Guided: Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

Tour du Mont Blanc Hike Itinerary

Arrival/Travel Day:

Arrive at our Hotel in the 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 acclimatize and warm up we start with a day trip in the Chamonix Valley – 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 us to reach our destination in time for lunch at the famous Refuge du Lac Blanc, perched high above the Chamonix Valley. A 10-minute taxi or bus ride takes us to the Montet Pass from where our trail climbs steeply up granite benches and past small herds of goats and sheep. Once we reach the main bench above the valley, our trail climbs obliquely to the Lac Blanc, a series of small lakes with gorgeous views to Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus, several of the classic alpine climbs of the Chamonix area.

A hearty lunch of omelettes, soups, and amazing fruit tarts are served up by Jean-Charles and his crew. We can enjoy a short nap on the lounge chairs or dip our tired feet in the refreshing waters of Lac Blanc. Less than two hours are needed to traverse to the Index chair lift followed by the Flégère cable-car and we will reach the valley bottom easy on the knees in Les Praz. A public bus or taxi will take us back to Argentière in about 15 minutes.

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, our private shuttle will transport us about 45 minutes to the small town of Les Contamines (included in trip package), where our hike begins on an ancient Roman road, used for trade and for 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 lunch.

Post-lunch, we 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 is our next destination where an afternoon snack and coffee break awaits. We get our first views of Italy to the east with glimpses of the Vanoise National Park directly south. A long, 1,000 m / 3,300 ft descent is our next challenge and our tired legs will be happy to stop in the tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux and our mountain inn for the evening.

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

Our day begins with a short, 10-minute shuttle to the trailhead and Ville des Glaciers dairy farm where we will take a tour of a small, family-run cheese factory. After about an hour of touring and cheese tasting, the walk begins along a wide track before climbing towards the border with Italy and seeing the stunning views out to 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. You can now say buongiorno and enjoy a real Italian espresso!

A strategically placed mountain hut, the Rifugio Elisabetta, is perched high on a rocky outcrop, a perfect venue for afternoon cake and coffee before heading down to Courmayeur. After our break, we take a WWI military track past rushing streams and hanging glaciers to our bus stop at La Visaille before embarking on a 45-minute ride to the ancient Roman garrison town of Courmayeur. 3-star hotel in Courmayeur.

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

Many options today! Commonly we take a transfer to the hamlet of Arnouva, in the Italian Val Ferret and then 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 our taxi or bus in La Fouly. A 45-minute scenic drive will deliver us 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, we can 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 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 our hotel for the evening.

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! Our day begins with a steep descent to the valley floor and the small town of Trient before we begin our 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 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, we should reach the hamlet of Argentière and our 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.

Inclusions

Services included in the total price

• 6 days guiding by an internationally (UIAGM/IFMGA) certified multilingual mountain guide or UIMLA certified hiking guide including all guide expenses
• 4 nights double room lodging (or dorm-style if double rooms are not available) with half board in village hotels or mountain inns
• 3 nights double room lodging with breakfast in Chamonix Valley.
• All ground transportation including chair lifts, taxis, and buses in accordance with the itinerary, parking fees and road tolls
• Daily luggage transfers ( 1 x 15kg small duffel bag per person) to the road-accessible hotels/inns
• Large luggage storage  (hardshell suitcases) at hotel in Chamonix Valley

Additional trip services available

• Airport shuttles from Geneva to hotel in Chamonix Valley: From €45 / person
• Additional nights Chamonix Valley: Double room B&B: From €100 / person

Not included

• Airfares
• Airport transfers to and from the Chamonix Valley
• Insurance
• Large luggage (hard shall suitcases) transfers
• 3 x Dinner in Chamonix Valley
• Lunches (sandwiches and snacks can be purchased at the accommodations or in the villages)
• Beverages (water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Single room surcharge for all lodging €90 per night (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.

Transportation

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.

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.

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

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

Tour du Mont Blanc Hike Private Trip Pricing

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

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 call us for a quote.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc trip as shown can also be extended by adding in overnight stays at higher huts.

We will gladly run a trip for your group anytime between mid-June and mid-September. Assuming the same format as our scheduled 6- or 7-day treks, please consider the following pricing relative to our scheduled departures:

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 20% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6- 8 participants 10% discount from our advertised per person price
9 – 10 participants 15% discount from our advertised per person price

The pricing assumes one guide per group and for larger groups this tends to only work if the group members know each other and moving rather homogeneously as a group. For groups larger than 10, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Option to extend the trip by adding one hut night:

Day 4: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

By far the longest and most testing day, but also one with the best vistas out to the south side of the Mont Blanc Range. The hike begins in the old town of Courmayeur, past the guide’s office and up to the start of the steep, 700 m / 2,300 ft climb to the Rifugio Bertone. On a hot day, the hike through the larch and spruce forest is a welcome as the trail winds its way to our first stop of the day. The Rifugio Bertone is the perfect place for a morning coffee and pastry before we head to the ridge itself and make the long traverse over to the Rifugio Bonatti.

About five hours is required to traverse the entire ridge and reach the high point of the day at Testa Bernarda (2,534m / 8,300 ft) before hiking down to the Col Sapin and then making the final climb to Tête de la Tronche. The Rifugio Bonatti is named after the famed Italian climber and author, Walter Bonatti who’s routes are still considered a tour de force. Overnight in double rooms or dorms.

B,L,D 1,600 m / 5,250 ft vertical gain, 16 km / 10 miles distance, 8 hours of walking.

Day 5: Rifugio Bonatti to Champex

Leaving the Bonatti Refugio behind, our trail takes us down to the tiny hamlet of Arnurva and its small cheese factory which makes the famed Fontina cheese – a local delicacy. An easy day awaits us as we can already stop for a morning cappuccino at the Rifugio Elena before making the short climb to the Grand Col Ferret and the border with Switzerland. Stunning views out to Mont Dolent, Aiguille du Triolet and the Aiguille de Talèfre, not to mention Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and Mont Vélan on the Swiss side. Our walk to the valley floor will take roughly two hours where we have the option of taking the Swiss Post bus or private taxi to Champex.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

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).