Has anyone experience with this trek? The 100+ mile path goes around Mt. Blanc, passing through France, Switzerland and Italy. I’s signed up for the trek in September 2006 and would like to hear from people who have done it.
Sorry for posting outside the topic of the AT.
Two Hats
Two Hats
Two Hats,
Check out Dave and Michele’s 2004 journal, one of the best from that year IMHO. Snowbird has a 2005 journal. The times of year they hiked are different (earlier in the summer) from what it sounds like when you want to do it. Snowbird had made arrangements for the huts to be reserved for him. From what I hear September weather is pretty stable in the Alps and most of the August tourists are gone…also means some of the services in towns and the huts may be shut down for the year. Both journalists were quite responsive when I dropped them a line and had lots of advice. Good maps and guidebooks are available in English, though you may have to find creative avenues to get them…try amazon.co.uk; I got mine while in Europe last year.
BT
Backtrack
I did this with a group in Aug. 2000. We had a fabulous trip with really great weather. The tour was run by Exodus Travel which is a UK company, but I think we heard about it from GAP in this country. People were from all over…most were Brits…but even from Australia, Canada, Ireland, etc. We started from Chamonix and walked around the massif. There was a separate camping group which we would see as they batted by us on the trail. I much preferred the fixed base accommodations with the buses bringing our luggage on to the next place…sometimes we would stay a few days at one place which was welcomed.
There are a number of ways to take the tour, I guess is what I’m trying to say. You should have no trouble finding the one which will suit you. Happy Trails!
Lady Di
when: beginnign of July-mid September.
During summer vocation reserving is essential if you don’t chose a tent. best to start from Chamonix going south and around. Food and water available every where. Good wine too.
Fly to Geneve and then a train to Chamonix. Take it slow and leisure. Best book is the FFRP in French but the maps are fantastic. Trail is well marked. Give it at least 10 days.Email me for more info.
french connection
I did this hike in the summer of 2004. It is a great hike! Check out my journal for more info.
Roadrunner
Dear Roadrunner, french connection, Lady Di and Backtrack,
Thank you so much for your info and encouragement. I’m really looking forward to this trip - even more now that I’ve heard from all of you enthusiastic folks! The trip is being offered by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) and has room for one more if you know anyone who might be interested (Sept. 9-22, 2006).
Two Hats
Two Hats
By now you may have seen my journal from earlier this year. It’s a great hike – the scenery is absolutely spectacular. I did the John Muir Trail in the summer of 2004 and the TMB was more scenic. I also heard that huts and vendors start to shut down in September, but if you’re with a group and have spots booked for you in the refuges every night, that’s not much of an issue, although some of the stores might be shut going through the villages. If you have specific questions about gear, routes, or whatever, don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
Snowbird
Snowbird