Tour du Mont Blanc 'Best of' Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1 ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX

  On the day of arrival we have a trek briefing in the hotel lounge at 5pm, this gives you the opportunity to meet your guide & the rest of the group.

  During the briefing we will go though all the necessary information including itinerary, accommodation, meals & bag transfer. The guide will also discuss plans for the first day of the trek. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have so you are fully informed before you start your adventure.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast

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  Day 2 LES HOUCHES TO CONTAMINES

  Your day starts with a 20 minute bus ride from Chamonix to Les Houches. Our day then starts with a cable car ride to the Bellevue 1802m with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range from high above the westerly end of the Chamonix valley. We then have a choice of routes to Les Contamines via Bionnassay & Chapel or the Col du Tricot & Chalets des Miage depending on weather.

  Daily stats:

  Using the cable car
  Via Col du Tricot: Distance: 13k | Height gain: +800m| Descent: -1300m

  Guide notes:

  If you are trekking via the Col du Tricot check out the Blueberry pie at the Chalets des Miage, very memorable and delicious!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast included

• 

  Day 3 LES CONTAMINES TO CHAPIEUX / VILLE DES GLACIERS:

  A great day ahead as you make the steady ascent toward the Col du Bonhomme, passing the Refuge de la Balme on the way, a good spot for a short break or refreshments. Beyond the refuge, the trail climbs more steeply to the Plan des Dames before continuing up to the Col du Bonhomme and then the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. From here, your onward route depends on where you’re staying for the night: you may continue over the Col des Fours and descend to Ville des Glaciers and on to the Refuge Mottets, or, if you’re staying in Les Chapieux, begin your descent that leads you directly down to the hamlet.

  We always try to reserve private rooms at the Refuge Nova. In the event that this isn’t possible, we arrange private minibus transport to alternative accommodation in Bourg-St-Maurice, returning to Les Chapieux early the following morning.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 20k | Height gain: +1500m | Descent: -900m

  Guide notes:

  On paper this looks like one of the longest and toughest days on the trek but don’t worry its very doable. There is a fair amount of height gain but it is integrated with sections of gentle terrain, which make the day more manageable. The key is to start early and allow plenty of time.

  Accommodation:

  Dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

• 

  Day 4 CHAPIEUX / VILLES DES GLACIERS TO COURMAYEUR:

  From Les Chapieux we take the minibus to Ville des Glaciers and continue on the trail past the Refuge des Mottets, then onwards to the Col de la Seigne (2516m). The climb is steep in places, but before long we reach the col and cross from France into Italy. From here, we descend into the stunning Val Veny, following easy paths through the hanging valleys to Lac Combal. We then continue down to La Visaille and take the minibus into Courmayeur.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -700m (with minibus)

  Guide notes:

  One of my favourite days on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the views from the Col du Seigne is second to none! Once you are at the col & if the weather is right rest for a while and take in the far-reaching views in to Italy & Switzerland, just wonderful!

  Accommodation:

  Accommodation: 3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

• Day 5: REST DAY

  The full trek offers a rest day in Courmayeur giving you the opportunity to reflect on the westerly half of the trek and relax and enjoy this beautiful Italian alpine town. Perhaps visit the spa at Pre St Didier, take the Skyway cable car to Point Helbronner or just wander though the historic streets & enjoy the delicious food & drink.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

• 

  Day 6 COURMAYEUR TO CHAMPEX

  You will start the day by taking a minibus from Courmayeur to Arnurva and then make your way past the Refugio Elena and on to the Col du Ferret on the Italian/Swiss border. From here, we enjoy a relatively easy descent via La Peule, an ideal spot to pause for refreshments, before continuing on gentle terrain to Ferret. We will then take a minibus to Champex Lac via Orsieres.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14k | Height gain: +800m | Descent: -800m

  Guide notes:

  Again this day looks tough but the hard bits are nicely spaced with less challenging terrain and once at the Col stare in wonder at the view looking back at your last 3 days of trekking towards the Col du Seigne and over the boarder into Switzerland. The descent is long but at an easy angle and the path is good. Plenty of opportunity to stop for refreshments at Arnurva, Refuge Elena and La Peule.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

• 

  Day 7 CHAMPEX-LAC TO TRIENT:

  The day begins gently as we follow easy paths to Plan de l’Au, a relaxed warm-up before the climb ahead. From here, the trail rises steadily to the Alpage Bovine (1987m), where we’re rewarded with wonderful views over Martigny and the Swiss Valais. After a break at this scenic high point, we begin our descent, following the trail down towards the Col de la Forclaz (1526m) before making the final descent into the village of Trient for the night.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 18k | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -950m

  Guide notes:

  The Bovine route is a fabulous day not too tricky over lovely terrain. Lunch stop at the high alpine farm at Bovine is a must, you can purchase local food or even eat your own picnic on the terrace as long as you buy a drink. Amazing views across to Lac Leman and down the Rhone valley.

  Accommodation:

  Auberge with private rooms & shared facilities, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 8 TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE:

  Today offers two route options. We can either follow the direct path from Trient to the Col de Balme, or take the more scenic route through alpine woodland to the Alpage of Tseppes and Catogne before continuing on to the Col de Balme (2191m) on the Swiss–French border. From the col, we make our descent to the hamlet of Le Tour and then continue across pastureland to the village of Argentière where we will take the bus or train back to Chamonix. A fabuous end to this Mont Blanc trail.

  Daily stats:

  Via Catogne & the Col du Balme: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +1000m | Descent: -1000m

  Guide notes:

  Personally unless the weather is bag take the route via Catogne, the views are far superior as one up high you take a lofty traverse with excellent views over towards Emossom dam and the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve Stop if you dare at the refuge at the Col du Balme. Service with a grimace rather than a smile!

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 9 DEPART CHAMONIX

  Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

  Guide notes:

  Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Tour du Mont Blanc is truly an exceptional trek & has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.