The trip

LEVEL **

Type of trek: Suitable for experienced hikers used to walking in snowshoes. The program is subject to change and adaptable depending on weather conditions and the ability of the group. The beauty of this tour is the large virgin spaces available offering multiple hiking possibilities. A good physical condition is required to be able to optimise these exceptional hikes. Crossing from one fjord to another assumes good physical strength to cope with a possible change in weather.

GUIDING

Number in a group between 5 and 8 people supervised by a qualified professional winter mountain leader, specialist in snow and avalanches.

ACCOMMODATION

6 nights in a 2 berth cabin                                                                                                            Simple yet comfortable accommodation with one berth per person, shower and toilet at the front of the boat. A large convivial saloon with music, books and board games.
Life aboard a boat in the polar zone involves many adaptations. Water and energy must be greatly economised because they are difficult to produce. Water aboard is most often desalinated and the energy comes from motors recharging batteries in limited quantities. This involves for example, taking turns in the shower or to recharge your camera!
La Louise is a boat entirely thought out and built by Thierry Dubois a former offshore racer. Six years of construction to create a superb boat equipped for polar cruising and whose spacious saloon you will appreciate. The deck is generous and the cockpit fully covered making it a very pleasant boat at sea.

MEALS

Meals are all served aboard. A hearty breakfast including fresh baked braed is served before the days walk, afternoon tea awaits on return and varied lovingly prepared dinners are served at 9:00pm including local meats, fish and homemade desserts.
*Picnics are not included so please bring some cereal bars, dried fruit etc. of your choice for during the hike.

EVENINGS ABOARD

After a beautiful day ashore, back on board in the warmth of our refuge sailboat. Following our afternoon tea of hot soup and a snack everyone goes about their business... taking turns for the shower, sorting photos etc... It is often at this time that our sailboat heads for the next anchorage. Night is falling and it is at this point of the day a good time to observe the northern lights.

This year we are offering each evening a documentary preview with different themes:

• History of the exploration of arctic areas and the conquest of the North Pole.
• Short films and workshops on survival in extreme areas, traditional techniques and evolution.
• Video conference on Iceland, geology, gastronomy, witchcraft and sagas.
• Vendée Globe: documentary video and captain's anecdotes.
• A feature film about Greenland.

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meeting point Day 1 at the hotel in Reykjavik. Taxi transfer to the harbour.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

For your comfort and serenity during the return journey to Iceland we will send you a detailed file of transfers and accommodation during your transit in Reykjavik.

End point in the morning of Day 9 at the hotel in Reykjavik.

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.

Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & baggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Material for snowshoeing (snowshoes and poles) is provided. However, if you have your own equipment and would like to use it you are free to do so. Avalanche safety equipment is also provided (transceiver, shovel and probe).

Clothing

• Waterproof ski or winter walking trousers
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Insulating down jacket
• 2 pairs of ski gloves and a warm hat
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy waterproof walking boots
• Boat shoes

Other Equipment

• Rucksack minimum 40 litre capacity
• Sunglasses and ski mask
• Sun cream
• Water bottle and Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Identity card or passport 

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of minimum 40 litres for your avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry snacks.