Mont Blanc Guided Hike
Mont Blanc Guided Hike
Mont Blanc Guided Hike
7 Days Starting in Chamonix Valley, France and ending in Chamonix, France
Visiting: Chamonix Valley, Champex, Grand Col Ferret, Val Ferret, Courmayeur, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Chamonix
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MBG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 14
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating Mont Blanc Guided Walk, a trek through the stunning alpine scenery of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Experience the thrill of crossing borders on foot, ascending scenic mountain paths, and spotting playful marmots in wildflower meadows. Enjoy regional culinary delights like Raclette and Italian gelato in the atmospheric town of Courmayeur. Traverse the Grand Col Ferret pass with breathtaking views of the Pre de Bar glacier, and walk through the Val Ferret with impressive vistas of the Grand Jorasses and Mont Blanc. This adventure includes accommodation in mountain refuges, meals, luggage transfers, and the expertise of an experienced mountain guide.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In The Chamonix Valley, Begin Walk To Trient (6Hrs)
Location: Chamonix Valley
Accommodation Name: Gite / refuge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Leaving from the village of Le Tour we ascend on the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation.
Distance 9km/5.5mi, +894m/2932ft, -740m/2428ft
Day 2 : Walk To Champex (6Hrs), Transfer To La Fouly
Location: Champex
Accommodation Name: Gite / refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our walk today takes us on a long ascent through woods to high alpine pastures with outstanding views. The route via the Mountain of Bovine first crosses the Forclaz Pass (1527m) before ascending to the Alp Bovine (1987m). Opportunities abound to spot marmot playing and the meadows carpeted in wildflowers are simply stunning. There are also beautiful views of the Rhone Valley, the Bernese Alps and Grand Combin. The descent to Champex is steep at times, hugging the edge of the valley.
Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +800m/2625ft, -900m/2952ft
Transfer by bus to La Fouly, set at the foot of the Dolent, the Val Ferret's emblematic mountain which rises to 3820m. Overnight Gite / refuge.
Day 3 : Cross The Grand Col Ferret To Elena (5Hrs)
Location: Grand Col Ferret
Accommodation Name: Refuge Elena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we take a bus transfer to the small village of Ferret (1705m) and commence walking. The route takes us out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. After some time drinking in the panorama we will amble down the steep track to our overnight accommodation at the Refuge Elena, which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps.
Distance 13km/8mi, +900m/2953ft, -500m/1640ft
Day 4 : To Refuge Berthone (5-6Hrs)
Location: Val Ferret
Accommodation Name: Rifugio Berthone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning's walk takes us through the Val Ferret and along a balcony path with impressive views of the Grand Jorasses, Mont Blanc and in the distance the Col de la Seigne, marking the border between France and Italy. On reaching Refugio Bonatti there are two options to reach our accommodation: the newly rerouted TMB trail traverses the north flank of Monte de la Saxe, whilst the former official TMB route leads along the crest of Monte de la Saxe. Both are high trails with fabulous views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc and the dramatic Aiguille Noire. As always, the decision on which path will be taken is at the discretion of the guide. Overnight Rifugio Berthone (1989m).
Distance 15km/9.3mi, +631m/2070ft, -704m/2309ft
Day 5 : To Elisabetta Refuge (7Hrs)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Elisabetta Refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We descend from the refuge to the roadhead, then take a bus to Courmayeur. Nestled at the end of Italy's Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is an atmospheric town worthy of some light exploration - and a great place to taste some delicious Italian gelato. If the weather is good, we continue on foot from Courmayeur towards Elisabetta Refuge by crossing the Checroui Pass (2185m), following which a magnificent balcony trail offers expansive views of glaciers tumbling from the heights of Mont Blanc. In the event of bad weather a short bus ride from Courmayeur takes us to La Visaille from where we ascend the enchanting valley where the enormous Miage glacier flows down into Lake Combal. On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, one gains a completely different perspective of the highest peak in the European Alps.
Distance 16km/10mi (may be partly by bus), +1100m/3600ft, -1278m/4192ft
Day 6 : Walk To Refuge Bonhomme (7-8Hrs)
Location: Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Accommodation Name: Refuge Bonhomme
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We make our way over the Col de La Seigne mountain path, which is overhung by limestone pyramids and the Estelette Glacier, until we reach France. The trail then descends across the high mountain pastures to the City of the Glaciers. Today provides an excellent opportunity to buy Beaufort cheese from the local farmers. A big ascent (949m) leads to our overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix.
Distance 19km/12mi, +950m/3116ft, -1280m/4199ft
Day 7 : Walk To Notre Dame De La Gorge (4-5Hrs)
Location: Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we traverse mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, where there is a bus or taxi service (payable locally) to Le Fayet and Chamonix. The trip usually ends between 2 and 3pm.
Distance 9km/5.6mi, +40m/131ft, -1200m/3936ft
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights gite/refugio -
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. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.
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6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. It is possible to spend 5 nights in a double room, 1 night quadshare – supplement applies.
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Luggage transfer by mule (strictly max 7kgs, early season departures use luggage van, and for first 2 days of Room Upgrade version on regular departures)
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Experienced mountain guide
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Group internal transfers by bus
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Travel to and from the trail head
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Drinks and snacks eg trail mix, protein bars
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Storage of excess luggage
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Transfers not noted as included - ie cable cars etc
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Travel insurance - mandatory
What's Not Included
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Drinks
Drinks are not included in the package.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Storage of Excess Luggage
Storage of excess luggage is not included.
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Transfers
Transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Accommodation
6 nights gite
efugio. Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels with an option to upgrade to double rooms on 5 nights and 1 night quad share - supplement applies. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/doonas are provided.
Grading
MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 - 5
The hiking is moderate to challenging (4 - 5) grade with daily guided hikes of around 5 to 9 hours, between 8 and 15 km and maximum ascents of 1400 metres per day. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care (eg steep drops, rocky terrain). There are more challenging variant sections of the TMB route which may require climbing ladders for short stages - the guide will use his/her discretion as to groups abilities and weather conditions to determine which route will be taken each day. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions and walking pace). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers who are sure footed with a good hiking pace. If your pace is slow in mountainous terrain we recommend you book on our Rambler trip.
If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund.
Early in the season (June) you may 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.
As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five 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 hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this hike.
Mode of Transport
Group internal transfer by bus and travel to and from the trail head are included. Luggage transfer by mule (strictly max 7kgs) is provided, with early season departures using a luggage van.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the Mont Blanc Guided Walk?
Accommodation is provided in mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels. There is an option to upgrade to double rooms for 5 nights and 1 night quad share, with a supplement applying. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, and blankets/doonas are provided.
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What meals are included in the Mont Blanc Guided Walk?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic style, and dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer by mule is included, with a strict maximum of 7kgs. Early season departures use a luggage van, and for the first 2 days of the Room Upgrade version on regular departures.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
Group internal transfer by bus and travel to and from the trail head are included.
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What is the difficulty level of the Mont Blanc Guided Walk?
The tour is graded as MODERATE to CHALLENGING (Grade 4 - 5). The walking involves daily guided walks of around 5 to 9 hours, between 8 and 15 km, and maximum ascents of 1400 meters per day. There are some challenging stages with steep uphills, descents, and rocky terrain.
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What should I do if I am not able to keep up with the group during the walk?
If for any reason the guide considers that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress, or annoyance to others, you may be directed not to continue. In this case, you must follow the guide’s instructions, and you will not be entitled to any refund.
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is suitable for experienced walkers who are sure-footed with a good walking pace. Regular aerobic sport participation around four or five times a week over some period of time is recommended.
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What kind of footwear is recommended for the Mont Blanc Guided Walk?
Good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
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What happens if the weather conditions are bad during the tour?
Weather conditions may be variable, and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds. The guide will use their discretion to determine the route based on the group's abilities and weather conditions.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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