2017sept: Tour Du Mont Blanc

Jaynes Tour Du Mont Blanc Adventure

Some summaries

 

September 4th (Monday): Free Day

  • Chamonix “free day”
  • Dinner options
    • Le Fer A Cheval
      • make reservations
      • Menu du Jour 29E or 34E with a cheese course,  
      • 25 Place du Poilu
    • Pizzeria des Moulins
      •  great ratings
      • try the Tartufo pizza
    • Le Vert Hotel
      • vegetarian friendly,
      • gluten Free
      • good value for money
      • make reservations for whole group for Monday September 4th  ?
    • Chez Constant
      • make reservatioins
      • Prix Fixe menu’s as well,
      • 24 Avenue Ravanel le Rouge
    •  Poco Loco
      • burgers, crepes,
      • good spot for lunch or a late arrival into town?
    • Le Monchu
      • raclette speciality –
      • perhaps for our last night? Sept 14th
         
  • Hotel De l’Arve   more
    • 60 Impasse des Anémones, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
    • 2xDouble, 2xTwin
    • Complimentary coffee/tea @4pm
    • Games room w/ Pool table
    • Free bicycle use for guests
    • Sauna (free?)

TMB OVERVIEW

  • STAGE 1: 8.39miles, 2132′ ascent, 4921′ decent, 5 hours 30 minutes Walking Time (with cable car) “Les Houches”
  • STAGE 2: 11.18miles, 2132′ ascent, 3707′ decent, 6 hours 20 minutes Walking Time (with cable car, tricot pass) “Les Contamines”
  • STAGE 3: 11.8miles, 4035′ ascent, 3051′ decent, 6 hours 35 minutes Walking Time “Vallee des Glaciers”
  • STAGE 4: 11.5miles, 3182′ ascent, 2838′ decent, 6 hours 15minutes Walking Time (4a) ” Courmayeur”
  • STAGE 5: 10.25miles, 4822′ ascent, 1968′ decent, 6 hours 15 minutes Walking Time (mont de la saxe) “Refugio Bonatti”
  • STAGE 6: 11.2miles, 3051′ ascent, 4429′ decent, 6 hours 5 minutes Walking Time (via plampro) “La Fouly”
  • STAGE 7: 9.2miles, 1410′ ascent, 1804′ decent, 4 hours Walking Time “Champex”
  • STAGE 8: 9.63miles, 3871′ ascent, 4543′ decent, 6 hours 35 minutes Walking Time (arpette) “Trient”
  • STAGE 9: 9miles, 3642′ ascent, 3789′ decent, 5 hours 55 minutes Walking Time “Argentiere”
  • STAGE 10: 9miles, 4133′ ascent, 1575′ decent, 6 hours 30 minutes Walking Time (ropes and ladders, cable car) “Finish”

September 5th (Tuesday): TMB Day 1

  • Chamonix to Les Houches 
    • Lunch: Can be purchased in Chamonix
    • Distance: 8.32miles (10.56miles w/o cc)  ( 13.4km (17km w/o cc))
    • Ascent: 2132′ (4921′) (650m (1500m))
    • Descent: 4921′ (1500m (1500m))
    • Walking Time: 5hr30min (8hr)
    • Description: 
      • Your day starts with a cable car ride from the centre of Chamonix, which takes you up to Planpraz at nearly 2000 meters.
        • You have an option to walk up, but this is a steep walk on the busy trails in the trees above Chamonix, which adds more than 2 hours of tough walking, making it a very long day.
      • Once at Planpraz, above the tree line, you continue ascending to Col du Brevent where a rocky and interesting path leads you to just below the summit of Brevent.
        • Here, you begin a stunning high level traverse above the Chamonix valley with exceptional views of Mont Blanc until you reach the Bellachat mountain hut.
      • From the hut, you descend to the village Les Houches and your hotel for the night.
  • Hotel Chris-Tal
    • 242 avenue des alpages 74310 Les Houches, France
    • 2xDouble, 1xTriple, 1xSingle
    • Restaurant: La Dent De Geant
    • Indoor Pool
    • Sauna: extra with reservation only
    • Lunch Pack: purchase in Chamonix

September 6th (Wednesday): TMB Day 2

  • Les Houches to Les Contamines
    • Lunch: can be purchased in Les Houches
    • Description: 
      • You have a choice of two routes to Les Contamines: Tricot Pass or Voza Pass
      • Tricot Pass Option: The higher Tricot pass offers the most rugged views and include the crossing of a suspension bridge. 
        • Tricot Distance: 11.2miles (13miles) (18km (21km w/o cc))
        • Tricot Ascent: 2132′ (650m (1325m))
        • Tricot Descent: 3737′ (1130m) 
        • Tricot Walking Time: 6hr 20min (8hr5min)
          • Cable car to the top of the ski area in Les Houches.
          • Traverse below the towering Aiguille de Bionnasay
          • Cross the snout of it’s glacier on a suspension bridge
          • Then arriving at the Col de Tricot.
          • It’s now steeply downhill to the Miage mountain pasture
            • where a charming mountain hut sells refreshments,
          • We continue on the last stretch to the charming village Les Contamines.
      • Voza Pass Option:  The lower Voza pass takes you through old hamlets and pastures and is ideal if the legs are tired or the weather poor.
        • Voza Distance: 13miles (18km) 
        • Voza Ascent: 3182′ (970m)
        • Voza Descent: 2608′ (795m)
        • Voza Walking Time: 5hr15min
          • Walk (a cable car may be used) through the ski area of Les Houches to the Voza pass.
          • Descend through idyllic old farming villages
          • And through meadows to the bottom of the Contamines Valley.
          • Here, you follow a gushing stream into the village of Les Contamines and your hotel.
  • Hotel La Chemenaz 
    • F-74170 Les Contamines-Montjoie +33 4 50 47 02 44
    • 2xDouble, 2xTwin
    • Restaurant: La Trabla -> menu
      • gluten free meals
    • Sauna and jacuzzi, outdoor pool
    • wifi not good at hotel, but great at bar across street

September 7th (Thursday): TMB Day 3

  • Les Contamines to Vallee des Glaciers
    • Lunch: can be purchased in Les Contamines
    • Distance: 11.8miles (19km) 
    • Ascent:  4035′ (1230m)
    • Descent: 3051′ (930m)
    • Walking Time: 6hr35min
    • Description:
      • Climb steadily up an old roman way towards the top of the Contamines valley.
      • A stunning and wild walk now takes you over two mountain passes:
        • Col du Bonhomme and
        • Col de la Croix de Bonhomme
      • Descend to a small dairy producing hamlet in the Glaciers valley.
      • The night is spend night in a bustling mountain hut full of other hikers.
  • Refuge de la Nova 
    • Les Chapieux, Vallee des Glaciers, France 
    • 2xDouble, 2xTwin
    • Restaurant: try the tartiflette!

September 6th (Friday): TMB Day 4

  • Vallée des Glaciers to Courmayeur
    • Lunch: can be purchased at Refuge De Mottets (??)
    • Description: 
      • You have a choice of two routes to Courmayeur: Seigne Pass or Col Checrouit
      • Seigne Pass Option: This the shortest and preferred route, particularly in early and late season where the lift and cable car to Courmayeur does not yet operate.
        • Seigne Distance: 11.5miles (9miles w/Navette) (18.5km (14.5km w/ Navette)
        • Seigne Ascent: 3182′ (2362′) (970m (720m))
        • Seigne Descent: 2837′ (865m) 
        • Seigne Walking Time: 6hr 15min (5hr)
          • From the mountain hut, you walk (or catch a short transfer) up the valley to a small dairy farm at la Ville des Glaciers.
          • From here, you begin the ascent to the Seigne mountain pass,
          • where you cross the border into Italy
            • and are met by your first views of the dramatic Italian side of Mont Blanc.
          • A gentle descent into the beautiful Val Veny follows,
          • before you arrive at la Visaille
          • and catch a bus or taxi the last,
            • short stretch into Courmayeur.
      • Col Checrouit Option: takes in an additional ascent and high level traverse.
      • NOTE: Likely lifts close at end of August…VERIFY! 
        • Checrouit Distance: 31km (21km w/ lifts)
        • Checrouit Ascent: 1320 (1070m)
        • Checrouit Descent: 1335m (625m)
        • Checrouit Walking Time: 9hr 30min (7hr15min)
          • Take in an additional ascent and high level traverse to Col Checkout
          •  before descending by foot, or cable car, to Courmayeur.
  • Hotel Walser 
    • St. Margherita 11013 Courmayeur Italy +39-0165-87.48.24
    • 2xDouble, 1xTriple, 1Single
    • Breakfast only,  no dinner included
    • Sauna
  • Aosta white wines are the local, very affordable wines! 
  • Explore town for dinner!
    • Caffe della Posta: good fun bar
    • Ancien Casino
    • Pizzeria du Tunnel
      • a bit cramped with tables but food good

September 9th (Saturday): TMB Day 5

  • Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
    • Lunch: Lunch packs can be purchased in Courmayeur
    • Distance: 8.4miles (w/ Mont de la Saxe: 10.3miles) (13.5km (w/ Mont de la Saxe: 16.5km))
    • Ascent: 3182′ (970m  (1470m))
    • Descent: 656′ (200m  (600m))
    • Walking Time: 4hr45min  (6hr15min)
    • Description:
      • From the town centre of Courmayeur,  you start your climb to the Bertone hut.
      • At the hut you have an option of two routes.
        • On either route, you will be enjoying breathtaking views of the towering peaks that form the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
          • The shorter route contours gently around the Mont de la Saxe ridge high above the Ferret valley until you arrive at the small, picturesque Malatre valley and the perfectly situated Rifugio Bonatti.
          • The longer route ascends to the crest of the Mont de la Saxe ridge and traverse along the ridge line to Col Sapin. From here, you have a small descend before a final ascent takes you to the Col entre deux Sautes and into the Malatra valley. It is now an enjoyable descent to Rifugio Bonatti.
  • Rifugio Bonatti 
    • Val Malatre, Italy
    • Dormitory Room with shared toilet & showers.
    • @ 2025m
    • Don’t rush to get there before 2:30pm
    • They offer slippers for everyone
    • rated best Refugio on TMB
    • best vegetarian food
    • tokens for shower
      • TIP: get everything ready, turn showers on before putting token in

September 10th (Sunday): TMB Day 6

  • Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly
    • Lunch: Lunch packs can be purchased Rifugio Bonatti 
      • TIP: Don’t buy lunch as Elena Mtn Hut is 2 hours out
    • Distance: 17.5km (via Plampro: 18km) (17.5km (via Plampro: 18km))
    • Ascent: 2887′ (880m  (930m))
    • Descent: 4265′ (1300m  (1350m))
    • Walking Time: 5hr55min  (6hr5min)
    • Description:
      • From the town centre of Courmayeur,  you start your climb to the Bertone hut.
      • At the hut you have an option of two routes.
        • On either route, you will be enjoying breathtaking views of the towering peaks that form the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
          • The shorter route contours gently around the Mont de la Saxe ridge high above the Ferret valley until you arrive at the small, picturesque Malatre valley and the perfectly situated Rifugio Bonatti.
          • The longer route ascends to the crest of the Mont de la Saxe ridge and traverse along the ridge line to Col Sapin. From here, you have a small descend before a final ascent takes you to the Col entre deux Sautes and into the Malatra valley. It is now an enjoyable descent to Rifugio Bonatti.
  • Hotel Edelweiss 
    • Rte de Ferret 38 1944 La Fouly, Switzerland +41 (0)27 783 26 21
    • 4xTwin
    • ??need swiss francs?  Bill says no?
    • Take your boots off immediately, as they are freakish about dirt in their place. We will be escorted to the boot room immedatiately.  Not known for friendly service !!!!
    • Good shower, Hair dryers,
    • Buy house wines as off wine menu are crazy expensive
    • food has mixed reviews and not huge portions.  
    • Gluten free meals but no gluten free breads.
    • Supermarket in town
    • Restaurant options if we want:
      • Augerges des Glaciers
      • Pizzeria

September 11th (Monday): TMB Day 7

  • La Fouly to Champex
    • Lunch: Lunch packs can be purchased in La Fouly 
    • Distance: 9.3miles (15km)
    • Ascent: 1410′ (430m)
    • Descent: 1804′ (550m)
    • Walking Time: 4hr
    • Description:
      • A gentle day today
      • Starting with a walk down the Swiss Ferret valley,
      • Along a gushing river and through charming old Swiss farming villages.
      • A relatively short ascent take you through wood land to the picturesque lake-side village Champex.
  • Hotel Glacier 
    • CH-1938 Champex-lac, Switzerland +41 27 782 61 51
    • 2xDouble, 2xTwin
    • great food, friendly staff
    • good bakery if you want to take something with  you
    • nice walk to lake

September 12th (Tuesday): TMB Day 8

  • Champex to Trient
    • Lunch: Lunch packs can be purchased in Champex 
    • Description: 
      • You have a choice of two routes depending on how you feel and the current conditions. Either way, you end the day in the small village of Trient.
      • Fenetre dArpette Option: You can cross the notorious Fenêtre d’Arpette
        • Arpette Distance: 9.63miles (15.5km)
        • Arpette Ascent: 3871′ (1180m)
        • Arpette Descent: 4543′ (1385m) 
        • Arpette Walking Time: 6hr 35min
          • A tiny mountain pass cut into a rugged alpine ridge.
          • This route requires good weather.
      • Bovine Option: You can opt for the gentler Bovine route.
        • Bovine Distance: 10.6 (17km)
        • Bovine Ascent: 2526′ (770m)
        • Bovine Descent: 3215′ (980m)
        • Bovine Walking Time: 5hr 30min
          • Take you via an old farm,
            • also serving as a mountain hut
          • Offers superb views of the large Rhone valley. 
  • Auberge la Grande Ourse 
    • Le Betty 30 1929 Trient, Switzerland +41 27 722 17 54
    • 2xDouble, 1xQuad
    • more of a hostel feel here, mixed reviews
    • hotel laundry service
    • food good,
    • breakfast is minimal and some suggest going early,
    • great beer garden with view
    • great hot showers

September 13th (Wednesday): TMB Day 9

  • Trient to Argentiere
    • Lunch: Lunch packs can be purchased at the Auberge in Trient 
    • Distance: 9miles (14.5km)
    • Ascent: 3642′ (1110m)
    • Descent: 3789′ (1155m)
    • Walking Time: 5hr55min
    • Description:
      • Hike steadily up to the Balme pass
      • Cross the border into France and the Chamonix valley.
      • Traverse the ridge line of the Aiguillette des Posettes
      • Enjoying breathtaking views of the Swiss and the French Alps
      • Descending to the village Argentière
  • Hotel Couronne
    • 285, rue Carlet Straton – Argentiere, France +33 (0)4 50 54 00 02
    • 2xDouble, 1xTriple, 1Single
    • Restaurant: Les Cheserys
    • near a supermarket
    • breakfast buffet starts at 7:30am
    • Happy Hour at the Office Bar
      • fun atmosphere
    • Bakery for sandwichs

September 11th (Thursday): TMB Day 10

  • Argentiere to Chamonix
    • Lunch: can be purchased in Argentiere
    • Description: 
      • You leave Argentière and ascend steeply through trees into the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve.
      • Ropes Option: A challenging section with ropes and ladders ads interest to this final day
      • Gentle Option: If you prefer to give the challenges a miss, or if weather and conditions are poor, a gentler route via the Cheserys chalet is possible
      • Distance:
        • Ropes: 9miles (10.9miles w/o cc) (14.5km (17.5km w/o cc))
        • Gentle: 8.38miles (10.9miles) (13.5km (17.5km w/o cc)
      • Ascent: 4134′ (1260m)
      • Descent: 1575′ (4855′ w/o cc) (480m  (1480m w/o cc))
      • Walking Time:
        • Ropes: 6hr 30min (8hr)
        • Gentle: 6hr 20min (7hr50min)
      • Once above the trees a stunning high level walk with some of the finest views in the Alps awaits.
      • If the legs are strong,
        • you can go via the beautiful mountain lake, lac Blanc
          • where a mountain hut serves refreshments.
      • All too soon, you arrive at Planpraz and commence your descend to Chamonix
        • by foot or a cable car.
  • Hotel De l’Arve
    • 60 Impasse des Anémones, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31
    • 2xDouble, 2xTwin

September 15th (Friday): End of TMB

  • Hotel breakfast