Tour du Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc (15,771'), the highest peak in Western Europe, is a magnificent glacier-clad mountain with seven valleys radiating into France, Italy, and Switzerland. In circling this impressive massif, we cross from one country to the next—on foot! The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the “Great Hikes of the World,” and we’ve honed our unique version to perfection with impeccably planned hiking days, each one opening up new panoramas of the snow-frosted giants of the Alps. Cultural and culinary experiences through three countries are part of the delight, and high in the Alps, festive evenings may find us passing the traditional grolla bowl (espresso and grappa—flambé!) to toast our day’s adventures. Our expert team of Trip Leaders add energy and fun to memorable days on the trail.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Day 1
Chamonix, France / Mont Blanc

From Chamonix, below Mont Blanc, our warm-up hike brings us past the stunning pinnacles of the Aiguilles Rouges to mountain-ringed Lac Blanc for spectacular views over the Chamonix Valley.

Days 2-4
Les Contamines / Les Chapieux / Courmayeur

Hiking past the edge of the Bionnassay Glacier, we cross the Col de Tricot (7,000') and descend to charming Les Contamines. The next day, we hike over Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,180') and descend through flowery meadows to the remote summer village of Les Chapieux. On Day 4, we hike into Italy via the Col de la Seigne (8,300'), with views of Mont Blanc’s massive southern face. Passing the beautifully situated Elisabetta Refuge (7,600'), we descend to Courmayeur, Italy’s stylish alpine town.

Days 5-6
Val Ferret, Switzerland / Champex / Trient Glacier / Col de la Forclaz

With the massive granite peaks of Mont Dolent and the Grandes Jorasses in view, we hike into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (8,400') and cross the gentle Val Ferret, with its traditional wooden chalets with geranium-bedecked balconies, to Champex. On Day 6, we cross the Fenetre d’Arpette (8,800'), a dramatic pass with breathtaking views of the magnificent Trient Glacier and the glacial bowl of the Plateau du Trient. A long descent takes us along the edge of the Trient Glacier and through the forest to our inn at Col de la Forclaz.

Days 7-8
Chamonix

Our trail climbs through larch forests to the Col de Balme (7,234'), the border between Switzerland and France. Now again in the Chamonix Valley, we savor the glory of Mont Blanc before us, then hike down to Argentiere and on to Chamonix. Depart on Day 8.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This hike is rated Level 5, Strenuous. All trip members should have good hiking experience, but no technical climbing experience is necessary. Most hiking is at altitudes between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 8,800 feet. Daily hikes range from four to eight hours. All participants must be in good physical condition. There are long daily ascents and descents of up to 3,000 to 4,000 feet in each direction. On most days, we end the hike with long, steep descents. Of course, you are always free to skip a day’s hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip.

In Chamonix, we stay in the wonderful Grand Hotel des Alpes. Outside of Chamonix, we stay in comfortable (but not luxurious) small hotels and pensions, with shared bathrooms on a couple of nights of the trip. They are rustic, well located for hikers, and continuously busy in the summer hiking season. Please note that these are hikers’ hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Breakfasts and dinners are included. You will purchase your lunches from refuges, villages, or in small cafes. Evening meals are at our hotels, and they will consist of hearty mountain fare. A support vehicle will transport the group’s luggage daily. We use many forms of transportation as we travel during the trip, so we ask that you restrict your luggage to one piece, plus your daypack/rucksack.

Explanation of Trip Levels