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| Self-guided
Tour Mont Blanc 2021 |
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Choose
your own TMB trek timescale and route    |
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FREE
GPX FILE FOR THE WHOLE ROUTE
Clients booking this
trip are provided a GPX file, to download
this to a GPS unit, to assist with navigation |
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COVID - The TMB huts are open, and we are still taking bookings for
self-guided trips. We are waiving any excess fees for last minute trips
this
summer 2020, and are taking bookings up to 1 week before departure! |
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I
am certain words nor pictures will ever
accurately represent this experience.
It was, from start to finish the best
adventure I have ever experienced and
having shared it with my daughter is
beyond explanation. Once we reached
the trail heading towards the Himalayan
bridge things got interesting and from
there on out the beauty of the Alps,
the comfort of our Huts and Refuges,
the fellow hikers on the trail, the
meals shared with people from around
the globe all contributed to a once
in a life time experience.
Eleanor
C , Self-guided TMB 2017
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We
returned home to Seattle and I want
to let you know that we had a wonderful
time. Trekking the TMB with our family
was without a doubt the best vacation
we have had on so many levels. All of
the arrangements went smoothly and we
were happy with the mix of fancy and
rustic. About half the time we had accommodations
to ourselves, otherwise we shared. It
was a great experience for the kids,
the trail was well marked and the weather
perfect. Thanks for helping to make
the trek unforgettable.
Kathy
H, Self-guided TMB 2017
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| Select
the timescale and self-guided TMB itinerary that suits
you best... |
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The
complete 'walk every inch' TMB treks |
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Prices
£299
for 1-3 people
£399
for 4-6
people
POA
for 6+ people |
| Total
group price, NOT per person |
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Prices
£299
for 1-3 people
£399
for 4-6
people
POA
for 6+ people |
| Total
group price, NOT per person |
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Prices
£199
for 1-3 people
£249
for 4-6
people
POA
for 6+ people |
| Total
group price, NOT per person |
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Prices
£199
for 1-3 people
£249
for 4-6
people
POA
for 6+ people |
| Total
group price, NOT per person |
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Prices
£199
for 1-3 people
£249
for 4-6
people
POA
for 6+ people |
| Total
group price, NOT per person |
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Length: 167km
Average day: 16.7km
& +1000m height gain |
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Length: 167km
Average day: 23.9km
& +1430m height gain |
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Length: 167km
Average day: 41.8km
& +2500m height gain |
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Length: 69km
Average day: 17.2km
& +1100m height gain |
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Length: 98km
Average day: 16.3km
& +930m height gain |
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Itinerary
Day 1 -
Travel to Chamonix to arrive for full briefings
on kit and huts. Night spent in Chamonix.
Day 2 - 20km, +700m, -1200m. Les Houches
to Col de Voza, to Contamines. Night in
Contamines / Borrant area.
Day 3 - 14km, +1400m, -100m. Cross
the Col du Bonhomme. Night in Croix du Bonhomme
or Chapieux area.
Day 4 - 20km, +1000m, -1500m. Croix
du Bonhomme to Col du Fours and Seigne reach
the Elizabetta area for night.
Day 5 - 15km, +500m, -1300m. Pass
Lac Combal and after Col Checroui descend
to Courmayeur area for night.
Day
6 - 12km, +1000m, -100m. Ascend to Bertoni
hut, and Mont de la Saxe to reach the Bonatti
/ Arnuva area.
Day 7 - 19km, +1000m, -1400m. Trek
past Elena, over Grand Col Ferret. Night
spent in La Fouly village.
Day 8 - 14km, +600m, -700m. Today
is a little easier as you trek along the
Val Ferret, to Champex.
Day 9 - 16km, +800m, -800m. Trek
from Champex on the classic Bovine trail
to Col du Forclaz, and Trient.
Day 10 - 18km, +1500m, -800m. Trek
over the Col du Balme, and ascend to the
Lac Blanc / Flegere area for night.
Day 11 - 19km, +700m, -1700m. Today
is your last day of the trek, to reach Les
Houches. Night in Chamonix.
Day 12 - Breakfast & depart |
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Itinerary
Day 1 -
Travel to Chamonix to arrive for full briefings
on kit and huts. Night spent in Chamonix.
Day 2 - 24km, +1750m, -1300m. Les Houches
to Col de Voza, to Contamines. Night in
Contamines / Borrant area.
Day 3 - 15km, +1300m, -900m. Cross
the Col du Bonhomme. Night in Les Mottets
area.
Day 4 - 24km, +1100m, -1700m. Cross Col de Seigne
and Col Checroui to reach the Courmayeur
area for night.
Day 5 - 16km,
+1600m, -700m. Ascend
to Bertoni hut, and Mont de la Saxe to reach
the Arnuva / Elena area.
Day 6 - 33km, +1600m, -2100m. Trek
over Grand Col Ferret, and down past Praz
de Fort and Issert to reach Champex Lac
for the night.
Day 7 - 31km, +1850m, -2000m. Trek
from Champex on the classic Bovine trail
to Col du Forclaz, and Trient, and over
Col de Balme to the Montroc area.
Day 8 - 25km, +1500m, -1800m. Trek
over the length of the Aiguilles Rouges,
past Flegere and Brevent to reach Les Houches.
Night in Chamonix.
Day 9 - Breakfast & depart |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel
to Chamonix to arrive for full briefings on
kit and huts. Night spent in Chamonix.
Day 2 - D+ 1577m, D- 1434m, 31.5km. Start
in Chamonix, and run to Les Houches, then
ascend Col de Voza, and down to Saint Gervais,
then river tracks to reach Contamines.
Day 3 - D+ 2387m, D- 2755m, 46.9km.
Run up Col Bonhomme & descend to Chapieux.
Then over Col de la Seigne, down to Combal,
before the last climb to Checroui, and the
steep descent into Courmayeur.
Day 4 -
D+ 3247m, D- 2928m, 41.7km. Ascend to Bertoni
and Mont Saxe to Bonatti, over Grand Col Ferret
into Switzerland, via La Fouly and Issert,
then up to Champex.
Day 5 - D+ 2559m, D- 2653m, 42.9km.
Ascend to Bovine, down to Trient, then over
Col de Balme, down to Vallorcine, up to Tete
aux Vents, then descend from Flegere to Chamonix.
Day 6 - Breakfast & depart |
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Itinerary
Day 1 -
Travel to Chamonix to arrive for full briefings
on kit and huts. Night spent in Chamonix.
Day 2 - Les Houches to Col de Voza,
to Contamines. Night in Contamines / Borrant
area.
Day 3 - Cross the Col du Bonhomme.
Night in Croix du Bonhomme or Chapieux area.
Day 4 - Croix du Bonhomme to Col
du Fours and Seigne reach the Elizabetta
area for night.
Day 5 - Pass Lac Combal and after
Col Checroui descend to Courmayeur. Return
by bus to Chamonix area for night.
Day
6 - Breakfast & depart |
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Itinerary
Day 1 -
Travel to Chamonix to arrive for full briefings
on kit and huts. Night spent in Chamonix.
Day 2 - 12km,
+1000m, -100m. Ascend to Bertoni hut, and
Mont de la Saxe to reach the Bonatti / Arnuva
area.
Day 3 - 19km, +1000m, -1400m. Trek
past Elena, over Grand Col Ferret. Night
spent in La Fouly village.
Day 4 - 14km, +600m, -700m. Today
is a little easier as you trek along the
Val Ferret, to Champex.
Day 5 - 16km, +800m, -800m. Trek
from Champex on the classic Bovine trail
to Col du Forclaz, and Trient.
Day 6 - 18km, +1500m, -800m. Trek
over the Col du Balme, and ascend to the
Lac Blanc / Flegere area for night.
Day 7 - 19km, +700m, -1700m. Today
is your last day of the trek, to reach Les
Houches. Night in Chamonix.
Day 8 - Breakfast & depart |
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Notes...
Trek
itineraries - All itineraries developed and
written by UIMLA trekking guides.
Upgrades - Small or private rooms in huts
may be possible on some of the nights, if requested
at time of booking. Once on the trek, you can ask
upon arrival at each hut any day if there is space
to upgrade on any night you wish.
Bag
storage - If your Chamonix accommodation is
booked through us, it will have a secure storage
room, in which you can leave 1 bag per person for
the duration of your trek, so that you have fresh
clothes on your return. This baggage storage is
free in Chamonix, for up to one 60 litre bag / small
suitcase per person, with maximum dimensions of
60cm x 40cm x 30cm. You cannot store larger items.
Price - Note that if you book any accommodation
directly (e.g. hotel in Chamonix or Courmayeur,
or even a specific hut), there is no reduction in
our fixed prices, and we cannot offer any baggage
storage for you.
Flexibility - We have carefully researched
this trek and do not offer any bespoke options on
it, apart from the option of an extra rest day in
Courmayeur. |
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| Key
recommended reading and maps for the TMB... |
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| The
items recommended below are all available to purchase
online from our Windermere mountain store. All orders
over £30 get FREE postage to a UK address, and all
course clients can apply their discount code at checkout! |
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| Why
so many people choose Icicle for self-guided TMB trips... |
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Other
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 accommodation that
they can pay for from a distance. Higher 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 and spectacular
locations! |
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We
are the only operator with a logistics and guiding
team in Chamonix, whom will brief you in person
the evening before your trek starts. This is a highly
personalised service, which is unique to Icicle,
as you are briefed by a professional guide, who
will typically have trekked the TMB route over 50
times. You have the security of knowing you are
backed up by a local resort team of qualified professionals. |
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On
each night of the trek you are booked into mountain
accommodation, which we also use for our guided
groups. These vary from chalet style, to gites,
mountain huts, and lodges. Each day you should easily
be able to complete the trek by mid afternoon, to
minimise the risk of being caught in any afternoon
convention storms. If you ever are likely to arrive
after 5pm, call ahead to ensure your reservation
is kept. |
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At
each end of the trek you spend a night in Chamonix
in accommodation of your choice. There are options
to suit all budgets, from bunkhouses to appartments,
chalets to 5* hotels. When you check in to your
Chamonix accommodation, ensure you are provided
a Carte d'Hote (tourist card), as this gives you
free transport on the bus and train to the start
of the trek in Les Houches, a journey of c.20 minutes. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
stress 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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We
have a very detailed questions
& answers page.
Just click on the link, and the page will open in
a new window for you. However, note that this page
is for self-guided groups, and we expect a good
level of self sufficiency from these groups. If
any questions ring alarm bells, we will let you
know! |
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| Accommodation
bookings on the TMB |
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We
vary the exact choice of accommodation that week
book for different groups, to cater for the likely
weather and mountain conditions, as well as for
any preferences that were made at the time of booking
such as accommodation where smaller rooms may be
available. |
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For
these reasons, we do not provide any details of
the accommodation that we have booked for you, until
your full briefing on the evening before you depart.
This enables us to adapt any bookings in reaction
to things such as unexpected snowfalls on the high
passes, or other objective risks. |
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Another
logistical reason for not providing accommodation
details up front, is that in each area, there are
generally several accommodation (mountain hut /
gite / lodge / hotel) options, from which we can
select, depending on their suitability and availability.
Our great local contacts, and highly detailed knowledge
of the TMB route and all its variations, enable
us to select for each booking, the best options
for you. |
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If
you require private rooms throughout a TMB trek,
don't book with us. We generally try and use mountain
huts in great locations, where private or small
rooms are in limited (or non-existant) supply. We
will attempt to cater for your preferences, but
there's no guarantees of private rooms if you requested
them, for each night. Part of the true TMB experience
is sharing amazing mountain huts with fellow trekkers
each night. |
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Should
you 'need to know' where you are staying each night
before your trek, you have two choices; i) don't
book with us, or ii) pay the self-guided upgrade
No.1. (see column on right) for £1000 in total.
The administration time of dealing with this type
of web-informed client is costed into this bespoke
upgrade. |
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Note
that once you have started on your trek, any accommodation
that has been booked cannot be altered or cancelled,
and if any changes are made / you do not arrive,
you will be billed for the stay anyway. By booking,
you accept this, and will sign authorisation at
the briefing for your card to be charged for any
no-show or cancellation. This is to protect your
bookings without paying up-front deposits. |
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Will
the self-guided TMB option suit you?
We ask is that you feel confident in the following
points. If you are unsure at all about any of these
points, then you should consider a guided TMB. |
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Navigation
in poor visibility, such as dense cloud /
snow, or the dark. |
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Language
skills in case of an emergency, or communications. |
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Security
on steep / loose ground and on snow patches
for trekkers. |
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First
aid training and medical awareness of common
injuries. |
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you aren't sure about any of these skills listed above,
as a guided option can often work out a very similar budget
anyway, and then you have the peace of mind that you are
led by a fully qualified and highly experienced UIMLA
International Mountain Leader. As well as showing you
the route, they make all the mountain safety decisions,
and offer added value in that they can tell you a lot
about the local region. Opting for a guided trek doesn't
mean that you couldn't do have done the trek it self-guided,
but that you want to share the experience with others,
make friends, and learn a lot more about the mountains,
routes, customs, guided by an expert. |
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Chamonix
accommodation & bag storage
If you require accommodation in Chamonix at either end
of your trek, we work with a few partner chalets and lodges,
to offer very reasonably priced rooms on a B&B basis.
The accommodation we frequently use is a 15 minute walk
from the centre of town, situated in a traditional and
quiet area of the town. It is a 'posh hostel', where typically
we put people in private double / twin rooms. There are
also triple and quad rooms available. There is an on site
baggage storage room, where you can leave any luggage
that you are not taking on the TMB trek. Photos below
give an impression of what this accommodation is like.
Note that if you book your own accommodation in Chamonix,
you must ensure that it will store your bags during the
trek, which many hotels are reluctant to do, and certainly
Air BnB rents cannot offer. All items left in baggage
storage are at your own risk. Take valuables on the trek
with you, and ensure that all bags left in storage are
securely locked, to safeguard your belongings. |
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| Alternative self-guided trips |
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| Why a self-guided TMB? |
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For
those who have not come across the concept of self-guiding
before, it couldn't be simpler. You guide yourself
and all the logistics are arranged for you. |
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We
organise all the boring bits so you don't have to;
route information, maps, hut bookings etc. You get
to walk with your friends, at your pace, rather
than as part of a group. |
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We
have a seasonal team in Chamonix, and you are given
a briefing (c. 45 - 60 mins) by one of our guides,
at a meeting point in central Chamonix. |
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Our
UK office has a full time logistics team, so support
our guides. This is an essential resource for you,
in case we need to change hut bookings or any part
of your itinerary. |
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Briefings
are usually on the day of arrival at either 16:00
or 18:00, unless otherwise arranged at the time
of booking. Before travel, we will contact you to
book in a time for your briefing, at a meeting point
in central Chamonix. |
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Bag
storage is provided for FREE for all (and only)
those who book their Chamonix accommodation through
us, for either end of the trek. It is left in
key code accessed storage. You can store up
to one 60 litre bag / small suitcase per person.
Note there is limited availability for the accommodation
in Chamonix that we use, so if it is unavailable
or you book directly elsewhere yourself, ensure
that your accommodation provider can store your
bags, as we cannot assist. |
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We
have a 24 hour emergency and local contact number,
for urgent queries during the trek. This level of
support is unique to us. |
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During
your briefing in your Chamonix accommodation, you
are given a new 1:50,000 scale map (for you to keep)
of the whole TMB. We get the latest edition of the
maps direct from our supplier for our Windermere
shop. |
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At
this time you are also provided with printed route
trip notes for the trek. These help you plan your
route each day. |
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The
route notes have been meticulously researched and
produced by our TMB guiding team. They are informative
and also detail emergency escape routes, local numbers,
and key information about the route. |
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We
provide the route notes at the in resort briefing,
as the questions are best answered by a guide in
reaction to current conditions. |
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Note
that the route notes 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 trip. Our treks are designed for
you to walk the whole route, and we don't include
minute detail on how to complete the tour by public
transport, just escape routes. |
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You
are totally responsible for your own safety on self-guided
treks, as there is no guiding element to the package.
One set of route notes, maps, etc is provided per
group, in paper format (not as PDF). |
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It
is a popular feature for self guided groups to opt
to be guided for a day or two at the start of their
trek (from £200 per day), 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. This option is for those
who need training beyond the scope of the briefing. |
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Our
route notes follow the TMB, and in some cases a
popular 'official' variation that we consider merits
the extra distance or diversion. |
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Examples
of these variations, that have fast become standard
amongst most guiding companies, are to suggest you
trek across the suspension bridge to Col du Tricot
and the Miage valley, and the Col de Fours variation
to avoid the road section from Chapieux to Ville
des Glaciers. |
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Our
itinerary can start on any day of the week that
you choose, so decide when you would like to start
your trek, and get in touch with us by e-mail. We
upload a private self-guided trip onto our booking
system, and then you can book and pay securely online. |
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Please
note that generally we only accept bookings up to
two months before departure, to guarantee availability
in mountain huts & accommodation. If we accept
a booking 42-60 days before arrival there is a £40
surcharge in total, and if you book 31-41 days before
departure there is a £60 surcharge in total.
Categorically we never accept self-guided bookings
within a month of arrival. |
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You
receive an immediate e-confirmation and equipment,
as well as an Self-Guided TMB dossier. You receive
your trip detailed itinerary and walking notes etc
in Chamonix, at the trek briefing. Once the trip
balance and any extra nights accommodation is paid,
you can request to be sent the GPX files and notes,
if you intend to use a GPS. These will be sent 1
week before travel, to allow for route change edits
to the GPX file. |
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| Read
our full TMB article |
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| Inclusions |
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Booking
of the mountain huts and valley accommodation during
the trek, made in your name. |
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The new TMB guidebook by award-winning author Kingsley Jones, from Vertebrate Publishing. |
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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 notes, so
you know where to go. |
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Language
notes with key phrases, so you can communicate confidently
during the trek. |
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Emergency
procedure and mountain rescue notes, in case of
an incident. |
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Local
information sheets, with details about the region
and key sights to take in on the route. |
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Briefing
on arrival about the route and kit to take, from
a UIMLA guide. |
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Baggage
storage in Chamonix, if in accommodation booked
through us, for the days you are trekking. |
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24
hour in-resort emergency contact and queries support
throughout. |
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Discount
voucher for use in our Windermere store / online
purchases. |
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| Exclusions |
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| Travel
to Chamonix, all accommodation / food / lodging costs
(i.e. price of the half board stay in mountain hut or
accommodation), activities & travel insurance, equipment
hire, all other costs as required. |
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| Cost
notes |
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| 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.£40-60 pppn for B&B, and
the more expensive hotels are c.£100 pppn. On the
nights in mountain huts you should budget for c.£40-60
pppn for half board (evening meal and breakfast). The
range of prices in huts is a factor or room size. Packed
lunches can be ordered in huts for c.£5 per day.
Cable cars, buses and taxis are not required for these
itineraries, but if you choose to use them, then you need
to budget accordingly. |
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| Post-booking
changes |
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| Changes
to the group size after booking will incur a price change
if it alters the group size price bracket, and a £50
administration fee. If the group size change is made within
8 weeks of the trip, it will be treated as a new booking,
and priced accordingly. All the huts will need to be contacted
to alter the reservations. Transfers of dates on a self-guided
TMB are treated as cancellations. |
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| Self-guided
upgrades |
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1)
Select your mountain huts
Tailor make your trip, select specific huts, and have
a tailor made trip dossier written for you. Bespoke trips
must be booked at least 4 months in advance. We offer
them on a 10 day trek timescale, and the price is £1000
in total (this is the total price for our logistics service,
with the inclusions and exclusions as above, for up to
6 people in group).
2) Bespoke briefing times
These may be possible if booked at least 1 month in advance,
where you cannot make either the 16:00 or 18:00 briefing
slot. If you cannot make either of the scheduled breifing
slots, you will need to pay for a bespoke briefing.
Bracket 1: A 45-60 minute briefing between 19:00 and 21:00,
or 07:30 and 09:00 the next morning. Cost £100.
Bracket 2: A 45-60 minute briefing in anti-social hours,
starting after 21:00, or commencing before 07:30. Cost
£200. |
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| Any
further questions? |
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A
key part of choosing a company is being able to come and
talk about your plans with an experienced course advisor
face to face. In an increasingly virtual world, we know
our clients value speaking to real people, getting open
and honest advice. The vast majority of our clients are
British, and our office and outdoor store is based in
Windermere in the English Lake District. Arrange a meeting,
and come in for a coffee to discuss your course in person
with a trip
advisor. Many people opt for this service,
and it is an integral part of what we offer, to ensure
that you are prepared as possible.
 
As
well as talking though your course, most clients have
queries about the kit they will require, to avoid expensive
mistakes, and we can show you some examples of that to
consider. Others have training queries, about how to best
prepare for your trip, and we will be able to steer you
in the right direction. No question is too silly, and
we'll have heard them all before! An integral part of
booking is the ability to get good knowledgable advice,
and a highly personal service. Unlike companies that only
exist virtually in cyberspace, we are staffed by real
people, in a real office, who offer real honest advice.
Because we are tangible, we are accountable, and we take
great pride in that and the service that we offer you.
Get in touch to come in for a chat soon. |
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NEW Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook and map
A brand NEW guidebook for the Tour du Mont Blanc, and an accompanying waterproof map, has recently been launched by Vertebrate Publishing. It's unique and innovative, in several ways; timings for trip planning for all trail users from steady walkers to faster trail runners, 1:40,000 scale custom mapping provided on the description pages of the guidebook, and full appendices and kit lists to help you plan a trip and learn all about the route. The book is a nice size format of 175mm x 120mm, and it's detailed yet compact at 140 pages long, weighing only 300g. It's been designed by a TMB expert.
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That expert is none other than multi award-winning author, and veteran of over 50 laps of the TMB, Kingsley Jones from our guiding team. All of that experience of the route, timings, where to eat or stay, and customised itinerary planning, comes from him spending over a year of his life on the route. We are going to supply a FREE copy of the guidebook (RRP £16.95) and map (RRP £14.95) to each group on our self-guided TMB trips. If you'd like extra copies, or are on a guided trip, you can get them in advance of your trip for reading and planning. Order them from us; TMB guidebook and TMB waterproof map. |
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is the registered trademark ® of Icicle Mountaineering|UK company 413 6635. VAT 770
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