An adventurous way to trek the spectacular Tour Du Mont Blanc, we carry our own kit on a 7-day version of the classic route. Staying in a combination of simple family-run hotels, traditional auberges and a mountain hut, we enjoy the camaraderie of our fellow trekkers along the way. We also enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery, quaint Alpine villages and the buzz of Chamonix and Courmayeur.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Geneva Airport
Arriving at Geneva Airport we transfer in 1hr 20 mins to our accommodation in Argentiere (1200m) in the Chamonix Valley. There are superb views of the Mont Blanc range. There will be a short briefing by our Tour Leader about the trek.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Trek from Argentiere via Col de Balme to La Forclaz (Switzerland)
We begin the Tour du Mont Blanc from the door of our hotel and hike up to the Col des Posettes (1997m) for superb views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. From here, we traverse to the Col de Balme (2191m) and look directly into Switzerland. We then descend through open country with views of glaciers to Trient (1297m) and then on to La Forclaz (1526m) where we spend the night. Our basic hotel has dormitory style accommodation.
Walking time is approximately 6-7 hours
Overnight Basic Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3
Trek along the ' Bovine Route' to Champex
We hike along the Bovine Route to Champex (1486m). The route winds its way through meadows, forests and open country with views of Pointe d’Orny and the mountains of Verbier. There are no great ascents today and we arrive at the auberge near Champex set amongst a pretty forest. Our traditional auberge has dormitory style accommodation.
Walking time is approximately 6 hours
Overnight Basic Auberge
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
4
Trek from Champex to La Fouly
From Champex it is a gentle 5-6 hour trek to La Fouly (1600m) along the Val Ferret. We start our walk descending from Champex and then following the river along a pretty valley covered in trees to Praz-de-Fort. We then ascend in similar surroundings with wonderful views of Mt Dolent and the South Face of the Mont Blanc range. Our basic hotel accommodation has dormitory style accommodation.
Walking time is approximately 6 hours
Overnight Basic Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
5
Trek across Grand Col Ferrett to La Palud near Courmayeur (Italy)
We continue from La Fouly along the Val Ferret and cross the impressive Grand Col Ferret (2537m). From here, the descent is slightly steeper but rewards us with outstanding views of two of the Alps most iconic mountains – Le Grandes Jorasses and Mont Blanc. We stay at La Palud (1350m), just outside Courmayeur and you will have your main baggage delivered to the hotel tonight.
Walking time is approximately 7-8 hours
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Rest day in La Palud (Courmayeur)
Courmayeur is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts and is full of pretty shops, cafés and restaurants. Close by, there is the spa at Pre St Didier, the Helbroner cable car and lots of walking opportunities.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
7
Public bus to Val Veny. Trek across the Col de la Seigne to Les Chapieux
We take 2 public buses (approx 10 and 20 minutes each) and travel to Val Veny under the spectacular South Face and ridges of Mont Blanc. We trek along a wide glacial valley surrounded by glaciers and high peaks to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) which marks the border between France and Italy. We then descend to Les Chapieux (1549m). Our traditional auberge has dormitory style accommodation.
Walking time is approximately 7 hours
Overnight Basic Auberge
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
8
Trek through marmot country to the mountain refuge at Nant Borrant
We make a steep ascent above Les Chapieux through marmot country and on through open meadows to more barren scenery. We cross 2 cols (2479m and 2329m) in wild surroundings with fabulous Alpine Flowers and marmots, weasels and chamois. We then head down through open country and a narrowing valley. Our destination is the refuge at Nant Borrant set close to a deep-cut river gorge. The refuge has simple dormitory style accommodation.
Walking time is approximately 6 hours
Overnight Basic Refuge
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9
Trek via Les Contamines to Les Houches
We continue down to Les Contamines and the pretty church at Notre Dame de la Gorge. We then ascend through forests and meadows to the Chalets du Truc perched under the great west-face of the Mont Blanc range. There is a small peak we can climb before descending to the Chalet de Miage at 1559m. We then make a steep climb to the Col du Tricot (2120m) and then on towards the plateau above Les Houches. This is a fitting end to our trek with the most outstanding views of the Chamonix Valley, the Chamonix Aiguilles and the Mont Blanc massif. We descend quickly by cable car and head by public transport to our hotel in Les Houches and are reunited with our luggage. The hotel has a pool and a nice garden with great views of the Chamonix Aiguilles.
Walking time is approximately 7 hours
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
10
Tour ends at Geneva Airport
Transfer to Geneva Airport where our tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast