Three Peaks Three Countries

Trip Details

A wonderful introduction into the world of mountaineering whilst being demanding enough for the already experienced mountaineer to feel challenged.
Chamonix is within close proximity to Italy and Switzerland so it provides the perfect base for our Three Peaks Three Countries Mountaineering week which offers you the chance to stay and summit in all three countries.

Argentiere is near the border to Italy and Switzerland, therefore driving time is limited whilst the change in scenery and terrain is immense.

For

The mountaineer looking for a diverse and interesting week and the experienced walkers wishing to take their first steps into alpine mountaineering. Day One: Arrive at Chalet McNab in Argentiere
Day Two: Cabane d'Orny Hut (2811m)
Day Three: Trient Plateau Summit Aig du Tour (3542m) Chalet McNab (1200m)
Day Four: Fionnay near Verbier. Panossiere Hut (2669m)
Day Five: Summit Petit Combin (3672m) Chalet McNab
Day Six: Aosta Valley in Italy. Refuge Emannele (2732m)
Day Seven: Summit Grand Paradiso (4061m) Chalet McNab
Day Eight: Departure

Thinking about attempting Mont Blanc, but not sure..

For mountaineers wishing to summit Mont Blanc this week offers you the opportunity to test your endurance, technical skills on steep and exposed ascents, and your ability to hike at altitude.

Meeting with your Guide to go through any questions and kit. There will be time in the morning to rent/buy any missing kit required.

After a final kit check, we will drive round to Champex in Switzerland and walk up to the Cabane d'Orny (2811m). After lunch we will walk onto the glacier and spend the afternoon working with ice axes, crampons and use of ropes.

Today we will be using the techniques we learnt on Day two as we we set off early to summit the Aig du Tour (3542m). A leisurely climb (approx 2 hours) up the La Tour Glacier sees us approaching the South face of the Aiguille du Tour as the sun rises on the distant horizon.
From the foot of the South face we begin an easy angled half hour scramble up the rocky face passing over one or two steeper steps until we reach the summit (3542m). From here we can gaze out across the entire Mont Blanc massif. The descent follows the route of the ascent and after a short pause we head for the valley stopping off for refreshments at the refuge as we pass. From hut to hut the trip takes approx 4-5 hours with an added 1h 30 mins needed to see us back down to the chalet for a rest/hot tub/dinner.

We start of with a drive to Fionnay near Verbier. From here we climb to the Panossiere Hut (2669m) a climb of 2-3 hours where we will spend the night. In the afternoon we will go over our mountaineering techniques and map reading exercises.

Spectacular walk along by the Glacier Corbassiere before ascending the snow capped summit of the Petit Combin. From hut to hut it is a 6-8 round trip, then 1.5 hours to get back down again and back to the chalet for dinner.

We start of by driving to the scenic Aosta Valley onto the Val Savarenche and up to the small village of Pont (1960m). From here we start our climb in the beautiful Grand Paradiso National Park. The park was set up as a refuge for Ibex and it is quite common to see heards of Ibex grazing near the paths. Other wildlife quite often seen in the park include chamois and marmottes. The night is spent in the National parks Rif. Vittorio Emanuele. (2732m) (2-2.5hours).

We start early hiking upwards through the Grand Paradiso National Park. The lofty peak of the Gran Paradiso is sillouetted against the starry sky as we reach the snowline and don our crampons for the long climb towards the summit. The final steps to the summit are airily exposed adding a final thrill to the ascent as we stand overlooking the western alpes from our lofty perch at 4061m. Hut to hut it is approx a 6-8 hour climb. The final descent to the valley is a leisurely 1.5 hours (through the same beautiful scenery as the ascent, now however you have more time to look around and appreciate what you have just achieved). The evening is spent with a celebratory dinner back at the Chalet.

Changes to the itinerary are at the discretion of the Mountain Guide. These changes may be made due to weather conditions, conditions on the mountains, changes in accommodation, or fitness of the group.

7 nights accommodation: 3 hut nights 4 nights at Chalet McNab
7 days full board accommodation (breakfast lunches and evening meals).
6 days with UIAGM Mountain Guide.
All transport as detailed in the itinerary.

Price does not include:

Flights
Transfer from Geneva airport to Chalet McNab
Lifts
Holiday insurance
Snacks
Equipment hire

What our Clients had to say:

Just a quick note to thank you Martin and Robbie [the Guide] and the McNab team for making our time with you so memorable. We all had a fantastic time and enjoyed the week hugely. I must especially mention the marvellous food which Martin produced, not forgetting the extras for my vegan friend! Please do not be surprised if we are knocking on your door next summer. Thanks again for a brilliant week.

Ken Murray, Three Peaks, Three Countries, July 06