Expedition World

THE ALPS

Although we remain in awe of the Himalaya, we still have a soft spot for the clean air and pristine meadows of the Alps (France, Switzerland and Italy). For the last thirty years the magical slopes of the Alps have been our summer grazing pastures. We have been leading and organising Alpine treks across this wonderland of wild crags and shimmering spires, from Mont Blanc in the west to the Dolomites in the east. Peaks like the Weisshorn, Zinal Rothorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau continue to be an inspiration for us and to many more, of course. After a hard but rewarding day’s walk, there’s nothing better than recuperating in a cosy traditional chalet or homely hotel, a stunningly located mountain hut (or even a wooded camp!) in quaint villages like Champex, Grimentz or Grindelwald. No one can forget those scintillating sunsets and crisp dreamy dawns that grace the Alps in summer time. 

These days we are to be found on the romantic roads and tracks below the big mountains of the Alps, taking care of the self-guided clients of Sherpa Expeditions and its big brother, World Expeditions. All our favourite trips, the Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route, Alpine Pass in Switzerland and the Dolomites can be found in their brochures and websites. Currently we are to be found on the Mont Blanc route for most of the summer; we hope to see you there soon.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

As Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc naturally attracts enthusiastic hill walkers and trekkers from across the world to its superb trails. Towering impossibly above the charming French summer Alpine capital of Chamonix Mont Blanc, the great icy ramparts of Mont Blanc and its satellite peaks hold a magical magnetism for walkers from all levels. The two-week hike around the entire massif displays a variety of scenery, culture, landscapes and gastronomic delights to satisfy even the most skeptical part-time walker.

Starting in Les Houches, this route packs an immediate punch with superb views of the Bionnassay Glacier and its icy dome from Bellevue and the Col de Tricot. Alpine meadows, the domain of cows and trekkers’ cafes, lead the way to Les Contamines, a ski resort famed for its church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. Climbing to the Col du Bonhomme, we enter a wild landscape of rugged cliffs and rocky ridges, and descend to the quaint settlement of Les Chapieux, where time has stood still for centuries. Beaufort cheese, superb food and no mobile phone or internet connection are the highlights of this secluded valley. Crossing into Italy via the Col de la Seigne brings us to the colourful, often light-hearted tempo of Italy and the drama of the southern ramparts of Monte Bianco. The famous spires and gigantic walls of the Aiguille Noire, the Grandes Jorasses and the Dent du Geant are our companions beyond La Palud above Courmayeur. Entering Switzerland over the Col du Grand Ferret we enter yet another world. Picture-postcard villages, wooded glades, curious cows, cosy or classy accommodation are what you expect – and that’s what you get.

We trek down from La Fouly to the charming lakeside village of Champex, where there’s time to explore the exciting upper snowfields of the Orny glacier and take in a superb panoramic view across the peaks of the Swiss Valais, the Grand Combin, Dent Blanche and the resort of Verbier. Our next night’s stop is the isolated settlement of Trient, reached from an airy belvedere high above the Rhone valley with more panoramic views as far away as the Bernese Oberland. Climbing over the Col du Balme, we return to France and one of the most photographed views of the entire trip. From the col, the Aiguille du Chardonnet, Aiguille Verte, the Dru, Aiguille de Blaitiere, Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc are both dazzling and dramatic (a vista of almost Himalayan proportions).

The last few days are spent following the famous Grand Balcon Sud, past Lac Blanc, La Flegere and on to Le Brevent, with constant views of the Mer de Glace and the Chamonix valley. Fittingly, perhaps, we save the biggest descent for last – enough to give anyone a well-earned appetite for that farewell dinner and an indulgent celebratory drink. Voila! Fini!