Mont Blanc Family Walk - France to Italy
Mont Blanc Family Walk - France to Italy
7 Days Starting in Les Houches and ending in Courmayeur
Visiting: France, Italy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MFA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 16
Physical rating:
moderate
From:
$1243
$1180 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$62
Tour Overview
There are few walks in the world which offer the incredible views and high alpine vistas found on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). To combine this walk with a family holiday ensures that all members of the family experience the spectacular trails and wonderful alpine spirit of the French and Italian Alps. Guided along mountain trails this relaxed itinerary starting in the Chamonix Valley provides awesome views of Mont Blanc with overnight stays in high mountain huts. Carrying only a day pack, our donkeys transport our bags and supplies. Staying in local refuges and gîtes we feast on French and Italian cuisine. This itinerary, suitable for active children from age 7 and up, provides an exhilarating alpine walk with unforgettable vistas around every bend.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Les Houches And Walk To Bionnassay (5Hrs)
Meals Included: L, D
This morning you will meet the rest of the group and your guide in the Chamonix Valley town of Les Houches. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin walking. The route follows the classic anti clockwise direction. The first climb of the trip takes you to the Col de Voza (1653m) before crossing the tracks of the Tramway du Mont Blanc to reach Bionnassay. The evening will be spent at Bionnassay in a refuge with shower.
6km/3.8mi, +771m, -539m/+2530ft, -1768ft
Day 2 : Descend To The Grand Val Montjoie And Continue To Refuge (4.Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
The walk today begins with the backdrop of the Domes de Miage and an exceptional view of Mont Joly and the Montjoie Valley. Continue to the pretty Notre Dame de la Gorge church and ascend an ancient Roman road towards the Col du Bonhomme. A steep narrow track takes you through the forest following a narrow gorge to Refuge de Nant Borant and the accommodation for the night (or alternatively you will continue a further 30 minutes to Refuge de la Balme). Overnight refuge with shower.
16km/10mi, +213m, -222m/+698ft, -728ft
Day 3 : Cross The Col Du Bonhomme To Refuge Du Bonhomme (5Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
The walk today is one long ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and a short time later to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). En route there is ample opportunity to take in the stunning views and appreciate the historic nature of this route from France to Italy. First encounters with marmots are likely, although being quite shy they disappear quickly. Along the route you are likely to encounter snow, particularly earlier in the season, so boots are essential. The Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme is the highest we stay at on this section of the trail and one of the few where vehicle access is not possible. In early season departures where donkey's are unable to cross the Col du Bonhomme, you may need to carry your overnight requirements. From the refuge the views are expansive and impressive and there is also the opportunity to view wildlife such as Ibex and Marmot. There are a number of board games to occupy the kids whilst you relax in the company of your fellow hikers. Overnight refuge with shower.
7km/4.5mi, +1023m, -100m/+3356ft, -328ft
Day 4 : Walk Via Les Chapieux To Refuge Des Mottets (5Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Descend steeply through alpine pastures brimming with wildflowers to the small hamlet of Chapieux. Today there will be opportunities to visit cheese farmers and purchase Beaufort Cheese. Continue to the Refuge des Mottets (1870m) at the base of the Col de la Seigne. Overnight refuge with shower.
12.5km/8mi, +346m, -876m/+1135ft, -2874ft
Day 5 : Enter Italy Via The Col De La Seigne (4Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today’s walk takes you across the border into Italy. The ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) is via a series of steep switchbacks which open out to a wide trail when you reach the pass. The view across to the Glacier des Glaciers is superb from this pass. On a cold and windy day, the new information centre is a welcome respite in addition to offering a wealth of facts about the region. Continue to Rifugio Elisabetta which has a prime location, excellent view of the glacier and surrounding peaks and superb Italian mountain cuisine. Overnight refuge with shower.
9.5km/6mi, +727m, -416m/+2385ft, -1365ft
Day 6 : Through The Val Veni & Past The Miage Glacier To Rifugio Maison Vieille (4Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
On a good weather day there are extraordinary views on this section of the trail – many believe this is the best walking day on the TMB! Like walking on a balcony with the lofty heights of the south face of Mont Blanc, the dramatic spire of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey and the tumbling Miage glacier with you throughout the walk which coupled with the profusion of alpine blooms and glacial streams will certainly take your breath away. A picnic stop anywhere along this balcony trail is essential to absorb this view before continuing to the Rifugio Maison Vieille. Overnight refuge with shower.
11.5km/7mi, +400m, -500m/+1312ft, -1640ft
Day 7 : Descend To Courmayeur (3Hrs), Trip Concludes
Meals Included: B, L
On our last days walk we descend steeply via a series of switchbacks and ski runs to Courmayeur where you can reward the family with a gelato to mark the end of the hike. After a final picnic we say goodbye to our donkeys, Gepato, Barnabas and Socrates.
6.5km/4mi, +0m, -728m/+0ft, -2388ft
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels -
6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis.
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6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style including salad, bread, cheese, meat, fruit and something sweet. Dinner wil
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Experienced mountain guide
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Luggage transfer by donkey – max 7kgs (excesses are refused so please test the weight of your luggage before meeting the group, allowing 200g for the kit bag). It is possible early or late in the season that you may need to carry your overnight requiremen
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Luggage transfer by donkey – 1 piece maximum 7kgs (excesses are refused so please test the weight of your luggage before meeting the group, allowing 200g for the kit bag). It is possible early or late in the season that you may need to carry your overnigh
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from the trail head
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Drinks and items of a personal nature
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Storage of luggage
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Transfers
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Drinks
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
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Items of a personal nature
Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels
Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/duvets are provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet and also a towel.
Grading
MODERATE– GRADE 3
The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for active children from 7 years of age. Early in the season (June) you will encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions.
As with all our moderate programs, we expect participants to be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sport around two to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are highly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. Except if snow conditions require you to carry overnight gear for one or two days.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Book with Confidence
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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