Mont Blanc Guided Hike from Les Contamines

Group photo on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Ryan Graham

Day 1 of the Tour Du Mont Blanc descending into Switzerland | Ryan Graham

Saxon Ridge, Tour Du Mont Blanc | Ray Wilkinson

Hikers taking a rest and absorbing the incredible views around Mont Blanc | Kerren Knighton

Enjoying the stunning scenery as we trek towards Mont Blanc | Erin Williams

Trekking mountain side trails as we explore the Alps | Erin Williams

Walking along a Glacier on the Tour Du Mont Blanc | Ryan Graham

Taking a break to enjoy the views of the Val Ferret | Ryan Graham

Group photo on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Ryan Graham

Day 1 of the Tour Du Mont Blanc descending into Switzerland | Ryan Graham

Saxon Ridge, Tour Du Mont Blanc | Ray Wilkinson

Hikers taking a rest and absorbing the incredible views around Mont Blanc | Kerren Knighton

Enjoying the stunning scenery as we trek towards Mont Blanc | Erin Williams

Trekking mountain side trails as we explore the Alps | Erin Williams

Walking along a Glacier on the Tour Du Mont Blanc | Ryan Graham

Taking a break to enjoy the views of the Val Ferret | Ryan Graham

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Duration

7 days

Activities

guided alpine hike

Accommodation

6 nights gite/refugio

Meals

6 Dinners
7 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Price

$1520USD

Overview

Trip Code: MBZ

Trip highlights

Trek through stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe
Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps
Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette
Sharing your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular hikes of the world. Brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this. Joining an international group led by a bilingual mountain guide, the emphasis is on full immersion into the sublime mountain culture, with overnights in cosy mountain refuges or charming village gîtes. Carrying only a day pack, our mules transport your luggage leaving you free to enjoy the days hike. Commencing from the Chamonix Valley in France, the route takes you through Italy and Switzerland during a horseshoe circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. There is plenty of time to enjoy the small villages along the way, including the delightful hamlets of La Fouly and Trient.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

GRADE 4 - Daily guided hikes of around 5 to 9 hours, between 10 and 20 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). 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 hikers 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.

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Join Notre Dame de la Gorge, ascend the Col du Bonhomme (5-6hrs)

Today begins by meeting the group and guide at the little church of Notre Dame de la Gorge next to the river Bon Nant. 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 mule) and begin hiking. The route follows the classic anti clockwise direction, with the first day of hiking one long ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and a short time later to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). Enroute there is ample opportunity to take in the stunning views and appreciate the historic nature of this route from France to Italy. We may encounter snow, particularly earlier in the season, and we're likely to spot marmots, although being quite shy they disappear quickly. In early or late season departures where the mules 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. Overnight at Refuge Bonhomme. Ascent: 1300m/4265ft

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Ascend the Col de la Seigne (2516m) and the border with Italy (7hrs)

We descend steeply through alpine pastures brimming with wildflowers to the small hamlet of Les Chapieux. Today there will be opportunities to visit cheese farmers and purchase Beaufort Cheese if the dairy is open. A gentle ascent takes us up the Valley of Glaciers before we have a steeper and more sustained ascent to the Italian border. The ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) is via a series of steep switchbacks which open out to a wide trail when we reach the pass. The view across to the Glacier des Glaciers is superb from here. 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. We 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. Ascent: 962m/3165ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Descend to Courmayeur before continuing to overnight refuge (6-7hrs)

In the enchanted Val Veny, the enormous Miage glacier flows down into the beautiful Lake Combal. This is the Italian side of Mont Blanc, offered to you from a truly beautiful standpoint and is perhaps the most enjoyable on the route. The trail continues along the flat valley floor, overlooked by the serrated rock pinnacle of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey (3773m). There are some steep climbs which are rewarded by magnificent alpine views before we arrive in the town of Courmayeur. We suggest making the most of some delicious gelato before we ascend to refuge Bertone, high above Courmayeur. Ascent: 900m/2952ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Continue to refuge Elena (4.5hrs)

Still on the Italian side of Mont Blanc the trail continues along the flat valley floor of Val Ferret. A short bus transfer takes us to the next stage of the hike where we then climb up to Elena refuge with its excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower. Ascent: 329m/1080ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Hike to La Fouly (4-5 hrs)

Views of the Pré de Bar glacier are with us as we make our way up to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), which is a challenging and very rewarding section of the hike. The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The descent from the pass takes us to the valley floor and eventually to the charming village of La Fouly and our accommodation. Ascent: 500m/1640ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Hike to Trient (5-7 hrs)

Our day starts with a transfer by local bus to Champex. Our aim is to take the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route*, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite a challenge. The morning’s hike is almost completely uphill and the trail is not as well defined as on previous days but as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are extraordinary views, this time across to the Trient Glacier. This ascent will be one of the most memorable moments of the trek! From the pass there is an initially steep descent before the gradient levels out to the Trient Valley. This evening will be spent in a cosy gîte in Trient. Note:* In the event of poor weather or dependent on group's ability we may take the standard Bovine route, which is also rewarding. Ascent: 1000m or 700m/3281ft or 2297ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Hike via the Balme Pass to Le Tour (5-6hrs) trip concludes

On our last day's hike we make our way to the Balme mountain passage. Weather permitting we will be afforded wonderful views over the Mont Blanc chain. Our hike concludes in the Chamonix Valley at Le Tour. Ascent: 821m/2693ft

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

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.
6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis.
Luggage transfer by mule (strictly max 6kgs nett (+ the provided duffle bag)
Experienced mountain guide
Group internal transfers by bus

What's not included

Travel to and from the trail head
Drinks and snacks eg trail mix, protein bars
Travel insurance - mandatory
Storage of excess luggage
Transfers not noted as included - ie cable cars etc
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Mountain Accommodation

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).

Mountain Gite or Refuge: Dorms

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.

Trail Surface

Steep and rocky at times

Firm packed dirt trails form the majority of the TMB route, with some short sections on roads

Grading

moderate to challenging

Departure dates

Notes

Note:

Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking. This itinerary may also operate in reverse or with different overnight stops - it should be seen as a guide only. Hours indicated do not include rest stops. Early and late season departures may require itinerary alterations due to snow conditions.

Note:

Departures from July to mid September will be organised according to accommodation options - dorm or rooms. If you plan to travel with friends during this period and elect different accommodation options, you will not be in the same group and the overnight stops will differ.

Note:

The Chamonix Marathon is held in late June, and TMB Ultra Marathon in late August. We recommend making your pre- & post- trip accommodation reservations well in advance. See Trip Notes for more information Walking boots with good ankle support are recommended for this walk.

This departure begins in Les Contamines and walks anti-clockwise ending in Le Tour. Double room option is not available.

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Priceper person from

$1520USD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?How fit do I need to be?

The walking is moderate to advanced (4 - 5) grade with daily guided walks 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 walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow 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.

?How far in advance do I need to book?

In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.

?What is the nearest airport?

Geneva is the closest. To reach the Chamonix Valley from the airport, we recommend you take a shuttle transfer (1 hour). Alternatively there are scheduled bus services between Geneva Airport and Chamonix. Zurich is another option with good train connections.

?How are the luggage transfers organised?

Our mules spare you the worry of carrying your own belongings and we provide you with special bags to allow this transportation process to run as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. There is a 6 kg maximum for the bags (excluding weight of actual duffle bag) that are to be carried by the mules and any excess will be refused so make sure you weigh it beforehand. The weight is strictly adhered to, to ensure that the total load our mules carry is within the ethical pack carrying guidelines. Please note that for early or late season departures we may use vehicles to transfer your luggage.

?Where do I store the luggage that I don't need during the trip?

If you have a soft bag which is 15kgs or less, if requested in advance and subject to space considerations, our partner will store the bag for the duration of the trip and return it to you at the end of the walk. Please ensure you can lock it. If you have a heavier or rigid suitcase, please check with your pre tour hotel about left luggage storage options.

?I am Coeliac. Are you able to cater for my dietary requirements?

You will need to bring some food items to supplement the meals provided. For example, gluten free pasta, cereal and bread are generally not provided by the accommodation. Lunches are salads, meats, cheeses.

?What are the dormitories like?

In modern society it is unusual to sleep with more than one other person. Therefore its quite common for us to be asked about the multishare dormitories used on this trip. The dormitories are mixed sex with usually around 10-12 people in a room but sometimes up to 40 people. Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping sheet. Pillows are not generally provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Our groups will usually sleep in the same area of a dorm room or in one bunk room. Ear plugs are recommended if you are sensitive to noise.

?Do mountain refuges have rules?

There are different rules for the different accommodations you will stay at but in general - take your boots off and leave them in the boot room before you enter; take your luggage to your bed and set up your sleepsheet before lights out; limit noise after lights out.

?When is the best time to do the trip?

The season for walking around Mont Blanc is relatively short - from June to September. Anytime during this period will be good for walking. The early season departures (June) are likely to be affected by snow coverage which is good for your pics but may make it more difficult to walk through. It may also mean that your walking will be re-routed if (for example) a pass is closed. August is the busiest month on the trail, whilst September may experience cooler temperatures and quieter trails. The wildflowers are splendid in June and July.

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