Breaking Strain Events Tour du Mont Blanc trek
1. Who are Breaking Strain Events? We re not world class athletes, we re not PhD-qualified sports gurus, we re not as young as we used to be (with hairlines to prove it) but what we can offer is the benefit of many years experience in race management, charity fundraising, expedition planning and logistical support. We ve taken part in some of the world s toughest endurance tests, ultra-marathons in sub-zero temperatures across the globe, so we know first hand what is required physically and mentally to take your body across the finish line. The idea for Breaking Strain Events came together in an afternoon s brain storming back in 2008. With 34 years combined military and fire service experience and a desire to deliver the sort of events we want to take part in, the idea morphed and evolved through blogging, interviews and gear testing. With our reputation for fundraising preceding us, we were quickly approached by some amazing charities and have had an awesome time helping raise money from the Arrochar to the Arctic.. Whether raising money for your favourite charity or setting yourself a personal challenge, we ll ensure the Breaking Strain Event you take part in is one you ll remember. At Breaking Strain Events we re focused on putting on trips that take you to amazing parts of the world, that are hugely enjoyable and are ultimately safe. These treks will push you to your limits, at Breaking Strain we don t do easy, but we can guarantee you ll be able to brag about your exploits to your friends for a long time to come. Lee Peyton, Director
2. Tour du Mont Blanc Highlight s trek On the Glasgow Children s Hospital Charity Tour du Mont Blanc Highlight s trek you will start in France, travel through Switzerland and finish in northern Italy. The trek is very inclusive with a couple of shorter days to allow tired legs to recover whilst still taking in the highest pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Grand Col Ferret (2490 metres over 1000 metres higher than Ben Nevis). At just over 60kms and with a total ascent of over 3700 metres this a challenging trek. The views you will encounter will be spectacular and you might just make some friends for life, all while raising funds for the amazing Glasgow Children s Hospital Charity.
3. Cost & what s included in the price Fundraising Target - 3500 Full consultation with charity pre-trek and email updates when in country. Three information nights for participants Two UK-based training days (guided Munro climbs) Online email support for all participants and via closed Facebook group prior to trip. All flights from Scotland to Geneva and transfers in country to and from the airport Accommodation in suitable 4* hotels when in Chamonix (two person sharing). All meals in country with the exception of the Tuesday which is a free-day. Four days trekking overnights are in accommodation in villages on route and vary in standard. All food whilst on trail (two hot meals and a packed lunch per day) Fully qualified local International Mountain Leader (IML) and UK-based Breaking Strain Events guide. Baggage transfer between accommodation to enable participants to walk with a daysack rather than all their kit. Fully risk assessed route with safety provision in form of first aiders and snow mobile transport Celebratory meal at end of trek in local restaurant Medal and certificate for all participants.
4. Itinerary Day One: Flights from Scotland to Geneva. You will be met at the airport by a member of the Breaking Strain Events team who will facilitate check in and will travel with the group to Geneva. On arrival in Geneva the group will be met at the airport by our local guide. Travel to Geneva takes approximately one hour. Accommodation is in a four star hotel eg. Les Aiglons where we will have a three course meal to prepare for our trek. Our local guides will meet the group and carry out a full briefing on what the trek has in store. Day Two: Trek from Montroc to Trient. We start the day with a short transfer to the head of the Chamonix valley at Montroc. From here we begin our trek over the Aiguillette de Posettes, from where we choose one of several different routes down to the Swiss hamlet of Trient. Accommodation is in an auberge with private twin or triple rooms. Distance: 15 km Ascent: 1200m Descent: 1200m Approx walking time: 7-8 hours Day Three: Trek from Trient to Champex Today we take a beautiful route past Bovine, a high alpine pasture for grazing cattle. There are fantastic views all-round, both across the Rhone valley, and to the snowy peaks in the distance, including the famous Grand Combin. In the afternoon we'll arrive in the pretty lakeside alpine resort of Champex. Tonight we stay in a 3* family-run hotel, with simple rooms but with excellent food. Distance: 13km Ascent: 710m Descent: 760m Approx walking time: 6 hours Day Four: Trek from Champex to La Fouly A much easier day today as we trek through typical Swiss pastures, woodlands and chocolatebox villages. Tonight we stay in twin rooms in a simple hotel. Distance: 17.2 km Ascent: 730m Descent: 600m Approx walking time: 5 hours
Day Five: Trek from La Fouly to Courmayeur Today we are going to cross the highest col on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Grand Col Ferret, as we continue our journey over to Italy. We should have time to stop off for an Italian coffee at the Rifugio Elena before we make our way down to the Val Ferret. Distance: 16 km Ascent: 1100m Descent: 920m Approx walking time: 7-8 hours Our bus awaits us at the head of the Val Ferret, from where it's around a 30 minute drive to take us back through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Chamonix. Accommodation is in a four star hotel in Chamonix. We will visit a nearby restaurant to celebrate our success on the Tour du Mont Blanc! Day Six: After breakfast we have some time to explore Chamonix before our bus takes us back to the airport. END