Maritime Alps High Route June 18- 29, 2012 $1400 Roman Laba, Trip Leader TRIP IS NOW FULL - PLEASE CONTACT THE LEADER IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. The Maritime Alps rise to over ten thousand feet in a spectacular chain only 30 miles from the Mediterranean. We will traverse the heart of them beginning in Italy and ending in France in a high route which equals any other in Europe. Our trip is for expert hikers who can deal with rough and sometimes steep terrain. We will have meals and lodging in alpine huts and hotels   The climate is Mediterranean, significantly milder and more stable than the Alps to the North.  The Maritime Alps are known for their abundant king ibex and chamois which wander freely through the park with little fear of humans. We will frequently see them on the trail and near the refuges where we will spend our nights. They are also famous for the great diversity and number of their mountain flowers which we will see at their high point in the Spring. During the last two days of our trek, we will traverse the Valley of Marvels with its 45,000 prehistoric rock carvings, a major cultural site in Europe. How to get there:  Nice in France and Turin in Italy are about fifty miles from the Maritime Alps. It also would be possible to come from Milan, Rome or Geneva airports. From Nice, take the wonderful old railway over the Maritime Alps from Nice to Cuneo. (6 trains a day, From Turin, take any of 35 trains a day to Cuneo)  Then take a bus from the Cuneo train station to our meeting place in the village of Sant’ Anna di Valdieri. (45minutes) General Note: Euro 1.35 to the US dollar in September 2010 Level of Fitness: The days are planned for expert, fit hikers just arrived from sea level. If you are an Adirondack winter hiker who can handle moderately steep snow, you should do well on this trip. Many of the trails are well graded, thanks to the kings of Italy. Because we are going in early season, we are likely to find some snow on the passes and will carry crampons and ice axes as a safety precaution. In the ADK rating system, this is a Strenuous Plus. If you do not like steep drops, snow, rocky and uneven and exposed terrain, this is not the trip for you. Accomodations: The rifugios have bunk rooms and may appeal for their very simplicity. They are traditional mountain refuges, rather than hotels. The Balmis-Meris in Sant’Anna is a family style hotel. The Hotel Royal in Terme di Valdieri and the Chamois d’Or in Casterino are first class hotels. The trip assumes two to a room in a hotel. If you require a single room there may be a surcharge. Equipment: Trekking poles are essential. Because we will probably encounter some moderate snow slopes, we will carry crampons and ice axes. The kind of ankle high, three season boots you would wear in the Adirondacks are adequate along with some basic gaiters to keep out snow. Since we do not have to carry camping gear or food, you only need a day pack which should not have more than ten pounds. (I will send you a detailed gear and clothing list upon registration.) What is included in the cost of the trip: Lodging and meals from the beginning of the trip on the evening of June 18th to breakfast on the morning of June 29th, eleven nights, eleven dinners, eleven breakfasts, eight lunches, transport from Casterino to St. Dalmas di Tende rail station. What is not included: Extra snacks, beverages, showers in refuges. Lunch is not provided on Day Two, June 19, Day Five, June 22, Day Eight, June 25. Payment Policy: a deposit of $400 is due at the time of registration; the remaining balance of $1000 is due no later than March 1, 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 March 1, 2012. After March 1, 2012, no refunds are possible unless your space can be filled from a waiting list. However, if the ADK cancels the trip or if in the opinion of the leader this trip is not for you, the full amount will be refunded. Daily Itinerary   For more information and to sign up, contact the leader, Roman Laba, 22 Front Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; 518-374-2586, RomanLaba@aol.com PRICING: THIS TRIP IS SUBJECT TO AN INCREASE IN COST AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE TRIP'S DEPARTURE DATE. BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP AND THE PRICE FOR THIS TRIP WAS ESTABLISHED AT AN EARLIER DATE, IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR A SURCHARGE IF THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR CONTINUES ITS DECLINE AGAINST THE EURO. 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