Internationale groepsreis Tour du Mont Blanc Week

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

My first group trekking trip and it won't be my last; infact I am already planning more adventures with Exodus! I chose this particular trip as a taster or starter to see how I coped with challenging walking. The whole trip worked out really well from flights to the walk and accomodation.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Meeting the 12 others in my group who were all fantastic people! Everyone had a good chat during the trip and we all got on well with each other (I hope we can all stay in contact!). The scenery around Mont Blanc was breath taking of course and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere back at base in Chamonix.

What did you think of your group leader?

A real inspiration to me to see how he organised the group and kept in control. The bag packing briefing was really well done and I learnt a lot about what I didn't need on the trip. Graham was a very responsible leader heading off quickly at one stage whilst the group took lunch to make sure that a refuge was open then came back again to give us the all clear!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take note of how little you need on the walk! Less is more but don't forget the important clothes such as waterproof trousers!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'll be booking my next trip with Exodus very soon. My goal for the future is to go to Everest base camp.

tour du Mont Blanc

This trip lived up to all the expectations. The weather was mixed with heavy rain and sleet and three days of sunshine. Two things make a trip like this successful, the leader and the way in which the group gel together and interact. Both of these ingredients were very much in evidence and this made the trip an even better experience. The trekking was at the right pace and there was good support of each other throughout the 8 days. the accommodation and food were excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

by far the most inspirational moments of the trip were the magnificent alpine views of glaciers and soaring peaks. the snow level was very low and this added to the majestic landscape we saw. Also the fact that there were many other groups and individuals along the route and the friendships made were excellent.

What did you think of your group leader?

First class. She had done her homework on the group and planned her day around supporting each individuals needs - quite difficult on a trip like this. She was informative about local issues and confident and clear with her directions and instructions. She also had a sense of humour!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a tough walk and dont underestimate the fact that you will be walking over 70 miles with 6500m of ascent over 6 days. Travel as light as possible - about 9k max.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

i would have preferred to stay at the higher level huts and hostels rather than keep dropping down to the valley accommodation.

A walk through one of the world's most beautiful places

We were fortunate in having sunshine every day . We were able to see the Mont Blanc massif at its very best- a glorious vision of splendour . This is a journey i would urge anyone who enjoys walking in the mountains to undertake. It is challenging but with a good level of fitness it is not daunting.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The final day when we walked along Le Garnd balcon Sud and saw the Mont Blanc range slowly reveal itself as the clouds drifted upwards and away.

What did you think of your group leader?

Johnie Briggs was an inspirational leader who was a major contributor to the success of the Tour. He kept us in sight like a patient sheep dog allowing the free spirits amongst us to surge ahead but being there with the more plodding members of the party as they stomped up the hills using the Alpine amble he had taught us and which we found so useful. Lots of small steps and use of the gluteal muscles to pull the legs back at each extended stride. he was full of information about flora and fauna and history of the area.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You can travel with just one small to medium sized ruck sac taking merely waterproofs and a light alpine fleece washing things and hat gloves and maybe a change of clothes. Many of our party washed out quick drying clothes overnight .

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have been on many such treks and rate this amongst the very best.

TMB July 2015

Very enjoyable trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Great mix of ages and nationalities in what soon became a tight group.

What did you think of your group leader?

Experienced and knowledgable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be ruthless when choosing the kit you will carry. 8-9 hours of challenging walking every day. Long and often steep climbs and decent. Worth every step for the places and views you will encounter.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

First experience of Exodus. Good website to find a suitable package at a reasonable cost. Good experiences before and during the trip. Will certainly consider using again.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Week

Tough but doable. Like being with a group, but this particular trip would work just as well self-guided, and would have seemed more like a holiday (as opposed to a "forced march").

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Top of Col de Tricot, the end of the toughest climb on the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Quite capable, although sometimes more interested in adhering to overly rigid timetables than to accommodating the group's comfort.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Expect steep up and steep down, all day. Given the same guide and local organizer, expect brief, regimented breaks, and poor communications between the guide and local organizer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Accommodation on night four was in a mountain hut, below the standard advertised for the trip. Understandable, if circumstances beyond the tour organizer's control dictated same, however in this case even our guide was unaware of the change in accommodation. The manner in which this downgrade took place, not the facility itself, soured my opinion of this tour.

One Week Tour du Mont Blanc

Exhilarating views, good food, great guide, fabulous flowers, good company, hard exercise!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Every time we reached the "Col" from one valley or country to the next, and had the fantastic views in both directions...

What did you think of your group leader?

Jenny was great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

These hills are high and the ascents are steep. You will climb 900-1200m per day and it can be hot. So pack really light. Our packs weighed about 6 kg [not including water]. Suggestions: take 2 walking T shirts and one evening shirt. Take 2 pairs of "zip-offs", 2 or 3 pairs of socks, one/two warm fleece, and waterproofs/windbreak. Each night wash your "smalls"/shorts etc in your room and they're usually dry by morning. Take headwear (something that will keep your head warm at altitude and something to keep your head shaded from the (very strong) sun. Carry two medium sized waterbottles. Take sunglasses, suncream and some travel wash. No need for insect repellent. Accommodation has hair dryers. Some places have wifi, some places dont, and one place has no mobile signal at all. Have shoes with really good grip - you can be on mud, on rocks, and on snow. Take flip-flops or similar for evenings in hotel. Most places give you a little soap or shampoo too. Most people brought walking poles, we didn't. Personal preference. Fine without but helpful on slippy areas. You can leave stuff at the first night's hotel and it will be ready for you on the Thursday on arriving in Chamonix. so then you can refresh clothing etc.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The views will blow you away. The abundant wild flowers are beautiful. Don't make any mistake though - this is hard walking, both going up and coming down. You do have do be confident you can manage the likes of Scafell Pike without too much trouble. Most days you can either get a packed lunch made up by the hotel but much cheaper and tastier is to buy some local produce from a local shop at the start of the day: some cheese , bread, fruit, chocolate etc. So carry a small knife to cut the bread. Final comment - Switzerland is expensive, so is Chamonix.

Tour du Mont Blanc Week (TWP)

Jenny was a patient competent leader. The terrain was amazing and fellow hikers a lot of fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Loved the steep steady uphill climbs and enjoyed when we were given free rain to climb straight for 2 hours. Also loved the experience on the top of Mont Blanc on the optional day. would love to go back to hike the glacier and possibly learn to summit the top.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jenny was great and worked well with the variety of needs within the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have a good cardio base before going as well as bring hiking poles. the downhills can be steep and long so will be hard on weak knees.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

It was quite an experience circling the Mont Blanc Massif and each day was different. There were a couple of days of easy walking to get your kit settled in and then some real treking.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The best day was climbing up to Lac Blanc. It's the busiest part of the route but for good reason, climbing ladders attached to the rockface, seeing Ibex at close quarters, seeing the views of Mont Blanc from the lake and descending into Chamonix all made for a fantastic days trek.

What did you think of your group leader?

We were in safe hands with Graham. He knew so much about the different routes and the best way to go and he managed to challenge everyone in the group by adding in extras.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travel as light as you can because you'll be carrying your kit and there are plenty of places on route to get fresh water or drinks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take a camera.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

This was a fantastic trek, taking in 3 countries in a week. The scenery was stunning and varied, as was the weather.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing up to the highest pass, looking back at what we had already covered and looking ahead into Italy. The flowers were fantastic all along the route, but especially at his point which made it all the more stunning.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alison was fantastic; appeared very laid back but was very skilled at managing the group.  She demonstrated what was in her rucksack at the beginning of the trip.  As a result most people carried a lot less, making the trip much more manageable and enjoyable..you really do NOT need lots of changes of clothing, when staying mainly in mountain huts. She was also clearly very fit and experinced in the mountains, and always cheerful and positive.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ensure you have a good level of fitness and have walked in mountains beforehand; it makes it much more enjoyable. Do not take too much stuff; quick drying gear which can be washed out and dry overnight is ideal, but be prepared for rain/sleet/snow.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If taking anyting extra, make it a pair of socks!...

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Despite incorrect information regarding car parking in Chamonix, the trip itself was a great experience, thanks to the group leader. Mine wasn't the only experience in the group of admin problems and incorrect information, I'll let the others comment on that.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The final day up to Lake Blanc was amazing and a wonderful experience. The views were stunning and the weather and company perfect.

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham Hickman has a love for the mountains and a passion to share it that is obvious to everyone. His knowledge, wit and experience, together with a few little extra trips thrown in made this a special trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes, double check everything you get told by the admin team, unfortunately the opinion of their accuracy was not high!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For me the saving grace was the quality of the group leader - excellent!

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Spectacular mountains and great guide - A brilliant way to see Mont Blanc in all its glory!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Lac Blanc - it really is a beautiful as it looks in the photos.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ian was brilliant - he had great knowledge of the Mont Blanc region and was able to point out all the various flora and fauna en route.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go! Seeing such spectacular views in one week is amazing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A brilliant trip, best of all because you get to eat cake in France, Italy and Switzerland!

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

An excellent trip in an area I'd never visited before.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views of Mont Blanc and associated mountains on the last day. It was clear, the sky was blue - you couldn't help but keep stopping to admire the view

What did you think of your group leader?

Nick was a great bloke who was a very relaxed leader but willing (and able) to exercise control when necessary.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack light and then remove half of what you've packed - honestly you don't really need that much for what is 4 nights away. You'll appreciate it going up those passes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

We had a great mix of people in our group - very cosmopolitan, young and old, with an international flavour and a wide range of hiking expertise. There was a great sense of camraderie where those with greater experience helped and encouraged those with less experience. This might have frustrated those with more 'individualistic' attitudes but this was a group holiday after all so teamwork is important. Less experienced hikers responded well to the general positivity and grew in confidence as the week progressed. This is a physically demanding trek and enjoyment will definitely be enhanced by having a good level of basic fitness. A rustic element is part of the overall experience so be prepared for dormitary sleeping facilities for 3 nights, but this was very nicely counter-balanced by staying one night in a comfortable hotel midway through the week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were 2 stand-out on a personal level during our trip: While all 13 members of the group successfully completed the demanding 1-week itinerary, special mention is due to the oldest member of the group, who, at 75 years of age, was an absolute inspiration to everyone, some of whom were less than half his age. Another group member whose pre-trip training was severely curtailed having been hospitalised for pneumonia 2 months before departure showed utter determination in admirably defying the odds to get up all of the most challenging ascents and just never gave up. There were coutless moments of scenic inspiration. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham, a top-class guide, did an excellent job. He managed the spectrum of ability in the group very skillfully so that everyone successfully completed each days' walk. He was gently engaging with everyone and did not insinuate himself socially in any excessively imposing way. He had helpful suggestions and advice on clothing options, and gave regular tips for cost-saving measures when buying foodstuffs to take with you each day. He had a great knowledge of local terrain and prevailing conditions which gave a very comforting sense of confidence to all of us. At the end of each day he did a summary of our progress with the aid of a map, and sumarised what to expect on the following days walk. All of this greatly added to our sense of enjoyment.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't expect luxury accomodation on route - it is adequate and appropriate to the rustic nature of what you are doing in the surroundings you are in. A good basic level of fitness is highly desirable. It is physically tough but not excessively so for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Although challenging, it is relatively short. I would consider it a good preparation for those considering longer treks of a demanding nature (such as the GR 20 in Corsica or Everest base camp). Those with a sense of sociability and teamwork will find this more rewarding than those with strongly independent, individualistic attitudes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food is pretty basic and relatively unexciting - gourmet food enthusiasts will not get the opportunity to indulge their tastebuds much over the course of the week! Nevertheless we had one vegetarian in our group and his needs were more than adequately catered for.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

A really good trip, with some great views and hard intense days but a lot of fun, overall an excellent trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The col climbs were often very tough with 1,000m of height gain in 3 - 4 hours! As well as this the weather was very changeable and we had a number of rainy days which meant making sure waterproofs were close to hand and that things didn't get to wet.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alison was knowledgable and friendly and seemed to have a lot of mountain walking experience which was very reassuring. A very good leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack as light as possible and certainly don't take more than a 35 litre pack, it is unlikely you would use all the stuff in a bigger pack and you will really appreciate the lighter load as you carry it day after day across the trip.  Our leader showed us what she was taking and it was minimal my advice would be ask yourself if you really need it before packing it in your pack for the main trek.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mont Blanc Circuit - Quick and Light(ish)

A fast and (preferably) light tour around the iconic Mont Blanc Massif. With an emphasis on seeing the highlights of the Mont Blanc circuit, you can definitely expect your money’s worth of walking when trying to cover as much of the amazing scenery as this trip takes in.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just being in the surroundings makes you want to get out and walk. There was never any reservation on waking each morning. Anticipating what was to come and looking forward to each day meant I couldn’t wait to get started each day!

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham led us with humour, panache and a very finely judged approach. It’s easy when leading in potentially hazardous environments to set rules in stone and forget that the group is composed of adults, not children requiring herding for a to b. Graham was able to move the group at a pace that kept most people happy most of the time, provide plenty of stops for information, breath catching, photos and snacks. If you find yourself being guided by Graham, consider yourself lucky – he’s as good as I’ve come across in my adventures.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travel light. No, lighter than that. A bit lighter still... Save that half used toothpaste tube and use it on this trip. Take a smaller bit of soap, not a massive new showergel bottle. There’s no getting away from it. You walk up hills a lot on this trip. The lighter the bag, the easier it is. You come down them too. Your knees will thank you for leaving the hardback bestseller back in Chamonix. For example, two tee-shirts (one day, one night) will see you through the week easily. If you must, you could even wash the daytime tee and dry it overnight. If you're wondering why I say all this, what with three litres of water, lunch, an SLR and a bit too much in the way of clothing, my bag was 17kg, joint heaviest on our trip. I figured I could cut four kg out easily and will do next time! Earplugs are a must for a good night’s sleep in the dorms. Someone will snore. Someone will get up for a wee. If you’re used to dorm living, this will be normal to you. If you’ve never stayed in dorms before, fear not – these were some of the nicest I’ve experienced, with comfy beds, nice and warm. They may feel cosy, with fellow travellers in close proximity, but embrace it and enjoy it! Watch the guide. If they put a jacket on, it’s probably going to get wet. If they’re in a tee-shirt, it’s looking good. Get some training done. Each day contained a significant climb and descent. Our group was described as averagely fit and we spent between six and eight hours walking each day. The fitter you are, the more time you can spend looking at the magnificent views, instead of staring down at your feet on a never ending trudge. I absolutely promise the views are worth the extra effort. If you get a nosebleed and use a tampon to staunch the bloodflow, be prepared for your fellow walkers to point, laugh and take photos. Thank you Richard for this most memorable of moments.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you love walking and want to cover some ground in a week, take in some world-class views and blow away any lingering cobwebs that have accumulated since your last holiday, this is a great trip. If told I was leaving on Saturday to repeat it, I would be on that plane with no hesitation.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

A trek through the most impressive scenery I've encountered in Europe

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader was Rupert, an international mountain guide who obviously new the area well .  A convivial chap and skilled leader in many ways - he really enhanced our enjoyment of this holiday.   5 star.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take flip flops for the evenings as boots have to be left at the door of the refuges.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Be prepared not to get much sleep in the dorms, some of the bunks are 6 beds wide and you may find yourself in the middle surrounded by snorers! 

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Had a great time. Breathtaking scenery & great way to see the Alps in a week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Crossing the Col du Bonhomme.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alison was great. Very informative but relaxed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

1 week isn't enough, but if you are thinking about this trip, because you only have a week, go for it. Just one day in the Alps is better than a week in the office.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

great route, great guide. well organised

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery and the isolation

What did you think of your group leader?

excellent. very knowledgeable. Looked after the group well - knew how to set the walking pace

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

don't under-estimate the physical work involved. If you're prepared then you'll love it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Personally, i would like to have done 1 - 2 hours more walking each day, especially as it is labelled as a challenging trip. However, i appreciate the guide has to cater for various people. The food at each of the huts / hotels was excellent - better than i expected

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

A great trip with stunning scenery.Long days short nights.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The view from Grand col Ferret.The camaraderie of the group members.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rupert was very knowledgeable about the local flora & fauna,customs & food.He tried hard to keep together a group of differing fitness levels & was always encouraging everyone.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A good level of fitness is required & be prepared for very basic levels of accommodation in the hotel dormitories'.Keep your rucksack as light as you can.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hard days .Tired nights but a great experience.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

An excellent alpine walking holiday - lived up to all my expectations.  Fantastic scenery, wild flowers, characterful accomodation and excellently led.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being able to see so many alpine flowers in mid July - this was because the snow had stayed later this year - and having a leader who was as interested in identifyingand talking about wild flowers as I am! The baked apple stuffed with nuts and fruit, heated up in an aga at one of the refuges.  Walking across snow bridges over glacial streams and seeing glaciers close up. Rupert's homemade dice game with the wooden dice he made - played on a pavement while waiting for the bus!

What did you think of your group leader?

Rupert was excellent in leading us all, excellent knowledge of alpine wild flowers, very relaxed approach, made sure everyone was OK in the group all of the timen.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Long walking days with over 1000 metres of ascent and descent most days are wonderful - but good to be reasonably fit before you come to get the most out of the trip. Think minimal when packing your rucsac - pack as little as you need - then rethink and pack less! Walking poles are really useful for both the descents and for crossing snow patches. Don't worry about the dormitory sleeping - its fun!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As a vegetarian I thought I might have a very boring diet - but no, the trip is fine for vegetarians - I really enjoyed the food. I enjoyed every minute!