1. Where is lodging  

 

• Participants will spend nine nights on the trip in a private room with full amenities. For the other three nights of the trip we will stay in alpine huts and auberges. The huts provide dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and family-style meals in the traditional style.

 

2. What will meals be like?

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• On our days in town, we will enjoy multi-course traditional Swiss, French, and Italian meals in local restaurants. You will have a free afternoon during our rest day in Courmayeur, during which you are responsible for your own meal, snacks, or drinks.

• While staying in the huts, breakfast and dinners are provided in a family-style communal dining format. These tend to be simple and hearty traditional meals. Breakfasts often consist of fresh bread with butter and jam, along with coffee and tea. Dinners often include salad, soup, a main dish such as pasta or quiche, and local favorites for dessert, including mousse and flan. Before heading out on the next day’s hike, we will get a bagged lunch from huts.

• Drinks: One drink per day is included in the cost of the trip. If you would like additional drinks, we will keep a balance and settle your tab after the trip is over.

 

3. What should I bring? 

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• Since we are staying in huts and hotels, there is no need to bring heavy camping gear. Instead, you should bring comfortable hiking boots and a day pack with layered clothing options. You can check out a detailed gear list here: TMB Gear List.

 

4. What is included in tuition? 

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• Both private and dormitory-style lodging, transportation to and from airport, experienced guide and driver, mountain rescue insurance, a year-long Alpine Club Membership, trekking permits and services, several cable car rides, guided via ferrata, all dinners and breakfasts, lunches as specified in trip itinerary.

 

5. What is not included in tuition?

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• Travel to and from Geneva, Switzerland; travel and flight insurance; one lunch on day in Courmayeur. While a beer or glass of table wine is included when eating at restaurants, additional drinks are the responsibility of participants.

 

6. How is this trip different from the Tour du Mont Blanc Expedition?

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• Unlike the TMB Expedition, where participants hike the entire 100-mile TMB circuit, the Hiking & Cultural Expedition tours participants from place to place with a private car and driver. Participants stay in private hotel rooms for all but three nights and eat out frequently at restaurants. The Hiking & Cultural Expedition also includes cable car rides, boat rentals, and a diversity of other activities through which to experience the iconic culture, food, and scenery of the Alps.

7. What is not included with tuition?

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• Travel to and from Geneva, Switzerland; flight & travel insurance. While a beer or glass of table wine is included when eating at restaurants, additional drinks are the responsibility of participants.                                                                                                                                                                           

8. How technical / difficult will this trip be?

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• We rate this trip as C-I level trip (Comfortable - Basic Fitness). Please see our Trip Rating System to compare to other programs we offer.

• Participants will go out on leisurely day hikes, boat rides, and an optional Via Ferrata rock climbing trip. It is fine if you are a beginner or a bit out of shape. All activities will occur at a comfortable pace, and more strenuous hiking or climbing days will be optional. That said, for the safety of the group, a baseline level of fitness is to be expected. You will be at high elevations and sometimes in remote mountain locations, and should be capable of hiking at least one eight mile day along mountain trails.

9. How do I get to and from Chamonix?

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• We ask participants to arrive at Geneva Airport by 2pm on August 5th. At this time, your guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to our meeting spot in Chamonix.

• We recommend that you schedule your departing flight on the evening of the 18th to allow for a relaxing morning in Chamonix. If you prefer to take an earlier flight, please let us know in advance so that we can make sure to arrange alternate transportation for you.

10 What is the cancellation policy?

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• Cancellations before May 5, 2019 will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee.

• Cancellations between May 5, 2019 and June 5, 2019 will receive refund of 50% tuition costs.

• Cancellations after June 5, 2019 will receive no refund.

• Medical or family emergencies will be considered on an individual basis.

 

To cancel, individual attendee registrants MUST contact Round Lake Campus at (518) 523-9329 ext. 5440.

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11. What is the schedule?

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• The trip includes a mix of days spent hiking along the Tour du Mont Blanc and days off, spent touring mountain towns, taking boats out onto the lake, and going on a Via Ferrata course.

• Be aware that specific plans and accommodations are subject to change due to opening dates and availability. A detailed itinerary can be accessed here.

 

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