Hilary Sharp – författare

The Mont Blanc massif is the highest mountain in the Alps and one of the most iconic walking destinations in the world. Centred on Chamonix, the capital of mountaineering, and stretching across the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland, this is a landscape of glaciers, soaring granite aiguilles, alpine meadows and high-altitude lakes that offers exceptional walking at every level of experience and fitness. This third edition Cicerone guidebook by Hilary Sharp, a qualified International Mountain Leader based permanently in the Alps, covers 50 graded day walks and outlines four multi-day treks across the Mont Blanc region, ranging from easy valley routes to challenging high-level terrain. Day walks range from 3 to 20km (2 to 13 miles), with grades 1 to 3 covering easy valley routes to challenging high-level terrain, plus valley walk alternatives included for rest days and bad weather. 50 day walks graded 1 to 3, covering Chamonix, Argentière, Vallorcine, Les Houches, St Gervais and Courmayeur on the Italian side, with detailed route descriptions from easy viewpoint walks to challenging routes over boulders, scree and via ferratasClassic Chamonix walks are fully described, including Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon Sud, Montenvers and the Aiguilles Rouges, covering the most celebrated walking terrain above the Chamonix valleyCourmayeur and the Italian Val Ferret are covered with complete route descriptions for Mont de la Saxe, Mont Chétif and the Tête de Ferret, offering a different perspective on the massif from the Italian sideFour multi-day trek outlines, ranging from 22 to 52km, include the Tour of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Italian Val Ferret circuit, providing options for those looking to extend their stay beyond day walksSketch maps and graded route descriptions for every walk, with accommodation and access information for all main bases, valley walk alternatives for bad weather and practical guidance on Alpine hut etiquette throughout Chamonix is one of the world's great walking destinations. This guidebook, written by someone who has spent over 23 years living and guiding in the Alps, does it full justice.

Discover the full range of summer adventures available in one of the world's great mountain destinations, from easy family walks and hut-to-hut treks in the shadow of Mont Blanc to alpine mountaineering on the Cosmiques Arête, via ferratas, rock climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, and road cycling. With something for every level of ability and ambition, Chamonix offers an unrivalled variety of mountain activities within one of the most spectacular alpine settings in Europe. Suitable for families, groups of friends, and experienced mountaineers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook brings together over 80 routes and activities across eight disciplines in and around the Chamonix valley. Routes range from easy lakeside strolls accessible to all the family to moderate rock climbs and glacier routes requiring technical skills or a professional guide. Choose from over 80 routes and activities across walking, alpine mountaineering, mountain biking, road cycling, via ferratas, rock climbing, bouldering, and trail running, covering the full Chamonix valley from Les Houches and Les Contamines in the west to Vallorcine and the Col des Montets in the east.Tackle alpine mountaineering routes including the Cosmiques Arête, the Aiguille du Tour, the Petite Aiguille Verte, and the classic Normal Route on Mont Blanc itself, with clear guidance on the technical skills and experience required for each ascent.Explore the Chamonix valley on two wheels with 10 mountain biking routes, including the Petit Balcon Nord and the Vallorcine to Martigny descent, and 4 road cycling routes, including the Col des Montets and the descent of the Col de la Forclaz.Discover the area's best rock climbing at crags including Les Gaillands, the Index, and the Aiguillette d'Argentière, alongside 5 bouldering areas and 4 via ferratas, including the dramatic route at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.Walk to mountain huts including the Refuge du Lac Blanc, Refuge Albert Premier, and Refuge de Tré-la-Tête, with classic walks taking in the Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles Rouges, and Lac Blanc, and family-friendly routes including the dinosaur tracks and the Bérard valley.Plan your Chamonix summer adventure with comprehensive practical information on getting there and around, accommodation, when to go, health and safety, glacier travel techniques, and the lift systems that open up the high mountain terrain from mid-June to mid-September. Experience the full range of adventures Chamonix has to offer with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned alpine regular, this is the essential companion for a multi-activity summer holiday in the shadow of Mont Blanc.

The 134km Tour of Monte Rosa is a challenging and very varied trek that takes a high route around the massif, in a circuit that begins and ends in Zermatt. The trek is described in eight stages, but these are not necessarily one-day stages, and some will be more comfortably achieved over two days or more. Realistically you should allow 9-10 days to complete the route. The Tour of Monte Rosa covers a variety of terrain, ranging from major forest tracks to narrow single-track footpaths to scree slopes to glacier, and offers a great introduction to high mountain walking. Along the way, this Alpine trail takes in spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif, including ten 4000m summits, as well as breaks in mountain huts and the towns of Resy, Saas Fee, Macugnaga and Cervinia among others. The guidebook also provides a wealth of practical information to help you prepare for the trek.

The 134km Tour of Monte Rosa is a challenging and very varied trek that takes a high route around the massif, in a circuit that begins and ends in Zermatt. The trek is described in eight stages, but these are not necessarily one-day stages, and some will be more comfortably achieved over two days or more. Realistically you should allow 9-10 days to complete the route. The Tour of Monte Rosa covers a variety of terrain, ranging from major forest tracks to narrow single-track footpaths to scree slopes to glacier, and offers a great introduction to high mountain walking. Along the way, this Alpine trail takes in spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif, including ten 4000m summits, as well as breaks in mountain huts and the towns of Resy, Saas Fee, Macugnaga and Cervinia among others. The guidebook also provides a wealth of practical information to help you prepare for the trek.

The 54 walks in this guidebook explore the popular region around Mont Blanc (4808m), the highest mountain in Western Europe, showcasing the very best routes on both the French and the Italian sides of the massif. Includes 50 great day walks of 3-20km, and 4 multi-day treks, taking in a variety of terrain including valley footpaths, airy ridges and via ferratas. Walks are Graded 1 to 3: grade 1 walks are manageable by any reasonably fit person on good, usually waymarked paths, while grade 3 routes are long, tough routes, often without waymarking, making navigation difficult: there could also be some scrambling. Additionally there is often a valley walk that can be done whatever the weather, or on rest days, with children, by bike, or as a run.The major centres of Chamonix and Courmayeur are often busy with holidaymakers, but the area has walks equal to anywhere for views, terrain and variety, with their sublime glaciers, high snowy summits, flower-bedecked slopes and rocky trails. Be it spring, summer or autumn, the sheer beauty and range of the walking here will satisfy any hiker - and there are plenty of facilities for the end of the day.

A guidebook to 50 day walks in the Mont Blanc region near Chamonix and Courmayeur, plus outlines of 4 multi-day treks around both sides of the Mont Blanc massif.

The day walks are 2–13 miles (3–20km) in length and range from high-level walks to easy summits, mountain huts, viewpoints and mountain lakes, as well as less strenuous valley walks. The multi-day treks range from 14–33 miles (22–52km) and include Vallorcine to Plaine Joux and Servoz, the Aiguilles Rouges and the Italian Val Ferret.

1:100,000 sketch maps (1:200,000 scale for treks) included Bases include Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentiere and Courmayeur Information on access, accommodation and recommended mapping Walks are graded (1-3) according to difficulty Valley walks included for bad weather or rest days

Guidebook to 50 day walks in the Mont Blanc region near Chamonix and Courmayeur, plus outlines of 4 multi-day treks around both sides of the Mont Blanc massif. The walks range from 3 to 20km and cover a variety of terrains from easy valley walks to more challenging routes over boulders, scree and on via ferratas.

A guide to the superb 145km trek around the Matterhorn, walking anti-clockwise from Zermatt, with a huge variety of scenery and culture. As the Matterhorn straddles the Swiss / Italian frontier, the trek visits both Switzerland and Italy, each with its own unique traditions, way of life and scenery. The Tour goes over high passes via Zinal, Arolla and Breuil, visiting charming alpine villages where life has hardly changed for centuries, providing a precious insight into local life. Not only is the Matterhorn seen from all sides, but there are also superb vantage points for views of many of the other high summits of the region. The Tour of the Matterhorn has been documented only in the last few years but the paths it uses are often ancient ways over passes leading from one valley to another. The tour includes two glacier crossings and usually takes about eight to ten days to complete. This guide includes suggestions for shorter variants as well as information for the ascent of peaks along the way.

This guidebook shows the vast range of activities available in the mountains surrounding Chamonix. With routes for several different pursuits including walking, trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, via ferratas, rock climbing, mountaineering and bouldering, it is a comprehensive collection of everything this popular region has to offer.All the routes and activities range in difficulty, from easy strolls for all abilities to moderate rock climbs and glacier hikes, which require either technical skills or a professional guide. Families, groups of friends and mountaineers looking for a ''rest day'' or a change to what they''re used to will all find something to whet their appetites here.Chamonix has long been a dream destination for mountain adventures and its environment is ideal for such a varied list of activities. This guide allows you to enjoy its spectacular views and renowned summits in many different ways or by mixing and matching your favourites.