We would be grateful if you could read this document thoroughly as it gives our terms and conditions regarding the booking of your holiday, deposit and balance payments, cancellation procedures, mountain rescue and medical insurance and other essential information.
Deposit and payment
For all those who trek with us in 2021 we require a deposit of £350 per person at the time of booking.
If you have a deferred booking from 2020 then an additional payment of £100 per person will be due in October 2020 to bring your booking in-line with our current terms & conditions.
Details of how to pay are outlined below and further details are given on our booking form. Once we have received this, we will confirm your place and send you confirmation. Balance payment is due no later than 12 weeks before trek start date, and we reserve the right to cancel your place and retain your deposit if you do not pay on time.
ABTOT protected
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Mont Blanc Treks Limited and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
a) non-flight packages and
b) flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Mont Blanc Treks Limited.
In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents
Methods of payment
For deposit and balance transactions we accept the following forms of payment.
Bank Transfer
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, you must pay any fees associated with the transaction in addition to the amount due.
Debit or Credit Card via SagePay
Should you wish to pay by credit or debit card one we receive your booking form we will send you an invoice that can be paid securely online. Please note that there are no additional charges when paying by credit or debit card.
Cancellation by us
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a trek for any reason then you would be entitled to a full refund of the total trek cost.
Cancellation by you
Should you need to cancel you will need to inform Mont Blanc Treks Ltd in writing. We recommend you take out cancellation insurance .
The following conditions will apply:
• More than 8 weeks before trek start date loss of deposit.
• 4 – 8 weeks before trek start date loss of 50% of trek fee.
• Less than 4 weeks before trek start date loss of 100% of trek fee.
Client protection in the event of any potential Covid health or travel problems in 2021
We understand your concerns, therefore, under the current circumstances, contingencies are in place to give you peace of mind. If you book for season 2021 and are unable to travel from your home country due to health concerns, travel restrictions & Government advice, you can:
- Change your booking up to 28 days before arrival
- Postpone the arrival date until later in the season
- Defer you trek to 2022, deposit payments will carry over to the following year, balance payments will be refunded and administrational charges may apply.
For those with a deferred booking from season 2020 you will be able to defer your trek to 2022 if the additional £100 deposit has been received when requested.
Travel, Medical & Mountain Evacuation Insurance
You will need full travel & holiday insurance suitable for a trekking holiday, this will need to be organised by you before the trek starts. It is essential that you have the correct insurance that covers you if you need to cancel your trip beforehand & also in case of a medical emergency on the mountain, as rescue can be costly. Rescue in France & Italy is usually not charged, depending on the circumstances. In Switzerland, however you will always be asked to pay, and this could be several thousand Swiss francs, especially if helicopters are involved. The cost of hospitalisation and subsequent care is normally the most expensive part of any accident if you do not have the correct cover and are hospitalized without insurance, the cost could easily run to tens of thousands of pounds. It is your responsibility to take out the correct level of insurance and we accept no responsibility for any costs that occur because of inadequate insurance. Please ask for further information if you are not sure.
Guided trekking documentation & the UIMLA Trekking Leaders Decisions
When completing the booking form & booking on a guided trek you agree to abide by the decisions of the trekking guide, who represents Mont Blanc Treks Limited. The decision of the guide as to the conduct, itinerary, and objectives of the tour is final. Completing our booking form signifies your agreement to this. If, in the opinion of the guide that your client’s behavior or physical condition is detrimental to the safety, welfare and well-being of the group (which are the primary considerations), or if (in consultation with a trips doctor if there is one) the leader considers your general well-being will be put at risk by continuing with the trek, they may be asked to leave the tour without the right to any refund. Similarly, a client leaving a tour en-route will not be entitled to any refund unless agreed by a Company Director. Any documentation & information provided before & during the trek is been supplied for guidance only.
Cause for Concern & Cessation Procedure
The decision whether the client treks with the group or not for whatever reason is at the discretion of the guide and Mont Blanc Treks fully supports this. In the rare event that a client arrives with or sustains health & fitness issues during the trek.
The bench mark set for making decisions where the fitness of a client is an issue for the individual & the group will be as follows:
After day two if the client cannot maintain the timings as illustrated on the signposting within a reasonable timeframe. As a result the overall delay to the group will be more than 90 minutes over the course of a day, then the client will be made aware that there is cause for concern & will be made aware of the options that follow.
In this event the following procedure will be adopted:
Day 1, monitoring of the group to ensure all clients are happy with their progress.
Day 2, monitoring of the group and on day two if there is still cause for concern there will be a discussion of suitable options for the following days to come.
a. Taxi transfer to the next location
b. Trekking less demanding days
c. Voluntarily leaving the trek
If the problem persists & it is unfeasible for the client to walk with the group then the options are:
a. Taxi transfer to the next location
b. Trekking less demanding days
c. Voluntarily leaving the trek
d. Guide may request for the client to leave the trek
In the case where the client refuses to follow the guides advise & demands to walk with the group then a Declaration on Leaving the Trek form will need to be signed. In these extreme circumstances there will be only one option:
a. Guide & MBT request for the client to leave the trek from immediate effect.
If the client refuses to sign the Declaration on Leaving the Trek form, then the guide will sign the form & make a note in place of the client signature ‘Refusal to Sign’. After this event the guide will not let the him or her re-join the group or give route advise so the client can trek independently.
NOTE: Even if a client ceases to follow the itinerary and trek each day with the group, then it is strongly encouraged to take transport between each locations, enjoy a social evening with the group and make full use of the accommodation and bag transfer paid for.
Self Guided Trekking documentation
Self-guided documentation will be sent out to the lead client once your balance payment has been received. You will receive one pack per group including guidebook, route cards, maps and any additional information; additional packs can be sent at an additional cost, please request this at the time of booking. This information is supplied by us are for guidance only. When undertaking a self-guided trek, you are expected to have a good level of navigational and map reading skills and can risk assess and make your own judgment to ensure your own and your groups safety. All information is supplied to the best of our knowledge, times and distances quoted are approximate & based on an average walking pace, they do not make allowances for different walking speeds and stop/rest time. All the information provided is intended as a guide and not as a substitute for mountain experience and navigational skills. Mont Blanc Treks Limited and anyone else working in association with us cannot be held responsible for any accident or mishap that may occur in connection with any part of, or services or documentation connected with the trek.
Single Supplement & Sharing
All accommodation quoted is on a room sharing basis normally in double, twin or triple rooms. Private en-suite facilities are available but are not guaranteed. When staying in the mountain refuges dormitory sleeping quarters are normality with shared facilities. Please advise us as soon as possible of your requirements regarding rooms. Depending on accommodation single occupancy is a possibility, single supplements will apply please advise of any single room requirements as soon as possible.
Self-guided Solo trekkers
It is not possible to provide self-guided treks for solo trekkers due to safety reasons.
Bag Transfer
The standard price does not include bag transfer before, during & after the trek (apart from when booking on a guided trek). If you require bag transfer this may be possible on some nights when not in hut accommodation at an additional cost. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to any luggage and property; they are carried at their owner’s risk, even when left at each accommodation, carried by transfer companies or left in storage during your trek.
Itinerary Alterations
The itineraries given for each tour must be taken as an indication of what each group hopes to achieve and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Mont Blanc Treks Limited. It is a necessary condition of your joining any of our advertised holidays that you accept this flexibility and that you also accept that we cannot be held responsible for delays or alterations in the programme, or for expenses incurred owing to flight cancellations, war, threat of war, riots, civil strife, strikes, local regulations, sickness, terrorist activity, political closures and disputes, natural disasters, weather conditions, fire, technical transport problems or other circumstances amounting to force majeure and/or acts of God. You will be responsible for any such expenses incurred, such as extra hotel accommodation or flights, and these must be paid for direct at the time. In addition, if you are not able to continue with the trek due to level of fitness or in-appropriate kit they will be required to pay any additional costs for transport repatriation and alternative accommodation. Travel & trekking insurance is a pre-requisite of the trek, depending on the circumstances, these costs may be recoverable on their insurance. All information is compiled as accurately as possible to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and advertising. Where facilities are altered, or withdrawn for reasons beyond our control we cannot accept any liability.
Excursions
We may, at your request, give available options regarding excursions or restaurants; these are not recommendations, as we do not recommend any excursion or restaurant. Any arrangements are made between you and the local company, Mont Blanc Treks Limited have no liability whatsoever for anything which may go wrong.
Medical Conditions
If you suffer from any medical condition, which you think may be in any way relevant when joining one of the treks, you must let Mont Blanc Treks and your doctor know, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about what the trek involves.
Trek grading
We grade our treks from 1 to 10 (1-5 being relatively easy & 6-10 being strenuous, tough & extremely hard), each trek receives a grade depending on the difficulty of terrain and numbers of days of sustained trekking.
To explain in more detail:
GRADE 3/4 RELAXED: Chamonix Valley Walks: General walking fitness on flat & easy terrain, no previous walking experience required. All the trails will be flat with no elevation or descent, walking distances can vary between 6- 14 kilometers depending on the route.
GRADE 5/6 VIGOROUS: Chamonix Iconic High Mountain Treks: A reasonable level of fitness is required for example; at home, you do regular exercise each week. During the day walks you will experience a degree of height gain & descent in addition to a distance of between 12-18 kilometers each day. Hill walking experience is advisable so you have knowledge of what it takes to walk in the mountains.
GRADE 7 DIFFICULT & TOUGH: Tour du Mont Blanc, Tour du Monte Rose & Tour of the Vanoise & the Dolomites AV1: These treks are difficult & tough & a good level of fitness needed before you arrive. The height gain & descent are in the region of + or – 1200 meters per day without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents.
GRADE 8 STRENUOUS & DEMANDING: Walkers Haute Route: These are very physically demanding treks that requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. You need to have plenty of mountain walking experience & exercise on a regular basis. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 m per day without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents.
GRADE 9/10 TECHNICAL & EXTREME: Traverse of the Grand Paradis (AV2): These are the most physically demanding treks we offer & a supreme level of fitness is required for the type of terrain you will encounter on this trek & previous mountain trekking experience is essential. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 m per day without a break. You will trek to an altitude of over 3000 meters & the terrain is remote, exposed & difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents.
Fitness for Participation
The booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise and accept the potential risks and hazards that can be over and above those associated with normal ‘package’ holidays. All clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking and departure that they are mentally and physically capable of participating in the itinerary as described in the brochure, the full itinerary and all activities it demands. Each trek is given a trek grading please refer to this information to establish whether you can undertake the trek. Any illness or disability of you must be declared and the information given to us before the start date. Mont Blanc Treks Limited and anyone else working in association with us cannot be held responsible for any accident or mishap that may occur in connection with any part of, or services connected with the tour. You are responsible for your own wellbeing & by agreeing to our terms and conditions you agree not to take any legal proceedings against Mont Blanc Treks Limited or its employees.
Nutrition & hydration
One of the most important things in addition to fitness is your nutrition & hydration during the trek. Poor nutrition & hydration can severely affect your physical performance & it is important to get your nutrition & hydration right. Each day you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid so it is imperative you carry the right kinds of food & enough water with you to avoid dehydration & malnutrition. It is advisable to drink plenty of water before you sent off on each day so you are fully hydrated. A pack lunch can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation if ordered the night of arrival. If you are not familiar with the kinds of food & drink that would be good when exerting yourself daily do some research beforehand and trial what works best for you.
Medicals, Vaccinations, Passports & Visas
Medical examinations, vaccinations, obtaining passports, visas and other preliminary arrangements are entirely your responsibility and we accept no responsibility if these are not completed in time for departure.
Local or International Laws & Agreements
The use of transport or any other services provided in the holiday must be subject to the applicable local or international law agreements and to the terms and conditions of their owners or operators, which may exclude or limit liability. All clients are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited, failure to do so will relieve Mont Blanc Treks Limited of all obligations that they may have under this contract.
Complaints & Refunds
Should you or your group have any complaint about the trek you must make it officially known to Mont Blanc Treks Limited in writing within 28 days of the end of the holiday. No refund or compensation will be made or given for any unused hotel accommodation or any other unused service on the tour. If a significant proportion of the contracted services is not or cannot be provided you may accept an alternative itinerary or be refunded for the missing service on your return. The Company’s representatives other than the directors are not entitled to promise refunds for any reason and Mont Blanc Treks Limited will not be bound by any such promise.
Dealing with complaints
If, despite our best efforts and having followed the above procedure for reporting and resolving your complaint, you feel that it has not been satisfactorily settled, we recommend that it is referred for arbitration under the ABTOT Travel Industry Arbitration Service. An Independent Arbitrator will review the documents relating to any complaint and deliver a binding decision to bring the matter to a close.
Details of this scheme are available from The Travel Industry Arbitration Service, administered by Dispute Settlement Services Ltd
9 Savill Road
Lindfield
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 2NY
or from
ABTOT
117 Houndsditch
London EC3A 7BT.
This scheme cannot however decide in cases where the sums claimed exceed £1,500 per person or £7,500 per booking form, or for claims which are solely or mainly in respect of physical injury or illness or the consequence thereof.
Promotional Images
The company may use any likeness or image of our clients that is taken on the trek without charge in all media (whether now existing or in the future invented) for bona fide promotional materials of any kind, such as brochures, slides, video shows and the Internet.
Disclaimer
All the information is provided to the best of our knowledge, we reserve the right to change the trek itinerary, as we feel necessary depending on the group and weather conditions. If you are not able to continue with the trek due to level of fitness or in-appropriate kit you will be required to pay any additional costs for alternative accommodation. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to any luggage and personal property; they are always carried at their owner’s risk, even when left at each accommodation, carried by transfer companies or left in storage during your trek. Travel & trekking insurance is a pre-requisite of the trek, Mont Blanc Treks Ltd are not responsible for any loss or injury.