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| Self-guided
Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday |
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Self-guided
prices |
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Self-guiding
is a rapily growing market, but for
those who have not come across the concept
before, it couldn't be simpler. You
guide yourself and all the logistics
are arranged for you. In other words
there is no guide or group leader, but
we organise all the boring bits so you
don't have to; route information, maps,
hut bookings etc. You get the advantage
of walking with your friends, at your
pace, rather than as part of a group.
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We
are the only operator to offer self-guided
TMB's, who has an office base in Chamonix,
where you check in and are given a full
briefing by one of our guides. This
base is an essential resource for you,
in case you need to change hut bookings
or any part of your itinerary. It is
there, with a 24 hour emergency number,
to support you throughout your trek.
This level of support is not possible
from others offering self-guided from
the UK... |
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During
your briefing in Chamonix, you are given
a map (for you to keep) of the whole
of the TMB. We provide you an original
copy of a map with similar detail to
Ordnance Survey in the UK. As well as
this you are provided route cards for
each stage of the trek, and these are
key navigational aids, as well as providing
lots of details of the sights and peaks
you will see along the way. |
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We
consider that the detail and accuracy
of our routecards are a key selling
point for our self-guided treks as they
have been meticulously researched and
produced by our TMB guiding team. The
routecards are waterproof and also detail
emergency escape routes, local numbers,
and key information about the route.
You must note that these routecards
used on self-guided treks are suggestions,
and that should you opt to alter any
section of the route, you would be operating
outside the remit of the Icicle holiday.
You are totally responsible for your
own safety on self-guided treks, as
there is no guiding element to the package.
One set of routecards, maps, etc is
provided per group, so that you have
everything you require, but aren't carrying
excess kit. |
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Prices
of self-guiding TMB. The only TMB
option that we offer on a self-guided
basis is the full 10 day classic trek
(12 day holiday), and the prices are
as follows: 1-3 people = £299
in total, and for 4-6 people = £499
in total. Please note that these prices
are NOT per person, but in total. |
| Inclusions |
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Booking
of the mountain hut and valley accommodation
in your name. |
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A new map of the TMB, for you to keep
even after your trek is finished. |
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The detailed Icicle route information
cards, so you know where to go. |
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Language
cards with key phrases, so you can communicate
confidently. |
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Emergency
procedure and mountain rescue card,
in case of an incident. |
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Local information sheets, with details
about the region and key sights. |
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Briefing
on arrival about the route and kit to
take, from a UIMLA guide. |
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24
hour in-resort emergency contact support
through our Chamonix team. |
| Exclusions.
Travel to Chamonix, all accommodation
/ food / lodging costs, activities &
travel insurance, equipment hire, all
other costs as required. |
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It
is a popular feature for self guided
groups to opt to be guided for a couple
of days near the start of their trek,
so that the leader can advise them on
the route, and ensure that their navigation
skills and equipment selection is correct
for the rest of the tour. The cost of
guiding is from £200 per day. |
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How
to book a self-guided TMB?
Our
itinerary can start on any day
that you choose, so decide what
day you would like to start
your trek, and get in touch
with us by e-mail. We will then
upload a private self-guided
trip onto our online booking
system, that is in your name,
and then you can book and pay
securely online. You receive
an immediate e-confirmation
and equipment list to help you
start packing, as well as an
Alpine Courses Booklet. You
receive your trip detailed itinerary
and walking notes etc in Chamonix.
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Price:
£299
  1-3
pers |
| Price:
£499
4-6
pers |
| Note
that these are the total prices, NOT per person.
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| Trip
itinerary details |
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Itinerary
Day 1 -
Travel to Chamonix to arrive for full briefings.
Night in Chamonix.
Day 2 - Les Houches to Col de Voza,
to Contamines. Night at Nant Borrant hut.
Day 3 - Cross the Col du Bonhomme.
Night in Croix du Bonhomme hut.
Day 4 - Croix du Bonhomme to Col
du Fours and Seigne reach the Elizabetta
refuge.
Day 5 - Pass Lac Combal and after
Col Checroui descend to Courmayeur.
Day
6 - Ascend to Bertoni hut, and Mont
de la Saxe to reach the Bonatti hut.
Day 7 - Trek past Elena, over Grand
Col Ferret. Night spent in La Fouly village.
Day 8 - Today is a little easier
as you trek along the Val Ferret, to Champex.
Day 9 - Trek from Champex on the
classic Bovine trail to Col du Forclaz,
and Trient.
Day 10 - Trek over the Col du Balme,
and ascend to the Lac Blanc mountain hut.
Day 11 - Today is your last day of
the trek, from Lac Blanc to Les Houches.
Day 12 - Breakfast & depart
Self-guided
notes
Upgrades
- Our itinerary is the same route as our
classic TMB guided route, and spends the
majority of nights in huts and so upgrades
to small / private rooms are not possible.
Baggage transfers - We do not offer
this service on ecological grounds, and
it is not required, due to the facilities
on the trek. We store your extra baggage
in Chamonix, so you have fresh clothes on
your return.
Itinerary flexibility - We have carefully
researched this trek and do not offer any
variations or bespoke options on it, as
weather will never stop any suitably experienced
groups.
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| Why
so many people choose Icicle for self-guided TMB trips... |
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Other
operators itineraries have far more nights in the valley
as they often include the price of the huts / hotels in
the quote, so are limited to selecting accommodation that
they can pay for from a distance. Mountain huts have no
card machines, which is why we do not include the cost
of the accommodation, just the logistics of booking you
in to the best places, so as to enjoy the best trekking
staying in spectacular locations! |
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We
are the only operator with an office base in Chamonix,
where you can store any baggage that you are not taking
on the trek. Many hotels are reluctant or refuse to store
bags whilst people are away for 10 days, but you can rest
assured that your belongings are stored securely in our
offices for your peace of mind. This is safer and better
storage than leaving your baggage in an hotel luggage
room that can be accessed by anyone. |
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At
each end of the trek you spend a night in Chamonix on
a B&B basis. Below are photos of the chalet that you
usually stay at. As you can see, it is fitted out to a
very high standard, and gives you a bit of luxury before
and after your trek. The feedback from previous clients
on this chalet has been exceptionally high. It is centrally
located, close to bus and train stops, and costs c.45€pp
/ night including breakfast and tourist taxes. |
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| When
is the best time of year to travel for the Tour du Mont Blanc |
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The
huts on the Tour du Mont Blanc are open from mid June
until mid September, usually around the 15th of each month,
so the trek is only possible during this three month period.
In the first few weeks of the season, there is a greater
chance of extensive snow patches on the high passes, and
this risk also exists for the last couple of weeks of
season too, as the Autumn snows may start early (though
generally not). |
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For
these reasons the July and August period is generally
the best for conditions, but you have to counter that
by pointing out that it is also the busiest due to holidays.
Also in the key two months it can be hot, and afternoon
convection thunder storms are more frequent, but generally
in June and September it is slightly cooler, especially
at the end of the season with shorter days. |
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If your snow skills are good then consider dates in June,
otherwise July to mid September is better. If you are
worried about the conditions, we really cannot stress
enough that you should opt for a guided TMB, as we have
never had a guided group to date that has failed to complete
the route due to weather or conditions. |
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Baggage
transfers
We do not provide or offer any baggage transfers for the
Tour du Mont Blanc for 3 key reasons...
1) It limits you to staying in valley accommodation, next
to a road, not in beautiful remote huts.
2) You need a 25 litre rucksack, if carrying the correct
kit. If you need more you've packed wrong.
3) From an ecological viewpoint, you are trekking in unspoilt
scenery. Don't ruin it with minibuses! |
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What
are the costs of the elements of the itinerary that
are not included?
The
accommodation in Chamonix at either end of the trek
can be in accommodation of any style to suit your budget,
from youth hostel / gite to a four star hotel. The cheapest
accommodation is c.£25 pppn for B&B, and the
more expensive hotels are c.£100 pppn. On the
nights in mountain huts you should budget for c.£40
pppn for half board (evening meal and breakfast). Packed
lunches can be ordered in huts for c.£5 per day.
Cable cars, buses and taxis are not required for this
itinerary, but if you choose to use them, then you need
to budget accordingly.
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Will
the self-guided TMB option suit you?
Many people contact us about whether the self-guided option
would suit them in terms of experience. All we ask is
that you feel confident in the following... |
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Navigation
in poor visibility, such as dense cloud / snow,
or even in the dark. |
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Security
on steep / loose ground in terms or personal ability
and the group. |
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Language
skills in case of an emergency, or for day-to-day
communications. |
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First
aid training and medical awareness, especially of
altitude sickness. |
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If
you are unsure at all about any of these points,
consider a guided TMB.
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