Mont Blanc Haute Route

The mythical loop seen from the top! This route is reserved to trained hikers. By the highest altitude passages, on the rocky or glacial slopes, this itinerary radiates around the uncontested Master of the Alps. Each day, unexpected view on Mont Blanc.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Geneva, transfer to Chamonix
• Day 2/  Chamonix - Contamines-Montjoie - Conscrits Hut
• Day 3/  Conscrits Hut - Mont Tondu Pass - Robert Blanc Hut
• Day 4/  Robert-Blanc Hut - Passage of the Cabottes - Pass of La Seigne - Elisabetta Hut
• Day 5/  Elisabetta Hut - Mont Fortin - Courmayeur - Torino Hut 
• Day 6/  Torino Hut - Valley Blanche - Aiguille of the Midi - Chamonix
• Day 7/  Argentiere - Aiguille of Grands Montets - Moraine of the Rognons - Lognan Hut - Chamonix
• Day 8/  Transfer to Geneva for the flight home.

The Mont Blanc mountain range presents astonishing varieties of landscapes, mountain pastures, granite summits and disproportionate glacial basins.
This exclusive program is a discovery of the mythical loop seen from the top! These routes are reserved to trained hikers. By the highest passages of altitude, on its rocky or glacial slopes, each day, we tour around the uncontested Master of the Alps.
The various summits progressively climbed during this circuit, present to us, many unexpected views on Mont Blanc.

Day 1/  Geneva - Welcome to Chamonix - Settle in at the Hotel - Meet your guide
Reception at Geneva airport where your shuttle is waiting for you. Settle in at "Le Prieure" hotel in Chamonix for one night, evening meal at the hotel restaurant.

Day 2/  Chamonix - Contamines-Montjoie - Conscrits Hut
After a transfer to Montjoie valley, we follow the pathway of Tré-la-Tete. On this superb route, the landscapes metamorphose at the rhythm of our progression. The mountain pastures and the frenzy of the valley are quickly covered by the deep spruce forests, substituted in turn by moraines (accumulation of rocks and sand left over by glaciers) and glaciers approaching the Conscrits Hut (8,465 feet).
5 H walk. Ascent: 4,600 feet.

Day 3/  Conscrits Hut - Mont Tondu Pass - Robert Blanc Hut
After crossing the Tre-la-Tete glacier, we begin the ascent in direction of  Mount Tondu (10,486 feet), rocky summit and impregnable point of view on the Tarentaise, Vanoise and Beaufortain mountain ranges. The descent of the pass is facilitated, thanks to our "Via Ferrata" equipment which helps with some passages. We then cross towards the famous Robert-Blanc hut, in the valley of the Glaciers.
5. 30 H walk. Ascent : 2,133 feet  Descent: 1,148 feet

Day 4/  Robert-Blanc Hut - Passage off the Cabottes - La Seigne Pass - Elisabetta Hut
We gently leave the scree-covered slope to join the glacier of the Glaciers which we cross early in the morning, in a fresh atmosphere! After the passage of Cabottes, it is La Seigne pass (8,255 feet) which opens up the Val Vény valley to us, on the Italian side. While following ibexes walking paths, we join the Estelette bivouac, privileged view point on splendid dark and austere mountain walls, contrasting with the glaciers scintillating in the sun. We go down to the Elisabetta hut for the night.
7. 30 H walk. Ascent: 1,148 feet. Descent: 2,953 feet.

Day 5/  Elisabetta Hut- Mont Fortin - Courmayeur - Torino Hut  
Return to the balcony paths of the Val Vény valley for an incredible panorama. We go up to the Mont Fortin before rejoining the valley's pathway. We take the time to pause at Courmayeur, the Italian Chamonix, and then a short transfer to Entrêves, we quickly gain altitude again by way of the Helbronner gondola. Upon arrival, the Torino hut, where we spend the night, opens a new panorama on the Valley Blanche.
3. 30 H walk. Descent : 2,953 feet.

Day 6/  Torino Hut- Valley Blanche - Aiguille of the Midi - Chamonix
Early morning departure with an unforgettable sunrise on the East faces of Mont Blanc of Tacul and  of Mont Maudit, which progressively illuminates our walk on the glacier of the Giant. While crossing the Valley Blanche, we take with us a great view of Mont Blanc from the Grand Capucin. We zigzag on the edge of the crevasses and close to the Seracs (ice fall), with their superb blue and white nuances of color. Arriving next to the Gros Rognon, and further on at the Col du Midi, we contemplate this vast plateau dominated by the Aiguille du Midi, departure point for the cable car. We enjoy a last glance from these panoramic terraces of altitude before taking the cabin which brings us back returns us back down to the valley.
Arrival at Chamonix around 11 a.m., return to the hotel to rest.
5 H  walk. Ascent: 1,968 feet. Descent: 820 feet.
Lodging: Prieure or Croix Blanche Hotel
Evening meal: Brasserie de l'M.

Day 7/  Argentière - Aiguille of Grands Montets - Moraine of the Rognons - Lognan Hut - Chamonix
Early rise for this last day to discover the Argentiere glacier and some of the most legendary mountain summits of Chamonix: the Aiguille Verte, Aiguille d'Argentière, the Droites and the Courtes. At the foot of theses impressive faces (sometimes more than 3300 feet high), we cross the Rognons glacier of the Rognons to join the moraine of the same name. In an impressive glacial zigzag, we walk between the seracs to finally discover the Argentiere glacier. From there, a short passage by ladders makes it then, possible to follow the glacier moraine, on a gigantic surface of ice, to join the Lognan hut, final point of our epic in the middle of the Chamonix glaciers. Return by way of the paths and the Lognan cable car.
4. 30 H walk. Ascent: 330 feet. Descent: 4,921 feet
Lodging: Prieure or Croix Blanche Hotel
Evening meal: panoramic restaurant.

Day 8/ Depart from Geneva
Return shuttle to Geneva airport for  flight home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice. 

Day 7, each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
From Day 2 to day 6, you carry all of your personal belongings plus your daily picnic and energy food. Your back pack contains the essential minimum for the circuit, and can not exceed 18 to 22 pounds.

The guide
- experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional high mountain guide (UIAGM).

Ground Transportation by private mini buses or taxi, and cable car.

In Chamonix (3 nights), we book hotels, inns, or similar, of excellent standard, 3 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation. We choose these hotels, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
- 4 nights in mountain hut, shared dormitory accommodation.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Downtown: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
In the mountains, we want to be able to provide you with well balanced/hearty meals to keep you well fueled during your exertions, but at the same time keep the weight in the bags that we carry to a minimum.
- Breakfasts and dinners are prepared by our hosts in the huts.
- Lunch: picnic, in the form of sandwiches, cheese and fruits.
- Energy food (an assortment of chocolate bars to accompany you in the effort) provided by Mountain World Travel.
Drinks: mineral water provided
Save a bit of room in your bag to split carrying some of our food supply.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Geneva (Switzerland)
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guide
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Geneva, Switzerland
-  Swiss, the national company, operates daily to Geneva in cooperation with Star Alliance
-  Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through Amsterdam or Paris.
-  StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through Frankfurt or Munich
-  Oneworld (American, British) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva, through London.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to France. italy and Switzerland for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
France      Italy     Switzerland
For other nationalities, please contact the French, Italian, Swiss embassies in your country.

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Health hazards
- Heat: protect your eyes and your skin against the sun, as it is more intense with altitude.
- Cold: plan on packing protective clothing against the cold (jackets, fleece, gloves, hat), especially in relevance to the activity.
- Dehydration: drink and nourish yourself sufficiently and correctly throughout the effort.
- Small wounds: blisters, tendonitis...bring along band aids, an antiseptic and another cream for muscle aches. They will take up a bit of room, but well worth the space.
- Altitude sickness: can be felt at around 8,000 feet and above and can come on quickly (after just one night spent in altitude). Hard to predict and varies completely from one person to another. Good hydration is necessary, progressive altitude acclimatization and Aspirin can all help in reventing the unpleasant side effects of altitude sickness.
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 5
At least 3 months prior:  Hike 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds OR if you are regularly committed to another intense sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 3 to 4 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, (short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell mountaineering jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Mountaineering long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Mountaineering shoes with rigid soles compatible for crampons.
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
- A pair of crampons with "antibottes" (rubber plates preventing snow from balling up underfoot).
- An ice axe.
- Mountaineering helmet.
- An adjustable, light and compact harness, adapted for walking.
- A locking karabiner, for rope maneuvers.

Sleeping
- A bed sheet only (blankets are provided by the huts)
For all of the circuits in the Alps which include night (s) in hut (s), Mountain World Travel provides a new recyclable bed sheet to each participant.

Pharmacy
- You own small "pharmacy" to have validated by your Doctor. It should contain: sun lotion, bandages, sterile strips and double skin, anti diarrhea medication, pain killers, an anti inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, eye lotion, cough drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic, disinfectant, tweezers, personal ear plugs, and personal drugs. And anything else indicated on the "Trip Details" page or in "Important Information" (including necessary items to treat altitude sickness).
- However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
 
Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 11 to 14 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
If you wish to rent mountaineering shoes, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, please inform us at the time of your booking. As Mountain World Travel does not itself rent out this kind of material, we will direct you to our partner store at location (you will be offered a discount).  The confirmation that you receive after booking will specify directions to the rental shop.

On the day of arrival (and depending on his/her availability), your guide will be able to help you for choosing your rental equipment.
Here is an idea of pricing for crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet:
- $   70 for a 3 to 5 day duration,
- $ 100 for a 6 to 9 day duration.
A deposit is required when renting material (credit card imprint)

During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).