Tour des Combins
Tour des Combins
Tour des Combins
Tour des Combins
Tour des Combins
Tour des Combins

Tour des Combins


Long distance hiking in Switzerland and Italy

A fabulous Alpine trekking experience on this week long trip in the Swiss and Italian Alps. We will be exploring an area less frequented by walkers, as we walk round one of the most famous 4000m (13,120ft) peaks in the Alps, the Grand Combin. This trip has always had rave reviews with our guests expressing surprise at the wildness and variety of the terrain. 

Highlights

  • Glorious high mountain views of the Pennine Alps
  • Walk beside the Glacier de Corbassiere
  • Stay at the famous Grand St Bernard Monastery
  • Swiss and Italian mountain refuge hospitality
  • Less hikers than many other routes
  • Views of Mont Blanc and the Gran Paradiso
  • Exceptional final day visiting the Lacs de Fenêtre

We travel through high alpine meadows where the edelweiss grow, and climb to the Col du Grand St Bernard to the monastery which is home to the famous St Bernard dogs. The terrain is remote, varied and offers spectacular views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Join us on the Tour des Combins!


Tour de Combins - a fabulous and memorable holiday. Good level of information provided beforehand and a quick response to e-mails. The guide was excellent - attentive and perceptive without being overbearing. The route - challenging and beautiful, providing a range of different landscapes from high cols to the inner workings of a dam. The accommodation was a good range of true mountain refuges, some more luxurious than others. A great group of fellow travellers. Thanks!

- Vikki, Bristol, 2024

Just had an excellent week, hiking round the Grand Combin. It was my first trip with Tracks & Trails, and I suspect, will not be the last. The trip was well organised from start to finish. Pre-trip information was spot on, layed out the intended itinerary and levels clearly so I knew what to expect. TDC was a beautiful route, quiet and peaceful, and the huts all offered something awesome; breathtaking views, wonderful food and amazing mountain hut atmosphere. Our guide Arno was brilliant ... all in all, a fabulous adventure, well organised, and with a really wonderful group of mountain lovers.

- Em, UK, 2024

Tour de Combins - a fabulous and memorable holiday. Good level of information provided beforehand and a quick response to e-mails. The guide was excellent - attentive and perceptive without being overbearing. The route - challenging and beautiful, providing a range of different landscapes from high cols to the inner workings of a dam. The accommodation was a good range of true mountain refuges, some more luxurious than others. A great group of fellow travellers. Thanks!

- Vikki, UK, 2024

The guide was excellent. He was friendly, knowledgeable and great group management skills.  The accommodation I enjoyed the most was the hotel at St Bernard Pass; it was great to have a bit of luxury and fun to visit dogs!

- Penny, UK, 2024

The guide was friendly, cheerful, capable - he kept us all together in a really nice understated style.  There were so many memorable moments including picnic views of Mt Blanc on our last day, lake swims, the St Bernard monastery and dogs, great company and perfect weather. The spa in the base hotel is a nice bonus.

- Pauline, UK, 2024

I can’t thank you enough for all the work you did to arrange this magic trip – kept us all going, chilled and safe.  I was very impressed by hearty meals in remote refuges including gluten free options.

- Aileen, Scotland, 2024

Itinerary

  • Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the Swiss village of Bourg-St-Pierre in the Canton of Valais at approximately 1830 hrs. They will brief you on the trip ahead and answer any questions. The village of Bourg-St-Pierre is small, but steeped in Napoleonic history and worth visiting if you arrive early. 

  • Starting at Bourg-St-Pierre, in the heart of the Swiss Pennine Alps, we pick up our footpath right behind our hotel! We will make a gradual ascent, nice and easy for day one, through wild flower meadows to the alpage of La Coeur at 2233m (7324ft). We cross a col and traverse the mountainside along a lovely balcony trail offering superb views along the valley overlooking the town of Orsières. We then reach the Cabane du Col de Mille our overnight stop which was completely re-built in 2015. The Cabanne which sits at 2427m (7960ft) offers a fabulous viewpoint next to peak of Mont Rogneux, an area where wolves have been know to inhabit and are being monitored by a Swiss conservation project. We are likely to arrive early afternoon so there is time to climb the little neighbouring peak of Mont Brûlée which reaches 2572m (8436ft). Here you can explore the abandoned Swiss military bunkers and enjoy fine views of the valley.

    Ascent: 1140m (3740ft) Descent: 288m (945ft) Distance: 13.5km (8.3 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00

  • Today we have two route options and your guide will make a decision on the best trail given the group fitness and ability, and the weather. 

    We begin the day with a descent traversing round Mont Rogneux. It is always a pleasure to start our day high in the mountains and we will hope for a good sunrise. This morning we aim to visit the Cabane de Brunet for lunch before heading up an impressive gorge to the toe of the immense Corbassière glacier, one of the largest in Europe. In 2014, a new 240 metre (787ft) suspension bridge was put in place over the moraine enabling walkers to cross with dramatic views right onto the glacier.  At this stage we may follow the route lower route to the suspension bridge or take the slightly more challenging alternative route via col des avouillons.  When you reach the the col you are wowed by the Corbassière Glacier and in the distance you can see your hut for the night.  From the col we descend to the impressive suspension bridge and make a short but steady climb up to the recently built Cabane de Panossiere where we spend the night. A beautiful situation for the evening, with views of the mountains and the Grand Combin and good chance of viewing ibex parading on the hillside.

    Ascent: 767m (2516ft) Descent: 616m (2021ft) Distance: 14.7km (9.1 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00

    Ascent: 1020m (3346ft) Descent: 868m (2847ft) Distance: 15.2km (9.4 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00 (col des avouillons) 

  • A long, but satisfying day climbing over the highest col on the trip, the rocky Col des Otanes at 2806m (9203ft). From here the views of the surrounding glaciated Swiss peaks are incredible, with the Grand Combin now in full view. First climbed in 1857 by three local hunters, the peak looks very imposing. Looking towards Geneva we also have a ‘window’ view of the seven spires of the Dents du Midi. We descend this impressive rocky mountainside to the Lac de Mauvoisin at 1976m (6481ft), a dammed lake with incredible waterfalls. We can stop for refreshments at the historic Hotel Mauvoisin before we climb through the tunnels in the dam and begin our traverse along the lakeside meadows passing ancient farm dwellings. A good day for spotting the iconic edelweiss flower and chamois! A final short climb takes us over the Col de Tsofeurent, 2630m, before reaching the Cabane de Chanrion, a traditional stone built mountain refuge.

    Ascent: 1024m (3360ft) Descent: 1200m (3937ft) Distance: 18km (911.2 miles) Duration: 7h00-9h00

  • This morning we leave the Cabane and head down into the valley to what seems like a cross roads of glaciers where we will cross the river to gradually ascend beside the Glacier de Fenêtre to the Fenêtre du Durand at 2797m (9174ft).  The description 'Fenêtre' is often used in French speaking areas to describe a high narrow pass, in other words a 'window' to the next valley. At our Fenêtre we will now be on the border of Switzerland and Italy. We can stop and enjoy the views back to the Cabane de Chanrion with the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc de Cheilon behind. We then cross the border into Italy and descend to lush summer grazing grounds where we have plenty of opportunity to see marmots at work and play. Following an ancient irrigation channel, known as a ‘bisse’, we contour around the valley and end the day with a steady climb up to the Cabane de Champillon, which was re-built in 2004. The Cabane which sits at 2375m (7790ft) is also known as the Refuge de Letey. 

    Ascent: 1088m (3570ft) Descent: 1128m (3700ft) Distance: 22.5km (13.9 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00

  • An easier day as we make our way through Alpine meadows to access the Col de Champillon at 2709m (8885ft) where on a good day it's possible to view not only the Grand Combin but also Mont Blanc, in France, and the Gran Paradiso, in Italy! We then begin our descent through meadows along the river bank with the Italian villages of Etroubles and St Oyen below us. Etroubles is believed to be the Roman winter garrison for the troops on the pass. This valley was crucial to both Roman and Napoleonic armies and their control of the trade routes. Our trail stays high and contours around with a final short descent to reach the cobbled streets of St Rhemy a village offering a final stopping point to Pilgrims before they reached the famous Grand Saint Bernard Monastery. From St Rhemy we will take a short bus transfer to wind our way up to reach the Col Grand St Bernard, 2469m (8098ft), and the border back into Switzerland. The pass has been used by armies, pilgrims, and traders for over 3,000 years as a means of crossing the Alps. Saint Bernard de Menthon opened the Hospice in the 900's to provide a safe haven for travellers and it is here the iconic Saint Bernard Dogs earned their legendary reputation as rescuers of travellers lost in snow. The Hospice is still operational and this is where we will spend the night as the guests of Brother Frederick and his colleagues. There will be time to visit the Hospice Museum and Saint Bernard Dog kennels.

    Ascent: 478m (1568ft) Descent: 1285m (4315ft) Distance: 15km (9.5 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00

  • Today, if the weather allows, we will take a variation on the Tour des Combins. This will involve gaining further height, taking in some spectacular scenery, which gets us right off the beaten track. We first climb to the Fenêtre de Ferret which sits at 2698m (8849ft), where we are greeted with a stunning view of the Mont Blanc massif. A short descent takes us to the Lacs de Fenêtre, some of the most beautiful lakes in the area. From here we climb on an ancient mule track to the Col de Bastillon reaching 2753m (9029ft). It's a steep short section of path but on a track so should not provide any difficulties. After gaining another stunning view from the Col de Bastillon we descend past more lakes to rejoin the traditional Tour des Combins route and follow the footsteps of Napolean down the Roman road. We have then come full circle to reach our starting point a week ago at Bourg-St-Pierre.

    Ascent: 782m (2565ft) Descent: 1639m (5377ft) Distance: 20.1km (12.4 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00 

    If the weather is not so good, then we will take the normal Tour des Combins route from the Monastery. This leads straight down from the Col and follows the ancient route made famous for harbouring Napoleans armies. The trail meanders through meadows and along by the Bourg dam to reach the old customs house and the cobbled streets of Bourg-St-Pierre.

    Ascent: 0m (0ft) Descent: 1350m (4428ft) Distance: 10km (6.3 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00 

    The leader will make a decision on which route to take depending on the weather conditions and suitability for the group. 

  • Today is your departure from Bourg-St-Pierre. 

It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment. 

Accommodation

We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.

When at Bourg-St-Pierre and the Grand St Bernard Monastery, accommodation is based on two people sharing. Other accommodation during the trip will be in high mountain refuges. The refuges on this tour are remote and in some cases only offer non-segregated dormitory style rooms. The refuges themselves tend to be full of character and serve tasty local dishes. They are always situated in stunning locations and the chance to enjoy a beer or glass of wine while watching the sun go down and the ibex playing on the mountain-side can provide a really special mountain moment.

Note that in the Cabane de Chanrion running water is not available so you should budget for bottled water on this night. In all of the other refuges on the Tour des Combins fresh drinking water is available and also hot showers.

A single room may be available on three of the nights, for a supplement of £200. This entirely depends on availability, contact us for details.

Hôtel Bivouac Napoléon, Bourg-St-Pierre

Hotel

The Bivouac Napoleon was built by the parents of the current owner, Martine, in 1960. Marine runs the hotel with Claude, who also juggles many professions such as carpenter, organic farmer and hotelier. HIs farming operation provides the restaurant with premium lamb meat. The accommodation is in twin bedrooms with en suite facilities. 

The hotel is ideally located for the start of our Tour des Combins as it is right beside the trail. The hotel also has a lovely modern spa which is great to come back to.

Cabane du Col de Mille

Refuge

This Cabane was entirely re-built during 2014, and now offers nearly sixty places in seven dormitories. It is perched high on a Col and offers incredible evening views and sunsets when the weather is right. It has showers available. The guardians are Odile and Pierre-Elie, and as with many high mountain refuges it is a family concern. 

There are showers available at the hut, and the sleeping arrangements like the others will be dormitory. 

Cabane de Panossière

Refuge

The Cabane de Panossière is situated at 2641m (8662ft) in the heart of the Combins massif in the Valais Alps. It is in a stunning location beside the glacier and is the climbers base for ascents of the mighty Grand Combin and its neighbouring peaks. Accommodation in the Refuges is always in dormitory style, and where possible we secure small dorms just for our group. There are showers at the Panossière which offer some lovely views!

Cabane de Chanrion

Refuge

The Cabane is situated in a lovely position offering great mountain views. The area is rich in flora and fauna and you may see ibex or chamois this evening. The accommodation is in dortoirs, this is the French word for dormitory. It is a very traditional style hut and you will now doubt be rubbing shoulders with seasoned mountaineers. 

Cabane de Champillon

Refuge

The mountain hut “Champillon-Adolphe Letey” was opened on July 2005 and was named after the Mayor of the Doues municipality, Adolphe Letey. He was the Mayor from 1951-1990 and was a strong believer in developing tourism in the area. The hut is high on the mountain above the “Tza di Champillon”, where the local practice of cattle transhumance is still flourishing. 

Transhumance simply means the seasonal movement of the people with the livestock. In other words the people move up the mountain to spend the summer months with their herds, and then in the autumn they move back down for the winter months. The views from there, expecially of Ollomont valley and Lower Valpelline, are stunning.

There are showers available at the hut, and the sleeping arrangements like the others will be dormitory. 

Grand St Bernard Monastery, Summer

Mountain Lodge

Offering shelter and respite to travellers for over one thousand years, the Grand St Bernard Monastery is a truly special place to stay. Situated on the Grand St Bernard pass at 2469m (8098ft), it is on the frontier between Switzerland and Italy. Our accommodation will be twin bedrooms in the Auberge de l'Hospice which is part of the Monastery. In the summer months the Grand St Bernard dogs are kept in kennels at the Col, while in the winter months they descend to the valley for warmer accommodation!

 


  • Adventure Lightly, Leave Only Footprints

        • Carry your own kit – it's all part of the adventure, no support vans
        • Cozy hut stays – escape to peaceful, hidden trails
        • Hop on a train – easy, stress-free travel to destination available
        • Feel at home – stay in family run accommodation at start and end
        • Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!
        • Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste
        • Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you
  • The Swiss Alps are easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.

    If travelling by train you can use RailEurope to plan your arrival from any European city to the town of Orsières, where you then need to take a bus to Bourg-St-Pierre.  

    If travelling by coach you can take the Flixbus to Martigny.  Here you will need to take the Grand St Bernard Express train to Orsières. At Orsières you will need to take the bus to Bourg-St-Pierre.  

    Please see here for more information on travelling by public transport.

    The closest international airport is at Geneva, in Switzerland. Bourg-St-Pierre, your meeting point, is in Switzerland and can be reached by train, bus or private car from Geneva. For train information please consult the Swiss train timetable. From Geneva airport you will be aiming for the town of Martigny where you will change to take the Grand St Bernard Express train to Orsières. At Orsières you will need to take a bus to Bourg-St-Pierre. The full route can be chosen on the Swiss train site, i.e. from Geneva airport all the way to Bourg-St-Pierre. Or you can consult the Swiss post bus service for the final leg from Orsières to Bourg-St-Pierre.  

    Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.

  • Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue

    It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. 

    Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance

    You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.

    All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

  • Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. 

    However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.

    Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude. 

  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

    Equipment

    • Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
    • Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
    • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
    • Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
    • Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
    • Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
    • Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers

    Clothing

    • Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
    • Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
    • Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
    • Shorts/skort
    • Sun hat
    • Warm hat
    • Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
    • Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
    • Fleece jacket/shirt
    • Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
    • Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
    • Thermal leggings - optional

    Comfort

    • Sunscreen
    • Lip salve
    • Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
    • Tissues
    • Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
    • Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
    • Book/Kindle/Music

    Documentation

    • Passport, plus a paper copy
    • Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
    • Travel Insurance
    • Credit Card
    • Cash - Swiss Francs 
    • Waterproof bag for documents
    • GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication - if required
    • Antiseptic cream/spray
    • Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
    • Glucose tablets
    • 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
    • A few throat lozenges
    • Blister plasters 
    • Blister tape eg. Strappal
    • Bandaid plasters

    Items for the nights in mountain huts/refuges

    • Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided by the huts/refuges
    • Pack towel
    • Ear plugs - optional, but advised
    • Head torch - plus batteries
    • Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so

    Additional Items

    • Slippers for use in huts/refuges
    • Clothing for use at huts/refuges
    • Camera
    • Padlock - for luggage being left in storage

    **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

    Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

  • On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

    The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

    If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

    Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

  • For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page. 

    We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.

  • When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. Single rooms may be available for 3 of the nights and the supplement will be £200. 

  • Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation for the countries that they work in.

    Note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

    Your hiking guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.

  • These holidays are physically challenging and are suitable for regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days. These treks can involve difficult and demanding days on rough and sometimes loose terrain, as well as crossing passes that are at an altitude of up to 3100m (10,168ft). There may also be sections of path where the trail is good but exposed, however, these sections will be short. There may be the occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1800m (5904ft). A good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is essential. You need to be able to deal with bad weather when necessary. Expect to be walking 6-7 hours per day with the occasional longer day. 

    We grade this trip 'Demanding' not due to technical difficulty but simply due to some of the days being a considerable distance. If you have any questions about the trip level please contact us.

  • On this particular trip, due to the inaccessible nature of the mountain huts there will not be any luggage support. In other words, when we leave on the morning of the first day, you will carry what you need for the entire trip in your rucksack. In reality this is not much more than what you would carry each day, just a few additional items. This type of trip is usually a very satisfying and rewarding experience allowing you to ‘cast aside’ unrequired material possessions for the duration of the trip. We are happy to discuss this with you if you wish to be reassured with regard to which items you need to carry. 

    Your trip begins and ends at the same hotel and it is possible to leave any unwanted luggage at the hotel for your return.

  • We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.

    Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.

    If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary the one listed below covers the route: 

    Carte Nationale de la Suisse 5003: Mont Blanc Grand Combin 1:50,000

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • Food

    On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. 

    If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. 

    In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us

    We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. 

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

    New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025

    If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter.  As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.

    We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document. 

  • We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

    Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

  • Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

  • Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

    For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

    If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

  • We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

    You can read our full policy here.

  • Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 

  • We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. In this respect due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. All the trips being sold by Tracks and Trails are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may find guests from other companies on your trip. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. 

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Grade: Advanced

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At a Glance

From Price £1505
Holiday Type Low Impact
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 4-10
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 2806m (9203ft)
Countries Visited Italy, Switzerland
Meet In Bourg-St-Pierre, Switzerland
View all Low Impact Holidays

'Tour des Combins' from the sky!

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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