We are back from the TMB and can happily report we had a great time. As a few people reached out with questions, here are some thoughts for planning….
Macs Adventures was excellent and seemed to be one of the more popular organisers along with pygmy-elephant. Everyone seemed pleased with their company selection.
I really was glad we selected the “Highlights” 7 day version (65 miles) rather than the full 10-12 day tour (114 miles). Several people we spoke with did not like the large communal rooms in some of the high altitude huts and wished they could have skipped those. Many also said they got a bit bored on and after day 8. Same views different day. But these were not the people for whom completing the whole route was a priority.
The weather in mid July was perfect. Glad we had rain gear even though we never used it. Some days we could see walkers finishing later in the day may have encountered afternoon showers.
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are a must. Low cut shoes are okay if they have good rock plates, you are using poles, and you are an experienced hiker in rough conditions. Otherwise, boots. I used both but greatly preferred my shoes with ankle gaiters to keep debris out.
Poles are a necessity. We saw tons of people bandaged from falls and twisted ankles. Much
more prevalent among non pole users.A rest day in Courmayer was a good call. Not because we were tired and needed a rest but because there is too much to see in the area to only have a few afternoon hours. We had two wonderful meals here which was welcome after some middling half board meals.
Plan on arriving a couple of days before your hike starts. Our shuttle driver said that about 20% of his clients had luggage delays that either forced them to delay their start or buy new gear.
Camera vs. Phone. A new iphone is really all you need although I also had a Sony A7C paired with a 40mm lens while hiking. I wish I would have taken my 24mm lens instead. I also had a 28-200 but it was too heavy to wear on a backpack strap clip. The weather and lighting can change in seconds and I found that I needed to have something a available immediately rather than have to stop and dig in my pack for a camera and long tele lens.
Chamonix was wonderful! The highlight of the trip. Great hotel, tons of great restaurants and plenty to do for at least two full days. We will return to use this town as a hiking base.
Annecy, France was planned for our post trip chill out. Did not work out that way as the town was severely overcrowded on a weekend. Even the bike path was hammered but we were asking for trouble doing it then. Had two very forgettable meals at two highly rated restaurants. Honestly, I would not even consider going there unless it was mid-week and after August. Even our hotel concierge stated that the post pandemic crowds were becoming unmanageable.
Hotels….
Les Houches - Hotel & Chalet du Bois. Fairly basic but clean and great staff. Good meal.
Les Contamines - Hotel Gai Soleil. Very small rooms but great staff. Meals left a little to be desired but not a ton of other options here.
Courmayer - Hotel Bouton d’Or. perfect in every way. We will return and stay longer. Probably one of the top hotels of all we have stayed while in Europe.
Champex - Hotel Belvedere. Wonderfully charming small, family run affair. Great meal.
Chamonix - Hotel De L’Arve. Nice and reasonably priced. Great location at the edge of the pedestrian area and on the river.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Cheers,
Jason