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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.
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21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(126kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Les Houches and hike to Bionnassay (5hrs)
This morning meet your group and guide in the Chamonix Valley town of Les Houches. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation (usually 9.30am). There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin hiking. 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. Distance: 6km/3.8mi, +771m/2530ft, -539m/1768ft
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Descend to the grand Val Montjoie and continue to Le Pontet (4hrs)
Leaving Bionnassay, the trail descends gently into the Val Montjoie, passing through small hamlets with views across to Mont Joly and the Dômes de Miage. The path continues to Les Contamines-Montjoie, a handsome Savoyard village built around its baroque church, raised on the ruins of the medieval Château de Montjoie. From the village, it's a short, easy stretch along the valley floor to Le Pontet, tucked beneath Mont Joly where the Val Montjoie narrows toward Notre Dame de la Gorge. Overnight at the Gîte du Pontet. Distance: 10.5km/6.5mi, +320m/1050ft, -450m/1475ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Le Pontet to Refuge des Prés (5.5hrs)
Leaving Le Pontet, the trail follows the valley to the pretty Notre Dame de la Gorge church, then picks up an ancient Roman road once used by travelers heading over the Col du Bonhomme toward Italy. Cowbells drift up from the alpine pastures as the path climbs through forest along a narrow gorge, passing Refuge de Nant Borrant before continuing on to your overnight accommodation at Refuge des Prés. Overnight refuge with shower. Distance: 6.2km/3.8mi, +760m/2493ft, -100m/328ft
Day 4
Hike via the Col du Bonhomme and descend to Les Chapieux (5-6hrs)
Your last day in France begins with a steady ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and, a little further on, the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, (2,443m) a historic crossing point on the old route toward Italy, and the realm of ibex and marmot. Snow can linger underfoot here, especially earlier in the season, so sturdy boots matter. From the col, take in sweeping views over the Beaufortain and toward the peaks of the Vanoise before a long, beautiful descent through lush alpine pastures to Les Chapieux. Distance: 11.5km/7.1mi, +600m/1968ft, -980m/3215ft
Day 5
Enter Italy via the Col de la Seigne (5-7hrs)
Your hike this morning will take 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. Distance: 14km/8.7mi, +1100m/3609ft, -500m/1640ft
Day 6
Through the Val Veni & past the Miage Glacier to Rifugio Maison Vieille (4.5hrs)
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. Distance: 11.5km/7mi, +400m/1312ft, -500m/1640ft
Day 7
Descend to Courmayeur (3.5hrs), trip concludes
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 sturdy donkeys. Distance: 6.5km/4mi, -728m/2388ft
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 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 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
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.
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7Days
Moderate to Challenging
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Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate