Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need specialist equipment?

Footwear Supportive and with a good grip as the terrain can be variable, rocky, steep and loose. Boots are recommended, (but there are some good summer walking shoes available). Trainers are definitely not recommended as paths can be uneven which is why ankle support is helpful. Waterproofs A lightweight and breathable jacket and trousers are essential. They need to be carried at all times, even with a good forecast. Layers A range of warm layers including gloves and a hat as conditions can change rapidly and you need to easily regulate your body temperature whilst ascending or descending. Take a look at our kit list to help you pack for your trek and if you require any additional information please get in touch.

Q: What is the best time to trek?

April - end September: The easier treks (grade 1 - 6) can be arranged in France, Switzerland or Italy. Mid June - end September: Tour du Mont Blanc, Dolomites, Tour of the Vanoise and Tour de Monte Rosa Mid July - September: Haute Route and Gran Paradiso Before these dates there tends to be snow from the winter season, which makes each day harder and more tiring. All transport including cable cars, buses, etc are operational by the end of June. NB: Each season differs as it depends on the amount of snow we have had in the winter, so please enquire for current information for your route for the forthcoming season.

Question 1

Do I need specialist equipment?

Accepted Answer

Footwear

Supportive and with a good grip as the terrain can be variable, rocky, steep and loose. Boots are recommended, (but there are some good summer walking shoes available). Trainers are definitely not recommended as paths can be uneven which is why ankle support is helpful.

Waterproofs

A lightweight and breathable jacket and trousers are essential. They need to be carried at all times, even with a good forecast.

Layers

A range of warm layers including gloves and a hat as conditions can change rapidly and you need to easily regulate your body temperature whilst ascending or descending. Take a look at our kit list to help you pack for your trek and if you require any additional information please get in touch.

Question 2

Do I need walking poles?

Accepted Answer

Lightweight poles are strongly recommended by us: for downhill sections, (which can be both tiring and wearing on the knees), keeping balance on difficult sections and whilst traversing snow patches.

Question 3

How hard is the trek?

Accepted Answer

We grade our treks from 1 to 4 (1 being relatively easy and 4 being tough). The level considers:

Endurance
Strength, Agility, Balance
Robustness
Mental toughness
Previous experience

See our Trek Grades page for further info.

Question 4

What is the best time to trek?

Accepted Answer

April - end September: The easier treks (grade 1 - 6) can be arranged in France, Switzerland or Italy.

Mid June - end September: Tour du Mont Blanc, Dolomites, Tour of the Vanoise and Tour de Monte Rosa

Mid July - September: Haute Route and Gran Paradiso Before these dates there tends to be snow from the winter season, which makes each day harder and more tiring.

All transport including cable cars, buses, etc are operational by the end of June. NB: Each season differs as it depends on the amount of snow we have had in the winter, so please enquire for current information for your route for the forthcoming season.

Question 5

What will the weather be like?

Accepted Answer

In a word, changeable! Each area has its own micro-climate and during the season we at MBT experience ALL types of weather (sometimes in one day!). You need to be prepared for cold and wet weather and carry the essentials at all times. You also need to be prepared for high temperatures, with a high factor sunscreen, sunglasses and head shade for those scorching days with breathtaking views. Average mountain temperatures at 1100m, (allow for temperature drop for altitude gain as the cols at 2500m+ will be significantly cooler).

April - May Min -2°C / +1°C Max +5°C /+12°C

June-July Min +7°C / +9°C Max +20°C /+24°C

August- September Min +8°C / +6°C Max +22°C /+18°C

Question 6

Can I get clothes washed en-route?

Accepted Answer

Some of the hotels offer a laundry service (eg the hotel in Courmayeur at the halfway point on the Tour du Mont Blanc). We recommend that you take clothing that can be washed by hand and dries quickly.

Question 7

Can I get a mobile phone signal?

Accepted Answer

There is fairly good coverage in most of the main towns and villages. You will pass through three countries, France, Italy, Switzerland, so it may well be worth contacting your service provider before you leave home, in order to see how to get the best deal. There is no coverage on the section between Col du Bonhomme and Col du Seigne on the Tour du Mont Blanc and from the Cabane du Mont Fort to Arolla on the Walkers Haute Route.

Question 8

Will there be there Wifi?

Accepted Answer

Virtually all our hotels have Wi-Fi, in most of them it is free. You may be charged on the odd evening depending on the hotel. Wi-Fi is not available in any of the mountain refuges.

Question 9

What about bag transfer?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to carry all the gear you need for your entire trek, as we do offer, for an extra charge a bag transfer facility for the bulk of your kit. You will need a suitable rucksack to accommodate your daily clothing/equipment, food and drink and any other items you wish to have with you during the day. On ALL our treks some nights are spent in mountain refuge accommodation that have no vehicular access and so cannot be accessed by the baggage transfer team. On those days it is necessary to carry an overnight bag. See our Bag Transfer page for further information on this service.

Question 10

What food is included?

Accepted Answer

On all of our treks, guided or self-guided, breakfast is provided each day, a local 3-course evening meal is also provided on all nights (apart from your first and last night when you are not on the trek). Please see individual trek information for further clarification. When trekking on the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Walkers Haute Route you will be trekking through 2 or 3 countries, France, Italy and Switzerland and each county has its own traditons and specialities.

Breakfast:

This varies depending on accommodation. You can expect at least cereal, milk, break and jam and hot drinks. Our hotels on the treks offer a more substantial breakfast including yogurt, cheeses, cold meats, eggs and pastries.

Picnic lunch:

This is not included and you will need to purchase a picnic to carry with you each day. This is easily bought from local bakeries or supermarkets and when staying in more remote locations it can be ordered from the refuge on the night of arrival. Allow approx. 10 euros each day for your picnic. Make sure you take plenty with you and don’t rely on stopping for lunch en-route. Although on some days this will be possible it’s always good to have your own provisions in case the refuge or café is closed or busy.

Evening meal:

When on the trek, this is always provided and will consist of 3 courses, typically you will have soup or a salad for the starter, a meat or vegetarian option for the main course and a home-made dessert or cheese.

Question 11

What if I have dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

If you have specific dietary requirements you must let us know at the time of booking and then we will inform each accommodation so they are prepared. It is also advisable to remind them on arrival as they have many many guests each day and sometimes requests do get overlooked. The accommodation we use will always do their best to accommodate specific requests, however, it is advisable if you are lactose or gluten-free to carry additional food supplies (eg gluten-free bread) with you in your bag transfer, so you can supplement the food provided if you want to.

Question 12

How much water will I need to carry?

Accepted Answer

It is CRUCIAL that you keep hydrated during the day to avoid headaches and altitude sickness. On a guided trek, your guide will advise on the amount of water you are recommended to carry each day and will show you suitable topping up points along the way. Refrain from using the mountain streams and only use the known safe water supplies, usually well highlighted.

Question 13

Do I need a first aid kit?

Accepted Answer

We advise you to carry the basics, including plasters for blisters and pain killers for aches and muscle strains. (Don’t forget any of your usual medication). You will be able to replenish supplies along the routes in certain locations.

Question 14

What are the requirements for insurance?

Accepted Answer

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 for all the following eventualities.

General Travel Insurance

It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance that will cover you for trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight cancellations or delays, baggage loss or delays.

Mountain Evacuation and Medical Coverage

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.

Personal Possessions

Equipment can easily be lost or left behind on a trek and Mont Blanc Treks cannot be held responsible for your private possessions. During transfers, bags are left for collection and again after delivery, in some relatively public places within the hotels we use. Please make sure possessions, bags and equipment are adequately insured and kept safe.

Suggestions for trekking insurance companies that have been used by previous clients are:

For residents worldwide: World Nomads, TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak', True Traveller

For residents in the UK: British Mountaineering Council, World first

For UK and EU residents: Globelink

For residents in the USA: TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak'

For residents in Australia: Insure4less

Question 15

Will there be any additional costs?

Accepted Answer

At MBT we try to be very upfront with the potential cost of your holiday. Lunches are not included.  Extra costs can be incurred for the use of public transport (eg cable cars, buses and trains). When you aren't on your trek evening meals AREN'T included in the cost of the accommodation (we show this in all our itineraries). All accommodations are licensed and evening meals only include water.

Question 16

If I choose bag transfer, will I have access to my bag every night?

Accepted Answer

We try and get your main luggage to you as often as possible, but there are certain locations where distance and travel time make this provision unviable, so your baggage is taken to the next destination for you. This is usually in the refuges that we use. We will always tell you when this is and you can see your individual trek itinerary for further information.

Question 17

Is there a limit to the amount of luggage I can have transferred?

Accepted Answer

If you opt for baggage transfer, the limit is 15kg. This is for health, safety and logistical reasons. Bags need to be ready for collection at 8am each day and left in the designated area in each accommodation. Your bags will then be delivered to your next accommodation by 6pm at the latest. (Bag transfers are not available at certain locations due to the remote nature and on those days your bags will be transferred to the next destination. Please ask for details.)

Question 18

How many people are there in a group?

Accepted Answer

We run our guided treks with between 2 and 10 people. We NEVER oversubscribe our groups to ensure that each client enjoys their time with the guide and the group and that the group remains safe. If you are a self-guided group, it is entirely up to you as to the size of your party.

Question 19

How fit do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

We have treks from easy to extremely difficult and your level of fitness needs to increase with each grade of trek. See our trek grades page and fitness preparation information for further information.

Question 20

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Some parts of the routes pass through the national parks and dogs are not allowed. Also some of our hotels and refuges are not pet friendly. We’re sorry that we cannot allow you to bring your dog or other pets.

Question 21

If I travel solo, will I have to pay a single supplement?

Accepted Answer

Self-guided:

Not available for safety reasons.

Guided:

If you are on a guided trek, we have no compulsory single supplements. Our accommodation is on a shared basis in twin rooms. This means that you are likely to share a room with someone else of the same sex and if possible a similar age. If in the event that there is nobody suitable to share with, a single supplement will be charged towards the trek start date once we have final group details.

Question 22

Will I have my own private facilities in all my accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, the answer is yes. In the refuges, where possible, we offer the option to pay a little extra for a room on your own. If you'd like this, please specify at the time of booking. However, there are places on all our treks where accommodation is limited and as a result, we cannot always meet that requirement. This is out of our control but we would advise you accordingly.

Question 23

How do I get from and to Geneva airport?

Accepted Answer

Travel from the airport to your start hotel is arranged and paid for by you. There are various options available, which include private taxi, minibus transfer and public transport. We can help with suggestions, see our Bag and Airport transfer page for more details.

Question 24

Airport transfer

Accepted Answer

Concerning airport transfer, this can be booked online. See www.mountaindropoffs.com please request our discount code and let us know your booking reference number. The flex fare gives you peace of mind if your flight is delayed as they will transfer to the next available transfer unlike the supersaver which if missed, will be recharged. This would cost approx. 45€ per person each way. If you are a group of 4 or more, we can get preferential rates for you. Please contact Mike Booth at Alplinks and mention that you are trekking with us. He can be contacted via the Resort Rides website: www.resortrides.com or by email: info@resortrides.com.

Question 25

How do I get back to Geneva airport from Zermatt?

Accepted Answer

Similar to the start of your holiday, you will need to make your own arrangements for onward travel at the end of your holiday. Getting to and from Zermatt to Geneva is fairly straightforward (the Swiss rail service runs like clockwork and is the best way to get from Zermatt to Geneva airport). Train times and tickets information can be found on www.postauto.ch/en

Question 26

How do I get to and from Arolla, Les Hauderes, La Sage and Zinal if I am doing an easterly or westerly Haute Route trek?

Accepted Answer

The Swiss transport service runs like clockwork and the best way to get from Geneva airport to Arolla, Les Hauderes, La Sage and Zinal would be by train and then local bus. Train and bus times and tickets information can be found on www.postauto.ch/en

Question 27

What happens if I feel I am unfit to walk on any of the days?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to complete any of the days when you should be trekking, either alone or with your group, you will have to rely mainly on public or private transport or meet the resulting costs. If you contact the office at Mont Blanc Treks, we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition. We are, however, unable to operate a transfer system where we can facilitate moving clients from one hotel to another in order that they maintain contact with their group.

Question 28

What happens if I feel I am unable to finish the trek?

Accepted Answer

If you feel, for whatever reason, you are unable to fully complete the trek, it will be necessary for you to return to your start or finish hotel, using public transport. If you inform the Mont Blanc Treks office, we will try and help with your arrangements. This will incur extra charges for any extra accommodation that may be necessary and unfortunately will result in you forfeiting any already booked accommodation on the trek which you may not have used.

Question 29

If I am doing a self-guided trek and there is an emergency, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

You will be provided with a list of emergency contacts and as a result you will be able to avail yourself of their facilities. This will most probably incur a cost and is the reason we ask you to ensure that you are adequately and suitably insured. We do ask you to inform us at the office if you encounter problems, so that we can work on your behalf, informing hotels not to expect you etc to avoid unnecessary panic.

Question 30

If I am on a guided trek, can I change to self-guided for a day in order to vary my route?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the answer is no. If you are a member of a guided party, the guide is responsible for your well-being, and as they are also be responsible for the safety of the rest of their group, it would be unfair to ask them to allow this. If you are on a guided trek, we ask you to stay with that group and follow the recommendations of the guide, which will have been made with the overall safety of the group in mind. The guide will do their utmost to accommodate your wishes within these boundaries.

Question 31

How can I find out who else has booked the trek?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to check who else is booked on any particular trek, please just contact us. We can tell you the make-up of your group, the ratio of males to females and give you an idea of the group’s age profile.

Question 32

What are the benefits of joining a group rather than travelling on my own?

Accepted Answer

People do walk our routes solo. Some like the solitude. However, you will find our groups are small enough for you to have time to yourself, as well. Your guide will listen to any of your concerns and take the stress out of route finding and being in a group is safer on what can be isolated terrain and difficult weather.

Question 33

Will I enjoy my trek?

Accepted Answer

We sincerely hope so and will do our best to make this happen!

Question 34

Can I store my luggage when I am on the trek?

Accepted Answer

If you start and finish in the same location, you can leave any unwanted luggage in the baggage room of your hotel on the first night, so it is there for your return. If you finish in a different location, please ask for a bag transfer quotation.

Question 35

How do I find out more about MBT's booking conditions?

Accepted Answer

For further information see our Booking Terms and Conditions page.

Question 36

Is my deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

At the time of booking, we require a non-refundable deposit payment so we can book your accommodation in advance and carry out all the necessary administrational work. Your deposit is, therefore non-refundable.

Question 37

When do I pay the balance payment?

Accepted Answer

Your balance payment is due 12 weeks before your arrival date, we will send you a reminder via our booking system. Once your final payment has been received all final travel documents will be safely sent to you.

Question 38

Can I make changes to my booking after confirmation has been received?

Accepted Answer

Once we have received your booking form, we will send you a proforma invoice for you to check thoroughly. When you are happy with your itinerary, you are requested to pay the deposit securely online. We will then organize your trek, book all accommodation and send confirmation. If you need to make changes afterwards, then, of course, it is possible, but it would be subject to an administration charge.

Question 39

Is my deposit transferable to another person if I decide not to trek?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer your deposit to another person if you decide not to trek.

Question 40

Can we choose our arrival date?

Accepted Answer

If you are booking a self-guided or bespoke trek, we will organise the trek to suit you and you can choose your own arrival date. If you are wishing to trek at the popular times, then it is advisable to book early (at least 10 months in advance). See FAQ on popular times for more information on when to trek.

Question 41

What time should we arrive?

Accepted Answer

If you are booked on a guided trek, then we will have a trek briefing at 5pm on the first night so it would be advisable to arrive by mid-afternoon. If you booked on a self-guided trek, then you can arrive at a time to suit you. Please note that you can check into your hotel from 2pm onwards.

Question 42

What are the most popular and quieter times to trek?

Accepted Answer

The most popular times to trek in the mountains are early July and early September, if you want a quieter experience then later in July and the month of August are quieter.

Question 43

Can I meet someone from MBT on arrival?

Accepted Answer

All guided treks meet for a trek briefing on your day of arrival. If you are booked on a self-guided trek and wish to have a trek briefing before you head out on your trek, then this is possible if you are starting in Chamonix, where we are based. Please just get in touch.

Question 44

What if I need to cancel my trek for any reason?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking your trek. Should you need to cancel you will need to inform Mont Blanc Treks Ltd by email. If you are canceling for any reason other than COVID related emergencies, the following conditions apply: - More than 12 weeks before trek start date - loss of deposit. - 6 – 12 weeks before trek start date - loss of 50% of the trek fee. - Less than 6 weeks before trek start date loss of 100% of the trek fee.

Question 45

What do I need to do to prepare before my trek?

Accepted Answer

Each trek is graded according to difficulty and the harder the trek, the more you will need to prepare in both levels of fitness and stamina. See our trek grade and fitness preparation page) for more information.

Question 46

Are the treks suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

There isn't a simple answer to this question, it really depends on which trek, the age of your children and their level of experience in the mountains. The multi day itineraries would not be suitable for babies or small children who can’t walk very far and need to be carried. If you have young children then it might be a good idea to try a centre-based holiday with day hiking, this way you can tailor make each hike to suit your exact needs. In the past we have provided guided and self-guided tailor-made Tour du Mont Blanc itineraries for families that have mountain experience, however it is very important to tailor make the itinerary, so it is achievable and safe. These mountains can be very inhospitable even in the height of summer. A support vehicle would need to be included for safety reasons, if the trail conditions were not favourable and the weather inclement then you would be able to skip a day and take transport to the next location. For young adults as long as they enjoy walking in the mountains and have lots of previous experience then it would be possible.

Question 47

What altitude will we be trekking to?

Accepted Answer

The maximum altitude is different for each trek, see individual trek itineraries for more specific information, however, to give you an example. - Tour du Mont Blanc: 2665 m - Walkers Haute Route: 2997m - Traverse of the Gran Paradiso: 3300m Generally speaking, you won't be affected too much by the altitude. You might notice you feel a little more tired than usual on the first couple of days, this is normal & you will acclimatise quickly once you are here. It might be advantageous to arrive a day earlier so you can recover from your travel. It’s also important to arrive fit and ready for your trek, eat well and stay hydrated. It is important that you have the appropriate insurance to cover the altitude you will be trekking to, your insurance company probably will ask you this question.

Question 48

Do you have any age restrictions on your treks?

Accepted Answer

We welcome all ages here in the Alps, there is something for everyone particularly if it is tailor made specifically for your needs. On our scheduled trek dates we do not accept booking from anyone above the age of 75 unless you have recently participated in a mountainous adventures of a similar nature. This doesn't mean that we cannot provide you with a trekking holiday. Please get in touch and let us know the kind of adventure you are looking for, we can tailor make a privately guided trek to suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

All you need to know before you trek

Guided Trekking

Self-Guided Trekking

Before your Trek

Booking and Payment

Trek Grading

Accommodation

Travel

Insurance

Trekking Kit

Fitness

On the trek

Food and Nutrition

Baggage

Weather

Solo Travel

Our T and C's