4
moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • Guided hike
Accommodation
  • Refuges
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1260GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: GPT

Trip highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery amongst impressive peaks and lush valleys
  • Follow the historic route across the Great St Bernard Pass (2469m)
  • Stay in a centuries old travellers hospice
  • Enjoy the culinary specialties such as Raclette
  • Share your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

In the heart of the western Pennine Alps is one of the most beautiful alpine border regions between Switzerland and Italy. Spanning the valleys of Bagnes and Aosta, the Grand Combin mountain rises to an altitude of 4314m at its peak. The surrounding valleys and high passes represent ideal hiking conditions and are an excellent alternative to the busier trails around Mont Blanc. The area is rich with wildlife and the outstanding views of snowy peaks, tumbling glaciers and verdant lowlands will not fail to impress. A further highlight of the week long hike is crossing the historic Great St Bernard Pass (2469m), and to be greeted by our accommodation at a centuries old travellers hospice.

Countries:

Switzerland & Italy

Starting Point:

Fionnay/Mauvoisin

Finishing Point:

Mauvoisin

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

We start our amazing trek in the Bagnes Valley at the foot of the Barrage de Mauvoisin in Switzerland mid morning. The trail skirts then ascends to the top of the dam and its large lake that is situated between Mont Blanc and the Grand Combins to the pass, the Col de Tsofeiret (2,640m). The scenery is at its best as we are immediately surrounded by glaciers and snowy peaks. Following a steep descent we arrive at our overnight refuge. (+1250m/4125ft, 13km/8mi)

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, we take the Fenetre Durand trail that will lead us between the Gelé and April peaks, until we reach the top of the pass (2797m) marking the border with Italy. As you descend into Italy, you’ll reach the charming Rifugio Champillon in a peaceful alpine setting. (+1225m/4042ft, -1218m/4020ft, 22km/14mi)

Meals:  B,L,D

A great day trekking in the verdant Aosta Valley, with Mont Blanc in the backdrop. At the foot of the Vélan peak, we ascend a winding trail to the Champillon pass (2708m). A lovely descent takes us through alpine meadow towards the beautiful old alpine village of Etroubles. Overnight 10th Century monastery with shower. (+412m/1360ft, -1500m/4950ft, 9km/5.5mi)

Meals:  B,L,D

This is our last day hiking in Italy. We make our way along quiet trails towards the famous Great St Bernard Pass (2469m), marking the border with Switzerland and Italy and home to the famous St Bernard dogs. We will spend the night in the atmospheric Great St Bernard Hospice. (+1356m/4475ft, -150m/500ft, 18km/11mi)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a long day, but also one of the most beautiful. As we return to Switzerland we take a bus down to the Entremont Valley to Bourg St Pierre. From here we ascend until we reach the Col des Mille. Our refuge tonight has breath-taking views over the valley and further to Mont Blanc. (+1130m/3730ft, -320m/1050ft, 12km/7.5mi)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we start hiking along the eastern slopes of the Grand Combin mountain, on an exceptional hiking day. Green pastures and blue glaciers greet us up until the Avouillon pass. In the afternoon, we make our way down the Corbassière glacier, which cascades from the Grand Combin massif. Overnight refuge. Note: you will need to carry your overnight requirements today in your day pack - there is no luggage transfer to the Panossière Hut. (+1016m/3353ft, -955m/3151ft, 14.5km/9mi)

Meals:  B,L,D

On the last day of our trek, we continue to admire and explore the Corbassiere glacier with it imposing seracs. In the afternoon we descend to our starting point in the Bagnes valley. The trip concludes mid afternoon, after a farewell glass on Fendant. A transfer is available from Fionnay to Le Chable where you can catch the train to Martigny. (+300m/990ft, -1426m/4700ft, 9km/5.6mi)

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
  • 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges & monasteries in dormitory style accommodation
  • Luggage transfer by mule – 1 piece maximum 6kg nett limit - not including the supplied duffle bag (no luggage transfer on day 6 to the Pannossière Hut - you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your daypack). Additional luggage storage available, fees apply, must be pre booked
  • Experienced mountain guide

  • Travel to and from the trail head
  • Drinks and snacks eg trail mix and protein bars
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Transfers not noted as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Storage of luggage - fees apply
  • Optional transfer from St Gervais to Mauvoisin on day 1 - limited availability, must be requested
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

This trip is graded moderate to challenging and includes daily hikes of up to 7 hours and ascents of up to 1356m in a day. 9-15km per day is hiked except on day 2 which is 22km. There are some stages with steep uphill, descents, and at times sections of the trail will require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and make the trip more challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.

Priceper person from

£1260GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Additional luggage storage - per 15kg bagGBP£60
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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