Hello,
I am planning a couple of Rick's day hikes out of Chamonix, staying at Refuge-plan de l'Aiguille in mid-June. I understand the weather can be unpredictable. I am also trying to keep my luggage weight under 10kg so trying not to over pack or get caught out in the cold. Do you think I need hiking boots or will my Keen lace-up shoes be okay? Also thinking leggings, turtleneck, stuff able down jacket, windbreaker and thin gloves. Do I need base layers too? I will pack a hot /cold insulated water bottle. I'm pretty fit and in my 40s. Any essentials I'm missing? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17436 posts
There could well be snow lingering on the trails, so I would want hiking boots rather than shoes. And a waterproof breathable jacket rather than a simple windbreaker. With a long-sleeve shirt, the down jacket, and the rain jacket you should have enough layers.
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
How high are these shoes? Do they provide ankle support? Ankle support is nice to have, especially if you plan to walk down all the way to Chamonix (it is steep!). But it is not a must either; the balcony hikes are family hikes, nothing too acrobatic. It dépends on how you usually hike with!
As for the weather, sure, it can be cool mid June, but turtleneck and having both a windbreaker and a down jacket sound excessive to me unless you are planning really long hikes where there is a risk you get caught out by the night (in which case also pack a headlamp). Base layer e.g t-shirt + fleece + windbreaker will do for most day hikes at elevations not greater than 2,500m.
The most important point for your safety if you are alone, is to be extra careful where you go and stick to well-trodden trails.
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Right, Mid-june has a chance of snow on the north facing balcony trail from Plan de l'aiguille. Then yes, ankle supporting boots needed.