The trip

LEVEL ****

Elevation: +/-1400m approximately per day.
Walking/running time: 6 to 8 hours approximately per day.
Type of trek: this tour is not technically difficult but the stages are too long for the average hiker. Intented for adults who regularly practice trail running (or trekking at a fast pace) and have an excellent fitness level. You must be capable of easily walking 40km (on flat trails) or running a half-marathon in less than 130 minutes.
In your road book, you will find all the possibilities to shorten stages if necessary by bus or with cablecars. *Note this itinerary is feasible at a good steady pace without running.

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing: 
- 2 topographical maps with the route highlighted;
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the tour; 
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accomodation list.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

In France: red and white marks on the path
In Switzerland: black and yellow diamond signs in the bottom of the valleys, red and white at altitude.
It is important to know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Your baggage will be daily transported between accommodations.

ACCOMMODATION

4 nights in gite or hotel, in 2/3 person bedroom (shared bathrooms)
2 nights in dormitory

Option comfort (Night 1 and 5 in double/twin bedroom): +75€ per person

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accommodation in the evening or you may stop at mountain refuges on your route. 
Possibility to buy picnic supplies in small local shops along the way.

CURRENCY

Plan to have some Swiss Francs for your personal expenses and for the transport along the way (bus, train...)

PERSONALISED TOURS

We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)

MAPS

Federal Office of Cartographie: Grand St Bernard 5027 T, Monte Rosa 5028 T.

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Departure from Montroc-le-Tour train station.

BY TRAIN
Inbound: depart Paris-Gare de Lyon the day before at 8:18am arrive in CFF Châble at 2:15pm.
There are regular buses throughout the whole Chamonix valley - with an hourly bus service between Les Houches and Montroc-le-Planet. 
www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines
Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or on the SNCF website.

BY CAR
Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix, follow the main road towards Argentière and Switzerland to the village of Montroc (1km after Argentière).
There is ample parking at the meeting point in Montroc-le-Planet or in the village of Le Tour 1km away.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact:
Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71 (40 to 50€ per week).
The easiest option for your return, is to leave your car at Montroc-le-Planet.

CAR-SHARING
Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some website recommendations:   www.blablacar.fr   www.laroueverte.com   www.roulezmalin.com

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
1 hour by car to Chamonix.
Bus and minibus services direct to your accommodation (25-35€ pp each way)
Lyon (LYS)
2h15 by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix, 4h15 journey (40-45€ pp return)
Paris (PAR)
7 hours by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix / 5-6 hour journey (80-120€ pp return)

RETURNING TO DEPARTURE POINT

From Zermatt, the return to the departure point in Le Tour is by train.
Taxi in option (please contact us).

CONTACT US

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

Equipment & baggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers or running tights
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a breathable hat
• Sun hat/ baseball cap or headband
• Running socks (1 pair per day)
• Trail running shoes, already broken in
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Toilet bag
• Quick drying towel
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Thermos
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
• Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 50 to 60 litres for your personal belongings (clothes, waterproofs, water, etc.).