TOUR OF MONT BLANC …a classic mountain adventure… September 06-19, 2012 $2325.00 Jack & Shelley Finnegan, Trip Leaders NOTE: THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL - PLEASE CONTACT THE LEADERS IF YOU WISH TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. Introduction The Mont Blanc Massif, composed of Mont Blanc (15,536’) the highest peak in Western Europe and a flank of impressively spectacular peaks and glaciers, uniquely straddles the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Rich in alpine history and cultural diversity, this region has been attracting mountaineers and hikers from around the world for two hundred years. Soon, it will be our turn. Come join Shelley and Jack Finnegan and other ADKers as we complete a 105-mile circle around the base of the magnificent Mont Blanc Range. This historic route wanders through alpine meadows, over barren passes, into small village hamlets, and beneath gigantic glaciers. During our unhurried 14-day tour we will view Mont Blanc and its surrounding peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys from three different countries as we hike in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. The Tour of Mont Blanc is undeniably one of the finest hiking tours in the world. This itinerary was built with your personal comfort in mind. We will take two days in Chamonix, France to acclimate before we set out. We will also have a complete day off the trail in Courmayeur, Italy. Our re-supply bag will also be moved and available to us six of the thirteen nights we are in Europe, allowing us to hike with only a light backpack. Daily Itinerary Outing Cost The cost will be $2325.00 per participant.  Payment Policy A deposit of $800.00 is due at the time of registration.  The remaining balance of $1525.00 is due no later than April 15, 2012. Cancellation Policy If you need to cancel the trip at any time, an $85.00 ADK registration fee is non-refundable.  The balance of the deposit is fully refundable up to April 15, 2012. After April 15, 2012, no refunds are possible unless your space can be filled from a waiting list.  However, if ADK cancels the trip or if in the opinion of the leader, this trip is not for you, the full amount will be refunded. Accommodations Seven nights will be hotels with private baths. Four nights will be in mountain refuges that include co-ed bunkrooms with shared facilities. Two nights in small inns or hiker’s hostels with private double rooms and shared facilities. All locations will have showers.  Special Note This excursion is intended for experienced hikers in good physical condition.  The estimated hiking distance is 90 miles, averaging approximately 9 miles per day.  The accumulated elevation gain and loss, while difficult to be exact, is estimated at 32,800 feet.  Depending on our exact route, there are 10 or 11 passes to cross to take us from one valley to the next. Also note that this is a self-guided trip, meaning that professional guides will not accompany us. A company called Distant Journeys who specialize in self-guided itineraries made these arrangements. Accepting these arrangements on a self-guided basis has resulted in considerable savings to the participants. We will have very specific leader’s notes to guide our travel. Included in this cost will be: Group transfer from the Geneva Airport to Chamonix Group transfer from Chamonix to the Geneva Airport Group transfer from rendezvous point at La Visaille to hotel in Courmayeur All breakfasts—some are buffet and others are continental All dinners except 2 in Chamonix (the first two nights) and 2 in Courmayeur and 1 in Argentiere—menus are set Trail notes and trail maps—1 set of trail notes for everyone; 1 complete set of maps per couple/address All accommodations:  7 nights in hotels with private baths; 4 nights in mountain refuges that include co-ed bunk rooms and shared facilities; 2 nights in small inns or hiker’s hostels, private double rooms with shared facilities.  Note that all facilities have showers. Detailed packing and equipment list Information on what to do in Chamonix Luggage transfer—1 piece per person (medium duffel bag requested) From Chamonix, France to Courmayeur, Italy From Courmayeur to Champex, Switzerland From Ferret to Champex, Switzerland to Chamonix, France Note:  The bag that will be moved for us will be a medium sized re-supply duffel.  Extra luggage may be left at the hotel in Chamonix for our return. Not included in this cost will be: Airfare—Note that Continental currently has a direct flight from Newark to Geneva  Lunches Two dinners in Chamonix (the first two nights) and two dinners in Courmayeur and one dinner in Argentiere Items not on set dinner menu Note:  Allow roughly $300--$400 per person in additional costs depending on individual eating and drinking habits. For more information and to register, contact Jack Finnegan, P.O. Box 573, Lehighton, Pa  18235, telephone 570-386-2128, E-mail jackfinn@ptd.net Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION