Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Tour du Mont Blanc ON FOOT FROM FRANCE TO ITALY TO SWITZERLAND

Circling Mont Blanc, the crown jewel of the Alps, is one of the “Great Hikes of the World,” and we’ve honed this classic journey to perfection. Our well-designed

Days 1-2 Chamonix / Les Contamines In the mountaineer’s paradise of Chamonix, our warm-up hike brings you to the jagged needles of the Aiguilles Rouges and mountain- ringed Lac Blanc. From the Col de Voza, we descend to Bionnassay Glacier, with great views of the Dômes de Miage, before descending to charming Les Contamines. Days 3-4 Into Italy Crossing the Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme, we reach remote Les Chapieux, where we overnight at a family-run auberge. After visiting a local cheesemaker (superb Beaufort!), we hike across the border and enjoy fantastic vistas of Mont Blanc’s 11,000-foot-high southern face. On one festive evening we may find ourselves passing the traditional grolla bowl (espresso and grappa— flambé! ) to toast our day’s adventures. Days 5-6 Val Ferret, Switzerland / Champex / Trient Glacier / Col de la Forclaz Our hike into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret traverses the Val Ferret, with its flower-filled meadows and charming chalets. From lakeside Champex, hike switchback trails up to the dramatic pass overlooking the magnificent Trient Glacier, and descend right along its edge to Col de la Forclaz. Days 7-8 Col de Balme / Chamonix Climbing through larch forests to the Col de Balme, we cross back into France. We’ll savor jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc as we come full circle to the Chamonix Valley. Depart on Day 8.

hiking days bring you to high cols flanked by peaks, past epic glaciers that feed glistening streams, across meadows carpeted with wildflowers, and into culturally distinct valleys radiating into France, Italy, and Switzerland. Each day unfolds with new delights

“What an amazing trip! The scenery, the trails, the food, the guides—all were incredible. I just got home and I want to go back!”

FRANCO COGOLI

Megann Y., Fresno CA

as we cross from one country to the next, savoring meals that reflect each region’s specialties, with a special visit to a cheesemaker, and overnights in cozy hotels and hiker’s inns. Our experienced guides (up to three on each departure!) are the best in the Alps, and they’ll share the wonders of this mountainous realm with you in style!

HIGHLIGHTS • One of the world’s classic hikes—and we do it in style! • Enjoy magnificent mountain and glacier views and hike across three international borders on foot • Delicious regional cuisine, from French tartiflette and Italian pasta to Swiss fondue • Overnights in mountain villages with great charm and character DETAILS • 8-day trip begins and ends in Chamonix • 5 nights hotels, 2 nights small inns with semi-private rooms • All meals included • All transport during the trip included (cable cars, etc.)

DISCOVER THE WT DIFFERENCE IN THE ALPS

• Our guide-to-guest ratio. It’s unmatched—at least two and often three Trip Leaders means you have the opportunity to hike at your own pace (with more time for those special photos), and have more fun! • Hand-picked hotels! We’ve selected the most welcoming accommodations, from historic inns and chalets to hike-in lodges in breathtaking settings. • Our expert Trip Leaders. They offer wonderful introductions to special people and places you would never find on your own. They know these regions inside out and absolutely love sharing their “backyard” with you. • The best selection of trips in the Alps. From one week getaways with daily hiking options to in-depth two-week hikes, we offer it all.

DATES Jun 18-25, 2017

Jul 30-Aug 6

Jul 2-9 Jul 14-21 Jul 22-29

Aug 11-18

Aug 25-Sep 1

Sep 8-15

TRIP COST $4495 (11-14 members) $4895 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $450

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 4,000-8,800 feet, van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders

Snowy peaks, sprawling glaciers, alpine meadows, and amazing sunsets from our mountain lodges—this is what hiking in the Alps is all about! PHOTO: R TYLER GROSS

TANYA PERRET

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $500 PER PERSON DISCOUNT!

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