Alps Travel Guide

Trekking in the Alps

• How long does it take to hike the Alps?

  This really depends on what you want to do in the Alps. Our classic Tour du Mont Blanc is a 9 day trip with 7 days of trekking. We also offer a Best of Tour du Mont Blanc which is an 8 day trip with 6 days of trekking. These two treks will transport you into the midst of some of Europe's most incredible scenery. If you want something a little more extreme, you can climb to the summit of Mont Blanc on an 8 day trip with 6 days of climbing. This includes training and acclimatisation time for your hiking adventure in France. 
  

• Is the Alps dangerous?

  Crime in the mountains is highly unusual. In the towns and cities you have the same risk of petty theft that you would expect anywhere in the world but at mountain huts the risk of your gear being stolen is extremely low. 
  

• Which part of the Alps is the best?

  This is highly subjective! The Western Alps that cover parts of France, Italy and Switzerland have the highest peaks. Famous mountains such as Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Eiger can all be found here. Further east you can find the Southern Limestone Alps covering parts of northern Italy, Austria and Slovenia. The famous Dolomites can be found in this area and offer some of the most striking mountain scenery in the world. 
  

• Can you climb the Alps?

  The Alps are home to some of the most famous mountain peaks in the world. At Kandoo Adventures we offer a 6 day climb of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe and a 3 day climb of Gran Paradiso, the highest peak in Italy.  On each trip we provide expert guides and all the training you need to reach the reach the summit safely.  
  

• Which airport do I fly to for the Alps?

  Our treks and climbs in the Alps all start in the French resort of Chamonix and we recommend you fly to Geneva Airport (GVA). Transfers from the airport to your hotel in Chamonix are included in the cost of your trip. The transfer time from Geneva Airport to Chamonix is roughly 1hr 15mins  (99km). 

• What tourist activities are available around the Alps?

  The Alps are known for the wide variety of outdoor activities available in incredible surroundings: 
  

  - Hiking and trekking - particularly the famous Tour du Mont Blanc
  

  - Mountain biking in the likes of Morzine, Samoёns and the Grand Massif
  

  - Kayaking the bouncy glacial rivers
  

  - Skiing in one of the many resorts, or ski touring through the snowy peaks
  

  - Climbing both sport and multipitch routes
  

  - Canyoning down deep gorges
  

• What should tourists know about the Alps?

  The Alps are the place to go if you are looking for outdoor adventure in a beautiful setting. There is a reason why they are given the glory of being the ultimate hiking destination. However, don't be fooled by the quaint towns and villages, these mountains are an undertaking, even for those who are fit and strong! 
  

• Where is the best scenery in the Alps?

  The Alps has incredible scenery wherever you go. Any area up high in the mountains will give you breath taking views and stunning pathways that traverse along the hillsides. As far as towns go, Chamonix has it all, the epic scenery, the quaint alpine feel and the bustling atmosphere. Over in Switzerland, Zermatt also is a mecca for unrivalled views, with a backdrop of the Matterhorn you can't get much more iconic. Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc or Haute Route will allow you to experience the Alps from many different viewpoints, only seen by those willing to take on the challenge. 
  

• How fit do I need to be to do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

  There is a lot of steep ascent and descent on this trek, so your legs will be getting a good workout. If you are comfortable walking for 6-7 hours with an ascent of 1000m then you are certainly fit enough to succeed on the Tour. Think of it as climbing Snowdon or Ben Nevis every day for six days! If you can do this then there is no reason why you can't make the entire Tour du Mont Blanc.
  

• Is Mont Blanc dangerous?

  The Gouter Route involves steep scrambling over rock with fixed ropes and exposed ridge lines and on certain sections there is a risk of rockfall. If you want to develop your skills and experience before taking on Mont Blanc, we advise starting with an ascent of Gran Paradiso in Italy or a winter ascent of Toubkal in the High Atlas range. Mont Blanc has a summit success rate of 50% mainly due to unpredictable weather conditions that can change with little warning. If your guide is not satisfied that conditions are safe, you will not be allowed to continue. 
  

  
  

  If we find ourselves unable to attempt Mont Blanc due to unsafe conditions, we will organise an alternative peak climb such as Monte Rosa, the Bishorn or Gran Paradiso.
  

• How fit do I need to be to go up Mont Blanc?

  This is a serious mountaineering trip and a very high level of fitness is recommended as well as a good head for heights and exposure. A solid training plan will help you to better prepare for the climb and will make your time on the mountain far more enjoyable. 
  

  
  

  We'd recommend checking out Kate Sielmann and her coaching programs that are specific to mountaineering and trekking training. Find more details here.
  

• What gear do I need to go up Mont Blanc?

  You will need:
  

  
  

  • High altitude mountaineering boots – must be able to fit a crampon
    
  • Crampons
    
  • Ice Axe
    
  • Helmet
    
  • Harness
    
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
    
  • Rucksack
    
  • Trekking poles
    
  • Down jacket (optional but highly appreciated during the summit day if the weather is very cold)
    
  • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-tex or similar)
    
  • Summit mittens – insulated heavyweight mittens. Have to be extremely weather-proof
    
  • Snow Goggles (category 4+)
    

  
  

  We recommend that wherever possible you use your own gear for your climb as this is the best way to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. We recognise though that the cost of some items is very high and this may not be possible. We do not have our own gear available for rental but there are many places offering gear for rental in Chamonix. It is your responsibility to check carefully the condition of any item you rent. We accept no responsibility for the quality of equipment hired. The items below are all available to hire in Chamonix:
  

  
  

  • High altitude mountaineering boots – must be able to fit a crampon
    
  • Crampons
    
  • Ice Axe
    
  • Helmet
    
  • Harness
    
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
    
  • Rucksack
    

  
  

  Please note that you will require two locking carabiners and these cannot be rented. You must bring your own.
  

• What rental gear is available for Mont Blanc / Gran Paradiso?

  We recommend that wherever possible you use your own gear for your climb as this is the best way to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. We recognise though that the cost of some items is very high and this may not be possible. We do not have our own gear available for rental but there are many places offering gear for rental in Chamonix. It is your responsibility to check carefully the condition of any item you rent. We accept no responsibility for the quality of equipment hired. We work with Concept ProShop for rental equipment, customers get a discount on public rates for 6 days hire:
  

  • Crampons 
    
  • Mountaineering boots 
    
  • Ice axe 
    
  • Harness 
    
  • Helmet 
    
  • Poles 
    
  • Pack basic (boots +crampons +ice axe) 
    
  • Pack Mont Blanc (pack basic + harness+ helmet) 
    

  
  

  Please note that you will require two locking carabiners and these cannot be rented. You must bring your own.
  

• What is the difference between the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc and the Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc?

  Both itineraries follow virtually the same route around the Mont Blanc massif, albeit in opposite directions. The Classic is the tour that is most commonly followed and uses traditional refuge accommodation. We have designed the ‘Best Of’ tour to lower the trekking distance and provide more comfortable accommodation.
  

• How far in advance should I book to climb Mont Blanc?

  The refuges on Mont Blanc book up extremely quickly and we would suggest booking a minimum of a year in advance to ensure you get your chosen date.

  
  

  On Tour du Mont Blanc we have allocated beds each season, although it is often difficult to accommodate people on dates that we don't offer. If you wish to book a private trip or one on dates we aren't currently offering we would recommend booking a year in advance. If you wish to join an open group on one of our dates then booking 4 months in advance should suffice. 
  

• What eye protection do I need for the climbs?

  For Tour du Mont Blanc we recommend Category 3 sunglasses, however for Mont Blanc or Gran Paradiso climbs we would recommend Category 4.