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Tour des Fiz - Chamonix Valley, French Alps

Price £390 or 510€

An ideal mountain weekend, passing through two Nature Reserves, providing you with a true alpine experience. The Rochers des Fiz is a massive rocky mountain ridge which dominates the skyline above the town of Servoz. We spend three days completing a circuit of it's massive cliffs. We travel through alpine pastures and over high Cols, used for centuries to link the valleys, while enjoying some of the best views of Mont Blanc.

Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley

On the evening before we start our walk we will meet you at your hotel in the Chamonix Valley to brief you on the trip and answer any last minute questions.

Day 2 Plateau d'Assy to Refuge de Moëde-Anterne

A scenic drive from your hotel in Chamonix to Plaine Joux viewpoint where we begin our trip. We traverse the mountainside below the cliffs of the impressive Rochers des Fiz, passing through ancient hamlets. Possible ascent of the Pointe Noire de Promenaz, 2323m with stunning views to Mont Blanc before descending to the Refuge de Moëde-Anterne for the night. Ascent of 1000m if the Pointe Noire de Promenaz is included, otherwise a gentler first day of 700m.

Day 3 Refuge de Moëde-Anterne to Refuge de Sales

Over the Col d'Anterne, 2264m, part of the GR5, and a descent to the alpine pastures and lake where the ‘pastous', huge white Pyrenean sheepdogs, usually spend the summer guarding the livestock. These dogs are amazing to watch and can be seen working the herds on their own with no human guidance! We then traverse the mountain and head through the beautiful Gorge de Sales to reach a high meadow surrounded by cliffs. Here you can often spot marmots, ibex, and the rare Gypaète Barbu or bearded vulture which has been successfully re-introduced to the area. The Refuge de Sales, where we spend the night, is an ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife. Ascent 700m.

Day 4 Refuge de Sales to Plateau d'Assy

Through summer pastures climbing steadily to the Col de la Portette, 2354m where once again we return to views of the Mont Blanc Massif. There's the chance to call at the Refuge de Plate for refreshments and learn about the largest rock desert in Europe; a fortress of limestone rock which lies above the hut. We then descend to our starting point. Ascent 500m.

Day 5 Departure

Today is departure day.

Price

What’s included:- half board accommodation in a 2** Chamonix Valley hotel, or similar, on the first and last nights of the trip. Half board accommodation in the mountain refuges, the guide's fees and expenses and trip organisation fee.

What’s not included:- insurance, flights and transfers from Geneva (but we can advise on the best options), lunch, drinks and transport to and from the walk start point at Plateau d'Assy – this price depends on group size.

Accommodation

Whilst in the valley accommodation is based on two people sharing. A single room supplement maybe available on request. Other accommodation during the trip will be in high mountain refuges. It's normal in the Alps to share accommodation whilst in the mountains because the high mountain refuges where we will be staying are usually dormitory style rooms. Many good friends have been made this way! The refuges themselves tend to be full of character and serve tasty local dishes. They are always situated in stunning locations and the chance to enjoy a beer or glass of wine while watching the sun go down can provide a really special mountain moment. For many of our guests the refuges literally provide a highpoint of the trip.

Options

This trip can be done in 3 days, with just one night in a mountain refuge if you want to enjoy a short weekend. Or if you would like to experience more of the beautiful Chamonix Valley we can extend your trip by with day walks before or after the trip.

Further Information

We have suggested Chamonix as a base from which to begin the trip as it is easily reached by transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to chat through the details. We can also provide you with internet links if you would like to check out the mountain refuge accommodation for yourself.

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