Taking it Straightforward on the Tour du Mont Blanc – Rick Steves’ Journey Weblog

Whereas the Tour du Mont Blanc is demanding, it’s not a very troublesome hike. It’s simply lengthy, with numerous altitude acquire and loss, and all the time scenic. On my current trek across the mountain with three buddies, it appeared every of us had a weak spot: knees, toes, or lungs. For some, the problem was the uphill half, and for others (with weak knees), it was going downhill. We simply took it simple, with numerous little breaks.

For lengthy climbs, regular, smaller steps are finest. The path could possibly be actually rocky, and I can’t think about doing it with out climbing poles. The path indicators have been nice, and apps made staying on the path simple: Simply observe the blue dot. And I received good use out of a top-quality printed map. (I’d spend time the night time earlier than studying up on the hike and familiarizing myself with the path on the map.)

Whereas the climate forecast regarded threatening, we hiked six days (in September, over the past week of the season) and, fortunately, had just one hour of rain. Nonetheless, every day we’d pack rain gear, and we’d add on and take off layers as we gained and misplaced altitude. After 4 days, we had it sorted out, and it occurred to us rank rookies, “We’re getting good at this.”

As we have been climbing in an enormous circle round an enormous clump of mountains and sleeping in charming cities every night time, on daily basis appeared to be up and over a frightening mountain go. A nightly deal with was a stroll beneath a milky blanket of stars.

I’ll be sharing extra images, tales, and suggestions from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Night time Journey. Need to come alongside? Register now for this enjoyable — and free! — occasion.