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Grande Traversee des Alpes: Pt 1 2008

Chamonix to Briancon
Hut-to-Hut

The Trip

Part 1 of our journey begins at the foot of the Mont Blanc range in Chamonix. We spend 7 days hiking from the highest peaks in Europe south, through the Savoie and the Vanoise National Park, to the pleasant mountain village of Pralognan.

Established in 1963, the Vanoise is France’s first national park. A wonderfully remote and expansive area, the Vanoise massif encompasses 82 kilometers of pristine peaks and glaciers, captures a vast array of alpine wildlife, and preserves the essence of French rural existence. A classic alpine hut-to-hut route, this is a perfect overture to this long distance hike.

Part 1 of the GR 5 offers mostly remote alpine hiking while staying at wonderful mountain refuges. The route is often wide open and the vistas are expansive.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Group transfer at 1:00 pm. to Chamonix, France. Welcome dinner and orientation. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860').

Day 2: Short transfer by bus to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue (5,610'). Here we begin today’s hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995') with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After our steep descent from the col we arrive at our refuge.

Day 3: Departing from Les Contamines in the mid morning, we hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to our overnight stop.

Day 4: We begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme (8,200'). The route from the Refuge de la Croix Bonhomme follows the narrow ridge of the Crete des Gittes, built by the French Military and then drops down to the col de Sauce and to the Plan de la Lai (6,000') and up to the Refuge Maya. Views of Mont Pourri dominate the scenery.

Day 5: Our hike today leads us high above the Roseland Dam to the col Bresson flanked by dolomite-like arretes and aiguilles including the bold Pierra Menta. From here, our hike down to the refuge is spectacular. This simple refuge has a calm and remote setting.

Day 6: Hike to the quiet village of Velezan continuing into Parc National Vanoise. The hiking is stunning as we emerge on to a high broad valley surrounded by rocky peaks and waterfalls fed by the high snowfields and glaciers. From here we get our first glimpse of the huge Grande Motte.

Day 7: The morning part of the hike climbs up to the col du Palet (8,750'). The ever-widening valley is flanked by the Dome de Platieres and the tapered peak of Aliet. Up ahead lies the Grande Motte (12,500') draped with huge glaciers. In the early morning we are witnesses to dozens of marmots, chamois and perhaps some ibex. We pass Lac des Nettes before dropping down to the remote Refuge de la Leisse. The refuge is perched on a small knoll looking down the remote valley.

Day 8: The route continues to follow the quiet, beautiful valley and the Torrent de la Leisse down to the Pont (bridge) de Mon Croe Vie to the col de la Vanoise. Rounding the very prominent Aiguille de la Vanoise, we hike down to the mountain village of Pralognan.

Day 9: We begin our hike in the Vallon du Doron and ascend to the col de Chaviere. This col is the highest col of any of France·s long distance routes and offers an impressive view of the Mont Blanc Massif over 100 miles away. In the late afternoon we will transfer to our hotel in Briancon and meet those joining for Part 2 of the hike.

Day 10: Part 1 will end at the hotel in Briancon. There is regular train service from Briancon to Geneva or Paris just allow for travel time.

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Additional Information:

Included:

Group transfers, all accommodations, all breakfasts, most dinners, all group transfers on vans, buses, trains and ski lifts as described in the itinerary, luggage transfer for one medium-sized duffel bag from your starting point to the end of the trip, guides, great hiking and memories!

Not Included:

Airfare, lunches, optional/individual transfers or excursions, 1 dinner in Pralognan, items not on set dinner menu, tips to guides/leaders, beverages, insurance, excess baggage charge, items of personal nature.

Luggage:

This hike is not vehicle supported. You will need to carry a small to moderate sized pack with only the clothing and accessories you will need for the duration of hike. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it's possible to keep your pack weight to 20 lbs. including lunch and water. Any extra luggage or belongings you may have will meet you at the end of the hike.

Accommodations and Facilities:

Hotels are generally 2 or 3 star hotels with private baths. Breakfasts are served at the hotel.

The mountain huts or refuges have their own charm and unique character. All are remote and located in spectacular settings. The shared facilities are simple, but have hot showers. They accommodate 20 to 40 hikers, sometimes more. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

Meeting point:

Geneva airport at 1:00 pm on the first day of the trip for a group transfer to Chamonix.

Ending point:

At the hotel in Briancon, from where there are train connections to Geneva or Paris and other parts of Europe. You may need to add an overnight before your departure. Train travel time from Briancon to Genenva is about 7 hours (via Lyon) and to Paris is about 5 hours.

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.