding Col Fenetre 2840m... The group had seen it the day before from the descent of the Col Entrelor. The final ascent to the Col Fenetre is so very steep as the path works its way up into such a tight gully looks impossible from a distance. Once into the gully it's fine and the zigzag path is good, progress is made quickly due to the gradient, which I would suspect is perhaps 50% at times. As often happens if one side of the Col is steep and narley the other is more serene and the descent from Col is lovely & so picturesque winding down past the refuge L’Epee, which provides a great rest stop with delicious food & coffee. Traversing for a while with fabulous views of the Valgrisenche valley before descending into the larch woodland and down to our accommodation for the night at Bonne.

Day 6: Starts easily as we made our way through the Valgrisenche valley bottom to the village of Planval & the last chance for a cappuccino before our ascent of the Col Crosatie 2838m. This is my favorite Col of the trek the terrain is truly wild and remote as the views from the top are just majestic looking out to Mont Blanc, the big Swiss 4000m peaks and back over the Grivola & the Gran Paradiso.... This is a place to sit a while and reflect. The descent is initially tricky so care needs to be taken for the first 30 mins or so you then find yourself dropping into the most beautiful & remote valleys and down to the amazing little refuges of the Dortois Paradis in the Vallon du Fond. This is an un-manned refuge that has catering facilities but with prior arrangement the owner will pick you up in his 4x4 and take to his Auberge for an amazing dinner with delicious local food & wine. This truly was an evening to remember & the group loved every minute.

Day 7: We retraced our steps through the woods to the ruined refuge, from here we followed the trail to the Alto Pass or Haute Pass, this high valley is so remote and the ascent to the Col is long and challenging. Amazing views looking back to our Col from the day before but it wasn't a place to linger as the wind chill at the Col forced us to descend as quickly as possible to find shelter in the Refuge Defeyes... More Cappuccino & the biggest blueberry tart you ever could imagine!!! From here we made our long descent to La Thuille, it might be long but it certainly takes in some beautiful terrain with stunning views. La Thuile ski resort in the winter is a great little town the biggest we have seen since leaving Courmayeur and it provided us with a lovely hotel, great food and an amazing pack lunch the following day from the local deli.

Day 8: And our final day and back to the bosom of Mont Blanc we headed up out of La Thuile into the remote and beautiful Youla Valley to the Col d’Arp and then a fabulous traverse to the Col Youla with truly stunning views of Mont Blanc from the Italian side. Care needs to be taken initially on the descent as the ground is steep and very loose. The trail leads you onto the Tour du Mont Blanc route and you make your way past the refuge Maison Vielle to Col Checrouit and steeply down through the trees to Dolonne and onto Courmayeur. A warm welcome from our lovely hotel owners at the Hotel Crampon and a few celebratory bottles of Procecco were in order!

If you are into alpine trekking and are looking for a new challenge try this... It's stunningly remote and beautiful and to top it all its in Italy which means a warm welcome, lovely people and delicious food and drink.

We also added an option for clients to summit the Gran Paradiso 4060m at the end of the trek. We acquired the services of two UK high mountain guides Stuart McDonald and John Cune, who got us up to the summit safely and successfully.

We are running a guided Gran Paradiso trek again in 2016 and also organize self guided options. For more information on any aspect of the Gran Paradiso see our website: http://www.montblanctreks.com or contact sara@montblanctreks.com

Col Entrelor

Col Fenetre

Rhemes Notre Dame

Dortois Paradis

Above La Thuile

View from the Col Youla