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Specially devised for hikers seeking a less demanding experience on the classic Tour du Mont Blanc, this itinerary combines rewarding alpine hiking with time to appreciate the landscapes and culture along the way. In the company of a small group of like minded companions and a bilingual guide, you traverse high passes, meadows brimming with alpine flowers and make your way through typical mountain villages, taking in the celebrated vistas of the Mont Blanc region. There is ample time to stop and take in the stunning scenery, enjoy a picnic of local ingredients and absorb the alpine culture as you make your way to the next accommodation. While this is a more relaxed approach to the full Tour du Mont Blanc, it remains a rewarding moderate-grade alpine hike requiring a good level of fitness.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(149kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Meet Chamonix and hike to Le Tour (5hrs)
Leaving from Chamonix, we commence hiking above the Chamonix Valley. As we ascend the trail there are numerous opportunities to take in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating hike and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour. Distance 13.3km/8.2mi, Ascent: 870m/2857ft, Descent: 450m/1476ft
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Hike to Trient (6hrs)
Leaving from the village of Le Tour you take 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. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation. Distance 12.2km/7.6mi, Ascent: 1050m/3445ft, Descent: 980m/3215ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Hike to Champex (6hrs)
The route we take today is via the Mountain of Bovine which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m) where there are beautiful lake views. Along the route there will be views of Grand Combin, the Rhone Valley and the Bernese Alps. Distance 13km/98mi, Ascent 700m/2296ft, Descent: 900m/2952ft
Day 4
Continue on the TMB trail to La Fouly (6hrs)
Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one 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. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight gîte with shower. Distance 17km/10.5mi, Ascent: 750m/2460ft, Descent: 620m/2035ft
Day 5
Ascend the Grand Col Ferret path to Elena (6hrs)
The route today takes you 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 you can amble down the steep track to your 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 11.5km/7mi, Ascent: 980m/3215ft, Descent: 500m/1460ft
Day 6
To Rifugio Berthone (5-6 hrs)
This morning, pack your overnight essentials in your daypack, as your main luggage will be transferred ahead and waiting for you in Courmayeur. Today’s walk is one of the most scenic on the route, following a balcony trail through the Val Ferret with sweeping views of the Grand Jorasses, the Mont Blanc massif, and, on a clear day, the distant Col de la Seigne marking the border between France and Italy. Upon reaching Rifugio Bonatti, we continue along the northern flank of Mont de la Saxe, with uninterrupted views of the dramatic Aiguille Noire and the towering Brenva face of Mont Blanc. Overnight Rifugio (1989m/6526ft). Distance 15km/9.3mi, Ascent: 631m/2070ft, Descent: 704m/2309ft
Day 7
Descend to Courmayeur, trip concludes (2hrs)
The TMB trail takes us down to the charming alpine village of Courmayeur where the trip concludes around 10-11am - time to celebrate with a gelato! Distance 4.5km/2.8mi, Descent: -900m/2952ft
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Private rooms are available in twin and double bed configurations. Facilities may be shared. A supplement applies. Blankets/duvets are provided. The room option is not available for single travellers. In alpine huts if there is a free bed it will be sold regardless of whether you as an individual have requested a single room. Single travellers should take the dormitory option.
Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets/duvets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Whilst the double room option offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared.
Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels with an option to upgrade to a private double room for two people travelling together on some nights (supplement applies, see below). Please note that from July to mid September, groups will be organised according to accommodation style chosen. This should be kept in mind when travelling with friends as you will be split up if you choose different styles of accommodation (dorm or rooms). 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).
GRADE 3 - Daily guided hikes of around 3-6 hours (approx 10-17km). There are some more demanding stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care (maximum ascents of approx. 1000 metres per day). 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. 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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7Days
Moderate to Challenging
10Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate