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Hiking The Contamines Montjoie nature reserve
Duration:
3 days
Price from: 390€
Fitness:
Infobulle physique
Physical Level 1: For individuals who engage in occasional physical activity, positive elevation gain up to 250m or distance up to 5km.
Physical Level 2: For individuals who engage in regular physical activity, positive elevation gain up to 500m or distance up to 10km.
Physical Level 3: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain up to 1000m or distance up to 20km or multi-day routes without carrying personal belongings.
Physical Level 4: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain up to 1400m or distance up to 25km or multi-day routes with carrying personal belongings.
Physical Level 5: For individuals who engage in intensive endurance activities, positive elevation gain exceeding 1400m or distance exceeding 25km.
Technique:
Infobulle technique
Technical Level 1: For walkers, capable of navigating wide mountain trails suitable for vehicles.
Technical Level 2: For occasional hikers, capable of navigating non-technical mountain trails.
Technical Level 3: For regular hikers, capable of navigating slightly uneven mountain trails with roots or rocks.
Technical Level 4: For experienced hikers, capable of navigating rugged mountain trails with boulders, large steps, or exposed sections.
Technical Level 5: For seasoned hikers, capable of navigating off-trail routes or mountain trails with equipped sections, such as cables or ladders.
General information
Enjoy an unforgettable experience during this three-day trip in the heart of the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve. Between alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif, this program is designed for nature lovers eager to discover the biodiversity and floral richness of the mountains. You will journey through protected environments, where each path tells the story of a fragile ecosystem that must be preserved. Benefit from the knowledge of a mountain leader without worrying about logistics. Simply carry your essentials in your backpack, for a complete mountain experience. Accommodation is provided in refuges with dormitory nights, and provisions are ensured at the refuges.
This journey is part of a collection of unique circuits taking place in natural reserves and national parks. In the heart of the Sixt-Passy, Aiguilles Rouges, and Vallon de Bérard natural reserves, treat yourself to a night under the stars in a bivouac or embark on the ascent of Mont Buet. Explore the heights of the mythical valleys of Savoie in the Vanoise National Park or indulge in the Italian Dolce Vita in the Grand Paradis National Park.
Group booking
Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : Find all the dates available in the drop-down list below
Price 2025 : 395€ per person - based on a minimum of 5 participants
This price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in mountain huts (4-bed dormitories)
- picnic lunches
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly recommended
Private booking
A private booking 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 guide who will meet your specific needs. Undoubtedly, it is the ideal formula that guarantees you maximum comfort. Accommodation and itinerary can be tailored, and you are free to choose your departure date depending on accommodation availability.
Prices 2025 :
1 person : 1840€ par person
2 people : 1050€ par person
3 people : 785€ par person
4 people : 655€ par person
5 people : 575€ par person
6 people : 525€ par person
7 people : 485€ par person
8 people : 460€ par person
9 people : 435€ par person
10 people : 420€ par person
11 people : 405€ par person
12 people : 390€ par person
The price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in mountain huts (4-bed dormitories)
- picnic lunches
Not included in the price :
- Drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
-Repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly recommended
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 10 am in the carpark of the Contamines gondola.
Ability level : 5/5 - The Around the Prés 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.
Itinerary: The guide may need to adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions and/or the physical and/or technical abilities of the group
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.
Accomodation :
- During the trip : 2 nights in the Refuge des Prés mountain hut (in 4-bed dormitories). Each hiker carries all their personal belongings and picnics throughout 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
Weight is a hiker's adversary, so it is crucial to carefully select your equipment as it plays a key role in ensuring the success of your trip. The weight of your backpack, including all your belongings, should not exceed 9kg
Your gear
-A 40L backpack
-A pair of top quality hiking boots
-A pair of telescopic poles
-A hat or cap
-A warm hat
-Category 3 sunglasses
-Breathable long and short-sleeved T-shirts
-A polar fleece
-A warm down jacket
-A Gore-Tex waterproof jacket
-A rain poncho
-A hiking trouser
-A Gore-Tex waterproof trouser
-A short
-A pair of gloves
-Hiking-appropriate socks
-A minimum 2L water bottle
-A pocketknife and a spork
-A flashlight or headlamp
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-A sleeping bag liner
-Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs, and toilet paper
-Minimal personal pharmacy: blister pads like Compeed, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies
ID, money for personal expenses
-Flip flops for the hut
-Spare clothes as per your preference
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Millet, Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Day 1
Chamonix - Refuge des Prés
Meet at 9am in Chamonix or at 10am at the Contamines cable car park. We will begin a hike through the Envers du Cugnon, and the waterfall of the same name. We will progress through a diversity of alpine flora, with stops to observe endemic species. Along the way, we will explore the Bois de la Rollaz, where the tree canopy is home to an incredible variety of birds. We will finally reach the Prés mountain pasture, located in unspoiled landscapes, and discover the refuge in a peaceful setting.
Elevation gain: 2,955 feet - Elevation loss: 2,955 feet - Distance : 3 miles
Day 2
Lacs Jovet - Col d’Enclave
Early departure to join the Tour du Mont-Blanc trail. We will branch off towards the east through valleys rich in biodiversity, to reach the magnificent Lacs Jovet. We will continue towards the Col d’Enclave, offering an exceptional view of the surrounding peaks. For experienced participants, a loop via the Tête Nord des Fours and the Col du Bonhomme is possible, before returning to the refuge.
Elevation gain: 4,760 feet - Elevation loss: 4,760 feet - Distance : 10 miles
Day 3
Col de la Fenêtre - Col du Joly - Aiguille Croche - Return to Les Contamines
We will start the day with a climb to the Col de la Fenêtre, where we will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. The balcony trail under the Aiguille de Roselette will take us to the Col du Joly, offering breathtaking panoramas. Throughout this hike, we will encounter animal species and observe the conservation efforts carried out by the Contamines Montjoie nature reserve. After the final climb to the Aiguille Croche, we will descend through the mountain pastures to reach the starting point in Les Contamines.
Elevation gain: 4,595 feet - Elevation loss: 6,560 feet - Distance : 14 miles
Booking
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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: 26 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 26 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 2.6€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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