Western Alps - June- July

[garygiles1963]

Hi All,

My next planned adventure is the Western Alps, starting mid June through to mid July

This is my planned route so far

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eYfaxzfKiaIVuKGM_rug8d0QdlFHEV6w&usp=sharing

I will drive down the Italian side and then up the French side. The gaps are due to the access being closed at the moment, so google won't let you add it to my route. I am hoping they will start to open up in June.

I would appreciate any thoughts on my planned route, if thee is anything I should change please do let me know. Also any recommended campsites.

Thanks

Gary

 

[AndyCook]

I think I mentioned to you the tunnel on one of route up Jafferau is closed
From Eclause

You will have to go up the other way you have marked, to south
Or from west
Also not sure you can drive trail to west of mount Jafferau summit,
They could also be blocked by snow
Same goes for high trails near Demonte, blocked by snow in July in 2013 when I went there

 

[AndyCook]

And parpillion tunnel often blocked until late July by snow and ice

 

[garygiles1963]

should I be thinking of going later in the year? if so when wold be the best time?

 

[Firewout]

we were there in september 2016. It's getting dark earlier and the mornings were a bit chilly but still very agreeable and not so busy as July/August.
also the offroad tracks are repaired from the winter damage. In June, some parts can be blocked by earth slides.
http://www.ontroerend-goed.be/Alpen2016album/alpen2016index.html
good info (in German) on http://alpenrouten.de/

 

[moggy1968]

We were there last July and passes right up to 3000m were open, it's just luck of the draw really, as above, Jeffreys tunnel (whatever it's called!!) is permanently closed now, this is why!!

On the way down we opted to stay in a budget hotel in France as it saved messing about getting the tent up and down and actually cost the same as camping at the municipal site in Troyes.

Although travelling alone has a certain attraction, we went with Alpine Rovers as this was the first trip with the family. It's the first time I have done an organised tour and I would say it definitely added an extra dimension, They have been running trips in this area for over 20 years so have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area and will show you places and stuff no one else knows about. Their pricing is also very good. How about starting off with a week with them, then tapping their knowledge about what to do after once they've introduced you to the area?

 

[garygiles1963]

Thanks guys, pictures are amazing. I'm so looking forward to doing this trip.

Firewout, how long did the route take you to do.

Moggy thanks for suggesting Alpine Rovers, I'm afraid I'm not great a group tours. Bit of a loaner.

Maybe I might start travelling last week of August, by the time I get started in the Alps, it will be September.

How easy is it to wild camp?

G.

 

[moggy1968]

Thanks guys, pictures are amazing. I'm so looking forward to doing this trip.

Firewout, how long did the route take you to do.

Moggy thanks for suggesting Alpine Rovers, I'm afraid I'm not great a group tours. Bit of a loaner.

Maybe I might start travelling last week of August, by the time I get started in the Alps, it will be September.

How easy is it to wild camp?

G.

There are some restrictions on wildcamping because of problems with litter and misbehaviour, but it can be done. As a single vehicle you are less likely to run into problems. I was a committed lone traveller but thought I should break the family in a bit more gently but now I am a bit of a convert, a knowledgeable guide really does add to the experience, then you can do your own thing after having tapped them for information.
It also ensures you stay legal, which is definitely a good thing!!

 

[Firewout]

7 or 8 days.
We did 5 nights wild camp. In the high alpine areas, it's more difficult to find a good spot. Less forests, more no entry signposts.
Have a look here https://www.park4night.com/?langage=en

 

[garygiles1963]

HI

Due to work commitments, looks like I wont be able to start traveling till the week of 23 July.

Would this be a bad time of the year to to go, would I be better off leaving it till next year?

Any thoughts.

Gary

 

[Firewout]

Gary,
That period will be busy, especially on the well known alpine offroad passes, but the snow will be gone and the weather nice.

 

[moggy1968]

HI

Due to work commitments, looks like I wont be able to start traveling till the week of 23 July.

Would this be a bad time of the year to to go, would I be better off leaving it till next year?

Any thoughts.

Gary

It’s the same time we went, it’s fine

 

[froggy Steve]

HI

Due to work commitments, looks like I wont be able to start traveling till the week of 23 July.

Would this be a bad time of the year to to go, would I be better off leaving it till next year?

Any thoughts.

Gary

might get a bit busier as its Froggy Holiday time too - esp the following week when around 50% of Paris heads south and the southerners head north.......mind you, will be lots of things (events) going on

 

[garygiles1963]

Thanks for the reply's.

I think I'll give it ago, see how it pans out.

G.

 

[moggy1968]

I know what you said about escorted trips, but one of the advantages is a good knowledgeable guide will take you on routes no one else knows about. Everyone else going there will do the same research as you and reach the same conclusions and drive the same routes

 

[garygiles1963]

Thanks Moggy,

I will give it serous consideration.

G.

 

[Aeronick]

It's not a 4x4 itinerary, but you can reach the gorges du Verdon there's a nice canyon to see!

I like briancon that is on your via.
I like Annecy and close to it there's the gorges du fier (to pay and do by walk).

In Switzerland you can see the saint Leonard lake (nothing so special, but you pass through)

Also Leukerbad is on your via... It's a thermal village...
In Zermatt you can stay in a Ice hotel!

You probably know to visit the furka pass glacier.
At the grimselpass you can do the panoramastrasse oberaar.

Your itinerary is really good!

Have fun!

 

[garygiles1963]

Aeroonick, thanks very much, I have check and marked you recommendations on google maps.

Whats your thoughts on doing this trip mid July to mid Aug?

Regards
Gary

 

[Aeronick]

If you want to see the lavender (lavender roads are close to gorges du Verdon) it is a bit late...but if you go before middle of June you can find the roads closed...so...it could be good!
If you are interested to the lavender roads you can anticipate a bit...you find the flowering period on internet.

 

[garygiles1963]

HI

Fingers crossed I hope to do last years planned trip of the Western Alps. I'm starting to prep the truck.

Fuel.
When I did the Pyrenees , I took a 20l of diesel can as backup. I'm thinking this is maybe excessive and that 10L is enough as I'm not traveling that far away from fuel supply.

I would appreciate people thoughts and what you think I should be carrying.

Regards
Gary