PTL: Frequently Asked Questions

My team is registered for the PTL^TM. In case of the defection of one of the team, will it be possible to replace them?
Yes, it will be possible. The regulations specify that this change can be made uniquely between August 1st and 19th 2012 (no use contacting us beforehand).

We intend to be followed by a camping car and to use it as a rest point. Will that be possible?
No! We have been confronted by this problem during previous years. It provoked tensions and it defeats the principle "of complete autonomy» encompassing the PTL^TM. In 2012 no camper-van followers!!!

We wish to use the services of an assistance team for our refreshments. May this team intervene all along the route?
No! The PTL^TM must be run in « complete autonomy ». Team assistance is only tolerated at the Champex and Morgex bases.

When will the route maps be available?
These maps will be available at your runner’s file as from the end of January 2012. Bear in mind that changes could arise before the end of August (landslides/landslips, works, diverse closures); these maps will only give an approximate route. The definitive maps will be communicated one fortnight before the start.

How will the GPS tracks for the route be communicated?
The tracks for the route will be communicated in the form of GPX files. A GPX file for the route, a GPX file for the WPT.  For the GPSs which can not accept more than 500 WPTs we will supply as many 500 point files as necessary to cover the entire route.

Why a bivouac tent shelter rather than individual shelters?
The bivouac tent shelter is an element of security. Should there be a problem the whole team could shelter, each benefiting from the heat of the others. Note that numerous articles of this type, inexpensive and weighing less than 1 kilogramme are for the sale on the Web. 

Will we need to provide spare batteries for our GPS beacon?
No! In the case of weak batteries the organisation will supply you with spares.

Will the spare’s bags from Champex be transported by the organisation to Morgex?
No. Because you will have been given two spare’s bags clearly marked, one for Champex and the other for Morgex. You must return them to the organisation before the start.

We wish to make a reconnaissance trip in June, will that be possible?
With normal snow conditions, no. Only the lower parts will be accessible; the sections Emosson-Marécottes – Bovernier, Champex-Bourg Saint Pierre, La Salle-Youlaz, La Balme-Chamonix. The zones at altitude of Buet and the Col de Lâne are only really feasible as from the second half of July.