Tour du Mont Blanc

This is a great first multi-day trek, but you do need a good base level of fitness. A typical day in the mountains can be trekking for 6-8 hours with a rucksack, at a gentle pace with lots of breaks. To make sure you're best prepared for the trip, we recommend training regularly with any sport that you enjoy (e.g. running, swimming, tennis). Training hikes will also help, ideally for a full day with a 5kg rucksack.

You just need to carry clothes for the trip, as well as a few things for the specific day such as a bottle of water. Your full bag should be around 5kg plus water. Pack as light as possible but do plan to bring all the items on the packing list. If you need to have other luggage for after the trip you can leave it at the Vert Lodge in Chamonix. If the weather forecast if great then your guide may advise you to leave things at the Vert Lodge.

Included: - Qualified mountain guides - Airport transfers - Accommodation in mountain huts/ hotels in dormitories / shared bedrooms - Food (Day 1: Dinner, Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner, Day 3: Breakfast, Dinner, Day 4: Breakfast) Excluded: - International flights - Any visa fees - Personal travel and rescue insurance - Lunches (there are places to buy lunches on route) - Alcohol in the huts - Souvenirs

Please note distances may change slightly e.g. if there are any path closures. Day 1: Distance: 5.8km. Ascent: 550m. Descent: 50m. Max altitude: 2056m Day 2: Distance: 20km. Ascent: 1000m. Descent: 1290m. Max altitude: 2536m Day 3: Distance: 18.5km. Ascent: 810m. Descent: 1000m. Max altitude: 2050m Day 4: Distance: 11.1km. Ascent: 975m. Descent: 1192m. Max altitude: 2202m

It depends on what you want. From May to early June there will be more snow - which often means we may need to adapt the route slightly, or occasionally use snowshoes for part of the trek (which are provided free of charge). From late June to August the flowers are at their best but there is a slightly higher chance of rain. It's also warmest during these months. We have one week off for the UTMB when the trails are full of racers (sometimes your guides). In September it's cooler again and the trail is quieter - this can be a very peaceful time to come.

Due to the distances and ascents covered on this trip, it is geared towards adults. Therefore the minimum age for this trek is 18 years. However, those aged 16-18 years are welcome to attend in the company of a responsible adult.

Please be aware that some of the mountain refuges (huts) that we use are quite remote (e.g. supplies are typically brought in by helicopter). This means they are fairly basic with e.g. dormitory-style rooms and shared bathrooms. Electricity, warm showers and WiFi are however all available. Bedding (duvet and pillow) will be provided for you in each hut, but you do need to bring a thin sleeping bag liner. Night 1: Rifugio Bonatti - Remote, awesome views, showers, dormitory room. Night 2: Refuge d'Arpette - Moutain views, showers, 6-8 person dormitory room. Night 3: La Grande Ourse Hotel - Moutain views, awesome bar and garden, showers, 8-person dormitory room.

Documents • Passport • Travel insurance details • Boarding passes for flights • Cash – Euro and Swiss Franc - 150 Euros and 150 CHFs each person. • Credit/Debit Card Sleeping • Sleeping bag liner (you can buy from your guide at Vert Lodge) Footwear • Trekking boots: 3 or 4-season lightweight • Lightweight shoes for the evenings (such as house shoes, flip-flops, sandals etc.) Clothing Please make sure that you have non-cotton, fast-drying clothing for trekking. • 2 x t-shirts for the hike • 1 x comfortable shirt for the evening • 4 x socks for hiking • 3 - 4 x pairs of underwear • Optional fleece • Light down or Primaloft jacket • Rain and windproof jacket with hood • Rain and windproof trousers • 1 x pair of hiking trousers: We recommend a pair that zip off into shorts. • Comfortable trousers for the evening • Lightweight hat and gloves • Swimsuit (optional) Other • A daysack: 35 - 45 litres – All your kit should fit in this bag • Hiking poles - These are available for rent at the cost of 10 EUR. You can get these from your guide at the Vert Lodge. • Travel towel • Dry Liner or Dry Bag • Water bottle/s: At least 2L • Sunglasses • Suncream and additional sun protection such as a baseball cap or similar • Personal medication – inhaler, blister pads etc • General Toiletries, Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed) • Electronics - phone, charging cable, USB plug (we sell Swiss compatible plugs, available from your guide) (see the FAQs about plugs) • Lipsalve • Hand sanitiser, wet wipes

Absolutely! We get lots of solo travellers - it's a great way to meet like-minded people. Once you book you can message the other people in your group via the Skyhook messager service and get to know them before you meet in person.

This is part of the full Tour Du Mont Blanc, which otherwise takes 10 - 14 days in total. We believe these are 4 of the best days on the full route!

The trek involves a fair bit of ascent and descent on a mix of trails. This includes – rocky terrain, forest trails and sometimes gravel tracks. It is important that you are steady on your feet and have experienced walking on mountain paths. Do try and get some practice in before you come. We go at a slow steady pace that everyone can keep up with.

Water During the summer it can be quite warm in the Alps so it is important to carry enough water. We strongly recommend taking two litres of water. The tap water at the accommodations you will stay is drinkable but there are limited resources along the way to fill up your bottle. Your guide can give you advice on this for each day. If this is a concern for you then we recommend that you pack iodine tablets or other water purification methods. Day 1: 3 hour walk, no refills. Day 2: 8 hour walk, 3 oppotunities for refills. Day 3: 7 hour walk, 2 opportunities for refills. Day 4: 6 hour walk, 1 opportunity for refill. Food Whilst trekking, you will have the chance to taste a great variety of local specialities. The breakfast is continental, often with a variety of juices, tea and coffee. The three-course dinner in the evening is hearty. During the day, you can purchase lunch along the way or pay for a packed lunch from the hut. Your guide will help you order. If you have any food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance etc) please make us aware of this when completing your registration form, found on your Skyhook dashboard.

You can tip what you like - it is not mandatory to tip in the Alps, but always appreciated by the hard-working guides. A suitable amount is between 20 and 50 Euros per person. Please also give them the 5* rating they are bound to deserve. At AlpsAdventures we have an informal competition about who can get the most 5* ratings. Help your guide win prizes!

Your transfers are included from Geneva Airport to Chamonix and back on the first and final day of your trip only. These are from Geneva Airport only. Geneva city is a short 7-minute, one-stop journey on the train should you wish to stay in or visit in Geneva the prior to your trip. (Geneva is a small city about the size of Bath, UK). However, if you are travelling to Chamonix or back on a different day (we recommend staying longer in Chamonix to make the most of your time away), you can also take a shared transfer from the Airport to Chamonix. Mountain Dropoffs and Chamonix Valley Transfers are two good transfer possibilities. You will need to arrange these yourself. Please update your Dashboard so we know if you will be on the provided shuttle or making your own way to the Vert Lodge Hotel.

We can't advise you on this, but we recommend you check at http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx. Keep up to date on Corona requirements too.

The currency used in France and Italy is Euro’s. In Switzerland they use Swiss Franc (but normally accept Euros at a poor exchange rate). We recommend changing your money before you arrive as it is not possible once you've left the airport. Credit cards are in most of the places along the way not accepted. 100 euros 150chfs per person seems about right, depending on how much you eat and drink extra. Huts and Hotels take cards, cafes do not.

Yes, the bus can either pick you up at Vert Lodge in CHAMONIX or at the airport in GENEVA. Please inform your guide via your dashboard at least 30 days prior to the tour. You can book rooms or capsules at the Vert Lodge before or after your trip. If you are staying in Chamonix centre, the Number 1 bus offers a short ride to Les Gaillands, the bus stop outside the Vert Lodge. Alternatively, the train also stops nearby at Les Pelerins. The bus timetable can be found here: https://bit.ly/3xycJQj

During the summer in the Alps (June – September) you can experience usually fair and quite warm weather. It is often sunny and the temperatures can reach 30° Celsius (90F). However, we can also get snow and hail. The weather in the mountains can be quite unpredictable and weather situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change. On a rainy day, temperatures can drop quite low and it is necessary to have a good rain jacket and sometimes even a hat and a pair of gloves. See the kit list for full details.

Yes, the Vert Lodge provides us with luggage storage for a small bag per person. The bus will stop there on the way out and back to the airport very quickly for you to get your left luggage. We really recommend staying in the alps longer and basing yourself at this great little lodge. This is available to all guests on our tour.

Start: On day 1 of your itinerary, pickup details are as follows: 11:15 at Geneva Airport (the group cannot wait for delayed flights so please fly in with enough time spare) we recommend your scheduled flight arrival is 09:00 at the latest. 12:30 at Chamonix Vert Lodge Hotel It is important that you do not miss your start time as you will not be able to meet up with the rest of the group until the evening of Day 1 or even the morning on Day 2 on your itinerary. Please note that you'll have to cover any costs resulting from a delayed arrival. End: You will return to Chamonix, Vert Lodge at around 3 pm, or at Geneva Airport at 17:30 on day 4 of your itinerary. Feel free to take any flight leaving the airport at 20:30 or later, to allow for any problems that may arise in getting off the mountain, or on the roads.

We recommend Vert Lodge in Chamonix. They have a choice of different rooms and pods, fully serviced, awesome restaurant, free parking and bar and luggage storage. You meet your guide and start and end your trip there, and they provide luggage storage during your trip.

Yes - you must have travel insurance including search and rescue, with hiking up to 3000m. We are not certified insurance agents and therefore cannot legally answer questions about insurance. Popular providers clients have used in the past include the British Mountaineering Council (Trek policy, UK if a BMC Member), Snowcard (UK residents) and the Austrian Alpine Club (All nationalities, an annual policy comes with other benefits). These do require organising before you leave so that you get all the details. Price comparison websites will provide this. Typical costs seem to be around 20 EUR for a week. We are sorry that we can't recommend Insurance providers from every country. The Austrian Alpine Club seems to cover most countries and its annual fee is 62 Euros.

Yes we highly recommend wearing walking boots rather than trainers, as they provide more grip and help to prevent any sprains/injuries. Check out our video (available here once you've booked) for more detailed advice.

Yes, whether you are vegetarian, vegan or have allergies. You must inform your guide via your dashboard about your dietary requirements at least 30 days prior the trip. We will inform the accommodation to prepare for you.

It's important that you're ready to leave Geneva Airport at 11:15 am, or Vert Lodge in Chamon ix at 12:30 pm. This is to ensure that you arrive at the accommodation before dark. Whilst there is some flexibility built into the itinerary for the majority of the trip, on the first day the timings can be a little tighter. To have a stress-free start to this amazing adventure, we'd recommend that your flight lands before 9 am. Whilst a later arrival would normally be fine, we just want to ensure that you've allowed enough time to get through security and complete any Covid requirements that may/may not be in place at that time. We understand that your holiday allowance is precious, but should you have the flexibility to arrive a day earlier, then you can enjoy a more relaxed arrival, and soak up the culture around the alpine town of Chamonix. You can book a bed and airport shuttle at the Vert Lodge if arriving the day before. If you are unlucky enough to miss the scheduled pick up you'll need to book a private taxi to catch up with the rest of the group. In this event, you'll need to give the guiding team a call who can come up with an appropriate plan of action. Details of the guiding team can be found on your Skyhook dashboard after booking.

Yes - you can leave your car on the roadside parking near the Vert Lodge hotel provided you are staying there the night before or after your trip. Otherwise, there is other parking nearby.

The shuttle is only able to operate from Geneva Airport or Vert Lodge, Chamonix. Should you wish to stay in Geneva, before or after your trip, the city is a short 7-minute, one-stop journey on the train.

A sheet sleeping bag is a thin cotton/ silk/ acrylic sleeping covering that you sleep inside and also covers your pillow. The hut, relais and hotel we stay in do not provide sheets. Each guest is expected to bring their own - this sheet sleeping bag. They do provide pillows and blankets or duvets though to keep you snuggly and warm if you need it. This cuts down costs and keeps things hygienic and is the normal practice in all the alpine nations. If you do not have one then you can buy one from your guide at the Vert Lodge, for 25 Euros, or from the hut, for around 60 Euros. Once you have one it is yours to keep, easily washable and useable on your next trip.

Poles come highly recommended by us. All of our guides use them and that is for a reason. Check out the video to explain why. We find that after just half a day, customers who haven't used them before love them and buy them as soon as they get home. You can rent them for 10 Euros. If you can, indicate this in the additional information section of your trip form, found on your dashboard. Your guide will have them ready for you at the Vert Lodge and you can pay cash there. They will also be spares available at the Vert Lodge if you have not managed to do this - you don't have to tell us. Once you've left the hotel though it will be too late!

The drivers will meet you in front of the Montreux Jazz Cafe, inside the airport arrivals hall. Follow the signs for car rental and you should spot it. Look for Chamonix Vally Transfers (CVT). They wear dark blue and have dark blue buses.

If you are staying in Chamonix centre, the Vert Lodge is a 20 minute walk away. Alternatively, the Number 1 bus offers a short ride to Les Gaillands, the bus stop outside the Vert Lodge. The bus timetable can be found here: https://bit.ly/3xycJQj The Mont Blanc Express train also stops nearby at Les Pelerins. The timetable can be found here: https://bit.ly/39yXoHd

Unfortunately, we are travelling through 3 different countries with slightly different plug requirements. A Hexagonal 2-pin USB charger then this will work everywhere. WE NOW SELL THESE AND YOU CAN BUY THEM FROM YOUR GUIDE AT THE VERT LODGE at a discount rate. Rifugio Bonatti (night one) has a charging bank. Relais d'Arpete (night two) has one plug in each room. La Grande Ourse (night three) has several plugs in each room. Swiss plugs are recessed though so you need one that is hexagonal.