** This trip is replacing the Via Alpina trip. The dates were changed by the outfitter due to lodging availability. If you are interested in joining this adventure please note the following sections below: - Difficulty level - Preparing for the trip - How to qualify The selection process will run from November through December. This will allow time for interested members to train and qualify for the trip. ** Trip Overview What is the Tour du Mont Blanc? Tour du Mont Blanc, (TMB), is a spectacular trek around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. We will hike in a counter-clockwise direction, starting in France. Our itinerary will circumnavigate the mountain taking our group through 3 countries - France, Italy and Switzerland. We will be staying at various hotels, hiking 9 days of our trip and taking 3 rest days to explore. There will be a rest day in each of the 3 countries. Along the trails, there will be rifugios where we can stop for rest, water, food and to enjoy the scenery and company of other hikers. Breakfast will be provided every morning that we are on the trail, and some of the hotels will provide dinners as well. At hotels where dinner is not provided, we will explore the local cuisine at the numerous restaurants in the vicinity. This trip was developed and managed by Walkers Britain, the same company that sponsors the Via Alpina trek. The 2 tours are very similar in structure, in terms of - active/rest days; luggage handling; meals, lodging and the excellent guide books provided by Walkers Britain. The trip is best suited for members with positive, adaptable, and flexible spirits. Excellent physical fitness and endurance are crucial as we will be hiking challenging terrain on consecutive days. That said, we are not out to set endurance records. Each day we will review our progress and physical status and discuss the next day’s plan. Hiking in such beautiful surroundings, we will allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, rest
