Tour of Mont Blanc on the northern section

During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:

- Valid identity card or passport.

- Your “AXA Assistance” travel insurance leaflet received when you registered (if you took out this insurance) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).

Warning! Unlike in France, rescue services are very expensive in Switzerland. Check that you have search and rescue coverage with a sufficiently high limit. In particular, bank card insurance covers repatriation assistance, but basic bank card insurance (and some premium bank cards) does not include search and rescue coverage.

- Health insurance card.

- The "European Health Insurance Card" which certifies your rights to health insurance and allows you, during a temporary stay in Europe, to benefit from coverage of medically necessary care, whatever the reason for your trip and subject to complying with the formalities in force in the country of stay.

Italy is part of the Eurozone.

Euros are accepted almost everywhere in Switzerland.

1. 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt.
2. A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
3. 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
4. A water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
5. 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
6. 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
7. Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
8. 1 quick-drying bath towel.
9. Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
10. Toilet paper.
11. Sunscreen + lip balm.
12. Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
13. 1 headlamp or flashlight.
14. 1 survival blanket.
15. A pair of poles is recommended.

The principles:

1. For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
2. A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
3. A warm fleece fur jacket.
4. A windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket.
5. When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
6. Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
7. Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.

The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)

1. 1 sun hat or cap.
2. 1 scarf.
3. Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking).
4. 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
5. 1 fleece fur jacket.
6. 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
7. 1 rain cape or a bivvy bag if you own the jacket above.
8. 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
9. 1 pair of shorts or bermudas.
10. Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or hiking-specific socks. Be careful with cotton as it can cause blisters.
11. 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand.
12. Underwear.
13. 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening.
14. 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
15. At the beginning and end of the season (June and September), it is useful to also have gaiters, gloves and a hat.

Personal pharmacy

1. Your usual medications.
2. Pain medication: paracetamol preferred.
3. Lozenges for sore throats.
4. Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
5. Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
6. Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
7. 1 pair of tweezers.