STEPS AND WALKING TIMES
Knowing the walking times :
The walking times indicated on this site, as well as on the signposting that you will find throughout the Tour du Mont-Blanc, are actual walking times.
This means that they do not take into account breaks or meal times.
These are "average" walking times which can be respected by anyone who walks "normally", is in good health and walks regularly.
It is however very important to note that the weight of the rucksack is an essential factor in the possibility - or not - to respect these times.
It is up to each person to estimate his or her own weight in relation to the criteria usually recognised as a basis for calculation, and thus to know how to modulate his or her own walking time forecasts.
The times are calculated as follows:
On the way up: gain of 300 metres of ascent per hour
On the way down: loss of 450 metres of ascent per hour.
(This figure can nevertheless reach 500 metres of ascent per hour on easy terrain, off mountain trails)
On reasonably "flat" sections: 3.5 Kilometres of distance per hour on trails.
(This figure can be as high as 4 to 4.2 kilometres per hour on easy terrain, such as a carriageway or a stretch of road).
Plan ahead, be within your maximum capacity, and allow yourself a safety margin in case of unforeseen circumstances.
DIFFICULTIES
Any mountain itinerary can present serious difficulties depending on the season (snow cover at high altitudes) or atmospheric conditions (fog, storms, snowfalls sometimes...). Study the route carefully and do not underestimate its length, especially with children. Leave early and allow for a fairly large safety margin in the walking schedule (see above)...
PRECAUTIONS
The mountain climate is harsh and the weather can change dramatically. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes.
Do not go alone! Tell your family or friends where you are going.
Do not take shortcuts: they cause gullies which, aggravated by rainwater run-off, damage the soil and vegetation. Picnics on walks can be a feast: to avoid damaging the sites, take a plastic bag for your leftovers.
Please note: dogs are not allowed inside the nature reserves.
The presence of the wolf requires shepherds to have protection dogs with their herds. Go around the herd when possible; "announce yourself" and do not surprise the dogs; do not threaten them; stay calm and put a material "barrier" between you and the dog, such as a rucksack or an outfit; stop and do not run; always stay in front of the dog; be patient so that the dog identifies you and judges that you are not a threat to the herd that it must guard and defend.
If you have a dog yourself, keep it on a lead.
CODE OF CONDUCT
If the path remains the "territory of Man", walking outside it means, for today's hiker, transgressing the rule and encroaching on the territory of the wild beasts which, as a result, abandon it for other, more remote places.
MECHANICAL LIFTS
Cable cars and mountain trains allow everyone to discover the high mountains. These are private and paying facilities that can be used to shorten your hike.
ITINERARIES
The itineraries described on this site are always subject to change and the Community of Communes Pays du Mont-Blanc cannot be held responsible for these changes.
