PRACTICAL INFO
SUPERVISION
• Small group of 6 to 14 travellers.
• Trip is fully supervised by a qualified English-speaking guide who will ensure the successful completion of the tour, manage the technical aspects of the hikes, quality of services and who will share knowledge of the country with the travellers. We work with a small local agency to run our trips. We’ll be with people from Europe and Canada!
• Our guide teams will take good care of you.
• Information and preparation meetings with your group before departure.
LUGGAGE TRANSPORTATION
Your backpack will contain the necessary supplies for the day (water, warm clothing, coat, energy bars and camera), in addition to the clothes you are wearing and the picnic lunch weighing a total of about 5 kg. When we arrive, you will be able to wash the clothes worn during the day. For everything else, a 7 kg bag will be carried alongside us by a mule. Your things will be placed in a 40 L (approximate) dry pack (provided), protected from the elements during walking days. You will have access to your bag during breaks and at the end of each trek. Anything that is not necessary for the trek can be kept in the left luggage room at the hotel.
TRANSPORTATION
Because this is a trekking trip, walking is the highlight during the Mont Blanc Trek. Other means of travel will be by private minibus, for the transfer from Chamonix to the meeting point and the return at the end of the trek.
ACCOMMODATIONS
During the trek, lodging will be in mountain refuges. These refuges are typical Alpine mountain accommodations in Europe, with a lively and inviting ambiance. You should be prepared for proximity to some shared accommodations. Rooms are double-occupancy and in some cases they have private bathrooms! In other cases there are shared bathrooms in a common hallway. In Chamonix, lodging is in a charming hotel in a central location, with double occupancy rooms and private bathrooms.
EATING & DRINKING
Breakfast and lunch during the trek will be prepared by the cooks in the refuges, who will introduce you to authentic cuisine from the Savoy region and other Alpine specialties. Food is fresh, healthy and varied, which we think is essential for a successful trip. Potatoes, cheese and tasty charcuterie are featured often. During walking days, we will have picnics prepared by your guide in suitable places along the countryside not far from the trail. All you need to bring is your plating and cutlery! We will provide restaurant suggestions in Chamonix.
WEATHER
Our departures correspond with the best times for trekking in the Alps. The weather is dry and relatively hot, except at higher altitudes where nights may be cold. As in every mountainous region, temperatures can fluctuate during the day. Certain passes may still be covered in snow in May or September.
Daytime temperature: from 5°C to 30°C.
Nighttime: between 0°C and 15°C (rooms are heated!).
CURRENCY AND CASH
In France and Italy, the currency used is the Euro. Plan to have cash for any personal purchases (drinks, snacks, souvenirs) as you will be on your own during the tour. The refuges in Switzerland should accept Euros. (Please confirm with your guide prior to departure). There are many banks and ATMs in Chamonix and along the way from Lyon. You can also get Euros at home before departing.
TIPPING
You should budget approximately $5 per day per person for the Quebec guides from Terra Ultima. This is at your discretion but you can consider this an indicator of what is typical in the travel industry. Of course, you can also give more depending on your level of satisfaction!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is important to have a medical insurance policy to avoid expensive bills in case of hospitalization abroad or repatriation, as well as cancellation insurance to cover the non-refundable portion of the cost of your trip. We offer complete trip coverage, with or without cancellation insurance. Contact us for pricing. If you purchase cancellation insurance from us, you can do so when you make your final payment. However, if you purchase it elsewhere, you may have to buy it at the time of your first deposit. If you are using insurance through your credit card, you must pay for your initial deposit with that credit card.
Yosemite rating for this trip (in bold in the scale) :
The system divides trails into five classes:
• Class 1: walk
• Class 2: possible use of hands for balance
• Class 3: simple climbing and little exposure. A rope is sometimes used
• Class 4: simple climbing, exposure, a rope is often used
• Class 5: technical free climb
N.B. : mountaineering insurance is generally required for class 3 and up and/or at over 6,000m.
VISAS/FORMALITIES
Canadians do not require a visa. Your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from the date you leave the country.
HEALTH/VACCINATIONS/SAFETY
We recommend you consult a travel clinic or community health department in your area for information on the different vaccines required in the areas you are visiting.
ELECTRICITY AND INTERNET
In France, 220volt/50 hertz power is used. Please visit http://www.priseselectriques.info/ for information on the types of outlets. Internet access is generally readily available in France. Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi networks. Some are free and some are offered at a cost.
EQUIPMENT AND LUGGAGE
A day pack large enough to carry what you will need throughout the day. This is the bag that you will carry with you and could be used as a carry-on on the flight. Your main luggage could be a backpack – some have handles and wheels – or a duffle bag. A hard-shell suitcase, (especially if it is large) is not recommended because it is not very flexible and thus not very practical on board smaller transport vehicles like a minibus. Don’t forget to label all your bags (name and address).
A complete list of equipment will be given to you upon booking the trip (see appendix).
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