Solo Hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc in Winter
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Solo hiking and backpacking on the Tour du Mont Blanc loop trail with some extra sections in the fall of 2020 (October 6-18). Winter hit early, so all mountain passes were in the snow.
234.3km - 14,968m elevation gain - 12 days.
Gear:
Camera: amzn.to/31aQofa
Lens 12-35: amzn.to/3jJN4ht
Lens 7-14: amzn.to/3GrLyu5
Tripod: amzn.to/3vOW2ik
Drone: amzn.to/30XYeZl
Tent: Forclaz Self-Standing 3-Season 1-Person Tent - Grey
Backpack: amzn.to/3BgTRoM
Water bottle with filter: amzn.to/3pZzvi3
Water bottle: amzn.to/3bivrRb
Water sack: amzn.to/2XSsiVf
Air mattress: amzn.to/3pIKSKO
Pillow: amzn.to/3CoSoOE
Cooking kit: GSI Outdoors Halulite Minimalist
Stove: amzn.to/3vPUp3K
Shoes: amzn.to/30XZ4VZ
Coffee drip: amzn.to/31vqdAf
Pack base weight: 13.33kg. Camera gear: 4.53kg.
Music licensed via Musicbed:
Greg Thomas - Luno
Roary - Waiting (Ambient Mix)
Greg Thomas - Cirrus
Ryan Taubert - Found
Greg Thomas - From Darkness, Light
Young Collective - Back and Forth
Slow Meadow - Screensaver Prelude
Roary - Shelter
Benjamin Gustafsson - I Thought About Death, About Time
Greg Thomas - Return (No Oohs & Ahhs Version)
Ian Wong Kyle Mcevoy - Nothing But You and I
Davis Harwell - The Mind is a War Zone
Hammock - Circular As Our Way
Follow me on Instagram: / harmenhoek
Travel itinerary soon on harmenhoek.com.
Timestamps:
00:00 Day 1 - Les Houches
01:32 Day 2 - Col de Trictot and Plan Glacier
05:25 Day 3 - Los Contamines
08:18 Day 4 - Col de Bonhomme
11:55 Day 5 - Col de la Seigne [France to Italy]
13:54 Day 6 - Courmayeur
16:37 Day 7 - Mont de la Saxe
19:08 Day 8 - Grand Col Ferret [Italy to Switserland]
23:22 Day 9 - Val Ferret
26:49 Day 10 - Fenêtre d’Arpette
29:27 Day 11 - Col de Balme [Switserland to France]
32:10 Day 12 - Aiguilles Rouges
36:48 Day 13 - Lac du Brevent
#hiking #tourdumontblanc #silentfilm #snow
I just have to comment on this. I don’t think I am exaggerating if I say this is possibly the single most impactful video I’ve ever seen. I am so grateful that I stumbled upon it. I am a man who loves nature, it’s natural sounds, spectacular vistas, but also the subtle beauty that most people miss. I love to capture it all in my own photography. I love to hike, climb, and camp. This video is absolute art. Much like someone might stare at a painting and feel deep connections and emotions inside, that is how I felt watching this video. It connected with my spirit on so many levels. This video is a gift and obviously it has been enjoyed by so many others. But this wasn’t just another hiking video to “like”. Watching this was an EXPERIENCE. Thank you for this art that captures the essence of a spectacular place I may never go to, and does so in a way that magnifies and inspires. It just might be the best video I’ve ever seen.
Thank you for your comment! Very well put into words what I am tried to achieve with this video. Thanks again!
Spot on ! It's really a life experience just to watch.
Amazing journey indeed Bravo Mr!… starting a new hike next Wednesday and was searching for some inspiration locations and powwow we found it 🎉✌️👌👌
Thanks for all the comments, I enjoy reading them and try to reply each single one. Currently planning another winter trip, so stay tuned!
Harmen, you are Dutch? Not that faraway from Norway. Have a hike in Norway someday. The amazing Norwegian nature deserves your homage.
I have to ask, what type of shoes/boots do you use on these long treks
Amazing film! I "discovered" Kraig Adams this past winter during COVID. Fell in love with his films but you have taken it to another level. Love the use of time lapse as another element to enhance the viewers experience. Like Kraig you recognized the importance of the senses. The shots of food, coffee, and lodging are what really make the viewer feel like they have experienced the trip with you! Bravo and Thank You!!!
Great compliment! Thank you!
"The shots of food, coffee, and lodging are what really make the viewer feel like they have experienced the trip with you! " Exactly. They are an essential piece, a reward you indulge yourself after having challenged yourself physically.
So true, really well put!
je confirme , j’ai voyagé grâce à ce film magnifique avec toi !! merci pour ces images et ce superbe montage 👍👏 j’ai déjà fait ce tour , mais pas à la même saison , ça me donne envie de le refaire fin de l’automne 🤩
I agree with you 100% :)
Harmen, you have a gift for making movies. In a world where everything is about words you touch people’s hart with only beautifull imagery. Thank you.
Thank you!
This gives me closure and hope that dying alone is not as sad as portrayed
In some ways we all die alone. But I hear ya.
Indeed...
Death is only a bridge between this life and the next, in a way I’m looking forward to it. Just to explore all the secrets of the universe. But for now we must do our best in this life to become the best version of ourselves!
Dying is just your next incredible adventure. Fear not.
This is an absolute masterpiece!!! How come this video doesn't have a million views already?! You made my day. Thank you.
Haha I don’t know. 🤷🏼♂️ Thanks!
i agree, it deserves 10000million views
U r walking when u can fly....join bat army..
Made my day, too! Awesome.
@@HarmenHoek it is near to this target... 934 589 views. Thank you man, I´m craving to my upcoming hike in Dolomites much more. Absolute love it, without words and nevertheless so eloquent
This might be the best hiking video on KZhead. Guy doesn't make it about himself at all, just so many scenes of changing, immeasurable beauty. Well done.
Thanks for the comment. For me it's all about sharing the experience, and what I experience is the solitude and nature.
What a truly magnificent document of 12 days in the Mont Blanc Alps. I was blown away. Every clip was precious. The bravery to do it late and in the snow made it even more special. Your attention to detail is staggering. And the drone panoramas and night-time cloud time lapses movie quality. Your style and dedication to setting up such a huge variety of wonderfully composed shots is perfect. I hope you enjoyed the process as much as I enjoyed watching. I'm so glad and inspired to have seen this. Please keep up your good work.
Being a fan of Kraig Adams I must say that you took the adventure documentary to the next level. Tears came to my eyes at times for the incredible scenes you achieved. Congratulations!
Same here. I am also Kraig Adams fan. Sure, Harment tool solo adventure film of the next level. I also became very emotional.
I’m honored. Thank you! (:
@@HarmenHoek Bravissimo!! It is double of work - hiking and shooting video. I did same at mt. Elbrus, double work. BTW I have same pants, backpack and more equip ))))))))))) at 35:00 - as supeeeeeerrrr.
Ya Nestor I second you, Me too fan od Craig...but these clips are beauties
Good comments, nothing much to add. Like in Kraig's videos, the immaculate choice of music adds that little extra notch that actually makes a big difference, at least for me that is to say.
Easily the best KZhead video of Alpine routes! A range of interesting techniques used - always with great flair and a meticulous attention to details. Plenty of imagination used in choosing what to film. A real tour de force. Also there cannot be many who have done it in autumn conditions. It looks very different from the usual summertime views - even better! Thank you for giving me so much pleasure.
Wow, I would put your comment on the DVD cover if they still would exist! Thank you for your kind and meticulous formulated words.
The worst thing about your videos, is that they end :) The quality and effort of what you post is amazing. You really take us with you to these beautiful places and inspire us to explore ourselves too.
You encounter all the seasons in one place. How you manage to not get lost. Your movie is amazing. It's always changing.
A phone with GPS (; Thanks!
The effort that went into this is insane!! And the result is just amazing! Thank you for letting us join you on this adventure
Glad you liked it! It’s a lot of work indeed, but in this way a great memory.
Exactly. The unseen effort that went into this is indeed insane. The result is absolutely awesome.
Magic in action. But it is the intimacy of the colossal that truly impresses me. I think every solo hiker can sense the weight of a step in relief against a billion ton of granite and the sound of that step in the midst of a valley wide gust of wind when they see your film. The drone only intensifies the particular solo view of the massive; how else can you convey those dimensions? It's so well done, so respectful to the natural environment and to that particular experience - so generous, really, to all of us who just have to get back up there. The best hiking film online, thank you!
What a great choice of words to describe it, love it! Thanks for taking that time.
Having walked TMB in September in the reverse direction I so enjoyed this. The footage is the best video I have ever seen. The drone and night time-laps is stunning. So much effort in photography, physical effort, mental strength to navigate solo etc etc.
Thank you, Neil! It is one great of an adventure for sure. I really loved the variety in nature: every valley looked different. Thanks for the compliments!
This is the video I watch nearly every night in the last year before falling asleep. Absolutely no words for the immense appreciation I have for all the work put into crafting this film. I’m easily excited to rewatch it every single time. I need it to be known how grateful I am that this exists! Without even speaking, you perfectly captured and delivered a feeling I’ve only known through being in an environment like this. I’m inexplicably happy (:
Thanks a lot! Appreciate it!
Brilliant film. I enjoyed that there was no commentary or narration, letting the beautiful images speak for themselves.
Thank you! And yes, that’s my goal, not just making the film as a travel guide, but a film that anyone can watch.
I am now completely obsessed with these videos! It’s 3am and I am watching the hiking Dutchman. 🤣 Your video quality is absolutely stunning I love it!
Haha, glad you like it!
Every thing abut this documentary tour of Mont Blanc was perfect, Specially photography.
This is a masterpiece. Everything is amazing. From hiking locations to cinematography. You deserve millions of views and millions of subscribers for the work you are doing. Thank you!!!
Thank you! These comments are worth a lot.
The best thing I saw since a year. Cant express how beautiful and soulful every frame is. You and a friend who is planning for similar route might have just changed my plans in life for next few years. Loads of love and respect from India.
I have to STOP watching this, so I can go watch on my TV. Beautiful work!
Haha, the second time is also free. (;
One of the best videos of KZhead. This is incredible, it’s a piece of art. The shots, the music, the sounds and beauty of nature (almost no human’s words), the quality of the camera... Man!! Amazing!
Wow, thank you!
I've seen numerous videos of individuals trekking the TMB, and I have personally completed it five times in both directions during the summer and early to mid-autumn. However, I haven't walked it in late fall when snow is already present. Your video is perhaps the only one out there of walking at this time of year, and it's definitely one of the best. Excellent job!
Turkish - coffee is always on time!👍
Amazing, One of the best Vid watched so far on Mont Blanc hiking, Lucky you 😉
Thank you! 😊
The amount of effort that went into the cinematography here is outstanding.
Thank you!
37:24'te ki kahve keyfi harikaydı. Sanki kendim kahve içiyor gibi hissettim. İnsan resmen bu güzel manzaralarla bütünleşiyor.
keşke ekonomi böyle olmasaydı da biz de yapabilseydik
Oh yes, coffee after a -12C night is the best.
Simply mesmerising. Skills at all levels on display, filming, climbing, music selection. Won’t take long for this channel to explode. Congratulations and thank you for sharing this experience. I dare say truly unforgettable for you and the viewer. A Kraig Adams with navigational and mountain skills. Thank you for taking us where only a few dare go in Autumn. A new fan of this channel.
Appreciate your comment! The positive feedback really motivates me to make more films like these. Thanks!
Congratulations mate. Probably the best hiking video ever made. I’m a huge fan of Kraig Adams but you took filmography to a whole new level. I just completed the TMB myself and I can say that your balls are the size of Mont Blanc for doing this in winter. Thank you so much for sharing this masterpiece with us.
Words cannot convey your work and production, it really is perfect on all levels, an absolute masterpiece. Thank you. Adele
Thank you, Adele!
One of the best solo hiking documentary. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks
I've done it in summer but man, this looks so cool, and so peaceful and void of people. Beautiful!
Thanks! (:
You told the story beautifully through the video. Those places are amazing. I am glad to see. Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! 😉
i think this is the most bautiful thing i've ever seen ,those places are like paradise . I WISH SO BAD TO BE THERE ❤❤❤
Another spectacular adventure beautifully captured in sequential scenes. I am always encouraged to leave my comfort zone as I watch this intrepid lad tackling new terrain. His strength, resiliency and focus are clearly in evidence throughout. The film is an aesthetic experience that takes us to places most of us (me) will never get to see firsthand. I am most grateful to Harmen and everyone involved in the enterprise.
All what i heard about the Montblanc is the main mountain and its summit, but watching this masterpiece i realized the beauty of the whole region, thank you for taking us with 🙏🏻
Thanks for sharing!
I can't imagine how difficult Fenêtre d'Arpette must have been in this snow...this is truly amazing cinematography, what with the beautiful Fall colors ! Congratulations !
Thank you very much!
Danke für die schönen Aufnahmen. Dein Schnitt, Sound und die Minimalistik sind einfach super. Hammer Bilder...
Danke sehr!
Amazing shots and adventure! I'm impressed that a 40 min film without any talk was so interesting, congrats! :)
Thanks a lot!
Absolutely fantastic. I've been dreaming of hiking through the alps and this just adds so much inspiration and desire. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment.
This seems to be a very charming place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much!
I started hill-walking here in Scotland last July and I am obsessed. This film absolutely captures everything I love about being in the wilderness. An absolutely stunning masterpiece.
Awesome! I bet you have some great nature in Scotland!
😢😢❤❤ why am i crying watching this, incredible scenes you inspite me to solo hike too.. for now il watch all your vids This is impactful i ever scene in my life ❤ Can’t wait to see your 3passes film ✨✨
Fantastic work every minute impressed!
An absolute cinematic masterpiece not to say a huge challenge in those conditions. If you haven't won awards for this then you will. I know lots of the route well and not having been able to go back for 2 years I found this very emotional. Superb and hats off to you. A
Thank you for your kind words!
You feel like hero after this adventure, stunning winter views ,Sun, clouds,beautiful nights.
Absolutely brilliant, near the best I have watched! You do not yap, yap, yap and you show the beauty of the environment along with how you operate and manage the conditions. Mind blowing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So beautiful!
Wow, amazing scenery!
I am so grateful and lost for words by your adventure and documentation of it!!!! Absolutely inspired to do the same trail.
Wow. I so appreciate your effort on this trip. The conditions were tough let alone to film in and you did a magnificent, professional and artistic production. Photography on a GH5 is impressive! Thanks also for all the effort to index, title and thoroughly document the entire journey. You leave no questions for me to ask. You are extremely talented filmmaker and backpacker!
Dude. This is next level beauty and cinematography! Seriously stunning shots and compositions. Really really impressed how you managed all of that while hiking alone, in the snow, and dealing with charging batteries etc etc… must have kept you quite busy!
Kept me busy for sure! But starting a hike with the mindset to make a great film instead of doing it as fast as possible really helps! And the parts you don't see is me dealing with charging the batteries and hauling around the camera all the time. But I think that's the beauty of film making. Thanks for your comment.
@@HarmenHoek Hi, absolutely stunning journey, I was feeling like I was there. Congrats. Are the refugees open for everyone, and can you charge battery etc. , use the shower in all of them? Or I have to have a few power banks, and wash myself in the cold water? ;-) P.S. Pictures and captures are very impressive. How did you manage with the drone package on that long trip? Drone footage is excellent. I'm not even amateur so sorry for the questions. Kind Regards
Your work is exceptional. Congratulations !
I'm lost for words. This was such an elegant and incredibly difficult work to put together. Thank you for sharing your Tour
You are so welcome! Thanks for your comment!
Ik heb deze in de jaren 90 gelopen, in de zomer. Een verhaal met uitpuilende berghutten, vreemde geuren en botsingen in de slaapzaal en file lopen op de hoge colletjes. Zoals jij t doet, dat is een heel ander verhaal. Oh en bedankt, de standaard voor utube producties is opeens 2 lichtjaar hoger.. Wat een ongelofelijk mooie productie. Danks
Bedankt!
Love you man❤. This is one of my most favourite travel movies that i have ever watched
Thank you! I feel honored!
Feast of beautiful scenes. How you pick the best angles to produce the most beautiful scenery on and on, amazing. It's a masterfully of work. Thank you Sir.
Thank you very much!
Such an amazing video. Love it! This has definitely been added to my list.
Respected man . I know how you make this film it takes your time so much . The best of luck for you on the roads .
Thank you!
Omg the quality of the video is top notch. Definitely should have your own Netflix documentary ❤️
Maybe one day! Thanks!
WOW, no words. JUST an EPIC. The timelaps push me to hold my breath❤️👍🏼
Thank you! 😊
Dafür gibt es nur ein Wort WUNDERBAR! Das Leben hat noch eine Menge Gutes mit dir vor. Alles Liebe für dich!
Danke für deinen Kommentar!
Watching this video, a few months ago, inspired me a lot and I just finished my first TMB. A wonderful experience. Thanks to you
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. I've watched it so many times in just a few days. Breathtaking your shots and just...really good job, good music, beautiful time-lapses, and I really love those longer shots with you off in a distance. Please keep making vids like this! = )
Wow, that’s really kind, I’m humbled. Comments like these motivate me. Thanks. (:
Heel gaaf, supermooie beelden!
it took me 2 months to find this video , a masterpiece
I didn't know it was so hard to find. ;P But thanks!
Exactly what I needed today. Thank you! You blessed my soul immensely just now
Great hike, spectacular images, beautiful film! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks a lot! 🙏🏼
Ohhhhh wow 😍😍😍 ! Everything looks perfect ! Thanks for sharing these beautiful moments with us 🤩!
Thank you! ☺️
OMG! Amazing film, man! Great hike!
It's incredibly beautiful! Perfect! Thank you so much!
Spectacular scenery and nice trails. Definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for the wonderful video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed it a lot especially holding my cup of hot coffee in the rainy days here. Your work is for sure a masterpiece and I have come back to this for many times, thanks a ton for your great sharing and hope you could keep on making more work like this! :)
Thanks! Appreciate your comment.
Beautiful video. Thank you for making this
Wonderful cut and experience, thanks for sharing with us!
Dude absolutely phenomonal. This is on my bucket list now, thank you!
Awesome! Thanks!
Amazing man! And nicely edited. Seems like a great adventure.
Thank you! 😊
Nice video and a beautiful hike in the mountains!
Your shots are so unbelievable beautiful - one can really sense the mountain spirits calling!
Spectacular video. Everything from the drone, camera angles, closeup shots, storyline and hiking were amazing. This is like watching a hiking documentary from national geographic, very well done!
Love the sound editing!
Thank you! 😊
I hate to sound melodramatic but this video is a true gift to humanity.
I love the sound of melodrama. Thanks! (:
Absolutely stunning.
This is beautiful! I couldn't stop watching. The landscapes that you captured were absolutely breath taking. Thanks for sharing (:
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just fabulous. The weather conditions added difficulty to this course, but they allowed you to bring back exceptional images. Congratulations for this achievement! Greetings from a local guy 😉
Many thanks, local guy! When making a film, these conditions are perfect, it gives so many unique shots.
I just finished Tour du Mont Blanc a week ago. It was already challenging for me to trek it during the summer. Can't imagine that you did it alone in the snow. Thank you for the amazing view. It's nice to see the trail with a different scenery.
Awesome! Congrats with completing the loop!
Everything about this is perfect 🥰 thank you
As a parent of multiple toddlers this awesome footage of you trekking alone in different peaceful beautiful environments was lovely - sure I would miss them after an hour or three but that looks super appealing - I love the sounds you chose to leave in, the various lighting you used in the dark rest areas and seeing what you ate - like the bread and the cheese - wonderful. One of my twins said "wow!" to your time lapses of the sky - high compliment from a three year old - thank you for the great videos
Thank you so much! The story behind the cheese and bread: the first village I came through in 2 days didn't have a supermarket or restaurant (all closed for the season, Google Maps doesn't tell you that). I still had 2 days to go till the next town, and was low on food. I ran into a guy doing some construction to his house there. I just boldly asked him for food. He invited me in and sold me some of his own bread, goat cheese, apples and a can of soda. It was the best food I had on the trip. (;
@@HarmenHoek oh man that was lucky and such an interesting story! So glad you got some food when you needed it! That's so funny that those items were the best you had the whole trip - they did look good :)
What a wonderful world, every minute impressed ! Great thank you for your share.
Thank you! (:
Wonderful, no need for words, Thank you for this lovely film.
Thank you!
Superb stuff,well done harmen.
This was spectacular. I envied you. My eyes were feasting on a magnificent treat that I just could not get my fill of. Sincerely, bravo. I am inspired and grateful.
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Absolutely incredible! So much effort and so much pain so we could enjoy outstanding sceneries. I really… really appreciate that! Thank you!
Thank you! 😊
Simple yet fantastic, good effort man. 👍🏻
This is so so beautiful. A gem. 😃
Such an incredible piece of art you made there. Just to think of the work it takes in order to produce all of this footage... and the editing is just top notch. I've seen many traveling films but this is by far the best one yet. Keep on
Thank you so much 😀
Fantastic film and filmmaking! Thanks for sharing your adventure
Thank you! 😊
Thank you for the video. I hiked Mt Blanc in my younger days. Nice peaceful video. Reminded me of the time I spent hiking in that area. God Bless !
Thank you!
Loved this; brought back memories of my TMB experience in 2018, one that I'll always treasure. Congrats on completing one of the world's most glorious hikes!