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Image by Manuel Hodel

Final Trip Information

This final trip information is to ensure the safety and preparedness of all participants. Hiking, especially in challenging environments like the Alps, requires thorough preparation. This information includes essential details about the itinerary, safety procedures, and packing lists, which are crucial for avoiding accidents and dealing with emergencies effectively.

Image by Jonathan Fors
Image by Jonathan Fors

Arrival and Welcome

The trip officially commences on July 21st, with participants arriving throughout the day and evening from various European locations. If you come by train it is a 10 minute walk to the Plan B Hotel or you can take a 5-minute taxi ride. Please refer to the transportation section to find a list of transportation options to and from Chamonix and Zermatt, connecting with the airports that most participants are flying into and out of for the trip. 

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The hotel’s official check in time is 4:00pm, although your room may be ready before that. If your room is not ready you can check your bags with the front desk and explore Chamonix and get lunch. We leaders will arrive on July 20th, so please text one of us to let us know you have arrived safely.

Image by Patrick Baum

Daily Itinerary

While the itinerary below is what we have planned, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation, and unforeseeable circumstances, such as weather conditions. We reserve the right to make such changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the group.

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Much more detail about the daily itinerary can be found in the printed booklet provided by Pygmy Elephant (or hotel/guide partner), which you can also access in PDF format here.

Day One: July 21

Chamonix

​There are no planned events for the first day, so enjoy an afternoon and evening of relaxation, but please let one us know you arrived safely. There is much more information about Chamonix on their official website, and you can also find select information in our earlier newsletters. There are no meals included on this first day in Chamonix.​

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Day Three: July 23

Chamonix to Les Contamines

We will depart Chamonix after breakfast and take a bus to Les Houches – time TBD.

We hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines via Col de Voza, with great views of the Chamonix Valley. There is an option to take a chair lift from Les Houches to Col de Voza which will reduce the total hike time by 2 hours. This may be a good option for the first day to allow our bodies to acclimatize.

 

  • Hike mileage: 10.6 miles

  • Elevation gain/loss: 6,066 feet

  • Total hike time: 6-7 hours. 

  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

  • Lunch: Purchase groceries in Chamonix before departure for first few days.

  • Lodging: Hotel La Chemenaz

Day Two: July 22

Chamonix

Our first official group event will take place at 5:00pm at the Plan B Hotel Restaurant with a welcome drink and a chance to meet our guides to discuss the itinerary. We will have our welcome dinner at 7:00pm at Le Monchu, 1, rue dy Lyret so plan to meet in the lobby of the Plan B at 6:45pm to walk over to the restaurant as a group.

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  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

  • Lunch: Plan to purchase food for at least two days of lunches/snacks.

  • Lodging: Hotel Plan B

Day Four: July 24

Les Contamines to Le Chapieux

We will depart Les Contamines after breakfast – Time TBD. This is a harder day of hiking due to the increased mileage and larger elevation gains and losses. We may have some of the group start hiking earlier. There is an option to shave off an hour of this stage from by taking a bus ride from Les Contamines to Notre Dame de la Gorge.

 

  • Hike mileage: 12.4 miles

  • Elevation gain/loss: 7,585 feet 

  • Total hike time: 7-8 hours

  • Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

  • Lunch: Purchase additional lunch items in Contamines since there are no other options.

  • Lodging: Auberge de la Nova

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