Summary

This will be an alpine hiking week in the French Alps near Chamonix: We do day hikes with light day pack from our hotel. A unique opportunity for average hikers to walk to the edge of alpine glaciers and to approach the highest summit massif in Europe.

Day 1:
Hike from our hotel via Lac Vert (Green Lake) in direction Col d´Anterne ( 2257m), Slope: ca 800 meters high up and down (optional further 250 mh to the summit), Walking time:ca 6 h (optional further 1,5 h to the top), Difficulty: several climbing parts secured by a iron rope (there is an easier altertanitive route in case you dont want to climb)

Day 2:
Hike to Chatelet des Pyramides at Bossons Glacier. Slope: up/down 850 mh, Walking time: ca 5 h       , Difficulty: none

Day 3:
Hike to the ice lakes Lacs Blancs on 3000 m height opposite of the Mont Blanc, Slope: Up/down 1000 mh, Walking time: ca 6 h, Difficulty: several short climbing passages secured by iron steps and ropes

Day 4:
Ride by cable car directly into the Mont Blanc massif on the 3842 m high Aiguille du Midi and on over the vast and highest glacier in Europe Vallee Blanche to Heilbronn / Italy and back. Departure to the middle station Plan de l'Aiguille (2233m) and trek to the "Henri Vallot" mountain trail to Montenvers to glacier Mer de Glace, return with the historic mountain rack railway to Chamonix. Slope: Up/Down ca 500 mh, Walking time: ca 5h, Difficulties: none, may be we have to cross deeper snow  

               
Day 5:
Hike to mountain lakes Lacs Jovets and glacier Trelatete. Slope: Up/down ca 1500 mh, walking time: 6 - 7 h, Difficulties: some condition required 

   
Day 6:
Hike from our hotel to a sceneric plateau in direction Col de la Portette (2354m). Slope: Up/down ca 850 mh (with optional summit further 350 mh), Walking time: ca 4,5 h ( with summit in total ca 6h), Difficulties: steep ascent, a short passage which requires a head for heights

The day hikes are classified as technically easy and as moderate to condition challenging. They require a sporting level of fitness, sure-footedness and some mountain walking experience.
Occasionally, some wire rope secured climbing passages has to be done. They are technically simple, but require a head for heights. Anyone who does not trust this passage, can choose, if possible, a different easier trail alternative or suspend this hike and wait at a hut for us.

EQUIPMENT:
Ankle-high, snow-proof, well runned mountain hiking boots with grip tread rubber soles, suitable function - outdoor clothing, rain gear, warm clothes (temperature could fall down until at leas + 5 Celsius), hiking backpack (capacity about 38 Liters) with rain cover, sun glasses / protection, cell phone, first aid emergency kit, hiking telescope sticks

ACCOMODATION:
We are in a very simple but clean 2 star apartment hotel. Located at 1200 m altitude in the ski village of Passy - Plaine Joux diagonally opposite the impressive Mont Blanc massif. Accommodation is in single or double rooms.

BOARD:
This week is inclusive half board: Our hotel offers a rich breakfast and dinner.

COSTS:
Around 560 Euro per person inclusive accomodation in double room and half board (without drinks). Supplement single room: 144 Euro

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

The meeting point is the railway station in Saint Gervais-les-Bains. The closest international airport is Geneva, which is about 70 km away. It is the best to take a rental car at the airport or take the train to Saint Gervais-les-Bains (Gare le Fayet). The travel time by train from Geneva Airport to St Gervais les Bains is about 3 hours: www.sncf.com