Itinerary SATURDAY: Start Chalet Savoy in Les Houches. (included transfer from Geneva Airport 1 1/4 hour drive) SUNDAY: Swiss Val Ferret - Grand Col Ferret. We drive over the Montets and Forclaz passes to the the Swiss resort of Ferret (1705 metres) and climb to the Grand Col Ferret (2537 metres} from where we enjoy outstanding views of Italy's Ferret and Veni valleys as far as the Col de la Seigne which borders with France. There are also Great views of Mont Dolent the peak shared by three countries and the Grandes Jurasses. Then we cut back on a different route to explore the Swiss Ferret Valley with its picturesque farms and villages.(1 1/4 hours drive each way) Start 1650 m. Climb to 2537 m. Descend to 1650 m. Total Climb: 887 m. Distance 12 km. Time on mountain 6 ½ hours.
MONDAY: Courmayeur commune - Col de la Seigne - Les Chapieux Packing a few extra items for an overnight stay we drive through the the Mont Blanc Tunnel (deepest in the world) and turn into the Val Veni. We walk up a wide glacial valley surrounded by glaciers enjoying spectacualr views of the South face of Mont Blanc. We cross the Col de La Seigne (2516 metres) passing from Italy back into France and descend to the hamlet of Chapieux (1549 metres) where we overnight. (35 mins drive to start of walk) Start at 1650 m. Climb to 2516. Climb back down to 1790 m. Total climb: 880 m. Total descent: 740 m. Distance: 12 km. Time on mountain: 7 hours. TUESDAY: Les Chapieux Col du Bonhomme - Les Contamines We climb in wild surroundings with fabulous Alpine Flowers and marmots, weasels and chamois to reach the northern slopes of the Col de Bonhomme actually crossing two passes of 2479 metres and 2329 metres and descending along the old Roman road with ancient bridge and dramatic water falls to Les Contamines (1167 metres) ( 35 mins drive back to chalet) Distance 11.50 m. 6 ½ hours on mountain.
WEDNESDAY: Free day. Free day for optional walks or sightseeing. There are many good walks directly from the chalet - the route of the 'Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc' passes right through the garden of the chalet. Your leader will be able to advise of possible routes. Or you may choose to visit the busy Alpine resort of Chamonix, which is only 20 minutes away by bus or train and has numerous bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several téléférique excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842 metres), which has fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace. For those seeking some adrenaline, there is tandem paragliding, canyoning and rafting, plus many more supervised adventure sports. THURSDAY: Ferret Valley - Col Entre deux Saut - Col de Sapin - Courmayeur. From the Ferret Valley (1600 metres}, we hike to the quaint Italian resort of Courmayeur via two dramatic mountain passes. Passing high above the Bonatti refuge we cross "Entre deux Sauts" (2500 metres), descend 200 metres into the Armina Valley and then climb again to 2400 metres to cross the Sapin Pass. The descent to Courmayeur (1300 metres) is sp;ectacular. A well earned beer and
gelato as we soak up some Italian atmosphere before the short drive (20 minutes) back to the Chalet Savoy. Start at 1550 m. Climb to 2500. Descend to 2340 m. Climb to 2436 m. Descend to 1350 m. Total ascent: 1050m: Total descent: 1260 m. 7 hours on the mountain. FRIDAY: Le Tour - Col de Balme - Fenetre d'arpette - Champex. A short drive to Le Tour (20 minutes) where we are whisked up to the Col de Balme (2192 metres) by gondel and chair lift. While admiring stunning views of the Glacier des Grand we descend to Chalet du Glacier (1583 metres) In good weather we take the trail adjacent to the Trient Glacier to cross the pass known as the Fenetre d'arpette (2,665 metres) before descending steeply into the Arpette Valley (1,627metres) and down to Champex (1,486 metres). In poor weather we would take the lower trail, which swings left at the Chalet du Glacier to the the Col de Forclaz (1,526 metres) from where we can look down into the Rhone valley. The Swiss town of Martigny is in sight far below, as we follow the easier 'Bovine route' to Champex. When we take the more challenging Arpette route, those who wish can self guide themselves around the easier Bovine alternative. (return drive 1 1/4 hours) Start at 2150 m. Descend to 1800. Climb to 2665 Descend to 1477 m. Distance: 13.50 km. 7 hours on the mountain.
SATURDAY: End or programme. Included transfer to Geneva airport