Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170km trek, and probably one of the world’s most famous and most beautiful trails. It encompasses the whole of the Mont Blanc Massif and goes through Switzerland, France, and Italy.

The Mont Blanc Massif, with Western Europe’s highest mountain culminating at 4810m, is a real monument at the heart of Europe, due as much to its exceptional size as to the variety of its landscapes. That unique image is reinforced by the biodiversity and the natural richness of the territories that surround it. Chamois, deer, eagles, and a range of beautiful alpine flowers can all be seen and photographed.

As you hike from hut to hut, ascending mountains and passes, crossing valleys and borders, you will also discover the rich and diverse traditional mountain culture, architecture, food, and way of life.

This trip is guided by one of our Touring Monkeys International Mountain Leaders, Louise Chandler.

Requirements for participating in Tour du Mont Blanc

To participate in this event, you need to be a very good hiker and have trained beforehand. You have to be used to long day hikes with 1000+ meters of elevation.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a difficult trek, with 7-9 hours walking and up to 1300m ascent each day. In addition, you will have to carry your backpack with everything you need for the duration of the event (8 days walking).

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Chamonix and initial briefing.

Day 2

Starting at the top of the Bellevue cable car, and hike to Refuge de Nant Borrant through Bionassay Glacier, Col du Tricot, Val Montjoie…

18km, 7-7.5h, +980m, -1100m

Day 3

Climb up to Col du Bonhomme, then up to Col des Fours and descend to Ville des Glaciers to stay at Refuge des Mottets.

15km, 7h, +1300m, -900m

Day 4

Ascend to Col de la Seigne to enter Italy and the most imposing view of the South face of the Mont Blanc. Hike to Rifugio Maison Vieille via the moraine of the Miage Glacier and Combal Lake.

21km, 7h, +1200m, -1100m

Day 5

Descend to Courmayeur to enjoy a nice Italian coffee, then hike up to Mont de la Saxe. Night at Rifugio Bonatti.

18km, 8h, [masked]m, [masked]m (depending on itinerary)

Day 6

Start with a beautiful walk on a balcony trail facing the southern face of the Grandes Jorasses and descending to Arp Nouva. Hike to the charming village of La Fouly and bus to Champex. Hike up to Relais d’Arpette to spend the night.

15km, 7.5h, +900m, -1400m

Day 7

Long hike and scramble up all the way to the stunning Fenêtre d’Arpette, followed by a steep descent to Trient.

14km, 7.5h, +1200m, -1200m

Day 8

Back to France and hike to Montroc, then bus to Argentière for the night.

18km, 7.5h, +1100m, -1000m

Day 9

Last day hiking starting with ascent to Lac Blanc (2352m) along the South Balcony Trail, offering grandiose views on the North Face of the Mont Blanc. After a short cable car ride, we will reach Chamonix and the end of the tour!

13km, 6h, +1100m, -1000m

Day 10

Breakfast in Chamonix before everyone goes back home.

What does the price include?

• 8 days of guided Tour du Mont Blanc hiking with an International Mountain Leader
• Accommodation for 9 nights
• Dinner on day 1 / Breakfast, lunch, and dinner from day 2 to day 9 / Breakfast on day 10
• Transfers included in the itinerary above

What does the price NOT include?

• Transport to/from Chamonix
• Drinks

Payment Instructions

Once registered, please pay a 50% deposit within 7 days. The balance is due by 9 June 2021.

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood, and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions in the “What we’re about” section of our Meetup group.