Internationale groepsreis Tour du Mont Blanc Week

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 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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Challenging but rewarding

This was only our second walking holiday after doing the Inca trail the year before so we are fsirly new to walking holidays. Found the first day fairly difficult but soon got into the swing of it and loved it!! The hardest part was walking with the pack on your back so pack light! However, being able to do the circuit point to point, experiencing a range of accommodation with such stunning views made this so worth while.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

How do you pick one moment! Achievement of getting to the top of a long upward climb, views, picnic lunches on mountain tops and in valleys, wildlife, flowers, eating wild strawberries and cherries on the go, good company, paddling in glaciers, swimming in a mountain top lake to name but a few...

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant, helpful, knowledable. Very organised but relaxed at the same time. Nothing too much trouble.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack light!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for a great holiday. Will def go with Exodus again. Help and advice does not stop once you have booked, the company contact you before you leave with a contact for any questions you may have. Useful information is emailed to you. An excellent company. Our guide was very knowledgable, answering any question on the walk and the environment, pointing out things he knew would be of interest to us as a group and to individuals with particular interests. He was caring and ensured all things were sorted and straight forward for us so all we had to concentrate on was enjoying ourselves. On our last day one of the directors joined our walk, a really lovely man who did not intrude but became part of the group. He was genuinly interested in our thoughts of the holiday. Thank you for such a great holiday!

Margaret

Having had are original booking changed due to no one else booking, the company re booked our trip for the Saturday. They were very helpful and apologetic, they could not understand why, having been on the trek I do.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cocktails at the hotel in Les Bossons,we went here by ourselves. As every meal that had been pre booked by Exodus, we were told beforehand that the hotel did not like the group, or people the previous week had complained.

What did you think of your group leader?

He had very little knowledge about the area, he had done two trips and we were his third group. He did state quite clearly that the did not expect us to move along at the same speed, however with all the references to the previous group, a pack mentally developed and on arrival at the campsite each evening it was "were we faster than the previous" This resulted in one day, three of the team having to abandon their walk due to being completely wrecked.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure that the people running your trek, are enjoying their job, as if they are totally fed up it begins to rub off on you. I did the Yorkshire Three Peaks in just under ten hours, I would suggest that you must be fit enough to complete this within nine hours otherwise do not book. Also be prepared to pack up belongings and your tent, before you are allowed a warm drink or anything to eat. (this is because they do not trust you will be organised in time for the group to leave!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

At the beginning of the trip we were all asked what was are best holiday ever, I have been fortunate that all my holidays have been great and some outstanding, sadly this was without doubt the worst.

I'll never forget the sense of achievement when arriving in Chamonix after completing the walk

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I'll never forget the journey travelling from Geneva to Col de Forclaz, and being inspired by the view of Mt Blanc, and knowing I was going to spend the following week circumnavigating it. It made me feel very privilaged to be there, and I knew then that I had a great week ahead.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, was extremely good, if she was not there, our trip would have been very different,. Her dedication and enthusiasm is not found in every group leader, we were very fortunate. She was when required very firm. She knew how much we valued her, and we loved her company. She became a friend to each member of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

That this trip involves alot of accent and decent each day. So therefore it is not a walk which involves walking to a high altitude, for some this will be a bonus for others this may dissappointment

Is there anything else you would like to add?

no

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

This is one of the classic walks in the World. As long as the adventurer realises it is graded as a C/D and knowing what it means then this is a scenic adventure of your life time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole trip put my world back on its axis. The last day looking over at Mont Blonk was like drinking a high quality wine the your eyes, also as in psalm 121 gaining strength hrom the hills.

What did you think of your group leader?

A1. Gary had time for all and showed high quality of leadership in what could be difficult situations.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are able to cope with a grade C/D go for it, this life is not a trial you are only here the once.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Looking forward to my next dream. Thank You Exodus for all the planning.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

As a first-time visitor to this part of the world, this trip gave me a great feel for what makes the Alps such a world destination for climbers and trekkers. We sampled it all, from peaks to glaciers, flora, fauna and food, all while visiting three different countries and having great craic along the way. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Catching my first ever glimpse of a glacier through the bus window on the way to our first hotel from Geneva set my heart racing, but I was repeatedly awed by the close-up views of glaciers we got throughout the week. The highlight for me was seeing the Mer de Glace for the first time. I'm sure I was just as much in awe of it as our Victorian predecessors who trekked to see it. Another highlight was standing as a group on the Grand Balcon Sud route during our descent into Chamonix on our last walking day and waiting for the clouds to drift away revealing the summit of Mont Blanc. What a great end to the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Carey did a great job, especially considering we were a fairly big group (15 or 16). As one person in the group said, she had a very light but firm touch, enabling us all to walk at the pace that suited us best, while making sure we kept a good group dynamic, regrouping at pre-arranged points along the way. She allowed us all to get the most out of the holiday from our own personal perspectives. Once she found out that some of the group were particularly interested in Alpine flora, she went out of her way to help them identify the various plants they saw. She frequently phoned ahead to find out about things people had asked about (such as cable-car times etc). She made a hard job look easy, with her easy-going nature and obvious experience and capability. She was also very sociable and it felt like she was one of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Accommodation - be prepared for lots of nights of staying in dorms. Most are packed with bunks, without much space for your gear; you'll be in close quarters with your fellow travellers, often with just two or three showers for the Exodus group and whoever else is staying! The craic was great in the dorms on my trip, so be ready to take the rough with the smooth and go with the flow. It's only for one week, and you've a lovely hotel in Chamonix to look forward to at the end! Walking - although there are no summits on this trip, be aware that you're carrying all your gear, which is why it has the C/D grade. I personally found it closer to a C than a D. I'm a 36-year-old day/weekend hillwalker and I found it fine. I definitely found it helpful to train up for self carrying, by loading up my bigger rucksack and doing some training walks in advance. Obviously the fitter you are the easier you'll find it, and therefore the more you'll enjoy it. Weather - although the typical photos of the Alps in summer are all blue skies and flowery meadows, I did this trip in mid July 2008 and spent half the week in low cloud with no views. Just be aware that you may get a day or two of limited views due to low cloud. Those Alpine pastures aren't green and lush for nothing... it does rain! Just prepare for rain and sun. Alcohol - be prepared for tiny measures of wine in Switzerland. You'll literally be served a small tasting glass a third full and it will cost you about 2 to 3 euros. Smoking - we had two smokers in my group and they couldn't find anywhere to buy cigarettes for most of the trip. Strangely none of the little supermarkets or bars sold them until we arrived in Chamonix near the end of the trip. Take your week's supply with you!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Several days of the trip are in Switzerland and although the shops, cafes and hotels you'll encounter almost all take euros, the rate of exchange between British pounds and Swiss francs is much better than the rate between pounds and euros. We didn't encounter any ATMs until the penultimate day of the trip, when we arrived in Chamonix. Bring enough to last you until then. Also, Chamonix is very expensive.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Superb walking holiday.  Pretty challenging - but a great sense of achievement.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Going via Fenetre d'Arpete rather than the Bovine route on the first day made it feel like a real mountain holiday (with excellent ice cream as an added bonus). Grand Col du Ferret and Col de la Seigne both have endlessly stunning views. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Liz was excellent - got the pace and breaks spot on

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack light - then get rid of everything unnecessary!   Dorm accommodation so go prepared to have fun with the rest of the group and you'll struggle to top it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Another excellent group and another excellent holiday. Almost as spectacular as the Himalayas!  Watch out for the Marmots... 

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

An excellent first experience.  My first holiday abroad and my first trip with Exodus.  Weather may have been better - so views were not as great as they may have been - however it was an excellent trip, excellent company and an excellent walk leader.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the first col and then seeing the mist clear to reveal the amazing views down into Italy.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sean Benz was an excellent leader.  He was clearly aware of the differing needs of the group and worked hard to ensure that we all had a good trip regardless of our needs.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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

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

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

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.