TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - DAY 10

 JUNE 13

Les Contamines-Montjoie (1,164m) is a mountain resort town located in the Col du Joly to the west of Mont Blanc. In the winter, 24 lifts carry up to 36,000 skiers per hour to enjoy 120 kilometers of ski trails. In the summer, climbing, hiking, tennis and fishing are the main attractions of the region. In June the town is still waiting for the first tourists.

After a short walk through the town, the trail quickly raises towards Mont Truc.

The hanging glaciers of Domes de Miage (3,673m) have retreated far away from the valley.

A statue of Notre Dame is guarded by a steel gate. Previous statues were stolen as souvenirs by the passing tourists.

                                          Col de Tricot (2,120m) will be the highest point of today's trek.

From the top of Col de Tricot the trail traverses along the end of Glacier de Bionnassey.

Dome du Gouter (4,304m) and Aiguille de Bionnassey (4,052m) form the beginning of the Glacier. Both summits are hidden in the clouds.

Our good luck holds. The suspension bridge over the stream flowing out of the Glacier is already in place. It is removed in the winter.

After ten days of hiking we catch a glimpse of Chamonix from the top of Les Houches ski slopes. Tourists have finally arrived and streets are busy.

Les Houches (1,010m) is located only 6 kilometers west of Chamonix. It has a long history - people have occupied this place since around 3,000 BC.

We spent our last night in Hotel et Chalet du Bois, a truly magnificent wooden structure, which surprisingly offers a very high comfort. Our tour will end tomorrow with a steep climb of over 1,500 m to the summit of Le Brevent (2,525m).