Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
Join us for an epic adventure in the Alps! Trekking at medium altitude in a setting of high mountains you will spend your adventure surrounded by magnificent peaks and impressive glaciers. Through mountain passes the balcony trails crisscross the natural wonders of three countries geographically linked by “the roof of Europe,” - by their traditions and history: the Swiss Valais, the Italian Aosta Valley and the French Savoies. We will be navigating this as a group guided adventure, with our in-country agent providing all information we will need to tackle this trek. INCLUDED WITH PRICE 10 nights accommodation Half Board from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day Daily baggage transfers between accommodations Airport transfers The transfer on day 9 between Les Contamines Montjoie and la Gruvaz NOT INCLUDED WITH PRICE Picnic lunches which can be pre-ordered each day at the accommodations (and places to buy along the route) Drinks Flights Insurance Bus transfers (approx 5€ per person). Transfer from accommodation on the first night to the meeting point on Day 1 of the hike. The cable car on day 1 and on day 10 (approx €19 per person and per lift) Optional spa extension (options to be confirmed by Coordinator after booking the trip)
Your Itinerary
Chamonix
You will start your adventure on arrival at Geneva airport where you will be met by everyone in your team before being transferred to a hotel in Chamonix or a town close by overnight.
Les Praz de Chamonix - Lac Blanc - Le Tour
This morning we will head to the Flégère cable car in Les Praz, Chamonix where we will ascend to the Balcons du Mont Blanc to reach Lac Blanc at 2300m. After this we will descend via the Col des Montets and the Aiguilles Rouges visitor centre, then on to Montroc and the village of Le Tour. Tonight will be spent in a gîte. 5.5-hour walk / Elevation: +600m -1100m - 13km.
Le Tour - Col de Balme - Trient
Today we start with a climb via the Chalets de Charamillon or via the balcony trail of Posettes to the Col de Balme (2200m) on the French-Swiss border. You will see incredible views of the surrounding glaciers of Argentiere, Le Tour and the north face of the Mont Blanc range. After this we will descend into Swiss pastures to the village of Trient to stay overnight in gîte. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +840m -920m - 13km.
Bovine or Fenêtre D’Arpette - Champex
This morning we will cross through the pastures of Bovine via a balcony trail overlooking the Rhone valley or take a more “high mountain” route along the Trient Glacier to reach the mythic Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665m). We will then descend to Champex to overnight in our gîte. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +1100m -750m (via Bovine) - 16km. 6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1300m -970m (via Arpette) - 13km.
Swiss Val Ferret - La Fouly
Today we will descend to the village of Champex and pass along the Swiss Val Ferret, dotted with small charming villages. Overnight will be spent in a gîte. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +600m -700m - 15km
Grand Col Ferret - Italian Val Ferret
This morning we start with a climb up through the vast pastures of La Peule to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) with a possible detour to the summit of the Tête Ferret for those who wish to do this. We will then descend into the Italian Val Ferret in the impressive foothills on the opposite side of the Mont Blanc where you will see exceptional views of the Grandes Jorasses. Tonight will be overnight in a gîte or refuge with a possible short transfer needed to arrive. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +840m -750m - 12 to 17km
Mont De La Saxe - Courmayeur
Today we will ascend to the hamlets of Sécheron and Armina and follow the exceptional balcony trail of the Mont de la Saxe facing the Mont Blanc or climb to the Col Sapin. After this we will descend to the bus station in Courmayeur for a short bus transfer to refuge Monte Bianco where we will spent the night. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +650m -1200m - 14 to 19km.
Col de la Seigne - Les Mottets or Les Chapieux
Today we will climb the Val Veny to refuge Elisabetta where there is a possible detour to the glacial lake Miage for those who would like to go. We will then continue climbing to the Col de la Seigne forming the border between Italy and France with a higher mountain detour possible via le Balcon de Chécroui and the Mont Fortin depending on how the group are feeling! We will then descend to refuge Mottets or on to les Chapieux (depending on availability) to stay overnight. 6,5 hour walk / Elevation: +850m -650m - 14 to 20km.
Col des Fours/Crête des Gittes - Col du Bonhomme - Les Contamines-Montjoie
This morning we start with a climb to the Col des Fours (2665m), the highest point of the tour, followed by a descent to the Col du Bonhomme and onward via the old Roman road to the chapel in Notre Dame de la Gorge. There is a short bus transfer to Les Contamines-Montjoie before our overnight in a hotel or a gite. 6,5 hour walk / Elevation: +850m -1500m - 15km.
Glacier de Bionnassay - Col du Tricot - Les Houches
We start our day with a climb up to the Bionnassay Glacier through the village of Champel or via the Col du Tricot (2120m) with an unmissable view close to the Dômes de Miage, the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc. We will then descend to the village of Les Houches. 5 -7.5hour walk / Elevation: 850m -1550m – 13-17km (depending on route taken).
Le Brévent - Chamonix
From Les Houches, we will hike through the forest of the Merlet Animal Park and then to the refuge Bellachat. Facing the Mont Blanc, we will follow the ridge to reach to the summit of Brévent where we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the Mont Blanc massif. We will then descend to Chamonix via Planpraz cable car where we will end our trek and rest in a tavern for a well earned drink and to celebrate your incredible achievement! From here, those who are not staying for the additional excursion, you will get your transfer back to Geneva airport. 7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1600m -700m – 15.5km.
Optional Excursion
For those who wish to stay on (at own cost), we will be arranging a group package with some optional excursions. Further details about this will be provided by your co ordinator. Please note, the Tour of Mont Blanc is a long hike route accessible to any person with a good physical ability. Although it does not involve any technical difficulty, this trip remains a demanding hike where you will need to be able to ascend almost 1000 meters every day for a week.