Tour du Mont Blanc Hike, Self-Guided

Tour du Mont Blanc Hike: Day-to-Day Itinerary

Our self-guided trips receive a custom itinerary prepared by OnTop’s Director and Head Mountain Guide. A detailed daily trip description with trail numbers, horizontal and vertical distances as well as “Plan B and C” options in case of bad weather or adverse mountain conditions, need for longer or shorter days, etc. will be emailed out 4-6 weeks before your trip start date. We also provide you with a GPS track of the itinerary that can be downloaded to your smartphone to make sure you know where you are at any given time relative to a modern topographic map.

 

Below is a sample itinerary for our Mont Blanc Express Self-Guided Trek, 7 nights/ 6 days:

Arrival/Travel Day:

Arrive at the Hotel in Argentiere, Chamonix Valley. Regular train and car shuttle services are available throughout the day from Geneva Airport. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours from the Geneva airport. Aim to arrive in the Chamonix Valley in the afternoon, allowing time to pack your trekking bag, have dinner, purchase snacks in town, etc.

Day 1: Argentière-Lac Blanc-Chamonix via La Flégère cable car

To get you acclimatized and warmed up, we start you out with a day trip in Chamonix Valley. Today is one of the most impressive days on the Tour du Mont Blanc, with the best view of the entire Mont Blanc range. An early start will enable you to reach the famous Refuge du Lac Blanc, perched high above the Chamonix Valley, in time for lunch.

A 10-minute taxi or bus ride takes you to the Montet Pass from where your trail climbs steeply up granite benches and past small herds of goats and sheep. Once you reach the main bench above the valley, the trail climbs obliquely to the Lac Blanc, a series of small lakes with gorgeous views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus, several of the classic alpine climbs of the Chamonix area.

As you approach Lac Blanc, the Refuge du Lac Blanc will come into sight. You can expect a hearty lunch of French delicacies such as omelettes, soups, and amazing fruit tarts. Take a break to enjoy a short nap on the lounge chairs or dip your feet in the refreshing waters of Lac Blanc. Only 2 more hours left today as you traverse to the Index chair lift followed by the Flégère cable car, where we will reach the valley bottom easy on the knees in Les Praz. A public bus or taxi will get you back to your hotel in Argentière in about 15 minutes. Rest up tonight – tomorrow is a long day!

*We recommended packing a lunch for tomorrow – either request a picnic lunch from your hotel or grab something in town. If you prefer to have a plated meal, plan for a late lunch at the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme.*

1,050 m / 3,500 ft vertical gain, 100 m / 330 ft descent, 8.5 km / 5.3 miles distance, 6 hours of hiking.

Day 2: Chamonix to Les Chapieux

After breakfast, your taxi shuttle will transport you about 45 minutes to the small town of Les Contamines, where today’s hike begins on an ancient Roman road, used for trade and the Roman legions. Hiking through fields of grazing Tarentaise dairy cows, the hike begins easily enough along a gravel track before climbing steeply to the first of two passes. The trail below the Col du Bonhomme is steep and rocky but with rewarding views out to the limestone Pointe Percée and the normal climbing route of the Goûter Ridge on the Mont Blanc. An emergency shelter stands atop the pass which makes for a good windbreak and the perfect spot for your picnic lunch.

Post-lunch, it is time to head for the second pass, the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme about an hour away in the Savoie region of the Alps. A French Alpine Club hut bearing the same name is our next destination where an afternoon snack and coffee break awaits, or if you did not pack a picnic lunch, you can dine here. Look towards the east for your first views of Italy with glimpses of the Vanoise National Park directly south. A long, 1,000 m / 3,300 ft descent is your next challenge and your tired legs will be happy to stop for the night in the tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux. Dinner at your hotel before retreating to bed.

1,300 m / 4,300 ft vertical gain, 19 km / 12 miles distance. Up to 9 hours of walking.

Day 3: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur – Welcome to Italy! 

Today begins with a short, 10-minute shuttle to the Ville des Glaciers Dairy Farm where our trail begins. Feel free to stop by the Dairy Farm shop to buy cheese to enjoy as a snack later on in the day. The walk begins along a wide track before climbing towards the border with Italy where we start to see the stunning views of the Val Veney and its incredible granite spires which have made this valley so famous. Towering over other peaks are the Monte Bianco di Courmayeur and the famous Aiguille Noire de Peuterey – by far one of the most coveted prizes in alpine climbing.

Bravo! You have made it to Italy. A strategically placed mountain hut, the Rifugio Elisabetta, is perched high on a rocky outcrop and marks a perfect venue for a quick snack of cake and coffee before heading down to Courmayeur. After your break, you will take a WWI military track past rushing streams and hanging glaciers to a bus stop at La Visaille before embarking on a 45-minute ride to the ancient Roman garrison town of Courmayeur,Italy where you will spend the night. The small town is rife with shops, markets, and restaurants for you to explore.

1,057 m / 3,500 ft vertical gain, 20 km / 13 miles distance. 7 hours of walking

Day 4: Courmayeur to Champex via Grand Col Ferret –Hello, Switzerland! 

A hearty breakfast starts the day. A 30-minute taxi ride drops you in the hamlet of Arnouva Val Ferret. From there, an easy hike to the Rifugio Elena at the base of the Ferret Pass. An obligatory stop for outstanding coffees and cakes before the short, 1.5-hour ascent to the Grand Col Ferret on the border between Italy and Switzerland. From there, it’s all downhill past the dairy farm at La Peule and then down to your taxi or bus in La Fouly. A 45-minute scenic drive will deliver you to the spa town of Champex and its spring-fed lake. Overnight in 3-star hotel or inn.

900 m / 3,000 ft vertical gain, 20 km / 13 miles distance, 6 hours of walking.

Day 5: Champex to Col Forclaz / Trient

Depending on weather and the group’s energy level, we have several options today. If the forecast is for sunny skies, you can opt for the harder option and hike the arduous Fenêtre d’Arpette which offers some spectacular views out to the Glacier du Trient and Glacier des Grands. Roughly 1,300 m / 4,300 ft of climbing on loose rock and trails are required to gain the pass with a similar amount of vertical loss, making for a big day. The other  and most popular option for the easier but equally beautiful hike is on the Bovine Trail – a short, steep hike through the forest to a large clearing where a herd of fighting cows graze on alpine wildflowers. There is a tiny restaurant in a refuge which serves great meals and offers an incredible array of locally produced wines from the Valais Canton of Switzerland. After lunch, 1.5 hours is all it takes to reach Col Forclaz/ Trient for dinner and lodging. Private rooms in Trient are scarce so lodging is often in shared dorm rooms. We can lodge you in Vallorcine or Martigny if you prefer private rooms – cost of the taxis to and from the trailheads are not included in the base-trip price.

*We recommended packing a lunch for tomorrow to enjoy the stunning views on the last day of the trail – request a picnic lunch from your lodge in the evening as picnic lunches are not usually available for ordering in the morning. If you prefer to have lunch in a restaurant there will be the option to do so.

Harder option: 1,300 m / 4,300 ft vertical gain, 15 km / 9 miles distance. 

Easier option: 740 m / 2,400 ft vertical gain, 12 km / 7.5 miles distance, 5.5 hours of walking.

Day 6: Col Forclaz to Argentière

Almost there! Your day begins with a steep descent to the valley floor and the small town of Trient before tackling the last climb in Switzerland to the border with France at the Col de Balme. Today’s hike is straightforward with a long, gentle climb to the pass where the entire Mont Blanc range opens up before us. It is possibly one of the most photogenic passes of the entire walk. Lunch today will either be a picnic or a plated meal in one of the slope-side restaurants of the Le Tour ski area taking in the sound of cowbells and the stunning hanging glaciers. By mid-afternoon, you should reach the hamlet of Argentière and your hotel for the evening.

1,250 m / 4,100 ft vertical gain, 16 km / 10 miles distance, roughly 6.5 hours of walking.

Departure Day: trip concludes after breakfast 

Congratulations on a successful Tour du Mont Blanc trek! Your trip officially concludes upon checkout after breakfast, where you can make your way home or to your next travel destination. Thank you for trusting OnTop Mountaineering with the planning of your trip.

Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Hike: What’s Included? 

Included:

• Fully Customized and detailed day-to-day itinerary, designed by our director and head guide, Jorg Wilz
  (you will find directions, including hiking times/distances/elevation gain and loss, trail numbers and “Plan B options” in case of fatigue or adverse weather or extension options should you desire a longer day)
• 45 min taxi transfer from Chamonix to Les Contamines
• Double room lodging at a hotel in the Chamonix Valley with breakfast
• Double room lodging  with half board in village hotels or mountain inns
• Daily luggage transfers
• GPS tracks that you can use on your smartphone or upload to your GPS along with printable PDF maps
  (Topographical maps marked by a mountain guide are also available by request only)
• 24-hour Hotline contacts while you are en route
• Support with your travel logistics and all trip organization as well as sightseeing suggestions

Not Included:

• Airfares
• Airport transfers to and from the Chamonix Valley
• Dinners for the nights in the Chamonix Valley
• All ground transportation including chair lifts, taxis, and buses (except the 45 min journey from Chamonix to Les Contamines)
• Lunches and snacks(can be purchased at the accommodations or in the villages)
• All beverages (beer is about US$6-8 per bottle, wine US$20-40 per bottle, bottled water US$10 per liter)
• Single room surcharge for all lodging (if available)
• Any additional costs in case of itinerary changes regardless if those changes were made due to adverse weather or mountain conditions, or due to personal or group preferences.
• Insurance
• Topographical maps (available on request)

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Additional trip services available

• Shared Airport shuttles from Geneva to hotel in Chamonix Valley: From Euro 40/ person
• Additional nights Chamonix Valley: Double room B&B: From Euro 60 / person
• Single room surcharge: US $55-70 US per night
• Taxi Transfers during trek: please request a quote to and from trailheads

Booking

Please read and fill out this additional Reservation Form and FAQ.

Customize the Tour du Mont Blanc or add another Alps trek or via ferrata to your adventure

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Tour du Mont Blanc custom trip options

By using less public transportation and more leg power, the Tour du Mont Blanc can cover 170 km / 106 miles distance and 10,000 vertical metres / 33,000′. This “classic” variation normally takes 10-11 days. Please inquire for a quote.

We will gladly run a trip for your group anytime between mid-June and mid-September.

For groups and families, we can offer the following discounts on our advertised prices

Self-Guided Trips:

2-3 participants: Our advertised per person price
4 participants: 5% discount from our advertised per person price
5 participants: 10% discount from our advertised per person price
6 participants: 15% discount from our advertised per person price
7 participants: 18% discount from our advertised per person price
8+ participants: 20% discount from our advertised per person price

 

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Go on another trek

We offer many treks in the European Alps throughout the summer. Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and France each have their own charms and beautiful landscapes. See what is available at ontopmountaineering.com.

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Try a via ferrata

See what the buzz is all about – try one of our many via ferrata trips in Italy or France. Via ferrata routes include the use of cables, ladders, rungs, and the occasional bridge to facilitate safe passage across exposed mountain faces and ridges with beautiful hiking in between. The first via ferrata routes were built and used by soldiers in World War I. Many of these routes are still in use, but development is ongoing as via ferrata climbing has become a very popular sport in itself. We offer trips for both beginners and advanced via ferrata adventurers. See our page at ontopmountaineering.com.

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Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Gear List .PDF

Please download a PDF copy to use as a checklist when preparing for your trip.

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Considerations

Packing for a trekking trip is a balancing act. You want your pack to be as light as possible so you can truly enjoy the trek. But you also need to have enough gear to be warm (or cool), comfortable, and well-fed and watered. When buying, renting, or borrowing gear for the trip, please keep weight, performance, and function in mind. Chamonix is a sports enthusiast’s shopping mecca. There are dozens of outdoor stores intermingled with the lovely cafes, bistros, bookstores, and restaurants. If you need to purchase clothing, footwear, or gear for the trip, come a day early and shop to your heart’s desire.

Legend: Early and Late Season Trips: June and September can be considered early and late season trips – depending on residual snowpack (June) or early snow/colder temps (September) *Optional **Optional but recommended

Hiking Gear

• Light trekking boot or sturdy approach shoe with a fairly stiff sole for walking over rocky terrain
• Daypack (25-35 litres) with rain cover specific to the pack
• Maps and Trip Information Letter provided by OnTop Mountaineering
• Yaktrax-type traction devices that fit your boots or shoes (for early and late season trips)
• Lightweight, collapsible hiking poles **
• Short summer gaiters (for early and late season trips)*
• Lightweight umbrella*

Clothing

We recommend the ‘layering system’: bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t consume much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers must be put on and taken off quickly as weather conditions change during the day. There may be days when you can wear cotton, but your main clothing choices should be synthetic or wool. Merino wool is a nice material for base layers and t-shirts because it is comfortable, warm, and it does not retain odours, even after many days of use.

• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Lightweight wind and water-resistant over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Lightweight synthetic trekking pants or zip-offs
• Medium weight Primaloft jacket with hood
• Medium weight fleece sweater
• Synthetic or wool base layers – top and bottom
• Synthetic shorts and t-shirt
• Quick-drying sports bra
• 2-3 pairs of good quality trekking socks
• Warm hat that covers your ears
• Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves
• Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
• Spare socks and underwear
• Bandana or Buff*

Lodging (pack these items for your daily luggage transfer)

• Duffel bag for the luggage transfer (you will store the rest of your luggage at the Hotel in Chamonix Valley)
• Casual clothing, spare socks and underwear
• Lightweight, comfortable footwear for the nightly accommodations
• Toiletries
• Ear plugs**
• Swimsuit* (if you have a rest day or hotel with sauna/pool)
• Book/magazine*
• Portable power bank*

Other items

• Cash – Euros/ Swiss Francs for lunches, drinks, snacks, etc
• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
• One or two, one-liter water bottles
• Headlamp with new battery
• Your favourite hiking snacks – candy bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Lunches and snacks can be purchased at the huts or in the villages.
• Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
• Passport, health and travel insurance documents
• Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies
• Light stuff sacs/ Ziploc bags to keep your daypack organized and important items dry**
• Smartphone with charging cable**
• Pocket knife*
• Water purification tablets or small personal water filtration system*
• Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes*
• Small container bug spray or cream*
• Camera and charger*
• Compass, maps, GPS, altimeter watch*
• Feminine hygiene supplies*
• Adaptor for European charging system*

Can I Do It?

The TMB involves strenuous hiking on everything from good, dry trails to rocky terrain to snow-covered passes. Although technically not difficult, the trip requires up to eight hours of hiking per day with steady elevation gains and losses. Yaktrax-type traction cleats may be required in certain places, especially early in the season.

Our backpacks will be relatively light (5 – 8 kg = 11 – 18 lbs) as we will only carry snacks/lunch for the day, water, and extra clothing. We recommend a backpack size of 35 – 45 litres (2100 – 2700 cubic inches).

Getting to Chamonix Valley

Meeting point

We usually meet at 8 am on the first trekking day at our hotel in the Chamonix Valley (the first hotel night with breakfast is included). For some trips, your guide will meet the group at 6 pm on the night before the trip starts, depending on the guide’s schedule.

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Airport & shuttles

The closest international airport to Chamonix Valley is in Geneva, Switzerland. From there, regular shuttles go to the Chamonix Valley, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.

There are a number of airport shuttle services that provide door-to-door service from Geneva International Airport at very competitive prices for any destination in the Chamonix Valley.
Mountain Drop Offs provides a reliable airport transfer from Geneva to Argentiere or Chamonix for about 40 euro, depending on the time of year.

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By train

If you arrive at any airport in Paris, you can then travel by train to the Chamonix Valley with TGV. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hrs via St. Gervais.

You can also get to Chamonix Valley by train from several other international airports. Find out more at chamonix.net

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We gladly assist in organising any pre/post trip lodging and airport transfers.

Best season, weather and temperatures for the Mont Blanc Express Route

The best season for the TMB is from mid-June to mid-September. July and August normally see warm temperatures in the valleys (between 20°C / 70°F and 30°C / 85°F) and cooler temperatures at the passes (between 10°C / 50°F and 15°C / 60°F). If a cold front passes through, it will bring cold, wet weather with temperature drops and difficult conditions. It is even possible to get snow at the high passes in August. Be prepared for all weather conditions!

In June and September, daytime temperatures are normally a bit lower – around 20°C / 70°F in the valleys and 10°C / 50°F or less at the high passes.

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

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Trip-related Questions:

What options are there for completing the TMB?

There are many options for completing the Tour du Mont Blanc. The longest variation takes 10 or 11 days and includes 10,000 m (33,000′) of elevation gain and loss and covers 170 km (106 miles) distance. The quickest is by the Mont Blanc Ultramarathon – it takes about 20 hours (!!). Or you can choose a length of trip that is somewhere in between, like what we are offering. The trip will be physically demanding with an average of 1,000 m / 3,300 ft elevation gain and loss and 14 km / 9 miles distance travelled each day (some days more, some days less). Bus and/or taxi rides along the way will keep the trek manageable in our given time frame.

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How much clothing should I bring for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It strongly depends on the weather. It may stay well above freezing all the time but it could also snow, even in mid-summer. We’ve seen it all and our recommendation is to be ready for anything upon arrival in the Chamonix Valley.

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Can I buy hiking gear in Chamonix before the trip?

Chamonix is an outdoor enthusiast’s shopping dream. You’d be hard pressed to find a better selection of hiking and mountaineering gear anywhere (Arco, Italy being another such mecca). Because of the quantity of gear available, prices are reasonable even when you take the exchange rate into account.

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What about drinking water on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Drinking water is available for free at hotels and it can be purchased at an additional cost of approximately $10 per litre at huts. The group may consider bringing one or two water filters for everyone to use along the way or you can bring water purification tablets.

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Will I need gaiters for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

We suggest you bring gaiters unless your pants close really well around your hiking boot. We will likely be walking in snow at times and it is important to keep your feet as dry as possible. Short gaiters should do the job.

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Should I use hiking shoes or hiking boots on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

We recommend that you use good quality hiking boots. We will sometimes be walking over steep and rocky terrain, and hiking boots help to protect your ankles – both from rolling off of rocks and from rocks rolling onto your ankle. Also, your feet should be less tired at the end of our long days when you use hiking boots instead of shoes. A good pair of hiking boots do not weigh much more than a high-end pair of hiking shoes these days.

Whether you choose boots or shoes, make sure they are comfortable! They should be waterproof and you should wear them a few times before the trip to ensure they don’t give you blisters.

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What should be my spending allowance per day for huts and hotels along the Tour du Mont Blanc?

We would recommend budgeting 35 SFR/day which is about US$35. This should cover buying lunch and snacks, water, and a beer at each hotel or hut.

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Will I get cell or Internet service on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Wi-Fi is available at the hotels. Very few huts have Wifi. Cellular service is pretty good throughout most of the trek.  Make sure to inquire with your cell phone provider as to your roaming capabilities in Europe

Each hut has plugs to recharge phones etc.  but there is always competition for them. All plugs are at 220 volts. Bring an adaptor for the European-style plug!

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What is the difference between the Tour du Mont Blanc (aka TMB) and the Haute Route Glacier Trek?

The Tour du Mont Blanc (aka TMB) and the Haute Route Glacier Trek are very different in character. The Tour du Mont Blanc is probably the most popular multi-day hike in the Alps. It passes through some of the Alps’ most popular resort towns like Chamonix and Courmayeur, meaning that certain sections of the trail can be busy, especially in high season (mid-July to mid-August). The Tour du Mont Blanc is entirely non-technical and connects valley hiking with traverses over alpine passes that are usually snow-free in mid-summer. Lodging tends to be higher-end and more comfortable on the TMB than on the Haute Route Glacier Trek.

The Haute Route Glacier Trek (aka “Mountaineer’s Route” – not to be mistaken with the “Haute Route Hiker’s Route”) is the high-level traverse between the Chamonix Valley and the Swiss town of Zermatt. About 30% – 40% of the travel is on glaciers which may require travelling roped together and using crampons. This technical aspect, as well as the necessity to stay in high mountain huts, greatly reduces the number of travelers on the route. The trip is far more committing and requires better fitness and stamina than the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Feedback (from the Haute Route Glacier Trek)

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Haute Route Glacier Trek – A high-level glacier tour from Chamonix to Zermatt

References of prior guests: We will gladly put potential clients in touch with previous participants of each trip in order for interested guests to get more personalized references and their questions answered from a more objective point of view than what our office could provide.

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“Philippe was great! We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. His personality, technical expertise and overall great attitude made the trip a once in a lifetime experience. On Top did a great job meeting our requirements and desires for this custom trip/We feel that all of our questions where answered in a prompt and thorough manner. Hotel in Argentiere was perfect for our needs. It was nice being in a small town but also having dining close by. The food and lodging at huts were as expected.”
—Robert P., VA, USA

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“Seb was extremely compentent and knowledgeable. It was obvious we were in very capable hands. I (Trish) felt that the precautionary measures he took at various stages of the trip were most appropriate. We would gladly be guided by Sebastion again.
We were very pleased with the organization. The trip had a few ‘escape’ routes in Champex and again another night where a person could bail if it was too much.
OnTop Communication was punctual and thorough.
The drescription of the itinerary difficulty was accurate. It was a tough 7 days. The hiking times quoted were very close to our actual times. The route was incredible, awesome, challenging, unforgettable. The lodging in both Argentiere and Zermatt was perfect. Not fancy, but clean, in great locations, small family-run places with alot of history. We really enjoyed the lodging choices. We thought the small hotel in Argentiere was perfect; Chamonix easy to get to, but our hotel was in a nice quiet location. I(Trish) went to church in Argentiere the sunday before our trip. Felt like a real town. Breakfasts in both Argentiere and Zermatt were wonderful. The food varied a bit by hut. Some cooks really took pride in their meals, and it showed. We were impressed with what came out of the kitchen on most occasions. Quantity was consistent. Only one hut was a disappointment in the food department – and that was only a lunch stop for us. That said, all of us ate all of the snacks we brought with us – we expended some serious calories. We would recommend this company to friends in a heart beat. We were very pleased..”
—Tennis & Trish O., WA, USA

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“Philippe is an incredible guide. Very professional, knowledgable and helpful. We would go with him again. We did not spend a lot of time with Didier, but he was very friendly. Everything was organised nicely, the hotel in Argentiere is great, very helpful and friendly people. Everything we received was great and very helpful. As mentioned the hotel in Argentiere was great. Their breakfast was excellent, a lot of food and great variety. The huts and the food there were far beyond our expectations. If any of our friends would ever consider a trip like this, we would definitely recommend OnTop.”
—Helma & Jonathan G., AB, Canada

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“Till was a good guide althought some huts/routes were new to him. Trip organisation was good. The itinerary was pretty challenging and made it worthwhile. Huts and sleeping rooms seemed too crowded to me. Food quality was good but last 2 huts only offereed bread with butter/jame to eat for breakfast. I would rate my experience with OnTop about 8 out of 10. ”
—August M., CA, USA

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” The guides were amazing- so impressed with Geoffroy’s professionalism and always felt safe. Nick also had a great 2 days with him after the trip instead of Mont Blanc. Fridjon was also a fantastic guide – very entertaining and great customer service. Also great at teaching. Both complement each other. All organisation was great. Needed more info about how much cash to take into mountains. Didn’t realise we’d be buying water and it was SOOOO expensive. Maybe iodine tabs would be better? Very environmentally unsound to be buying plastic bottles. Also the trek was much harder than I’d anticipated and if I’d been any less fit I wouldn’t have coped. Definitely need more detailed explanation of degree of difficulty in trip notes. I do like a challenge though so it was great for me but I can think of plenty of people who may have thought they could manage based on basic trip notes.

Itinerary fantastic. Loved it all. Geoffroy was a bit worried about the very long day (?day3) but we did the steeper route instead and though tough, was fine.
Lodging was fine. Food good and plentiful, though breakfast a bit sketchy. Would have liked more info as to what to expect on our first morning as it was so crowded, rushed and stressful. Not a great start to the day – just needed to know what it would be like in advance. Take more face wipes for washing (women). Broad spectrum antibiotics. Can’t think of anything else I needed.
Would definitely recommend this trip and On Top to friends. It was absolutely incredible and a fantastic experience!! Thank you! ”
—Nikki, Nick and Alice M., Australia

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” I thought Till was an exceptional guide. We have had guides on all our climbs and treks in various parts of the world and he was certainly one of the best. He was very open and easy to communicate with and genuinely seemed to enjoy his time with us. His mountain knowledge was exceptional and he also was able to answer the many questions that we fired at him over the course of the trip. When we came off Mont Blanc Till offered to drive me back to Argentiere, which was above and beyond what I would expect from a guide. I would not hesitate to have Till guide me again if I was to go back to the alps.

The trip organisation and communication were very good. Apart from a hiccup with one of my emails to you, all our correspondence was answered promptly and accurately. Everything went smoothly with the organisation and communication and can only applaud you for that.

No problems with the itinerary. Plenty of time to do everything we had to do on any particular day, with enough time at the end of the day in each hut to relax and rest for a while before the dinner bell rang.

Lodging and Food. Considering the locations of the lodges we thought they were fine. Some of the lodges are showing signs of wear and tear but I would guess that the Alpine Clubs responsible for their upkeep would be aware of that and would have regular maintenance programs in place. No problems with the food. People have to remember the location and situation of these huts in providing food for many people who come from different parts of the world and are used to eating different types of food. We go into the mountains for the mountains, not to enjoy a fine dining experience.
I would not hesitate to recommend OnTop to anyone wishing to do any of your itineraries. On your website, you might like to consider putting some testimonials up for people to read. I have always found them invaluable in helping me to make decisions on whether or not I would use a particular organisation. ”
— Murray C., Australia

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“Thomas was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. The terrain was new and unfamiliar to me, but I had complete confidence and trust in Thomas’ skills and judgement. He always made sure we arrived at our huts in great time (avoiding pending rain!), but was also flexible and understanding should we want to stop for an occasional break or photo. I would highly recommend Thomas to any group. Very fast communication and responses to my questions. Also really appreciated your commitment to ensuring the trip was still happening despite those last-minute cancellations. Also, I really appreciated the email we got the night before meeting our guide that connected me with Lu and Thomas. I think you should continue to send these pre-trip emails in the future – I think guests will really appreciate it.

The Haute Route was a spectacular hike; we got to walk through some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Huts were comfortable, and had great food. Really appreciated how the first and last days were shorter, with the more difficult days in the middle of the trip (allowed us time to ‘build up’ to those more difficult days). Also, the gradual ascent to the more elevated portions of the trip made it easier to acclimatize (sleeping at gradually more elevated huts was helpful!). Huts were warm, comfortable, and had great food. Only thing was that some of them were quite crowded (and making it difficult to sleep sometime), but I understand that this was out of your control! 10/10 would recommend this trip to my friends.” Rosalinda C., Canada

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“We adored both Geoffrey and Fridjion and they worked very well together. Geoffroy was a consummate professional who NEVER got ruffled even when I was convinced we would all die He said in his inimitable French accent when I asked if he was worried about the huge drop offs to the side of the trail with loose gravel, “yes, you must watch how you step.” I loved him. Fridjion was inspirational as well -what a tremendous story about how he came back after his accident. He was super funny, kind and super patient helping those who were timid or not as sure footed without making them feel bad – a real art. For both guides, we literally entrusted our lives in their hands and I felt VERY safe knowing that they would do anything to help us. Fridjon could also be a stand-up comedian – his positive attitude rubbed off on all of us.

The huts were SPECTACULAR – great food, some had awesome beer – only ONE didn’t have running water and more showers would be nice and more women’s only bathrooms but I’m nitpicking for my dream hut! For high alpine huts, they were better than I expected.”
—Michele B., VT, USA

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“The Haute Route trip that your company has put together was truly outstanding! As you know it not only provides a variety of outstanding scenery in one of the worlds most beautiful mountain ranges but also gives opportunity for physical challenges and tests of one’s endurance. It was absolutely wonderful! Every day was met with anticipation of where and what we would see and do next. To my knowledge, there wasn’t any day that upon arrival we didn’t say what an incredible day it had been no matter how tired or hungry we were. I am positive that Rosalinda would agree.

Hopefully, Thomas too:) Thomas was the most skilled mountaineering guide I’ve had to date! Of course, he was wonderful to hang out with and is kind, patient and personable. But what mattered most is that he had a sound knowledge of the terrain on every surface that was clear and pronounced especially nearing the end when the glaciers got complicated and routes altered due to changes in landscape. The final day other groups were crossing the glaciers paying close attention to the routes Thomas confidently chose. As, well he helped instil personal confidence in the two of us to do things that I never once felt afraid or doubted my ability to achieve. Hope that makes sense!

The communication on your side was above and beyond. I joked that you all stay up way too late at night responding to any query in order to get back as soon as possible. Especially given the difference in time zones. Great job! The lodging was awesome both on and off the trail. Pretty and super clean rooms in all three spots that I personally stayed, Argentiere, Champex and Geneva. The huts..in my opinion, the best one ever was Vignette! Just saying:) Eggs and Bacon for breakfast and what a location! They were all great and had a personality of their own as you well know.

Without hesitation, I would highly recommend OnTop Mountaineering! Giving out a 10 isn’t supposed to be a good thing so that it leaves room for improvement but from my experience, I couldn’t have imagined it being better. Before leaving the Schoenbiel Hut I was asked by another group’s member who I had used to organize this trip and your name was written down by several of them. This was one of the groups that was looking to where Thomas took us.” Lue W., Canada

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“Guide: Wow. I am speechless. Seb was absolutely amazing – extremely professional, tended to our needs, served as an example, kept the pace and morale – I really couldn’t ask for anyone better. I really hold him in the highest appreciation possible – I wouldn’t have been able to make this trip without him. I really respect his work, his style, and pretty much everything he did while on the tour.
Organization and communication were perfect – from the moment I made first contact, up until my summit certificate ;). I really appreciated and enjoyed the fact that everything was written, ordered, thought of, and delivered in the mail. I think everything before the trip ticked very well, and it did as well during the trip – there was nothing missing, mis-communicated, and everything was very clear and precise.

Itinerary: In general, I think the days were perfect, balancing the correct amount of altitude gain and sleeping in relatively high-altitude huts, versus effort per each day. Some days were a bit longer and more tiring, but that’s the nature of these trips I guess.

Food was great, we had plenty, and ate very good food. The lodging, in general, was very good, save for one exception – as it happens, in the hotel at Champex Melissa and I had to share a room. It’s really not that big a deal, and we were both very adult about it, but at least I was a bit surprised that this is the case. I think she and I might have felt a bit more comfortable to be notified of this arrangement ahead, and if possible not to share the room (of course, I can only speak to myself), but again, I don’t feel this created any complexity or unease that we couldn’t handle.

Score 9/10. Almost everything was perfect, and I mean it – you guys are very ordered, like I said – everything ticked and worked and went smooth, and I really felt I’m getting all the information I need and the value for my money. While this is not your direct responsibility, you are probably aware that we had to change course due to one of our party members having caught altitude sickness. I realize this can happen to anybody – I’ve been there myself. Seb handled this on the best possible and professional manner, and we didn’t even have to change too much of our original course, and had lodging in town, and even though we had this bump in the road, I think everything ticked pretty well. But, I do wonder if this could have been avoided – both in better screening and warnings for clients before the hike and maybe following more of Seb advice regarding weight, sleep and such. It did not seem like the client had a lot of experience in hikes of this sort before, and I’m not sure how strict you are about registering clients (hey, you got me without too much trouble ;)), but I’m wondering if this could have been played out differently. The first 10 minutes of turning back down to the valley felt bitter, and while it was absolutely the right decision, it still stung a little bit. I don’t have good advice as to how to overcome this issue without a tiring screening process, and eventually – this can always happen, but this is my food for thought and improvement.

Other than that, I had a perfect trip! I really enjoyed it and felt it was challenging and interesting for me. I already did recommend this to numerous friends who might try their luck next year. Seb was really the best I could wish for, and all the logistics before and while on the trip were handled flawlessly.” Yochai E., Israel

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“Markus and Lutz were first rate! I was very impressed with them during the second day out, orienteering us safely to our destination through the whiteout blizzard. They always had our safety first and were fun to hang out with and were encouraging the group during some tough sections. I thought all lodging was good except the lodging conditions at the Albert Premier hut, which was kind of crappy but excellent everywhere else, especially Arolla…”
—Dan M, DC, USA

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“Credit definitely foremost to Markus and Lutz who are the best– certainly several parties who seemed to be asking for directions/pointers during one of our stormier days probably wished they were with us as well. They are fantastic guides– made the whole trip so very enjoyable from start to finish despite having to juggle some weather issues, variance in tempos amidst the group, and all the things we were likely entirely unaware of…”
—Meg J., NY, USA

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“I had a great time on both the trek and Weissmies climb. Markus & Lutz were both great – very knowledgeable, professional, courteous and just fun to hang out with. We had a whiteout one day in a blizzard and they navigated us perfectly to our hut. I also appreciated their (and on top’s) flexibility with regard to changing our plans the last day. The hotel lodging – in Argentiere and Arolla – was very good. Most of the huts were nice, given their location. The food was pretty decent across the board as well, save breakfast. To some extent that’s to be expected, given the remote location of the huts. Thanks, Jorg again for all of his help regarding answering questions. The only thing I’d recommend is emphasizing that people doing the Mt Blanc climb will need warmer clothing than the trek. Our guides said it can be helpful to have a down jacket for rest stops during the climb…”
—Mike M., NJ, USA

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“Flory was a really great guide – always ready to help and always sensitive to how everyone was doing. If it wasn’t for my concern about being affected by the altitude (I had a cold as well), I would be quite tempted to book another trip straight away!…”
—Martin R., UK

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“Flory is a super guide. He is reassuring, knowledgeable, experienced, organized, interesting and a fun guy! He always let us know in advance what we should expect, how to be prepared and when to get up. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to have him as a guide on another trip. I definitely will (and have) recommended OnTop to other people. The trip was well organized.

The food at the huts was great! Being a vegetarian was not a problem, there was plenty for me to eat. Loved the rosti, but don’t eat too much at lunch and then hike or you could get heartburn!…”
—Nancy D., NY, USA

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“The whole trip was even better than I expected. Flory was awesome, one of the best guides I think I’ve ever had. Really knowledgeable and personable, and very responsive to individual concerns and abilities. La Couronne was a nice hotel, and I found the staff really friendly and helpful. All the other lodging was good, too, and the huts exceeded my expectations, as did the food. ..”
—Heather S., Montana, USA

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“…The hotel in Argentiere was wonderful! The room was very very nice, the breakfasts were great and the woman at the front desk was just terrific. Hotel in Arolla was lovely and dinner/ breakfast very good. Itinerary? Great … challenging for me, less so for my daughter. We skipped one day on the glacier because of rain / fog…”
—Jeanne G., USA

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“…For technical skills, knowledge and safety, Lutz gets an A+. He was also sociable and friendly in the afternoons and at dinnertime. He also gets an A+ for his excellent and creative work rearranging the canceled Mont Blanc expedition. Lodging in the huts was excellent, except for Albert Premier. Unpleasant “squat–style” bathroom. Food in all places excellent…”
—Brad A., Nova Scotia, Canada

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“Lutz is a fantastic climber, he takes extraordinary care for the safety of his clients, and he genuinely seeks out the company of his clients during the long hours that can be spent in a hut, which is unusual and not easy for someone who speaks English as a second language. The Hotel de la Couronne in Argentiere and Grand Hotel Kurhaus in Arolla were both wonderful places to stay. The dormitory facilities and food at the huts were superior to anything I expected. I was very impressed with the amount of work Lutz did to come up with alternative hikes and accommodations when plans had to change because of the weather….”
—Stephen G., Oregon, USA

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“I thought the huts were more than adequate, though the Albert could do with some upgrades. Food everywhere was pretty good and plentiful, though the breakfasts could have been more substantial. Hotels in Argentiere and Alrolla were absolutely fine, with the award for hoteliers of the year going to our new best friends at the Sonne, which was excellent!!!!!!!!!! …”
—Jim R., UK

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“Thank you all for the excellent administration, granting discounts and upgrades and lastly for delivering quite superb weather. Is it any surprise we had such a cracking adventure…”
—Ray M., Hong Kong, China

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“Trient – modern and very nice. Chanrion also comfortable Bertol a real experience and very friendly welcome. Schonbielehutte serves excellent food (we didn’t stay there). Hotel Glacier in Arolla was excellent as was the Sonne in Zermatt…”
—Mark D., UK

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“The huts and hotels were great. The toilet facilities in the Albert were pretty rough and one of the hut guardians could do with a course in customer relations. Food was great. Breakfasts very basic. Ear defenders should go on your kit list…”
—Alex B., Thailand

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