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Best of Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Best of Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
Mont Blanc forest
Mont Blanc range
Mont Blanc mountains
Mont Blanc route

Traverse three captivating countries – Italy, Switzerland, and France on this 4-day journey along the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. This carefully curated trek showcases the very essence of the Tour du Mont Blanc, allowing you to experience the region's diverse beauty and rich cultural heritage in a condensed yet unforgettable adventure.

Group

Alps

4 Days

Jun - Sep

High

All levels


Highlights

  • Explore the most impressive mountains and landscapes of Italy, France, and Switzerland
  • Trek through emblematic locations such as Val Ferret, Rifugio Bonatti and La Fouly
  • Discover the highlights of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc trek in just four days.

Description

Join a 4-day condensed Tour du Mont Blanc trek and discover the best spots of this famous trek in the Alps. Explore gorgeous mountains and landscapes in Italy, France, and Switzerland and enjoy the delicious cuisine and culture of the region.

This best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek starts in Geneva and will take you to explore emblematic places such as:

  • Val Ferret
  • Rifugio Bonatti
  • La Fouly
  • Champex-Lac
  • Bovine
  • Col de la Forclaz
  • Trient
  • Col de Balme

You will be transferred to Chamonix or Geneva when the trek is done. You can find a detailed day-by-day itinerary below. If you're planning your trip for 2024, there will be a change in the route we take. For more details, you can take a look at the FAQs.

Keep in mind that although this trek is not as challenging as the classic TMB trek, you will need a good fitness level and a love for nature and adventure.

Please inquire with us about availability to join one of our groups and prepare your hiking boots for an unforgettable adventure in the Mont Blanc massif. We look forward to guiding you!

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Transport during the trip

Itinerary

Day 1: Courmayeur to Val Ferret

-Pick up: Geneva airport at 8 am/Vert Alp Hotel at 9 am (please bring your lunch on the first day as it is not possible to buy anything on the route).

-Drive to the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

-Hike up from the Val Ferret valley, enjoying incredible views of the backside of Mont Blanc along the way.

-Overnight at the remote Rifugio W. Bonatti hut, 2,025m of altitude.

Distance: 8km Ascent: 550m Descent: 50m Max altitude: 2056m Time: 2 to 3hrs

Day 2: Val Ferret to La Fouly

-A steep trek to the Swiss border with beautiful views of the Mont Blanc south face.

-Rest.

-Trek to the highest point of the tour at 2,881m.

-Trek into Switzerland and back down the mountain. Along the way, sample some cheese on a local farm.

-La Fouly transfer to Champex-Lac. Optional swim and overnight.

Distance: 20km Ascent: 1000m Descent: 1290m Max altitude: 2536m Time: 7 to 8 hours

Day 3: Champex-Lac to Trient

-Challenging hike to Bovine (which is famous for its cake).

-Afternoon descent through Col de la Forclaz, an important part of the Tour De France cycling race.

-Evening trek down to the Trient, with its lovely pink church. Overnight at a hotel.

Distance: 16.5km Ascent: 810m Descent: 1000m Max altitude: 2050m Time: 7 to 8 hours

Day 4: Trient to Argentière

Final day of hiking and trekking back to France.

-Early start to Col De Balme, for postcard views of Mont Blanc.

-Afternoon hike down the mountain, and through the meadows that lead to Le Tour.

-Transfer to Chamonix at 5:00 pm, or Geneva airport at 6:30 pm.

Distance: 11.1km Ascent: 975m Descent: 1192m Max altitude: 2202m Time: 5 to 6 hours

 

Equipment you will need to bring

Walking Pole Rental (+15EUR) Sheet Sleeping Bag (+25EUR purchase)


FAQs

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

The following distances are an approximation of what the Mont Blanc Trek tour will look like:

Day 1:

Total Distance: 5.8km. Up: 550m. Down: 50m. Max altitude: 2056m

Day 2:

Total Distance: 20km. Up: 1000m. Down: 1290m. Max altitude: 2536m

Day 3:

Total Distance: 16.5km. Up: 810m. Down: 1000m. Max altitude: 2050m

Day 4:

Total Distance: 11.1km. Up: 975m. Down: 1192m. Max altitude: 2202m

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Although this multi-day Mont Blanc trek is great for first-timers, you need a good fitness level and some prior experience in the mountains.

If you are not sure about your fitness level, then we strongly suggest starting a training program. If you are starting from zero, you can follow a Couch to 5km program and then continue. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip.

Also, follow the right packing advice so that you don't carry unnecessary weight.

This Mont Blanc trip is geared toward adults. The minimum age to join is 18. However, 16-18-year-olds are welcome if they show up in the company of a responsible adult.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

A bus can pick you up at Vert Lodge in CHAMONIX, or at the airport in GENEVA.

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

We operate this Mont Blanc tour from mid-June. Depending on the winter/spring, there may be snow on the route - which sometimes means adapting the route we take.

From late June to August, the flowers are in full bloom, but there is also a high chance of rain. They are also the warmest months of the year. We have one week off for the UTMB when the trails are full of racers.

In September, it's cooler and quieter - It can be a very peaceful time to visit.

Can I join a group?

Of course. We have daily departures across the summer. Let us know some dates that work for you and we'll find the nearest one with availability.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Our guides keep a close eye on the weather conditions and how it might affect the group. In most cases, they will adapt the departure time, and occasionally the route where possible. In very rare situations a decision may be taken to change the route and accommodation. These decisions are difficult to make and are made with your safety as the highest priority.

Do I need to carry all of my things on the mountain?

While on the mountain you will need to carry clothes and a few extras such as a bottle of water.

What is included in the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Included:

  • Certified mountain guides
  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Planned transport

NOT Included:

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal travel and rescue insurance
  • Lunches (there are places to buy lunches on route)
  • Drinks and Souvenirs

What kind of accommodation will we stay in?

Basic, dormitory-style mountain huts with shared bathrooms. Dormitory bedrooms offer platforms of mattresses set out next to each other. In some cases, they offer free-standing bunkbeds. All rooms are mixed-gender.

What should I bring?

After you finish booking, we will provide you with a list with all the items you need for the trip.

Can I book in a group as a solo traveller?

Absolutely! It's a great way to make friends and meet like-minded people.

Will we cover the full Tour du Mont Blanc trekking route?

No, we will cover part of the Tour Du Mont Blanc. We chose this itinerary to cover 4 of the best days on the full route!

What is the terrain like?

You need to be steady on your feet and have experience walking on mountain paths. We will go at a slow steady pace that everyone should be able to keep up with.

What about meals and water?

Water:

During the summer, we strongly recommend taking two liters of water. The tap water at the accommodations is drinkable but there are limited resources along the way to fill up your bottle.

Food:

Please ensure you have lunch with you for day 1. While trekking, you will taste a great variety of local specialties. During the day, you can buy lunch along the way or pay for a packed lunch from the hut. Your guide will help you order if you take that option. If you have any food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy intolerance, etc.) please let us know in advance.

Should I tip the guide?

It is not mandatory to tip in the Alps, but it is always appreciated by the hard-working guides.

How do I get from Geneva Airport to Chamonix?

Transfers are included to Chamonix and back on the first and final day only. These are from Geneva Airport only. If you are traveling to Chamonix or back on a different day, you can take a shared transfer from the Airport to Chamonix.

Do I need immunizations?

We can't advise you on this, however, you should keep up to date with COVID-related travel requirements.

How much money should I bring, and in which currency?

The currency used in France and Italy is the Euro. We recommend changing your money before you arrive as it is not possible once you've left the airport. Most places along the way don't accept credit cards.

Can you pick me up in Chamonix?

Yes, the bus can either pick you up at Vert Lodge in CHAMONIX or at the airport in GENEVA.

What is the weather like?

The weather in the mountains is very unpredictable, so being prepared is key.

Is luggage storage available?

Yes, at the Vert Lodge, you have luggage storage for a small bag per person. The bus will stop there on the way out and back to the airport very quickly for you to pick up your luggage. This service is available to everyone on our tour.

Can you recommend accommodation in Chamonix?

The Vert Lodge has a variety of rooms and pods, fully serviced, a great restaurant, free parking, and luggage storage. It is also one of our pick-up and drop-off points, which makes it practical.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, you need travel insurance including search and rescue for hikes up to 3000m. Unfortunately, we're unable to advise on providers.

Do you cater for all dietary requirements?

Yes, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies. You should inform us about your dietary requirements at least 14 days before the trip. We will inform the accommodation.

Is there a free parking area?

Yes, you can leave your car on the roadside parking near the Vert Lodge hotel if you are staying there the night before or after the tour. Otherwise, there is another parking nearby.

Do I need walking boots?

Yes, walking boots are better than trainers as they provide more grip and help prevent injuries.

Can you pick me up in Geneva?

The shuttle operates from Geneva Airport or Vert Lodge, Chamonix.

Do I need walking poles and how can I rent them?

We highly recommend poles. You can rent them for 10 EUR. Let us know ahead of the trip.

What is a sheet sleeping bag and do I need one?

A sheet sleeping bag is a thin sleeping cover that you sleep inside and also covers your pillow. Each guest is expected to bring their own sheet sleeping bag.

What plug adapter do I need?

If you have a 2-pin USB charger then this will work everywhere.

Where do I meet you in Geneva Airport?

The drivers will meet you in front of the Montreux Jazz Cafe, inside the airport arrivals hall. Follow the signs for car rental and you should spot it. Look for Chamonix Valley Transfers (CVT).

I'm traveling in September 2024. How will this change the route?

It is anticipated that the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which takes us to the start of the route, will be closed for an extended period of time during September. This will leave us with a very long drive across the mountain range to get to the start of the route. We will therefore operate an alternative route with the same great experiences.

The trip will begin with a shuttle into Switzerland where you will hike to the Italian border before descending back into Switzerland and your refuge in La Fouly for the night. On day 2, you will hike between La Fouly and Champex Lac. The third and fourth nights will match our regular itinerary. All distances, ascents, and hiking time will be similar to our regular route. You will still experience the magic of our group trips, the route, glaciers, and amazing views.

The alternative route has been designed to provide you with the best route given the limitations of the tunnel closure.

Traveling in September provides the benefit of quieter trails. There is the disadvantage of the closure of some facilities like cafes which end their season in September. The weather can be more mixed but it's the mountains and they can give bad weather at any time of the year.

Whatever the logistics, our guides will ensure you have a fantastic trip.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Ibis Annemasse Annemasse France
See rooms
Appart'City Geneve Gaillard Gaillard France
See rooms
Comfort Suites Porte de Geneve Gaillard France
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

Alps

4.8

(57)

Guide Agency

We are Tom (UIMLA Mountain Leader) and Paul (UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide), two friends who have worked in the outdoors for over 20 years each.

We have lived around the world and have an incredible wealth of outdoor experience and qualifications. We all love, work and play in the Swiss Alps.

We love sharing our local environment with guests and helping them to get the best out of their holidays. We have trips going out most weeks so come and join us or contact us if you would like something similar on a different date.

Languages

Norwegian | French | English

Certificates

UIMLA | UIAGM | IFMGA

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What people are saying about this trip

Audrey

Jason

Karina the tour guide was the best.So kind and patient.Strongly suggested.

KRISTEN

Great hike, great tour! Our guide Mark was fantastic, knowledgeable, very experienced, accommodated our group’s diverse fitness levels. Many beautiful views and challenging (but manageable) terrain. As the tunnel to Couraymeur from Chamonix was closed (September hike) we took a different route days 1 & 2 which I think were probably not quite as impressive as the summer route. Accommodations (dormitories) were nice enough and food mostly good. Good communication with Alps Adventures. I’d recommend Explore Share include on the website clear language specifically stating you are carrying all belongings for duration of tour (I had to email to confirm this). If doing again I’d try to do their standard route (that required tunnel access) and beg for some sort of luggage transfer. Last suggestion is more timely transfer back to Geneva at end of tour- we waited over 90 minutes for transfer, which I’m sure was pre-schedule for that time (4:30 pm), but at the end of a 4 day hike one is pretty excited to get back to a hotel with super hot showers & real beds.

Richard

Vera


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