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6th Jun 2024 - 10th Jun 2024
5 days/France /Moderate to Challenging
Join us on an epic adventure as we trek through The Alps in three countries in three days. This challenge will see you explore France, Italy and Switzerland as we take on a section of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
The route encircles the Mont Blanc Massif and is considered one of the world’s classic long-distance walking trails.
You don’t have to fundraise to join an open challenge but you can support a charity of your choice if you wish. See the costs tab for more details.
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This trek is graded moderate to challenging because of the combination of long days trekking over uneven mountain terrain including steep ascents and descents for approximately 6-8 hours each day (variable depending on group pace), and basic sleeping conditions.
It is essential that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients to best prepare you.
You will be accompanied by local guides who have an excellent knowledge of hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be accompanied by a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.
The climate is unpredictable in alpine regions but in general, the temperature will range from 20-25°C during the day and 10-20°C at night. Weather conditions will vary but in general you will experience sunny, clear days with a small chance of rain.
As you ascend into more open and exposed areas of the mountains there may be very cold winds so having a suitable waterproof jacket and warm mid layer is important, even in mid-summer.
Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control.
The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.
The maximum altitude reached on the trek is 2537m at Grand Col Ferret. The average altitude is 1500m.
When you ascend to higher altitudes it may make the trek feel more demanding than if it were at sea level, but your risk of altitude sickness is very low.
The terrain will vary but in general you will trek on well-maintained trekking trails across rolling green hills, on stony trails next to gushing rivers, and a few small sections on paved roads.
You will also pass through beautiful pine forests where there may be uneven terrain and tree roots to watch out for, or cross small streams using stepping stones.
There are steep sections, so it is important that you have trained on hills in advance of departure.
Before the trek you will stay in a hotel near Courmayeur on a twin-share basis with en-suite facilities. During the trek you will stay in basic chalet and mountain refuges in mixed dormitories. Basic bedding is provided in the refuges, but you may wish to bring a sleeping bag liner for your own peace of mind and comfort.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided throughout the trip as per the itinerary. Breakfast will be typical continental style with items such as cheese, ham, fruit, bread and pastries, and served with tea and coffee.
You will have a picnic lunch each day and the food items will be shared out in the morning to be carried by the group. A typical lunch may include fruit, cured meat, cheese, bread and salad.
Dinners will be taken at the refuge and you will be served a set ‘Menu of the Day’ with soup and salad with bread to start, a main dish and a dessert. Bread and cheese will feature highly in your meals! Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.
You must be aged 18 or above to take part in the trek unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are aged 16 or 17 years old if you are accompanied by a parent or guardian – please contact us for advice.
London – Geneva – Courmayeur
Depart London for Geneva. On arrival we will meet the local team and transfer to our hotel in Courmayeur, Italy, where we will enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing on the trek to come.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Courmayeur – Val Ferret – Champex
After a morning transfer to Arnuva, we hike up to Grand Col Ferret at 2537m, the highest point of the trek on the border between Italy and Switzerland where spectacular views unfold across the valley. During the hike Glacier de Pré de Bar appears at the base of the snow-covered summits of Mount Dolent and l’A Neuve.
Once at the pass, we descend to the Swiss Val Ferret passing scenes of traditional rural life such as open meadows and farmland all with a stunning mountain backdrop. From there we transfer to the charming village of Champex and stay overnight at our mountain chalet in Switzerland.
Accommodation: Chalet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: Approx.6-7 hrs (750m ascent/800m descent)
Champex – Trient Valley
Today we hike from the Champex valley to the Trient valley. It will take us to the alpine pastures of Bovine. A balcony trail above the Rhone valley and its vineyards allows us to admire the peaks of the Bernese Oberland and the steep summits of the Combin massif. After descending in the shade of the larches, we arrive at the Col de la Forclaz, a key passage between the Rhone and Trient valleys. Overnight at a refuge in Trient. Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: Approx. 5-6 hrs (700, ascent/670 descent).
Trient – Tre le Champ
Our final day starts with a steady climb which takes us to the Swiss-French border from where the views on the north of the Mont Blanc range are breathtaking. This fabulous scenery will stay in sight until we arrive in the hamlet of Tré le Champ. Tonight, we have a farewell dinner and stay overnight in Tré le Champ, France.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: Approx. 7 hrs (910m ascent / 750m descent.
Tre le Champ – London
Today we transfer to Geneva airport for the flight back to London.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest health and safety.
Registration fee: £395 and then either…
Self-funded: £1495
or
Sponsorship: £2990
or
Flexi: £1495 trip costs and £1495 sponsorship for a charity* of your choice
This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves. There is no sponsorship required although if you wish to raise sponsorship for a charity you are welcome to do so.
This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to their chosen charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.
This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.
*If your chosen charity is not on this list, please seek permission to fundraise for them by taking part in this challenge before making your booking.
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