Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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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
COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $500 PER PERSON DISCOUNT!
FRANCO COGOLI
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
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
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!
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.
TANYA PERRET
16
“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!”
Megann Y., Fresno CA
• 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.
DISCOVER THE WT DIFFERENCE IN THE ALPS
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.)
DATES
Jun 18-25, 2017 Jul 30-Aug 6
Jul 2-9 Aug 11-18
Jul 14-21 Aug 25-Sep 1
Jul 22-29 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