The trip

LEVEL ***         

Average positive altitude difference: 1100m per day
Average walking time: 6 hours
Particular difficulties: hikes on well-marked mountain paths, but which can sometimes be quite steep or rocky. Some short aerial passages. Limited mobile phone network.

You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty

The roadbook provides sufficient information on the itinerary of your hike. However, it is essential to be able to read a 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Guiding is not included in the self-guided package. You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio of the latest generation telephone with satellite connection.

Please note: some névés will be present on the paths until the end of June, in particular on the North slopes. High mountain boots, gaiters and walking poles are essential. Be prepared!

This trip is organised in collaboration with our local partners, who are as committed as we are to providing you with an authentic experience.

ROAD BOOK

Your road book will be sent to you by post on receipt of payment of the balance for your stay. It includes :

A route book
A set of IGN maps
The route sheet with the list of accommodation
Luggage tags (if you have chosen this option)
Access to the digital application downloadable onto your smartphone (remember to take a good external battery).

For all bookings made less than 3 weeks before departure, paper travel documents cannot be sent. Only the digital version will be made available. 

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC: shared room for 4 to 12 people, sheets and towels are not provided, bathroom facilities are on the landing.
4 nights in Italian refuges, one night in a gîte in Chianale (Italy), 1 night in a refuge in France.

MEALS

Breakfasts and dinners are served in accommodation. Picnics are not included. 

Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Departure from Echalp, large car park at the bottom of the hamlet.
You can leave your car here, as this is the car park for hikers starting their tour of the Viso.

BY TRAIN
Please consult the SNCF
Montdauphin-Guillestre station, Briançon line (Hautes-Alpes). Timetables can be consulted on the SNCF website.
For Montdauphin/Château-Queyras shuttle timetables, consult Zou ma Région Sud

BY CAR
In order to plan your trip, we advise you to inquire about your route at the different sites: Michelin and Mappy

END OF THE STAY

End of the hike in in Echalp on day 7.

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.

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

In case of delay please inform us on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• 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 warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, 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
• Plastic cup for coffee
• 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 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

If you choose the baggage transport option, your baggage is transported by a logistics vehicle on days 5 and 7.
Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 10kg. Your bag has to be carried everyday by the driver, where access is not always easy, please think of their backs! Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!

YOUR PACKPACK FOR THE NIGHTS WITHOUT LUGGAGE

For the nights your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):

- small toiletries bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening.