Living in the mountains was a childhood dream for me, and for the last twenty years I’ve been making that dream happen. I live in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont-Blanc, and can’t think of anywhere I’d rather call home.  
  
I’m an International Mountain Leader and a qualified ski instructor. This combination lets me help people explore the beautiful mountains we live in almost year-round. In the summer and autumn, I run hiking trips around the world-renowned Tour du Mont Blanc circuit as well as provide navigation courses to help you gain the confidence and skills to venture into the hills alone. In the winter and spring, I teach skiing and ski touring.  
  
Please get in touch to book a group trekking holiday or a navigation course.

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Meet Ian Huyton, your UIMLA guide based in France. Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure and enjoy a unique experience in nature with the guides on the Explore-Share platform.

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**We invite you to join us on the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the most iconic treks in the world**, winding through three countries and seven picturesque valleys, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.

Traditionally, this tour takes ten days to complete, but with some planning, it's possible to condense the entire journey into **a week-long adventure.** This itinerary uses buses and a cable car to help you explore the highlights without sacrificing too much time.

**Your one-week Tour du Mont Blanc adventure begins with a transfer from Geneva Airpor**t to your hotel in Chamonix. The next day, we'll take a bus to Les Houches and **hike to Les Contamines**, a traditional village nestled in the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif.

From Les Contamines, **we'll hike to Vallée des Glaciers, a high-altitude valley with stunning views** **of glaciers and mountain peaks.** The following day, we will cross the border into Italy and **hike to Val Veny and Courmayeur**, a charming town at the foot of Mont Blanc.

After a day of exploring Courmayeur, we'll take a bus up Val Ferret and hike to La Fouly, Switzerland. From La Fouly we will take a taxi to Champex Lac, a picturesque village surrounded by towering mountains.

On the sixth day of your trek, we'll hike from Champex Lac to Trient, a village located in the Swiss Alps. The final day of your trek will take you from Trient back to Chamonix, where you'll be transferred to Geneva Airport for your flight home.

Note that **this is a demanding hike, best suited for experienced hill walkers with a good level of fitness.** We will be hiking for approximately 9 hours each day, with up to 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) of elevation gain.

**Book your spot on this unparalleled one-week Tour du Mont Blanc! Contact us now!**

We'll coordinate a shared airport shuttle to pick you up from Geneva Airport and take you to your hotel in Chamonix. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have to wait up to an hour, as the shuttle may be picking up passengers from multiple flights. In Chamonix, we'll stay at the Croix Blanche Hotel or a similar historic hotel.

Arrival to Chamonix

**Our one-week Tour du Mont Blanc follows the traditional route, commencing in Les Houches and proceeding in a counterclockwise direction.**

**Beginning the day after breakfast, we will embark on a brief bus ride from our Chamonix hotel to Les Houches.** From there, we'll ascend via the Bellevue cable car to 1,706 meters, positioning ourselves to start our trek towards Les Contamines.

**Upon reaching the mountaintop station, we'll bid farewell to the Chamonix valley and set our course towards the Bionnassey glacier.**

**A short descent will lead us to a breathtaking suspension bridge spanning a glacial river, followed by a steady climb to the splendid Col du Tricot.**

**As we enter the Montjoie valley, we'll gain a preview of the next day's journey while descending to Chalet Miages, an excellent spot for a midday meal.**

**Continuing our descent to Les Contamines, a brief stroll up the valley will guide us to Les Pontets Gite, where we'll spend the night in a warm and convivial atmosphere.**[  
](https://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/accomodations/list-of-accommodation/gite-le-pontet)

Trek to Les Contamines

**Departing from Pontets and Les Contamines, we trace an ancient Roman road that leads us toward the valley's head. Along the way, we'll encounter a remarkable Roman bridge and an irresistible opportunity for a delightful cake break at the Chalet de Balme.**

**The historical Roman salt trading route guides us upward to the Col du Bonhomme, closely followed by the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. If weather conditions are favorable, we may opt for a steep path over the Col des Fours, allowing for a direct descent to Ville des Glaciers.**

**A short stroll up the valley then leads us to the Mottets refuge, situated near the Vallée des Glaciers's head.** [](https://www.lesarcs.com/randonnee/les-chapieux)**Alternatively, we have the option of taking an easier descent to Les Chapieux and catching a bus up the valley to Mottets.**

**The Mottets refuge offers a picturesque setting to spend the evening. It's important to note, however, that due to its remote location, there is no access to Wi-Fi or mobile network coverage in the Vallée des Glaciers.**

Trek to Vallée des Glaciers

**On the fourth day of our Tour du Mont Blanc, we start with a challenging climb to the Col de la Seigne, a rewarding way to begin the day.** After crossing the border from France to Italy, we descend to Casermetta, a hidden gem of a museum and visitor center. Here, we have the option to take a detour to see the Pyramides Calcaires (Limestone Pyramids) up close, nestled beneath the granite walls of Mont Blanc.

Continuing our descent, we pass the Elisabetta refuge and follow the ancient military road that traverses the unique alpine wetland of Lac Combal. Eventually, we reach the La Visaille bus stop, where we can take a bus to Courmayeur town center, where our hotel is located.

Trek to Courmayeur 

Our fifth day on the Tour du Mont Blanc begins with a short bus ride into the breathtaking Italian Val Ferret. Here, we have a variety of options available to us, depending on the weather conditions and our energy levels.

We can choose to hike to the valley's head via either the valley floor or a higher trail, and then make our way up to the Rifugio Elena for a last chance to savor a genuine Italian espresso. After our break, we continue our ascent to the Swiss Border at the Grand Col Ferret.

From this vantage point, we are treated to stunning views of the Italian flank of the Mont Blanc Range, including Mont Dolent with its sharply peaked summit bridging three countries, the impressive crest of the Grandes Jorasses, and, of course, the majestic Mont Blanc itself.

Crossing into Switzerland, the scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation. The Swiss Val Ferret reveals itself as an untouched slice of rural Switzerland, with lush pastures, wandering dairy herds, and charming farming hamlets that appear to have preserved their traditional charm for centuries.

We leisurely descend to La Peule alpage and then on to La Fouly, where we will meet a taxi to take us to our next destination: the Relais d'Arpette in Champex.

Trek to  La Fouly

The most challenging and highest point of the Tour du Mont Blanc is the Fenêtre d'Arpette, a narrow pass nestled between mountains at 2,665 meters. To reach it, we must scramble over rocky scree and moraine. The views from the pass are awe-inspiring on both sides.

As we enter the Trient valley, the path requires careful attention as we zigzag our way down to the Glacier du Trient buvette. Centuries ago, ice extracted from this glacier was transported to the Col du Forclaz via a horse-drawn railway and then to dining establishments in Paris and Zurich. Today, a charming mountain café offers a welcome respite before our final leisurely descent to Trient.

As an alternative, we can choose the less demanding Bovine Alpage route, which is longer but involves less climbing. This lower-level path winds through picturesque forests and Alpine meadows, with a delightful cake stop at the renowned Bovine farm, before crossing the Col du Forclaz en route to Trient.

Trek to Trient

On our final day of the Tour du Mont Blanc, we commence with a moderate ascent to the Col de Balme, a historic border crossing point between France and Italy that was once a major route before the development of stagecoach tracks and modern roads.

At the col, we can take a break at the refuge before continuing to the Col des Possettes and its exhilarating Possettes ridge. The Aiguillette des Possettes, atop the ridge, offers a splendid vantage point with panoramic views of the Chamonix valley - a fitting high point to conclude our journey.

The ridge continues through the forest, guiding our descent into the valley, where we will find our way to the village of Argentière. From there, a short bus ride will transport us back to Chamonix and our hotel for the final night.

As with previous days, in case of inclement weather or weary legs, there is a shorter route option available. Alternatively, if the group has the energy, we can walk all the way to Chamonix.

Return to Chamonix

After your hotel breakfast, we will arrange a minibus transfer to Geneva airport based on your flight schedule. Please note that we cannot guarantee breakfast availability if you have an early flight.

Final day

We'll organize a shared ride to pick you up at Geneva Airport and take you to your hotel in Chamonix.

Join our team of expert gudes for an unforgettable one-week adventure on the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc, a world-renowned trek spanning three countries and seven stunning valleys, with unparalleled views of Mont Blanc in a condensed one-week journey

https://www.whitemarmotte.com/one-week-tour-du-mont-blanc/

Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Come with us to explore Chamonix - one of the most renowned mountain destinations in Europe, alongside Zermatt.

Blessed with its iconic peaks and an illustrious mountaineering legacy spanning nearly three centuries, this valley is equally popular with hikers and climbers in the summer and skiers in the winter.

With the vast expanse of hiking opportunities at your disposal, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start your adventure. That's why we recommend entrusting one of our expert hiking guides to lead you on a carefully curated selection of the region's finest hikes.

**Your summer hiking week in Chamonix begins with a pickup from Geneva Airport and a transfer to your hotel.** Each morning, we'll meet you at your hotel and take you to the start of the day's hike, typically a ski lift. After your daily excursion, we'll return you to your hotel, where you can relax in comfort, enjoy the stunning views of the valley, or have a well-deserved drink at the hotel bar.

In addition to these exceptional treks and awe-inspiring vistas, we'll leverage the lift system to transport you to some truly majestic high-altitude vantage points, all while sparing your legs and delivering you directly to the most splendid hiking terrain.

This trip is suitable for moderately fit people who have never hiked before. We can customize the trip to meet the needs and expectations of the group, but on average, we expect to walk 10-15 kilometers per day and climb up to 600 meters.

**Book your spot today and experience the beauty of the Alps firsthand!**

**We will adapt the itinerary each day based on the weather, trail conditions, and the group's abilities and expectations. The following is a suggested itinerary, but we may make changes as needed:**

We will pick you up at Geneva Airport and drive you to your hotel.

Pick up from Geneva Airport

**Hike to Lac Blanc, a world-renowned lake and popular viewpoint for photographers. Enjoy lunch at the refuge, which offers a menu of snacks, drinks, and Tour du Mont Blanc accommodation.**

**Start early by taking the Flegère Gondola to gain elevation. Follow the Grand Balcon Sud trail, with stunning views of Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, and the Aiguille Verte. Often, you can spot wild ibex in this area, which is a natural reserve.**

**Ascend to the lake via the smaller Cheserys lakes and a short ladder section. After lunch, make your way back to the Gondola for the return ride to the valley.**

Hiking in Lac Blanc

A trip to Chamonix wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in France. On a clear day, the panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking.

We'll carefully coordinate our visit with the weather forecast to ensure we have the sunniest day of the week.

Our day begins with a ride on two cable cars to the summit. There, we'll spend about an hour soaking up the stunning views.

We'll then return to the middle station and hike to the Plan de l'Aiguille refuge. From there, we'll set off on the Grand Balcon Nord trail, which offers captivating views of the Mer de Glace glacier.

After lunch at one of the local restaurants, we may descend to the glacier itself to explore the ice caves.

On our way back to Chamonix, we'll have the option of hiking through the lush woods or taking the historic cog railway.

 Aiguillette des Possettes Tour

A trip to Chamonix wouldn't be complete without venturing to the pinnacle of Aiguille du Midi. Renowned worldwide, this cable car is the highest of its kind in France and ranks among the country's most popular attractions. On a clear day, the panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking, extending across the Vallée Blanche to Mont Blanc.

We'll carefully coordinate this adventure with the weather forecast to ensure we have the sunniest day of the week for our visit.

Our day begins with a ride on two cable cars to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi. There, we'll spend about an hour soaking up the stunning views.

Upon our return to the middle station, we'll embark on a short downhill hike to the Plan de l'Aiguille refuge. From there, we'll set off on the Grand Balcon Nord, the iconic trail along this side of the valley.

Following the balcony trail, we'll reach the Montenvers railway station via the Signal Forbes, offering captivating views of the Mer de Glace.

After lunch at one of the local restaurants, we may descend to the glacier itself to explore the renowned ice caves.

As we make our way back to Chamonix, you'll have the option of descending through the lush woods on foot or taking the historic cog railway.

Aiguille du Midi

Today, we embark on a captivating journey to a viewpoint overlooking the Argentière Glacier. We take the Plan Joran Gondola to the Grand Montets ski area and ascend to a viewpoint with unobstructed views of the glacier and its icefall. We explore the moraine walls and then journey through the ski area and woodlands to the Pendant Alpage. A brief climb over the Tête de Prapators leads us to a snack break at the Chapeau Buvette.

Journey to Argentière Glacier

On our final day, we'll take the Brevent lifts to the summit for stunning views of Mont Blanc. From there, we'll descend along the ridge and ascend the Aiguillette des Houches, offering a unique perspective of the Aiguilles Rouges massif and the lower Arve valley.

After lunch at the Chailloux pastures, we'll descend through the woodlands and past the Merlet animal park, before taking a series of balcony paths back to Chamonix.

Final hike to Aiguillette des Houches

We will meet you at Geneva Airport and take you to your hotel.

Explore Chamonix in France with us - a renowned European mountain destination.Given the vast expanse of hiking opportunities found here, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's where our expert hiking guides come in. We'll lead you on a carefully curated selection of the region's finest hikes, tailored to your fitness level and interests.

https://www.whitemarmotte.com/chamonix-summer-hiking-week/

Hiking in Chamonix, French Alps

Join us on an extraordinary program designed to help adventurers of all ages **acquire navigation skills.** Unleash your inner explorer as you dive into **The National Navigation Awards Scheme (NNAS)** personalized courses that cater to your particular skill level and awaken the adventurer within you.

The Bronze Award is **suitable for beginners with no prior navigation experience**, while the Silver Award builds upon the skills learned at the Bronze level and focuses on navigating off-path.

Begin your odyssey with the **Bronze Award Course**, an incredible opportunity specially crafted for novice navigators:

*   No prior experience is required as you delve into the mysteries of navigation, unlocking the secrets of maps and compasses.
    
*   Discover the art of finding your way, step by step, in the captivating wilderness.
    
*   Acquire the skill to identify linear and point features, along with major landforms, and effectively utilize them to verify location while navigating.
    

Prepare to push the boundaries of exploration as you delve deeper into the realm of off-path navigation with the **Silver Award Course:**

*   Master the skills necessary to venture far beyond the beaten tracks, embracing the untamed wilderness with confidence and finesse.
    
*   Utilize landforms and point features to align the map and navigate using hills, ridges, spurs, and valleys.
    
*   Plan and execute more intricate routes, considering personal fitness, terrain characteristics, and accurate timing.
    

In addition to the NNAS, both navigation courses offer specialized training tailored for trekking in the Alps. These courses will address unique skills such as variations in mapping techniques and legislation specific to the region, understanding European footpath markings and ratings, identifying hazards associated with alpine trekking, and considering the specific weather conditions found in the Alps.

Prepare for the excitement of charting your own course, navigating through uncharted territories, and conquering new horizons. **Reserve your spot by contacting me today!**

Dive into the world of The National Navigation Awards Scheme personalized courses. Tailored to your unique skill level, these courses are designed to ignite the adventurer within. With each step, you'll unravel the secrets of navigation in order to chart your own course in the amazing landscapes of the French Alps.

https://www.whitemarmotte.com/nnas-bronze-silver-awards/

Navigation Course in Chamonix, French Alps

This 4-day group Tour du Mont Blanc tour will take you through its western half and allow you a delicious taste of one of the Alps' most famous long-distance treks.

The trip starts and ends with a pick-up and drop-off at Geneva Airport, all timed so that you can start hiking the day you arrive. The starting point of our trail will be in La Visaille, near Courmayeur, and we will end in Les Houches, in Chamonix. If you want to stay a few more days in Chamonix after the tour, we can also offer an airport transfer at a later date. Below, you can find a detailed day-by-day itinerary.

Keep in mind that in order to join this tour, you will need to be fit and ready to walk up to 9 hours with an 1100m altitude gain each day. The highest altitude we will reach is 2500m, so acclimatization is not necessary, though you might feel some shortness of breath. Of course, we will be there to help and guide you every step of the way.

If you would like to join this exciting adventure, then all you have to do is contact us and we can start planning an unforgettable TMB trek together!

We will pick you up at Geneva airport between 11 and 11.30 am. From there, we'll head to Chamonix, then through the Mont-Blanc tunnel until we reach La Visaille. After a picnic lunch there, we will hike to the Rifugio Elisabetta hut via the old military road over Lac Combal. Our trail will wind beneath the grandiose granite of Mont Blanc's Italian side as we climb to the hut where we will spend the night.  
**Accommodation: Mountain hut**  
**Distance: 7km**  
**Altitude Gain/Loss: 600m/0m**  
**Maximum Altitude: 2197m**

La Visaille to Rifugio Elisabetta

After breakfast, our hike will take us up Val Veny to the historic Col de la Seigne. After admiring the view, we’ll cross over to France and descend to the Mottets refuge and the Vallée des Glaciers. After resting in the valley, we will begin the steep climb to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme where we will spend the night in a remote and awe-inspiring hut.  
**Accommodation: Mountain hut**  
**Distance: 18km**  
**Altitude Gain/Loss: 1280m/1020m**  
**Maximum Altitude: 2516m**

Rifugio Elisabetta to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme

We will set off early to the Col de Bonhomme and the head of the Montjoie valley. An ancient Roman Road that was once used by salt traders will take us down to cross a Roman bridge. Then, we will continue to the valley until we reach Les Contamines. From there, we will hike towards Mont Blanc to reach the round peak of Le Truc. A short descent will take us to the beautiful meadows where the Miage chalets are located and where we will spend our final night.

  
**Accommodation: Mountain hut**  
**Distance: 19km**  
**Altitude Gain/Loss: 650m/1530m**  
**Maximum Altitude: 2485m**

Col de la Croix du Bonhomme to Chalets Miage

An early and final steep climb to the Col de Tricot will wrap up an amazing trekking adventure and will be one of the trip's highlights. We will then hike down the Combe de Tricot to the impressive suspension bridge below the Bionassey glacier. We will move through a quiet forest to the Bellevue cable car station, from where we can take the cable car or follow the four-wheel-drive track via the Col de Voza to reach Les Houches.

  
**Accommodation: Mountain hut**  
**Distance: 13km (or 7km with the cable car)**  
**Altitude Gain/Loss: 710m/1020m (or 710m/480m with the cable car)**  
**Maximum Altitude: 2120m**

Chalets Miage to Les Houches

Join an exciting 4-day Tour du Mont Blanc trek and explore the west side of this famous hiking trail in the Alps with a certified guide leading the way.

West Tour du Mont Blanc Trek. 4-day trip. UIMLA guide

https://www.whitemarmotte.com/tour-de-mont-blanc-west-4-day-trip/

Ian

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