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This specialised walk ensures that all members of the family experience the spectacular trails and wonderful alpine spirit of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Guided along mountain trails this relaxed itinerary provides awesome views of Mont Blanc with overnight stays in charming alpine villages and mountain huts. Carrying only a day pack, our donkeys transport our bags and supplies, and become part of the walking experience with the children taking turns leading their favourite donkey. We have plenty of time to enjoy the small villages we happen upon along the way, including the delightful La Fouly and enchanting Trient. Staying in local refuges we feast on French, Swiss 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.
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22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(134kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Courmayeur and walk to Berthone refuge (4hrs)
This morning you will meet your group and your guide in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur where you can sample the excellent ice creams. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation (usually 11.15am). 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 climbs steadily through birch forest and the tree line before arriving at the refuge. In good weather the views are superb. Overnight refuge with shower. 4.5km/2.8mi, +900m/2952ft
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Walk to Refuge Elena (4.5hrs)
We walk to the road head and transfer to the next section of the trail. There are great views over the 'Grandes Jorasses' and we can see the southern face of Mont-Blanc which is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower. 10km/6mi, +704m/+2310ft, -631m/2070ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Walk to Switzerland (5hrs)
Today views of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), are with us all the way as we make our way towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), which marks the border of Switzerland and Italy. The day starts with a steep climb to the pass and the view back to the Italian Val Ferret is superb, as is the view to the Grand Combin to the east. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend into the charming Swiss countryside, where flower-filled chalets and uttering Swiss flags will captivate your children. The idyllic setting of La Peule awaits, offering a peaceful and restful end to the day. Overnight refuge with shower. 11km/7mi, +624m+2047ft, -700m/2297ft
Day 4
View Mont Dolent and walk to Gîte de La Léchère (4hrs)
A shorter day today allows more time to view Mont Dolent, the meeting point of France, Switzerland, and Italy. You’ll have the chance to discover the secrets of making raclette, a delicious Swiss cheese. Along the way, keep an eye out for marmots and maybe even catch a glimpse of chamois before arriving at La Léchère Lodge for a convivial evening. Overnight with shower. 6km/3.7mi, +200m, -300m/+656ft, -984ft
Day 5
Walk to Champex via La Fouly (4.5hrs)
Half an hour in to this mornings walk you arrive in the pretty village of La Fouly. This is a day that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. You’ll pass through quaint villages and enjoy a refreshing break at natural cold-water pools before reaching Champex, known as the "Little Pearl of the Alps. Overnight gîte with shower. 16km/10mi, +600m/+1968ft, -850m/2788ft
Day 6
Walk to La Forclaz (5hrs)
Today’s walk takes you on a gentle ascent through the Bovine mountain pastures which overlook the Rhône valley and the village of Martigny. In the distance are the Bernese Alps. On a good weather day there are extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier during the days walk. The high point of the day is at around 2049m before we descend to the Col de la Forclaz. Overnight Refuge with shower. 13km/8mi, +773m/+2536ft, -620m/2034ft
Day 7
Discover the Nature Reserve Aiguilles Rouges (5hrs), trip concludes in Le Tour
Today takes you up to the Col des Montets (1481m) and through the nature reserve of Aiguilles Rouges (red needles) to view glaciers tumbling from across the valley. Within the nature reserve view wildflowers and drink in impressive views from a different perspective. Continue to Le Tour where the walk concludes at around 2pm. 10km/6.2mi, +910m, -600m/+2985ft, -1968ft
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels. When staying in dorms, there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10 to 12). We keep the group together in the dorm room.
Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.
GRADE 3 - 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 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. 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 hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for June departures and strongly recommended for departures in July, August and September. Should there be recent snowfalls and subsequently snow underfoot, your guide (at their discretion) will request all hikers to wear boots. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
Per Person, Twin Share
Gaiters are not needed
No. Unfortunately, CPAP machines cannot be supported on this hike. While the alpine huts do have limited power, we cannot guarantee a continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the trip. This applies to all accommodation types, including both private room upgrades and shared dormitory accommodation. If you require a CPAP machine overnight, we recommend discussing alternative options with your healthcare provider before booking this hike.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
7Days
Moderate to Challenging
10Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate