Guided by members of the French Skiing and Mountaineering School (ENSA) and the company of guides from the cities of Chamonix and Saint-Gervais, the expedition will feature three snowboarders, including 2006 Olympic bronze medallist Paul-Henri De Le Rue.

Double world champion Xavier De Le Rue - Paul Henri's older brother -  and World Cup medal winner Sylvain Dufour will make up the trio of snowboarders, while French cyclist Cathy Moncassin-Prime will also be part of the group.

In addition, key Annecy 2018 representatives will take part, including President Charles Beigbeder and Mayor of Annecy Jean-Luc Rigaut, with the pair using the trip as a planning session ahead of the final 2018 bid presentation in Durban on July 6, where the French city will face rivals Munich and Pyeongchang. 

Once they reach the summit of "La Dame Blanche" ("The White Lady"), which is the highest peak in Europe, the team will unfold a banner in support of Annecy 2018.

The three SNCF champions will then snowboard back down Mont Blanc while the others will return on foot.

The expedition will officially set off when the athletes board a train at Paris' Gare de Lyon station on Wednesday (June 15).

On the train that will take the team first to Lyon, and then on to Chamonix, a communication drive will be launched including autographs signed by the athletes and hand-outs of Annecy 2018 promotional merchandise.

Passengers on the train will also have the chance to meet the athletes and talk to them about the adventure they are about to embark on.

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