Luggage Transfers: Trek Light, Travel Smart
Trekking through stunning alpine landscapes like the Tour du Mont Blanc is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but carrying everything on your back can be demanding. With our convenient luggage transfer service, you can hike freely, carrying only a daypack while your overnight duffle bag (not your main suitcase) is transported to your next accommodation. Here’s how it works and what you need to know to make the most of it.
How Luggage Transfers Work
With our luggage transfer service, your main bag essentially “follows” you along the route. Each morning, your duffle bag (up to 15kg) is collected from the hotel or refuge where you stayed the night and delivered to your next accommodation, typically before 6 pm. This service allows you to hike comfortably with just your essentials – like water, snacks, and a jacket – in your daypack.
However, some remote refuges along the route don’t have vehicle access, so your luggage will bypass these stops and meet you at the next accessible location. We’ll let you know at the time of booking your luggage transfer so you can plan accordingly and pack any overnight essentials in your daypack.
Key Details to Know Before You Book
- Luggage Requirements:
- Each bag can weigh up to 15kg. Bags exceeding this limit will incur an additional charge of €20 per kilo.
- A soft duffle-style bag is required. Hard-shell suitcases are not allowed due to the way bags are handled in bulk. Using a soft bag ensures that your luggage is well-protected during transfers.
- Please ensure each bag has a luggage tag with the lead booker’s name and Adventure Base clearly written on it. If there is more than one person on the booking, all bags must be labelled with the lead name.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times:
- Luggage is picked up from hotel receptions by 8 am and delivered to your next stop before 6 pm. There’s no need to wait around – just leave your bag at the reception before 8 am.
- Cost of Transfers:
- €45 per bag, per day.
- For specific remote locations with limited vehicle access, an additional charge of €55 applies, making the total cost €100 per bag for those transfers.
- List of places with extra charge: Miage, du Fioux, Elena, Nant Borrant, Maison Vieille, Randonneur du Mont Blanc, Hospice St Bernard, du Truc, de Balme, Bivouac Napoleon, de la Gittaz, Auberge du Val Joli, Monte Bianco Cai Uget
- Main Accommodations that do not have luggage transfers
- Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme – Refuge Elisabetta Soldini – Cabane Combal – Refuge Bertone – Refuge Bonatti – Alpage de la Peule – Refuge du Lac Blanc – Refuge de la Flégère – Les Ecuries de Charamillon – Refuge de Bellachat
- BnB – Private places – Lodgings without reception service open all day.
If your accommodations are on the list, your bags are transferred directly to the next available accommodation.
- Accommodation Considerations:
- Pre- and post-trip accommodation is required, as bags are picked up early in the morning and delivered later in the day. We’d be happy to help you arrange these additional nights (please note that they are non-refundable). Additional nights should be requested no later than November for the following year to ensure availability. If you prefer to book on your own, do let us know your accommodation details so we can coordinate the luggage transfer.
- The service only applies to accommodations with receptions, so it’s important to note that luggage transfers are not available for Airbnbs or private addresses.
Planning Your Trek with Luggage Transfers
- Pack Smart: Since you might be without your luggage on some nights, make sure to pack any overnight essentials in your daypack. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, and any personal items you’ll need.
- Pick and Choose Your Transfer Days: You don’t have to opt for luggage transfers every day. You can select specific days to use the service, making it flexible and cost-effective.
- Share a Bag: If you’re trekking with a friend or partner, you can share a duffle bag to split the cost. Just remember that the 15kg weight limit still applies.
What Shouldn’t Be Packed in Your Luggage
To avoid any complications, we recommend that you don’t pack the following items in your duffle bag:
- Food or water
- Valuables such as laptops, cash, or jewellery
- Fragile items, as luggage is handled in bulk and could be subject to rough handling
Recommended Duffle Bags
Here are a few examples of suitable duffle bags that meet our requirements:
- Rab Kit Bag II 30L
- Decathlon Trekking Carry Bag 40L-60L
- The North Face Base Camp Duffle (Extra Small)
These bags are soft, durable, and the perfect size for trekking adventures.
Additional Information and Booking
Please note that luggage transfers can only be added to your booking once your accommodations have been confirmed. This typically happens between January and March of the year your trip takes place. Therefore, we kindly ask you to get in touch as soon as you receive your final itinerary and no later than when your final balance is due. Once booked, Luggage Transfers are non-refundable.
If you’d like to add luggage transfers to your booking, please fill out the form below and we will ensure your luggage arrives safely throughout your trek.
If you’re bringing a suitcase or extra luggage for other parts of your trip, you may also want to explore our luggage storage options, which cover what to do with your belongings while you’re on the trail.
