GR5 Alps Crossing
9 Days Starting in Briancon and ending in Saint Gervais les Bains
Visiting: France
From:
$2268
$2166 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$102
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
To the iconic Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest massif, from Briancon, the capital of the southern French Alps, this challenging alpine walk takes in the highlights of the famous GTA or GR5 long-distance hiking trail. On this exclusive trek, you will experience some amazing and undiscovered parts of the French Alps, like Beaufortain, Vanoise, Thabor and a memorable side excursion to the "Vallée Étroite" (narrow valley) on the border of France and Italy. A mix of quality hotels sleeping a maximum of 2 to 3 people per room, and dorm-style accommodation in traditional mountain huts will offer you a comfortable experience and allow you to fully immerse yourself in mountain culture. During the trip, your main luggage will be transferred every day (except on day 4). Carrying only your day pack, you will be better able to appreciate the spectacular vistas unfolding around you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Briancon
Make your way to Briancon and the hotel. An arrival briefing will be held in the early evening with your guide. The group will likely head out for an optional dinner together (not included).
Day 2 : Transfer To The Claree River Region, Ascend The Aiguilles Rouge Peak (2545M) And Descend To The Etroite Valley (5Hrs)
Meals Included: B, D
We will firstly take a transfer (45mins)to the Clarée river region, or Nevache, a splendid, remote part of the Alps then climb to the Thures plateau (2100m) and onwards to the Aiguilles Rouge Peak (2545m) with amazing views of Ecrins National Park, Vanoise and Mont Blanc. Descend to the Vallée Etroite, stay in a multishare hut with dinner included.
Distance 12km/7.5mi, +680m/1900ft, -870m/2850ft
Day 3 : Cross The Etroite Pass (2434M) And Enter The Savoie Region (5Hrs)
Meals Included: B, D
In the morning you will cross the Haute Maurienne border at the “Vallée Etroite” pass (2434 m) and leave the Hautes Alpes county to join Savoie area. Distance 16km/9.9mi +670m/2200, -860m/2820ft
Day 4 : Road Transfer, Walk In The Vanoise National Park And Overnight In Hut (4Hrs)
Meals Included: B, D
After a 1 hour transfer to Bellecombe car park, you will enter the Vanoise National park, the first national park created in the French Alps. You will get spectacular views of the Vanoise glaciers and the south face of La Grande casse (3855 m) and stay in the La Leisse (2487m) with delicious food for the night (shared accommodation).
Please note that luggage is not delivered to tonight's accommodation - you must pack your overnight gear in your daypack.
Distance 12km/7.5mi, +470m/1540ft, -330m/920ft
Day 5 : Sweeping Alpine Views As You Ascend To The Foot Of The Grande Casse Mountain (6.5Hrs)
Meals Included: B
This stage will offer probably the most dramatic views and best alpine ambiance of the whole trip. You will leave the hut this morning and walk at the foot of the huge “Grande Casse” mountain. After some time you enter the Vanoise National Park where we hope to spot some wildlife such as the Alpine ibex and marmots . Descend to the ski resort of Tignes for your overnight hotel.
Distance 18km/11mi, +650m/2130ft -1080m/3540ft,
Day 6 : Ascend The Palet Pass (2653M) And Walk To Peisey Nancroix (6Hrs)
Meals Included: B
From Tignes this morning we hike to the Palet pass (2653 m). (The road here is classified as one of the worlds most dangerous roads due to its steepness in sections). We will then follow the long and captivating valley of Plan des Eaux where you will walk at the foot of the “Dome de la Sache” and the giant “Mont Pourri”. Overnight at your hotel in Peisey Nancroix.
Distance 20km/12.5mi, +600m/1970ft, -1380m/4500ft
Day 7 : To Roseland Lake Via The Bresson Pass (2469) With Overnight Stay In A Mountain Hut.
Meals Included: B, D
Transfer from your hotel to the village of Valezan. From there you will walk along the valley of Ormettes to begin your climb up to the Bresson pass (2469 m), this is at the foot of a huge iconic rocky mountain called the “Pierra Menta”. You will then follow a balcony pass above Roseland Lake where you will stay in a gite or hut in shared accommodation for the night. Distance 22km/13.6mi +1670m/5500ft, -890m/2900ft
Day 8 : Walk Via The Croix Du Bonhomme Pass (2510M) On The Tmb Trail To Saint Gervais Les Bains (5.5Hrs)
Meals Included: B
For your last day, you will will discover the incredible mountain trail along Gittes Ridge which was set up by the Alpine troops at the beginning of last century. Following this, walk up to Croix du Bonhomme pass (2510m) on the classic TMB trail. Complete your hike with a descent to Notre Dame de la Gorge and transfer to your hotel in Saint Gervais les Bains. Distance 16km/9.9mi +780m/2560ft, -1370m/4500ftS
Day 9 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: B
The trip concludes after breakfast. From the Saint Gervais les Bains it’s possible to get to Geneva airport with a regular shuttle service. We can assist with an airport transfer if required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
hotel / mountain hut -
8 breakfasts, 4 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.
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5 nights in B&B's on a twin or triple share basis usually with ensuite, 3 nights in gites/refuges multishare dorms with shared facilities
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Qualified mountain guide
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Luggage transfer (except day 4)
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Internal transfers as described in itinerary
What's Not Included
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Travel to Briancon and from Saint Gervais les Bains
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Items of a personal nature
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Drinks, 4 dinners and all lunches
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Storage of luggage
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Transfers
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Travel insurance
Accommodation
hotel / mountain hut
Accommodation is in a combination of dormitory style (multishare) in mountain refuges or triple or twin share in gîte hostels / B&Bs and hotels. In the dormitories there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet. The “Gites” used on this trip are certified “Gite de France” or equivalent with a solid reputation for cleanliness and food quality. Typically they have 2 person rooms, occasionally 4 max.
Grading
CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The daily guided walks are around 5-6 hours (not including breaks). There are many challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. Daily ascents are between 880m to 1200m whilst descents range up to 1450m. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, rain, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions.
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2024 - Jul 07, 2024Saturday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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