Hut-to-hut ‘Vues du Mont Blanc’ Trekking Tour

Question 1

Do I need walking poles and how can I rent them?

Answer

Poles come highly recommended by us. We find that after just half a day, customers who haven't used them before love them and buy them as soon as they get home.

Question 2

Do I need to carry all of my things on the mountain?

Answer

While on the mountain you will need to carry clothes as well as a few things for the specific day such as a bottle of water. Your full bag should be around 5kg, plus water. We suggest you pack as lightly as possible but do bring all the items on the packing list.

Question 3

What about meals and water?

Answer

Water

During the summer, it can be quite warm in the Alps so it is important to carry enough water. We strongly recommend taking two litres of water. The tap water at the accommodations you will stay is drinkable but there are limited resources along the way to fill up your bottle. Your guide can give you advice on this each day. If this is a concern for you then pack iodine tablets or other water purification methods.

Food

While trekking, you will taste a great variety of local specialties. You will get a swiss hut breakfast, often with a juices, tea, and coffee. The three-course dinner in the evening is hearty. During the day, you can buy lunch along the way or pay for a packed lunch from the hut. Your guide will help you order if you take that option.

If you have any food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy intolerance, etc) please let us know as soon as possible.

Question 4

Can I book in a group as a solo traveller?

Answer

Absolutely! We get lots of solo travellers - it's a great way to make friends and meet like-minded people.

Question 5

Do you cater for all dietary requirements?

Answer

Yes, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies. You should inform your guide about your dietary requirements at least 14 days prior to the trip. We will inform the accommodation.

Question 6

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

Answer

We stay in 3 different mountain huts. In each, the accommodation is dormitory-style with a communal area for dining and socialising. Some have warm showers. Tokens for these are available to buy from the huts. Where we can't have showers we will try to swim in a lake! There is no WIFI available in any of the huts.

Question 7

Can I join a group?

Answer

Of course. We have a few scheduled trips each summer. Please check the dates of these on the trip page.

Question 8

Do I need walking boots?

Answer

Yes, you should certainly wear walking boots rather than trainers as they provide more grip and help to prevent any sprains/injuries.

Question 9

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Answer

Although this is a great multi-day trek, you need a good level of fitness and should have some prior experience walking in the mountains. If you are new to multi-day treks we recommend you start with you Best of the Matterhorn Trek or our Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.

On a typical day in the mountains, you spend 6-8 hours trekking with a rucksack, at an easy-going pace with lots of stops. We recommend you train regularly by practicing any sport that you enjoy (e.g. running, swimming, tennis). Hiking for a full day with a 5-10kg rucksack as a way of training will also help.

Keep in mind that hill training is essential as we are in the Alps and go over some big ones. It would be best if you also were strong mentally and keep a determined attitude. If you are not sure about your fitness level, then we really suggest implementing a training program.

Also, remember to follow the packing advice so that you don't carry unnecessary weight.

This trip is geared toward adults. The minimum age to join is 18 years. However, 16-18-year-olds are welcome to attend in the company of a responsible adult.

Question 10

How much money should I bring, and in which currency?

Answer

In Switzerland, the Swiss Franc (CHF) is the currency. We recommend changing your money before you arrive as it is not possible once you've left the airport. Most places along the way don't accept credit cards. 250 CHF per person seems about right, depending on how much you eat and drink.

Question 11

What is the terrain like?

Answer

You will be trekking uphill and downhill in a variety of rocky terrain, forest trails, and sometimes gravel tracks. There may be patches of snow to cross. It is important that you are steady on your feet and have experienced walking on mountain paths. We go at a slow steady pace that everyone can keep up with.

Question 12

What is included?

Answer

Included:

- Certified mountain guides

- Accommodation in mountain huts/ hotels in dormitories / shared bedrooms

- Meals (Day 1: Dinner, Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner, Day 3: Breakfast, Dinner, Day 4: Breakfast)

- Planned transport

NOT Included:

- International flights

- Airport transfers

- Visa fees

- Personal travel and rescue insurance

- Lunches (there are places to buy lunches on route)

- Drinks and Souvenirs

Question 13

Should I tip the guide?

Answer

You can tip what you like - it is not mandatory to tip in the Alps, but always appreciated by the hard-working guides.

Question 14

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

Answer

Your guide will meet you at Aigle train station at 12:30, on Day 1 of your trip. Look for the Spiderman (Cinema) on the opposite side of the tracks from the main station area.

At the end of the trip, you will be dropped back at Aigle train station, around 15:00, in time for a train to the airport for an evening flight.

There is a direct train from Geneva airport to Aigle Gare that takes 1.5 hrs. You can pre-book your train ticket at sbb.ch. You can expect to pay approx 40 CHF for a one-way ticket on the day. This is often less if the ticket is booked in advance. Trains are also easy from Zurich airport or other locations across Switzerland.

You can also drive and leave your car at the station.

Question 15

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

Answer

It depends on what you want.

We operate trips from mid-June. Depending on the winter/spring may be snow on the route - which sometimes means we may need to adapt the route.

From late June to August, the flowers are fully blooming. It's warmest during these months, but there is also a higher chance of rain.

In September it's cooler again and the trail is quieter - this can be a very peaceful time to come.

Question 16

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

Answer

The following distances are an approximation for you to get an idea of what the tour will look like, however, they are not exact as routes may have variations depending on different factors.

Question 17

What should I bring?

Answer

Documents

• Passport

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Cash – Euro and Swiss Franc 150 Euros and 150 CHF each person.

• Credit/Debit Card

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag liner (you can buy for 25 CHF from your guide)

Footwear

• Trekking boots: 3 or 4-season lightweight

• Optional: Lightweight shoes for the evenings (such as flip flops, sandals, etc.)

Clothing

Please make sure that you have non-cotton fast-drying clothing for trekking.

• 2 T-shirts for the hike

• 1 Somfortable shirt for the evening

• 4 pairs of socks for hiking

• 3 - 4 pairs of underwear

• Optional fleece

• Light down or Primaloft jacket

• Rain and windproof jacket with hood

• Rain and windproof trousers

• 1 pair of hiking trousers: We recommend a pair that zip off into shorts.

• Comfortable trousers for the evening

• Light Weight Hat and gloves

• Bathing suit

Other

• A daysack: 35 - 45 liters – All your kit should fit in this bag

• Travel towel

• Dry Liner or Dry Bag

• Water bottle: At least 2L

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen and additional sun protection such as a baseball cap or similar

• Personal medication – Inhaler, Blister pads, etc

• General Toiletries, Contact lenses, and Glasses (if needed)

• Electronics - Travel adaptor, phone & charger (see the FAQs about plugs)

• Lipsalve

• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes

Walking poles are available for rent. The cost is 10 CHF and you can get them from your guide

Question 18

Do I need travel insurance?

Answer

Yes, you need travel insurance including search and rescue for hikes up to 3000m. Unfortunately, we're unable to advise on providers.

Question 19

What is a sheet sleeping bag and do I need one?

Answer

A sheet sleeping bag is a thin cotton/ silk/ acrylic sleeping cover that you sleep inside of and also covers your pillow.

The hut, relais, and hotel we stay in do not provide sheets. Each guest is expected to bring their own sheet sleeping bag. They do provide pillows and blankets or duvets though to keep you snuggly and warm if you need them. This cuts down costs and keeps things hygienic and is the normal practice in all the alpine countries.

If you don't have one, you can buy one from your guide at the Vert Lodge, for 25 EUR. Once you have one it is yours to keep, easily washable and useable on your next trip.