mont blanc by mountain bike A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.

explore europe your way

TRIP COST Joining Geneva :$1660 All prices are per person

TRIP NAME: MONT BLANC BY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIP CODE: MBB

TRIP DURATION: 8 DAYS OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS GRADE: 

As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single room is required. If you would like to share a room with someone of the same gender, please request and we will do all possible to match you. However, if we are unsuccessful you will be required to pay the single supplement. Please refer to the price options above or ask our office for details.

Switzerland

Geneva Chamonix

ACTIVITY: MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mont Blanc France

Trient Courmayeur Italy

ACCOMMODATION: 8 DAY TRIP, 6 DAYS MOUNTAIN

BIKING, 5 NIGHTS MOUNTAIN HUTS (DORMITORY BASIS) AND 2 NIGHTS HOTEL (TWINSHARE BASIS)

IMPORTANT NOTES DATE DETAILS:  SATURDAYS FROM 17 JUN TO 30 SEP DN1 - Bike and helmet hire not included. Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2017. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs.

highlights  Cycle a classic alpine trail  Breathtaking scenery and stunning views  Mont Blanc range boasts 7 valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits  Ride The Route in reverse to enjoy rideable ascents, fantastic descents and avoid crowds

the trip Beginning in Chamonix, France, we ride in a clockwise direction, passing through the Martigny Valley in Switzerland, to Courmayuer, Italy, and back to Chamonix. Along the way we enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery as we ride a mix of terrains from easy to technical single tracks and cruisy two path trails. We pass through flowering alpine pastures, glacial lakes, deep valleys and high altitude passes, all under the backdrop of the famous snowy peaks of the European alps and the centerpiece, Mont Blanc.­

© 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 1

mont blanc by mountain bike itinerary at a glance Day 1

Join Geneva, transfer to Chamonix

Day 2

To Trient, Switzerland via Argentiere & Col de Balme

Day 3

To La Fouly, near Grand Col Ferret

Day 4

To Courmayeur, Italy

Day 5

To Les Mottets, France

Day 6

Les Contamines

Day 7

To Les Houches, return to Chamonix

Day 8

Transfer Chamonix to Geneva, trip concludes

detailed itinerary Note: Warning: This itineray is given for your information and may be changed at the discretion of the guide depending on the weather conditions, physical ability of clients and the trail ‘options’ we decide together. DAY 1 Join Geneva, transfer to Chamonix On arrival at Geneva airport, you will be met and transferred to Chamonix. Alternatively, if you are coming from somewhere else, please make your own way to Chamonix. Our accommodation for the night has a view of Mont Blanc (weather permitting) which helps to inspire us for our forthcoming adventure. There is time to unpack and prepare our bikes; also to take care of any last minute shopping requirements in the town of Chamonix. meals: D

DAY 2 To Trient, Switzerland via Argentiere & Col de Balme We leave Chamonix to commence our ride in a clockwise direction around Mont Blanc. Passing through the valley of Chamonix to Argentiere and Le Tour, we will take the gondola to the top of the Col de Balme (2200m) and cross over the Swiss border. The view back across the Chamonix valley from Col de Balme is fantastic, with Mont Blanc as the centerpiece. Riding a superb single track descent we will arrive in the pretty Swiss village of Trient, with views up to the glacier of Trient. Overnight Trient Ascent: 500m Descent: 1100m Ride distance: 30km Physical difficulty: 2/5 Technical skills: 3/5 NOTE: there will be some sections during this trip where it is too steep to ride and it will be necessary to hike with your bike. These sections are not long (approx 10 - 15 mins at a time, depending on your fitness level) and are usually near the top of the passes. All descents are on single track. meals: B,L,D

DAY 3 To La Fouly, near Grand Col Ferret We start today with a climb of Col de la Forclaz, from where the sweeping views over the Swiss Alps and the vineyards of the Martigny valley are breathtaking. From the Col we descend to Martigny through the vineyards then climb towards Val Ferret, skimming below glaciers and snowy summits. Our destination today is La Fouly, on the Swiss side of the Grand Col Ferret, which marks the Swiss/ Italian Border. Overnight La Fouly Ascent: 1500m Descent: 1100m Distance : 45 km Physical difficulty: 3/5 Technical skills: 2/5 meals: B,L,D

© 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 2

mont blanc by mountain bike DAY 4 To Courmayeur, Italy This morning we climb the Grand Col Ferret (2500m) and cross into Italy. This is one of three major Passes on the Tour of Mont Blanc. We enjoy stunning scenery at the top of the Col, across Val Ferret and the Italian side of Mont Blanc (or rather Monte Bianco). We descend to Arnuva then, depending on weather conditions and fitness levels of the group, we climb on single track via La Lechere to arrive in the chic town of Courmayeur. The ice-cream here is delicious and a lovely treat after the day’s exertion. Overnight Courmayeur. Ascent: 1100m to 1700m Descent: 1300m to 2000m Ride distance: 45-55km Physical difficulty: 3/5 Technical skills: 3/5 meals: B,L,D

DAY 5 To Les Mottets, France We begin gently today with a warm up on the road before we hit the bike trail to arrive at Lago Checroui, facing the Italian side of Mont Blanc. We follow a beautiful balcony trail giving us the chance to see famous summits such as “Noire de Peuterey”, “La Blanche” and the Italian glacier Lago Combal (one of the largest glaciers of the Mont Blanc range). Climbing again to Col de la Seigne we cross into France again. The climb is mostly rideable, however the end is quite steep and we may have to hike our bikes. The descent to Les Mottets, where we sleep tonight, is a fantastic, technical (in places) single track. The Refuge des Mottets is a quaint, rustic old farmhouse and dairy renovated to welcome trekkers and bikers and is a true alpine experience. Ascent: 1500m Descent: 1000m Distance: 35 km Physical difficulty: 4/5 Technical skills: 3/5 meals: B,L,D

DAY 6 Les Contamines A road climb to Cormet de Roselend starts our day, then we descend to Lac de Roselend. We tackle a second long climb on a vehicle track to the Col de la Gittaz (2320m). The Col offers vast southerly views and stunning outlooks over the neighboring summits. We will then descend to Col du Joly on technical singletrack, followed by a very short climb and a great, long semi-technical downhill to the village of Les Contamines Montjoie. Be prepared for 900m of descent which is very technical in places. Overnight in Contamines Montjoie. Ascent: 1900m Descent: 1500m Distance: 54km meals: B,L,D

DAY 7 To Les Houches, return to Chamonix Today is our last day of riding, but by no means the least. From Les Contamines Montjoie we will climb to Chalet de Miage, a summer altitude mountain village at the foot of the giant French glacier of Miage. The region is breathtakingly beautiful and we will feel dwarfed compared to the size of these massive glaciers. From Miage we ascend to Col de Voza above Les Houches and the valley of Chamonix. Mont Blanc is again on our right side. A final technical downhill takes us to Chamonix to complete this challenging but incredibly picturesque circuit of Mont Blanc. We dismantle and pack our bikes this evening before celebrating our achievements (cycling 235 to 250km in 6 days with up to just over 8km of vertical ascent!). Overnight Chamonix Ascent: 1000m Descent: 1200m Distance: 40 km Physical difficulty: 3/5 Technical skills: 3/5 meals: B,L,D

© 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 3

mont blanc by mountain bike DAY 8 Transfer Chamonix to Geneva, trip concludes Today our trip concludes with a transfer to the Geneva airport. Please make sure to book a late afternoon or evening flight, due to the transfer time to Geneva airport from Zermatt. meals: B

inclusions

7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches & 7 dinners 7 nights accommodation in a mix of hotels (based on double occupancy twin bedrooms), bunk houses and mountain refuge (group dormitory rooms) return transfers Geneva/Chamonix (Days 1 & 8 only) experienced mountain bike guide lift passes in Chamonix valley luggage transfers to overnight accommodation organic energy drinks and snack bars mountain bikes & helmets are not included but can be hired (additional cost applies) cycle jersey

items not included international flights and airport taxes arrival and departure transfers if not arriving or departing on Days 1 & 8 mountain bike ‑ you can bring your own or hire is available for cost of EUR 340 per person per trip (subject to change) cycling helmet (compulsory). Included in hire cost if not bringing own bike meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary items of a personal nature (i.e. postage, phone calls, laundry etc.) bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks any optional excursions or sightseeing visas tips travel insurance (compulsory)

getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com BY TRAIN If you are arriving by train, there are options from both Paris and Geneva / Zurich. The group pickup point is at Geneva Airport which is on the trainline. Alternatively you can make your way directly to Chamonix by train. BY AIR As the group pick up is on day 1 from Geneva Airport, we recommend you plan to arrive at this airport.

trip grading - challenging

This mountain biking trip is for more experienced riders. Graded as challenging, it involves a combination of cruisy trails to technical singletracks (some very technical), to rocky and rooty trails with distances from 30 to 65km including ascents up to 1900m. Over the course of the 6 days of cycling you will climb between 7600 to 8100m and descend 8500m. The emphasis is on moderate riding with several challenging stages that will test you. The itinerary describes each days physical and technical challenges and provides a rating out of 5.

© 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 4

mont blanc by mountain bike trip organisation

You will be provided with detailed route plans so that you know where you are and what’s ahead in each stage. We aim to commence cycling early in the morning and return to the hotel by mid‑afternoon. There will be a support vehicle carrying water, food and extra clothing. It is important to remember that these cycling journeys are not designed to be a marathon event. No one needs to feel under pressure to ride. If at any point you do not wish to ride the vehicle is always available for you and your bike to be transported. Usually we stop every 10 to 20kms for a rest. This will be the time to recover your breath and replenish your fluids and energy with water and snacks. To maximize your own personal protection in case of a tumble or fall, the wearing of a bicycle helmet is compulsory at all times whilst cycling.

dietary requirements

Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

accommodation PRE TOUR TMB ULTRA MARATHON Each year at the end of August a series of races are held on sections of the TMB route over a 7 day period ‑ not all sections will have runners during this time. This lends an exciting atmosphere to the trail with endurance athletes running through the night, to cover the route in up to 46 hours with winning times usually around 20 hours. An amazing feat covering 168km! During this week there will be minimal impact on your arrangements except that the area will be busy and accommodation in Chamonix will be in demand. Making your bookings well in advance is advisable. For more details see http://www.ultratrailmb. com/page/1/The_event.html DURING TOUR You will experience all kinds of accommodation during this trip: hotels, bunkhouses and mountain huts.

the region

The European Alps are one of the most accessible and spectacular mountain regions in the world. They are home to farmers whose families have inhabited the mountains for thousands of years. Our ride begins and ends in the famous mountain town of Chamonix. Local businesses in the region revolve around tourism and farming. This tour takes in a mix of terrains and passes through three countries: France, Switzerland and Italy.

fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED France, Italy, Switzerland VISAS Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant*

© 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 5

mont blanc by mountain bike CLIMATE The summer season in the European Alps is short – from mid June to mid September and many of the mountain refuges are closed outside this time. In winter parts of the trail are transformed into world class ski runs, evidenced by the comprehensive network of cablecars or téléfériques. Bearing in mind, with altitude, temperatures can vary significantly. Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer. MIN GROUP SIZE 4 MAX GROUP SIZE 8 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Bike and bike helmet

how to book

Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.

follow us

https://www.facebook.com/UTracks https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/ https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover

slide shows

UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!

e-newsletter

To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office.

IMPORTANT NOTE

THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.

talk to us

If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.

© 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 6

mont blanc by mountain bike

AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 8270 8488 F: (02) 8270 8489 Toll free: 1300 303 368 [email protected] Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:• Melbourne • Perth • Brisbane • Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at www.worldexpeditions.com NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, 59-67 High St Auckland CBD PO Box 106-275 Auckland City 1143 T: (09) 368 4161 F: (09) 368 4162 Toll Free: 0800 350 354 [email protected]

CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: 613 241 2700 F: 613 2414189 Toll Free:  1-800-567-2216 [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: 0845 241 7599 F: 020 8870 7014 T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland) [email protected]

© 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 12/13/2016 12:30:50 PM

Page 7