Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Mont Blanc

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

GEEO Program Confirmation Process

We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
• If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.

---

Trip Notes & Expectations

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.

1. ACCOMMODATION: The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury, however, as our priority is keeping our programs as affordable as possible. Please note that Hotel Chamonix is affiliated with the nearby Hotel Crete Blanche and, in some cases, the group could be divided between the two hotels. Important: Single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
2. FITNESS LEVEL & BEING PREPARED: You must be able to handle the physical aspects of the hiking on this trip and bring the appropriate gear. While the hikes on this trip are all-day hikes and you need to carry no more than a small daypack, this is still an alpine environment. The walks involve ascents and descents of up to 900m (3000ft) sometimes over rough and steep ground. None of the trails require mountaineering or climbing. Good fitness and a familiarity with mountain hiking will help you get the most out of this trip. You will require good well-broken-in hiking boots and a raincoat. Rain pants could come in handy, but fast-drying pants are fine.
3. FLEXIBILITY: Your tour leader may sometimes choose slightly different routes than listed, or adjust the routes based on the hiking level of the participants. Please be flexible and understanding.
4. WEATHER: The route outlined in this itinerary is weather dependent, and you will need to be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather. In the case of poor weather conditions, your tour leader will re-route your path while maintaining an effort to keep as close to the planned itinerary as possible.
5. TOUR LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. The tour leader for this trip is a Qualified IML (International Mountain Leader).

---

Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please be aware that single-room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller than double-occupancy rooms.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures London office: +441858378000 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. Please note that this trip is rated Physical Grade 4. Passenger luggage will be stored at the base hotel in Chamonix, but smaller day packs can be carried during the hiking excursions. Please see the equipment list below for essential information on what to take. Refer to the "Essentials" list for general packing items and the "Mont Blanc Trekking" list for items specific to the trek. When choosing your gear, bear in mind that the best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials, as these are quick-drying and can retain heat better. The optimum clothing method for trekking is layering, as it allows for easy temperature regulation as you ascend or descend. During the summer, you will likely be hiking in shorts and a t-shirt most of the time, but a light fleece or long sleeve top is handy. You will also want a windproof and waterproof jacket. Hiking pants or shorts are all you need, but you may consider bringing a pair of waterproof pants, as well. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, especially for departures in June and early in the season. Hiking gear is not available for rent in Chamonix. If you require additional items (poles, rain gear, etc.), they may be purchased in Chamonix. Mont Blanc Trekking

• Day pack (required) (Max 40 liters capacity - it is essential to pack light as you will be carrying your own gear.)
• Hiking boots (required) (You can use hiking shoes if you prefer.)
• Quick-dry socks (required) (Trekking socks (woolen or synthetic, not cotton). We recommend packing 2-3 pairs.)
• Rain gear (required) (We recommend using a jacket with a hood made of Gortex or similar fabric, and advise against bringing ponchos. You can also bring rain pants if you wish.)
• Clothing (We recommend bringing 1 outfit to wear during the evenings and days off, preferably lightweight top and bottoms.)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer (In the summer the only place you will use this is if you take a cable car to the top for sightseeing. Multiple layers would make a fine substitution for an actual jacket.)
• Gloves (We recommend light hiking gloves in case of cold and wet weather.)
• Hat (For cool weather, a warm beanie is most appropriate. For sunny weather, a wide-brimmed hat or cap. We recommend preparing for both weather conditions.)
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended. We recommend 1 pair of pants, and 2 pairs of shorts.)
• Lightweight wicking t-shirts (Synthetic or ultra-light wool. Two or three should be fine.  You can wash them in your sink.)
• Wicking underwear
• Thermal base layer (Woolen or synthetic, not cotton.)
• Backpack rain cover (Most bags have an internal of cover, or sell an add on cover)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets. You will be able to purchase these along the way.)

Essentials Checklist

• Personal clothing for hot to cool weather – we recommend packing 5-6 days of outfits so you don’t have to do laundry
• Sturdy walking shoes for non-hiking days
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle or bladder (like a Camelback) (You will be able to fill it up while you are hiking. No filter is needed.)
• Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
• Toiletries
• Camera (or use your phone)
• First-aid kit, including lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional Checklist

• Hiking poles
• Travel pillow
• Money belt
• Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
• AirTags or Tile trackers
• Packing cubes
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
• Ziplock bags
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
• Light fleece top

Document Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Travel insurance ID card
• Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit/debit card
• G Adventures vouchers
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. We recommend packing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching the U.S. State Department's International Travel Guidance. U.S. citizens do not require a visa to travel to France or Italy for less than 90 days. Non-American participants should check online to determine if they need a visa.

Money Exchange

France and Italy are part of the Eurozone and use the common currency, the euro (EUR). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There will be opportunities during the trip to tip your local guides or drivers. You may do this individually, or your tour leader may offer to collect the money and give a tip on behalf of the group. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and expectations. Also, at the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping amounts are entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline:

• Service providers/Waiters: €1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill
• Local guides and drivers: €3-5 EUR per person per day
• Tour Guide (CEO): €30-40 EUR per person per week

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Chamonix. The closest international airport is Geneva, which is a little over an hour away by private vehicle. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Chamonix. You may want to arrive in Europe one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Chamonix any time on the final day of the program, or stay later to see more of the city.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. France and Italy have type C outlets for two circular prongs, and the voltage is 220-240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Weather

If you like to hike during the warmest time of year, then July is the month for you. Average temperatures are between 55-79º F, and the average rainfall is only around 2.4 inches for the entire month. July is one of the peak months for hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc. It is also during the summer school break for all three countries on the route (France, Italy, and Switzerland), so you can expect the trail to be buzzing with people enjoying the warmer weather on the famous trekking route.