The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +/- 750m approximately per day.
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours approximately per day.
Type of trek: mountain route on rocky path with some aerial passages, punctual and secured by cables.

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing:
- 2 IGN TOP 25 maps with the route highlighted. 
- 1 road book containing all the information necessary for the trek.
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

This tour is well-marked, some sections are not marked but are easy to follow, especially around Lake Anterne. 
In France and Switzerland: marks with red and white stripes on Grande Randonnée trails.
It is important to know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000. 

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Two options:
without baggage transport: you carry your baggage.
with baggage transport: your baggage is transported daily by our logistics vehicle (except Day 1 and 5)

YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHT WITHOUT YOUR BAGGAGE

For the night without your baggage at the accommodation (you will get it back the night after), here are the things to add to your backpack (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes (bare necessities!)

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC : 5 nights in dormitory, in refuge, gite or hotel.
COMFORT (option) : nights 2&3 in a basic bedroom for 2 people in refuge, night 4 in a bedroom in hotel

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accomodation the day before, in the evening.
You can also buy supplies in small local shops on day 1 at Les Houches and on day 5 at Vallorcine. 

CURRENCY

During the stage in Switzerland, we recommand to have a minimum of Swiss Francs to pay your drinks. 

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3630 OT - Chamonix and Top 25 - 3530 ET - Samoëns (1/25000)

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meet Sunday at 9am at Le Buet train station.

BY TRAIN 
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) the day before at 12:45pm arrive in Chamonix at 7:50pm.
Take the train from Chamonix through the valley to Le Buet.                           
www.chamonix.com/travel-information,13,en.html                                                                     
Return: Depart Chamonix at 3:45pm arrive in (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 9:52pm.
Timetable must be verified in a train station or on the website www.oui.sncf

BY CAR
Take the A40 to Chamonix, follow the direction of Argentière, col des Montets and Vallorcine. Le Buet is the first village before arriving in Vallorcine. Large free parking on the right handside of the road and the train station is at the entrance to the village.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact: Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71.

End point in the afternoon at Le Buet train station.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Hôtel de l’Arve : +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
Hôtel Vallée Blanche : +33 (0)4 50 53 04 50
Hôtel l’Oustalet : +33 (0)4 50 55 54 99
Chamonix Tourist Office : +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24 
www.chamonix.com

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
• 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

Your baggage will be transported daily (except Days 1 and 5) 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!

If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.