Mountain Adventure Holidays
A fabulous Alpine trekking experience on this week long trip in the Swiss and Italian Alps. We will be exploring an area less frequented by walkers, as we walk round one of the most famous 4000m (13,120ft) peaks in the Alps, the Grand Combin. This trip has always had rave reviews with our guests expressing surprise at the wildness and variety of the terrain.
We travel through high alpine meadows where the edelweiss grow, and climb to the Col du Grand St Bernard to the monastery which is home to the famous St Bernard dogs. The terrain is remote, varied and offers spectacular views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Join us on the Tour des Combins!
On the evening before we start our walk your guide will meet you at your hotel in the Swiss village of Bourg-St-Pierre, in the Canton of Valais. They will brief you on the trip ahead and answer any questions. The village of Bourg-St-Pierre is small, but steeped in Napoleonic history and worth visiting if you arrive early. Two small shops are close by for any last minute snacks for lunches that you might require.
Starting at Bourg-St-Pierre, in the heart of the Swiss Pennine Alps, we pick up our footpath right behind our hotel! We will make a gradual ascent, nice and easy for day one, through wild flower meadows to the alpage of La Coeur at 2233m (7324ft). We cross a col and traverse the mountainside along a lovely balcony trail offering superb views along the valley overlooking the town of Orsières. We then reach the Cabane du Col de Mille our overnight stop which was completely re-built in 2015. The Cabanne which sits at 2427m (7960ft) offers a fabulous viewpoint next to peak of Mont Rogneux, an area where wolves have been know to inhabit and are being monitored by a Swiss conservation project. We are likely to arrive early afternoon so there is time to climb the little neighbouring peak of Mont Brûlée which reaches 2572m (8436ft). Here you can explore the abandoned Swiss military bunkers and enjoy fine views of the valley.
Ascent: 1220m (4001ft) Descent: 375m (1230ft) Distance: 12.8km (8 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00
We begin today with a descent traversing round Mont Rogneux. It is always a pleasure to start our day high in the mountains and we will hope for a good sunrise. This morning we aim to visit the Cabane de Brunet for lunch before heading up an impressive gorge to the toe of the immense Corbassière glacier, one of the largest in Europe. In 2014, a new 240 metre (787ft) suspension bridge was put in place over the moraine enabling walkers to cross with dramatic views right onto the glacier. We then make a short but steady climb up to the recently built Cabane de Panossiere where we spend the night. A beautiful situation for the evening, with views of the mountains and the Grand Combin and good chance of viewing ibex parading on the hillside.
Ascent: 1160m (3804ft) Descent: 1000m (3280ft) Distance: 16km (10 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
A long, but satisfying day climbing over the highest col on the trip, the rocky Col des Otanes at 2806m (9203ft). From here the views of the surrounding glaciated Swiss peaks are incredible, with the Grand Combin now in full view. First climbed in 1857 by three local hunters, the peak looks very imposing. Looking towards Geneva we also have a ‘window’ view of the seven spires of the Dents du Midi. We descend this impressive rocky mountainside to the Lac de Mauvoisin at 1976m (6481ft), a dammed lake with incredible waterfalls. We can stop for refreshments at the historic Hotel Mauvoisin before we climb through the tunnels in the dam and begin our traverse along the lakeside meadows passing ancient farm dwellings. A good day for spotting the iconic edelweiss flower and chamois! A final short climb takes us over the Col de Tsofeurent, 2630m, before reaching the Cabane de Chanrion, a traditional stone built mountain refuge.
Ascent: 1100m (3608ft) Descent: 1150m (3772ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 7h00-9h00
This morning we leave the Cabane and head down into the valley to what seems like a cross roads of glaciers where we will cross the river to gradually ascend beside the Glacier de Fenêtre to the Fenêtre du Durand at 2797m (9174ft). The description 'Fenêtre' is often used in French speaking areas to describe a high narrow pass, in other words a 'window' to the next valley. At our Fenêtre we will now be on the border of Switzerland and Italy. We can stop and enjoy the views back to the Cabane de Chanrion with the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc de Cheilon behind. We then cross the border into Italy and descend to lush summer grazing grounds where we have plenty of opportunity to see marmots at work and play. Following an ancient irrigation channel, known as a ‘bisse’, we contour around the valley and end the day with a steady climb up to the Cabane de Champillon, which was re-built in 2004. The Cabane which sits at 2375m (7790ft) is also known as the Refuge de Letey.
Ascent: 1485m (4870ft) Descent: 1500m 4920ft) Distance: 26km (16.3 miles) Duration: 9h00-10h00
An easier day as we make our way through Alpine meadows to access the Col de Champillon at 2709m (8885ft) where on a good day it's possible to view not only the Grand Combin but also Mont Blanc, in France, and the Gran Paradiso, in Italy! We then begin our descent through meadows along the river bank with the Italian villages of Etroubles and St Oyen below us. Etroubles is believed to be the Roman winter garrison for the troops on the pass. This valley was crucial to both Roman and Napoleonic armies and their control of the trade routes. Our trail stays high and contours around with a final short descent to reach the cobbled streets of St Rhemy a village offering a final stopping point to Pilgrims before they reached the famous Grand Saint Bernard Monastery. From St Rhemy we will take a short bus transfer to wind our way up to reach the Col Grand St Bernard, 2469m (8098ft), and the border back into Switzerland. The pass has been used by armies, pilgrims, and traders for over 3,000 years as a means of crossing the Alps. Saint Bernard de Menthon opened the Hospice in the 900's to provide a safe haven for travellers and it is here the iconic Saint Bernard Dogs earned their legendary reputation as rescuers of travellers lost in snow. The Hospice is still operational and this is where we will spend the night as the guests of Brother Frederick and his colleagues. There will be time to visit the Hospice Museum and Saint Bernard Dog kennels.
Ascent: 830m (2722ft) Descent: 1600m (5248ft) Distance: 17km 10.6 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
Today, if the weather allows, we will take a variation on the Tour des Combins. This will involve gaining further height, taking in some spectacular scenery, which gets us right off the beaten track. We first climb to the Fenêtre de Ferret which sits at 2698m (8849ft), where we are greeted with a stunning view of the Mont Blanc massif. A short descent takes us to the Lacs de Fenêtre, some of the most beautiful lakes in the area. From here we climb on an ancient mule track to the Col de Bastillon reaching 2753m (9029ft). It's a steep short section of path but on a track so should not provide any difficulties. After gaining another stunning view from the Col de Bastillon we descend past more lakes to rejoin the traditional Tour des Combins route and follow the footsteps of Napolean down the Roman road. We have then come full circle to reach our starting point a week ago at Bourg-St-Pierre.
Ascent: 600m (1968ft) Descent: 1350m (4428ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
If the weather is not so good, then we will take the normal Tour des Combins route from the Monastery. This leads straight down from the Col and follows the ancient route made famous for harbouring Napoleans armies. The trail meanders through meadows and along by the Bourg dam to reach the old customs house and the cobbled streets of Bourg-St-Pierre.
Ascent: 0m (0ft) Descent: 1350m (4428ft) Distance: 10km (6.3 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
The leader will make a decision on which route to take depending on the weather conditions and suitability for the group.
Today is your departure from Bourg-St-Pierre.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation.
We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable at the time of booking we will use alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. However on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee.
When at Bourg-St-Pierre and the Grand St Bernard Monastery, accommodation is based on two people sharing. Other accommodation during the trip will be in high mountain refuges. The refuges on this tour are remote and in some cases only offer non-segregated dormitory style rooms. The refuges themselves tend to be full of character and serve tasty local dishes. They are always situated in stunning locations and the chance to enjoy a beer or glass of wine while watching the sun go down and the ibex playing on the mountain-side can provide a really special mountain moment.
Please also note that in the Cabane de Chanrion running water is not available so you should budget for bottled water on this night. In all of the other refuges on the Tour des Combins fresh drinking water is available and also hot showers.
Due to the nature of the accommodation on this trip in small hotels, in often tiny villages, we cannot offer a single supplement.
The Bivouac Napoleon was built by the parents of the current owner, Martine, in 1960. Marine runs the hotel with Claude, who also juggles many professions such as carpenter, organic farmer and hotelier. HIs farming operation provides the restaurant with premium lamb meat. The accommodation is in twin bedrooms with en suite facilities.
The hotel is ideally located for the start of our Tour des Combins as it is right beside the trail! The hotel also has a lovely modern spa which is great to come back to.
This Cabane was entirely re-built during 2014, and now offers nearly sixty places in seven dormitories. It is perched high on a Col and offers incredible evening views and sunsets when the weather is right. It has showers available. The guardians are Odile and Pierre-Elie, and as with many high mountain refuges it is a family concern.
There are showers available at the hut, and the sleeping arrangements like the others will be dormitory.
The Cabane de Panossière is situated at 2641m (8662ft) in the heart of the Combins massif in the Valais Alps. It is in a stunning location beside the glacier and is the climbers base for ascents of the mighty Grand Combin and its neighbouring peaks. Accommodation in the Refuges is always in dormitory style, and where possible we secure small dorms just for our group. There are showers at the Panossière which offer some lovely views!
The Cabane is situated in a lovely position offering great mountain views. The area is rich in flora and fauna and you may see ibex or chamois this evening. The accommodation is in dortoirs, this is the French word for dormitory. It is a very traditional style hut and you will now doubt be rubbing shoulders with seasoned mountaineers.
The mountain hut “Champillon-Adolphe Letey” was opened on July 2005 and was named after the Mayor of the Doues municipality, Adolphe Letey. He was the Mayor from 1951-1990 and was a strong believer in developing tourism in the area. The hut is high on the mountain above the “Tza di Champillon”, where the local practice of cattle transhumance is still flourishing.
Transhumance simply means the seasonal movement of the people with the livestock. In other words the people move up the mountain to spend the summer months with their herds, and then in the autumn they move back down for the winter months. The views from there, expecially of Ollomont valley and Lower Valpelline, are stunning.
There are showers available at the hut, and the sleeping arrangements like the others will be dormitory.
Offering shelter and respite to travellers for over one thousand years, the Grand St Bernard Monastery is a truly special place to stay. Situated on the Grand St Bernard pass at 2469m (8098ft), it is on the frontier between Switzerland and Italy. Our accommodation will be twin bedrooms in the Auberge de l'Hospice which is part of the Monastery. In the summer months the Grand St Bernard dogs are kept in kennels at the Col, while in the winter months they descend to the valley for warmer accommodation!
The Swiss Alps are easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. The closest international airport is at Geneva, in Switzerland. Bourg-St-Pierre, your meeting point, is in Switzerland and can be reached by train, bus or private car from Geneva. For train information please consult the Swiss train timetable. From Geneva airport you will be aiming for the town of Martigny where you will change to take the Grand St Bernard Express train to Orsières. At Orsières you will need to take a bus to Bourg-St-Pierre. The full route can be chosen on the Swiss train site, i.e. from Geneva airport all the way to Bourg-St-Pierre. Or you can consult the Swiss post bus service for the final leg from Orsières to Bourg-St-Pierre.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip.
Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.
If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.
You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.
Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Equipment
Clothing
Comfort
Documentation
Personal First Aid
Items for the nights in mountain huts/refuges
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
After we have processed your booking we will send you a comprehensive clothing and equipment list that is appropriate to your trip and activity. There will be some items on this list that we strongly recommend and others which are suggested. Our list is based on our experience of what is needed for any particular trip, but it is not the definitive article! If you have items you like to use then do bring them, but be aware of over-loading your 'day' rucksack with items that are heavy and therefore making the trip more challenging.
Please contact us if in any doubt about what to bring.
For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.
If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
These holidays are physically challenging and are suitable for regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days. These treks can involve difficult and demanding days on rough and sometimes loose terrain, as well as crossing passes that are at an altitude of up to 3100m (10,168ft). There may also be sections of path where the trail is good but exposed, however, these sections will be short. There may be the occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1800m (5904ft). A good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is essential. You need to be able to deal with bad weather when necessary. Expect to be walking 6-7 hours per day with the occasional longer day.
We grade this trip 'Demanding' not due to technical difficulty but simply due to some of the days being a considerable distance. If you have any questions about the trip level please contact us.
On this particular trip, due to the inaccessible nature of the mountain huts there will not be any luggage support. In other words, when we leave on the morning of the first day, you will carry what you need for the entire trip in your rucksack. In reality this is not much more than what you would carry each day, just a few additional items. This type of trip is usually a very satisfying and rewarding experience allowing you to ‘cast aside’ unrequired material possessions for the duration of the trip. We are happy to discuss this with you if you wish to be reassured with regard to which items you need to carry.
Your trip begins and ends at the same hotel and it is possible to leave any unwanted luggage at the hotel for your return.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this.
Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region.
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.
There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners.
We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| From Price | £0 |
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 5-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2806m (9203ft) |
| Countries Visited | Italy, Switzerland |
| Meet In | Bourg-St-Pierre, Switzerland |
