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Hiking Around the Dents Blanches
Duration:
7 days
Price from: 985€
Difficulty:
Level 1: You have never practiced.
Level 2: You have some initial experience.
Level 3: You practice occasionally.
Level 4: You practice regularly.
Level 5: You have a sustained practice.
General information
This hike is intended for experienced hikers and will satisfy the adventurer within you. Wild and preserved, this varied and maintained route is unique and exclusive to the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix. This trip takes place to the north of the Mont-Blanc massif, between France and Switzerland. Using hidden away trails, we will discover rich and sumptuous landscapes and discover the varied histories of the numerous valleys we will cross through.
Benefit from the knowledge of our mountain leaders without worrying about the logistics. You carry your weekly belongings in your backpack to fully enjoy the mountains. Accommodation in hostels or refuges. Nights in dormitories. We use the local transport for the transfers and supplies are obtained in either the mountain villages or at the accommodation.
Private booking
A private engagement is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.
Prices 2024 :
1 person : 4575€ per person | 7 people : 1220€ per person
2 people : 2615€ per person | 8 people : 1150€ per person
3 people : 1965€ per person | 9 people : 1095€ per person
4 people : 1640€ per person | 10 people : 1050€ per person
5 people : 1445€ per person | 11 people : 1015€ per person
6 people : 1310€ per person | 12 people : 985€ per person
The price includes :
- The organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in refuges sleeping in mixed dormitories
- picnic lunches
- Return transfer by train from Chamonix to le Buet hamlet
Not included in the price :
- Drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory)
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).
Meeting point : Meet at 7.30am at the Compagnie des Guides office, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix. We will take the train to le Buet hamlet where our hike will start.
Ability level : 5/5 - The Dents Blanches hiking trip is a strenuous and demanding trek. More than 1000m (3,280ft.) vertical gain and about 7 to 9 hours of daily hiking. Some days may be long and demanding, involving altitude and High Mountain passes (min. 9 190ft.). Hiking on mountain trails and terrain showing exposed and difficult sections. These trips generally require carrying a backpack with personal belongings throughout the trek. For very active, well-trained people with a solid experience in alpine trekking.
Guiding policy : minimum 6 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.
Important: Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.
Accommodation :
- During the trip : 6 nights half board in mixed dormitories. No shower at Vieux Emosson mountain hut. Each hiker carries all their personal belongings and picnic for the entire trek.
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.
Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Preparing for the trip : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.
Documents available for download
Equipment
We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.
Equipment
- A backpack with a capacity of at least 40 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack. Your backpack should not weigh more than 9kg when you have everything inside.
- A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters : talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.
Clothing
For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.
For the day :
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric)
- 1 polar fleece
- 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric)
- 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker)
- 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of gloves
For the entire trip :
- At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers)
- optional : short gators (start of the season)
Accessories
For the day :
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip salve
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better)
- 1 knife
- 1 fork (type "spork")
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
For the entire trip :
- 1 sleeping bag liner
- Flashlight or headlight
- Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.
- Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs
- Identification (passport or ID card)
- Money for your personal expenses
- A bit of soap for laundry
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 : Buet Village - Salenton Pass - Moëde d'Anterne Refuge
Starting from Buet Village (4,363ft), we begin our week of hiking towards the famous Mont-Buet. After crossing a beautiful larch forest, we emerge into the authentic Bérard Valley. The tumultuous waters of the Bérard River accompany us to the Pierre à Bérard Refuge. From there, the ascent becomes more demanding to reach Salenton Pass (8,287ft). The descent takes us into the Villy Valley, a magnificent area preserved by its distance from any infrastructure. We spend the night at the Moëde Anterne Refuge (6,561ft).
Elevation gain: 5,000 feet - Elevation loss: 2,600 feet - Distance : 9 miles
Day 2 : Anterne Pass - Fonts Chalet - Grenairon Refuge
We start our day with a short ascent to Anterne Pass (7,404ft). The view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the vertical walls of the Rochers des Fiz is breathtaking. We quickly reach Lake Anterne before descending towards the Fonts Cirque. We'll enjoy a picnic in this protected area. The afternoon is reserved for the ascent to Grenairon Refuge (6,397ft), where we spend the night.
Elevation gain: 4,600 feet - Elevation loss: 5,000 feet - Distance : 11 miles
Day 3 : Les Praz de Commune - Sixt Fer à Cheval - Vogealle Refuge via Pas du Boret
From Grenairon Refuge, we descend towards the charming village of Sixt Fer à Cheval and the Giffre Valley. From the alpine chalets of Les Praz de Commune (5,485ft), we enter the famous Cirque du Fer à Cheval, known as the "Gavarnie of the Alps!" Just before the "Bout du Monde," it's time to start an alpine path leading to Pas du Boret, an ancestral trail used by shepherds to bring their herds to the heights of Vogealle. The Vogealle Valley is stunning, with views of the last glaciers on Haute-Savoie's limestone rocks. We spend the night at Vogealle Refuge (6,240ft).
Elevation gain: 5,000 feet - Elevation loss: 5,000 feet - Distance : 11 miles
Day 4 : Vogealle Refuge - Taureau Pass - Bostan Pass - Barmaz Alpine Pasture
We promised you a demanding itinerary, and today will prove it. From the refuge, we follow the shores of Lake Vogealle to reach the pass leading to the extraordinary limestone geological wonder of the Combe des Puaires. In this area, the Jean Bernard Abyss was the world's deepest for 20 years, reaching a depth of -5,255 feet. A rocky path takes us to Pointe Droite Pass (8,120ft), then, without a clearly defined trail, to Pas du Taureau (8,382ft). A steep descent through a rocky chimney (with cables) leads us to Bostan Pass (7,513ft), the border between France and Switzerland. Pas de la Bide, our second challenging pass of the day, awaits us with its famous "mailbox." We finish our alpine day in the tranquility of the Barmaz alpine pasture (4,895ft).
Elevation gain: 3,000 feet - Elevation loss: 4,600 feet - Distance : 7 miles
Day 5 : Signal de Bonavau - Pas d’Encel - Susanfe Pass - Salanfe Inn
Early in the morning, we head towards Pas d’Encel, with a stunning ascent between forests and steep rocks. At Signal de Bonavau (5,872ft), we discover a spectacular rocky cirque sculpted by glacial activity. We cross it via the airy and memorable Pas d’Encel to enter the remarkable Susanfe Valley. At Susanfe Pass (8,182ft), the surrounding black rocks create a lunar landscape. We navigate between the Dents du Midi (10,685ft) and Tour Sallière (10,564ft). The descent takes us to the lake and the Salanfe Inn (6,896ft).
Elevation gain: 5,000 feet - Elevation loss: 3,300 feet - Distance : 9 miles
Day 6 : Emaney Pass - Barberine Pass - Vieux Emosson Hut
Today, we embark on a beautiful day facing the famous Swiss peaks. From Emaney Pass (8,077ft) or Barberine Pass (8,139ft), the panoramas are stunning. Wildlife will also be a highlight, as the Emaney combe is known for hosting many chamois and ibex. The day ends with a crossing of the Emosson Dam to reach Vieux Emosson, a smaller but older dam, a testament to innovative hydroelectric activity for its time. We spend the night at the Vieux Emosson Hut (7,175ft).
Elevation gain: 5,900 feet - Elevation loss: 5,300 feet - Distance : 11 miles
Day 7 : Vieux Emosson Hut - Dinosaur Tracks - Corbeaux Pass - Tré-les-Eaux - Le Buet
For our last day of hiking, we head towards a unique site in Europe where we can observe the famous dinosaur tracks of Emosson, fossilized in the rock for over 200 million years. Finally, we climb Corbeaux Pass (8,540ft) to reach the wild Tré-les-eaux valley. Our last descent, but by no means the least, of our wonderful week brings us back to Buet (4,363ft), where our journey began seven days ago.
Elevation gain: 2,300 feet - Elevation loss: 5,000 feet - Distance : 8 miles
The guide may have to adapt the route to weather conditions and/or to group physical and/or technical ability.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 90 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 90 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 9€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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