Trekking Mont Blanc
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Our circuit begins and ends in Chamonix, France. This evening is our first opportunity to try out some of the best Alpine specialities in a typical restaurant, such as Cheese fondue, Tartiflette or Raclette accompanied with some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: As this is a challenging active trek, demanding good fitness and equipment, it is very important that you arrive on time for this briefing to learn more about the route and to hear your leader's recommendations on equipment. Please make every effort to arrive on time. If you are delayed, your CEO will leave you a message detailing where they can be contacted and when to meet later in the evening or early the following morning.
Travel to Les Houches and enjoy a 15km (9 mi) hike through the stunning countryside to Les Contamines and savour a delicious dinner in the evening. We set off this morning after breakfast for our first day of hiking. We'll take the bus to the village of Les Houches, where we begin with a cable car ride to Bellevue. From here on a clear day you’ll enjoy great views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range, before beginning our hike to Les Contamines.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Mont Blanc Trek - Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie: Hike past the Bioniassay glacier and the rolling slopes of Col du Tricot (if weather permits,) afterwards descend into the Valley of Les Contamines-Montjoie. Then climb up along an old Roman ridge and past an original Roman bridge. Arrive to the Gîte in a valley that leads to the Col du Bonhomme and stop for the night for a well-deserved rest. Approximate hiking time is 8.5hrs. 900m - 2952ft ascent, 1300m - 4265ft descent
Hike the challenging 15km (9 mi) from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux.
- Mont Blanc Trek - Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux: Begin the steep ascent to the Col Du Bonhomme, then hike to the Croix du Bonhomme and stop for lunch. While eating your meal, enjoy the amazing view of the Vallee des Chapieux. Descend to Les Chapieux for the night. Today the group will tackle steep uphill and downhill routes on rough terrain, this part of the tour can be extremely difficult but hikers’ feeling of satisfaction after climbing the Col du Bonhomme make the challenges worthwhile. Approximate hiking time is 7 hours. 1300m - 4265ft ascent, 900m - 2952ft descent
Cross into Italy and finish the day in the beautiful Val Veny valley beneath the Mont Blanc massif.
- Les Chapieux to Val Veny Hike: Hike past alpine pastures and climb steadily to the Col de la Seigne, the border between France and Italy. From the pass, enjoy spectacular views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc before descending past glacial lakes into the scenic Val Veny. Continue the descent to the valley floor where you will finish the day at a camping area near Camping Val Veny, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery.
Spend the day exploring Val Veny, one of the most scenic valleys in the Alps, with optional walks to nearby alpine lakes, glaciers, and viewpoints. If you wish, you can take a bus or taxi to Courmayeur to explore its charming streets, cafés, and restaurants. For panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, you may also choose to ride the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car to Pointe Helbronner.
- Free Time: Relax and enjoy the scenery or enjoy one of the optional activities available here.
Transfer to Courmayeur then hike the 13km (8 mi) to the Italian Val Ferret. It's a steep climb but the rewarding views are worth it.
- Mont Blanc Trek - Courmayeur to Val Ferret: Lace those hiking boots back up! Start the steep climb up to Rifugio Bertone with the best view of the Mont Blanc Massif. Hike along the Mont de la Saxe, taking the balcony path facing the ridge of the Grandes Jorasses. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in the unforgettable view. Continue to Rifugio Bonatti, overlooking the Italian Val Ferret for the night. Approximate hiking time is 5hrs. 850m - 2789ft ascent, 285m - 935ft descent
Embark on a long, steep hike of 20km (12.5 mi) followed by a stay in the Swiss mountain village of La Fouly.
- Mont Blanc Trek - Val Ferret to La Fouly: Start towards Arp Nouva, then begin the steep climb across the Grand Col Ferret, and descend into the hamlet of Ferret, Switzerland. Continue the decent into the Alpage at La Peule before reaching a high traverse above the valley; from here, enjoy the view of the deep, green forest crawling up the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Continue downward on a the final passage, finishing in the mountain village of La Fouly, where you can finally kick those feet up and relax. Approximate hiking duration is 6hrs. 900m - 2953ft ascent, 1400m - 4593ft descent
After a short bus journey to the picturesque village of Champex, follow the "Bovine Way" and trek 16km (10mi) from La Fouly to Trient.
- Mont Blanc Trek - La Fouly to Trient: Taking the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley, we continue along our circuit today, passing the Col de la Forclaz and then heading downhill to Trient. Approximate hiking duration is 5hrs. 750m - 2460ft ascent, 950m - 3117ft descent
Enjoy a final day of trekking 12 km (7.5mi) over the Col de la Balme to the Chamonix valley.
- Mont Blanc Trek - Trient to Montroc: Head back towards the Chamonix Valley and out of Switzerland. Walk uphill through a large forest and then open alpine slopes to the Col de Balme. Trek the last downhill stretch to Montroc in the Chamonix Valley to wrap up this unforgettable trek. Approximate hiking duration is 5hrs. 900m - 2952ft ascent, 750m - 2460ft descent
We suggest booking your flight no earlier than 12:00 if you would like to leisurely enjoy your last morning in Chamonix. Please keep in mind that Geneva is approximately 2 hours away.
Please note that most international flights depart from Geneva Airport, and you will need to allow at least 3 hours prior to your departure time to travel from Chamonix to Geneva. For this reason, our suggested 12:00 flight departure time is not mandatory, but recommended to allow a leisurely final morning on tour.
Trip Inclusions
- Hike the soul-stirring Mont Blanc massif.
- Witness alpine meadows and rocky peaks.
- Conquer windswept cols and steep trails.
- Earn that delicious mountain meal.
- Stay in remote mountain refuges.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Challenging mountain hikes led by an International Mountain Leader (IML) (8 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Local bus, walking, cable car
- Qualified IML (International Mountain Leader) as CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (4 Nights, Possibly Multi-share), Mountain Refuges (5 Nights, Multi-share)
- 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
For travellers who prefer their adventures powered by motion - G's Active tours offer an immersive way to explore the world. Whether it’s hiking rugged trails, biking scenic routes, or kayaking along rivers and coastlines, all you'll need to bring is your energy, enthusiasm, and a love for active adventure. Our expert guides provide all the gear and logistical support needed so you can focus on the journey.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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