For six days, nine Millet customers walked the GR5 trails between Thonon-les-Bains and Chamonix. Here's a look back at these 100 kilometres and 7000 metres of positive altitude difference.
Last spring, to mark the launch of its new range of G TREK hiking boots, Millet launched a competition for its customers. For the lucky winners of this "Crossing The Alps Challenge", the chance to take part in a crossing of the Alps on part of the GR5. Better known as "La Grande Traversée des Alpes", this trail stretches between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean over almost 2,200 kilometers. It crosses the granite peaks of the Mont-Blanc region, the Vanoise, the Briançonnais and Queyras territories before stretching on to the Ubaye and Mercantour. It was a busy schedule for the nine winners, who joined Guillaume, AMM (Accompagnateur en moyenne montagne) of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, in Thonon on September 13.
Until September 18, the participants hiked for six days through the Alps for a total of 100 kilometers and 7000 meters of positive altitude difference! The group passed through the Dent d'Oche refuge (2,114m), the Pavis and Bise passes, Chapelle d'Abondance, the Rochassons ridge (1931m) and the Coux (1920m) and Golèse (1668m) passes. After Samoëns, the hikers went to the Sixt nature reserve before a night at the Anterne mountain pasture. On the last day, the hikers climbed to an altitude of more than 2,000 metres at the Col d'Anterne (2257m) and the Col du Brévent (2368m) before finishing the week in Chamonix.
Whether it was sunny or rainy, the mood was upbeat and fun after the uncertain period linked to the pandemic. "It was a first for us," explained Jérôme and Gwenaelle once they had reached the end of their journey. "We had a wonderful time, and we're delighted. Thank you Millet for giving us the opportunity to experience this incredible moment". Jean Hervé and Sylvain, from the other side of France, were equally impressed. "We met during the GR20 this summer, so it was only natural that we should take part in the Crossing the Alps Challenge," say the Brest-based duo. "The G-TREK 4 allowed us to be in good conditions, even in wet weather."
As far as the guide was concerned, the "homogeneous and very fast" group made for "a great tour of the Chablais. It was a first for me to work in direct contact with the Millet brand, and it was really interesting to talk about the brand, the products ... I myself am the first user of the products through my professional activity, and have been for many years". "In return, Marine and Carine from Dijon explained: "The support was exceptional. "We found it a rich, sporting and human experience. It was a superb experience. The refuges were a first for us, we learned a lot, we'll be back!"
The new G TREK range from Millet.
G TREK, Millet's new range of high-top hiking boots, is designed for trekking. You can find it on Private Sport Shop. Composed of three models for men and women, they offer all the essential characteristics to face long hikes of several days:
- A waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane for wet conditions and summer heat;
- Exceptional comfort and absolute support for the ankle thanks to its high upper;
- The Vibram® outsole has great grip for the toughest of trails;
- The right flex for every hiker, from the softer flex of the G TREK 3 GORE-TEX, to the stiffer flex of the G TREK 5 GORE-TEX, to the semi-rigid intermediate flex of the G TREK 4 GORE-TEX.
- Possibility to use semi-automatic crampons on the G TREK 5.