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So its snowing like the clappers so now seems a good time to get the maps out and look at plans for the summer.
This year i want to do some high altitude routes and stop in refuges for a couple of nights, maybe longer. Probably basing in either Bourg or Pila.
Major concern is plotting routes then realising that the climbing or distances are unrealistic so wondering if anyone has any tips or routes that have a nice mix or enjoyment and adventure.
Any stories you have from past experience would be great!
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/with-pics-the-best-adventure-best-ride-ever-gr5-transalp ]http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/with-pics-the-best-adventure-best-ride-ever-gr5-transalp[/url]
I did the Tour Du Mont Blanc in August/September and it was brilliant, although the refuges were basic hotels really, rather than the higher altitude refuges. Would definitely recommend it.
[url=www.hutten.be]www.hutten.be[/url]
Cheers Chris.
I was actually thinking of this post and talking about it when in Les Arcs last year. We were looking down on the GR5 which ran along the side of Mont Blanc de Peisy.
I may be in touch if thats ok once its decided what the plan is and once i have read through your post again
The bee knees!!! Loved it.Pila
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/209366/ Not my vid but you get the idea.
Recommend Chris's idea on the GR5. Had the guidebook, was inspired by his thread and we did this last summer -
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/67338272@N05/sets/72157631189677422/ ]GR5-ish trip pics on flickr[/url]
Soem good diversions off the GR5 available, did sections of the TMB and other trails but it's a great base for route planning. Les Arcs area was brilliant. The trails get really good either side of and around Briancon and the Queyras area.
This years plan is being formulated as we speak......
Anyone know if you would need to book yourself a bed ahead of time in the Mont Blanc area in July/August. In my experience you can wing it in Austria but this seems to me likeit might be a busier part of the Alps.
I have winged it round there in Aug. Not ideal, you need a happy smile when you turn up but I've always got away with it. 'Just turning up' is part of the attraction of that type of touring. If you are nervous, or not good at smiling, you could take all the tel numbers and call them say 3pm, before the rest of the early evening smilers turn up
C
You don't want to see my smile. Phoning ahead it is. Any recommended huts to stay at between Les Arcs and Martigny then. I like the kind with beer on tap
If you're in Pila, head up the Valsavarenche valley into the Gran Paradiso National Park. It's pretty wild up there, loads of ibex, chamois, marmottes. I've been up a few times to ski tour from the Ref. Vittorio Emmanuel II. Plenty of beer.
Not sure what the biking's like, but it's a beautiful spot, I will be back this year in April if the weather's right.