This two short trips are perfect for hikers that like to enjoy stunning views over the Mont Blanc mountain chain, sleep in two mountain huts and spot some ibex and wildflowers along the way. Your local guide makes sure that you will get to the huts just in time to enjoy a delicious mountain dish and that you don’t have to worry about anything but taking the nicest pictures of the famous mountain scenery.
On the first option you will sleep in dormitories, and on the second option you’ll enjoy the comfort of a double room if available.
1. Aiguille Rouge mountain range
Arrival day : Meet in Chamonix
18.00: Information and meeting with the guide in Chamonix.
Day 1: Refuge Bellachat, 2152m
We hike from Chamonix up to the Refuge Bellachat (2152m). The Refuge offers one of the nicest views over the Mont Blanc mountain chain. You might want to enjoy a drink on the terrace that overlooks the whole Mont Blanc valley and wait until the sunset puts the mountains in a pink coat. The family style dinners will soon be served in the cosy mountain hut.
5-6 hrs, 7km, +1100m, (can be less altitude gain with a transfer to a higher start in the morning, overnight at the Refuge Bellachat
Day 2: Lac Blanc – Refuge Lac Blanc, 2352m
An early breakfast at the mountain hut with the fantastic views towards Mont Blanc. Our trail brings us up to Brevent summit for an even more breathtaking view. We reach Col du Cornu via the Col du Brévent where we walk down to Planpraz. After a picknick lunch we continue along the northern Balcony trail to Flégere. A chair takes us high above tree line. From here, our Refuge for the night is only 1hr away. Lac Blanc mountain lake is the perfect location to take some stunning pictures of a perfect mountain scenery with the Mont Blanc in the back.
We eat a good breakfast overlooking the Aguilles Rouges mountain before leaving this beautiful spot. Our way down to Argentière will take us to the Lac Cheserys and either Argentière or the Col du Montets. Those that want to hike a bit longer can join the guide on the Petit Balcon Sud all the way back to Chamonix. Lunch will be served at local restaurant in a typical mountain restaurant.
3-5 hrs, 10km, – 100m
Map with the Chamonix hiking route in red:
Costs per Hiker
1254.00€ with 2 hikers
795.00€ with 4 hikers
642.00€ with 6 hikers
Included in the price: Organisation, privat UIMLA-mountainleader for 3 days, 2 nights in dorms at mountain refuges with half board, 2 pack lunches, one lunch at Restaurant, hiking map copy Not included: personal insurance, drinks
2. Miage Mountain range
Day 1: Refuge de Miage, 1559m
Meet your guide at 9.00 in the morning in Chamonix and take the local bus to Les Houches. Prarion cable car brings you to a starting location with an exceptional view, right across the Mont-Blanc mountain range. You will walk down to Col de Voza (1653m), cross an impressive suspension bridge over a glacial stream and hike up to your next pass, Col de Tricot (2120m). You will eat picknick along the way and have time to enjoy the wild flowers and views over glaciers and peaks.
A steep trail down brings you to your beautiful final location of the day, the Refuge de Miage.
Day 2: Refuge de Miage – Refuge Tré – la Tête (1970m)
You will walk up to Chalet du Truc (1800m), a lookout where local farmers produce their cheese and sausages and start walking down trough a lush forest to the Valley of Les Contamines. Now your way starts climbing up little by little to finally arrive at the Tré – la – Tête Refuge at the foot of the Domes du Miage on the West side of Mont Blanc. You might want to enjoy the homemade Blueberry pie on the sunny terrace overlooking the mountains and valleys.
You stroll down to the Gorge Bon-Nant and can decide if you want to take a longer hike to Jovet Lake or just a loop in the Gorge and back down to Les Conatmines.
Take the local bus back down to St.Gervais les Bains and continue back to Chamonix by train.
You will be back in Chamonix around 5-6pm.
(14km, -1400m, + 800m included Lac Jovet, can be much less up and down)
Map with the Chamonix hiking route and the huts in red:
Costs per Person
2 hikers: 1290.- € / hiker
4 hikers: 828.- € / hiker
8 hikers: 597.- € / hiker
Included in the price: Organisation, privat UIMLA mountain leader guide for 3 days, guides expenses, 2 huts in privat rooms with half board, 3 picknick lunches, Prarion cable car, Bus Chamonix – Les Houches, Bus Les Contamines – St.Gervais les Bains, Train St.Gervais les Bains – Chamonix, hiking map copy
(We offer this tour also as a 6 days Best of Tour du Mont Blanc, please ask us for the itinerary)
The Tour du Mont Blanc, a complete circuit of the Mont Blanc, is the ultimate long distance mountain walk in the Alps, and has some of the most stunning scenery.
The TMB is a 120km route that passes through France, Italy and Switzerland. The track offers cultural delights, picture book Alpine villages, the vibrant towns of Chamonix and Courmayeur, and mountain huts with majestic views. Almost each night we stay in a different location. Accommodation varies from small family run village hotels and hand picked mountain guest houses.
Our Video:
Detailed Program:
Arriving day: We pick you up at Geneva airport or you travel independent to Chamonix in the Chamonix Valley. Check-in at the Hotel and get to know your hiking guide that tells you all about the tour.
Dinner and night at the Hotel in Chamonix
Day 2: Les Houches (1007m) to Les Contamines (1167m) Cable car ride up to Bellevue and ascent to Col de Tricot. A great lunch waits for us after a steep descent to the alpine village Chalets du Miage. We pass the Refuge de Truc where we buy some fresh cheese and sausages and finish the day in Les Contamines.
Night and dinner at Hotel in Les Contamines • ascent 639m, descent 1200m • distance 14km
Day 3: Les Contamines (1167m) to Les Chapieux (1554m). We reach Col de Bonhomme (2329m) 0ver an old Roman bridge and trough alpine cow pastures. After a picknick lunch we traverse the hillside to the slightly higher Col de Croix de Bonhomme before a descent to the hamlet of Les Chapieux.
Night and dinner at les Chapieux or village du Glacier • ascent 1270 m, descent 906m • distance 15 km
Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc
Getting into Italy
Day 4: Village du Glacier (1554m) to Courmayeur We follow the well marked route up to Col de la Seigne (2516m) where we cross the border into Italy. We enjoy views to the impressive Mont Blanc from it south side while stepping over the border line. From the Col we descend slightly down to Val Veny and take a bus to the alpine city of Courmayeur.
Night at Hotel Courmayeur, no organized dinner • ascent 734 m, descent 741m • distance 15 km
Day 5: Courmayeur (1226m) – Rest day Today you have a rest day in Courmayeur. There are great shops, cafes and bars. We also suggest a trip up the new cable car to punta Helbronner. Fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the glaciers of the Valle Blanche.
Night in Hotel in Courmayeur, no organized dinner
Day 6: Courmayeur (1226m) to Refugio Ferret We head up to Bertone Refuge for a coffee. Then along the ridge with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range, to the guesthouse Chalet Ferret(2025m). A peaceful mountain guest house next to a mountain stream.
Night and dinner at Chalet Ferret • ascent 1080m, descent 522m • distance 18km
Getting into Switzerland
Day 7: Chalet Ferret (2025m) to La Fouly (1610m) A gentle traverse of the mountainside to the Rifugio Elena for a morning coffee followed by a climb up to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) where we cross the border into Switzerland. Down through the flower meadows to the small village of La Fouly.
Night and dinner in a Hotel in La Fouly. • ascent 760m, descent 746m • distance 14km
Day 8: Champex Lac (1466m) to Trient (1279m) We take a bus up to Champex Lac and walk along the Bovine trail up to the Bovinette alpage where you can enjoy a delicious apple pie or a home made soup. Enjoy stunning views down to the Roman town of Martigny and the Rhone valley as you walk to Trient for the night. After the dinner we’ll have a short transfer into France for the night in the Mont Blanc valley at Argentière.
Night and dinner in a Hotel in Argentière
• ascent 750m, descent 705m
• distance 14 km
Back to France
Day 9: Col de Balme to Argentière (1252m) The last Col of the tour… The hike over the Col de Balme offers some of the finest views over Mont Bland and all the pointy needles around it. We stop for a delicious homemade Quiche at a mountain guest house before heading back down to Argentière.
Night at Hotel in Argentière, no organized dinner • ascent 1100m, descent 500m • distance 13km
Day 10: Argentière (1252m) to Chamonix (1000m) From the Col des Montets you walk through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to the famous Lac Blanc which provides a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc Massif. Your last walk down of the tour to La Flegère (1875m) and then a cable car down back to Chamonix.
Last night in a Hotel in Chamonix and farewell dinner • ascent 1100m, decent 500m • distance 12km
Map:
Difficulty
This is a challenging route with an accumulated height gain and loss of over 9,000meters. The route crosses from valley to valley via mountain passes, with long and some steep ascents and descents. This tour is ideal for regular walkers that are physically fit. The terrain on this trail is diverse with country lanes, forest trails, rocky mountain paths, and high mountain meadows. In early season you might have to walk over a few snow patches. We can arrange a luggage transfer between accommodations to make the tour easier for you.
Rates for a tour with luxury accommodations, please ask for the price for the tour with nights in huts and local guest houses
Luxury tour from 3915.00€ per hiker / single room supplement 410.00€
Tour with huts and guesthouses: Please ask for the price
Included in the price: Organization, certified UIMLA-hiking guide for the whole tour, 10 nights in privat rooms with ensuite bathroom in typical village hotels and mountain guest houses, breakfasts, 7 dinners, cable cars, pick up and drop off at Geneva airport, transport to hiking starts
Not included in the price: lunches, 3 dinners,luggage transfer (we are happy to organize that for you, the cost is 35.00€ per day per luggage of 15kg), meals that are not listed above, personal insurance (accident, travel, annulation etc.), drinks
Lunches
We didn’t include lunches because often hikers have different kind of appetite and food wishes along the trail. There are a view mountain guesthouses where we can stop for delicious lunches and the guides are more than happy to organize a buffet style picknick during the hike. Once in Les Houches the guide will ask you what your food preferences are.
9 Reasons why you should hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
There is a never-ending battle over which city or region is truly the best “mountain town,” “trail city” or “outdoor heaven.” East versus West, mountain access versus desert singletrack, dense forest versus world-class crags, even the local craft-brew scene comes into the debate. Europe doesn’t have this problem—there’s a clear winner. Chamonix, France is nestled at around 3,000 feet at the base of the picturesque Mont Blanc Massif and is about as close to a true outdoor heaven as a town can possibly be. Chamonix’s crowning attraction for adventure-seekers, though, is its location along the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170 kilometer (105-mile) circuit that observes the massif from all sides through three countries. More of a shrine to the Alps than a simple walk in the mountains, the TMB is the definition of a Bucket List Hike.
So, why should you stick the TMB on top of your list? Here are a few good reasons.
1. The Difficulty
The trail acts as a rite of passage for those addicted to serene alpine environments, climbing to 2,500 meters five times and totaling somewhere around 30,000 feet of total elevation gain. Each section of trail is comprised of a major uphill slog, usually followed by an almost equally brutal descent. It’s certainly no walk in the park, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
2. The Scenery
This one is a no-brainer. With hardly any forest cover, the mountain views are panoramic and never-ending. From almost any point along the trail there are million-dollar views of the massif’s glaciers and of Mont Blanc itself. You’ll want to keep your camera handy!
3. The Food
The TMB gives hikers the option to forego the “just add water” meals and incessant food daydreams that usually characterize a lengthy backpacking trip. Villages with stores and bakeries can be found almost daily, and more than 50 trail refuges offer semi-reasonable prices for hot food. Don’t worry, the physical demands of the hike will erase any guilt you might have about culinary indulgences. When in Europe, right?
4. The Accessibility
Many people shy away from backcountry trips that take longer than 2-3 days, the standard time/distance threshold where the risk goes up and the ability to bail goes way down. One of the most appealing characteristics of the Tour du Mont Blanc is how accessible and well marked the trail is. The path winds around some of the most sought-after terrain in Europe, so people are always nearby and help is readily available if needed. There are plenty of points to get on or off the trail, giving hikers the flexibility to create their own itineraries.
5. The Prestige
The trail is famous for its beauty, but this fame extends far beyond some pretty pictures in a magazine. For over a decade now, Chamonix and the TMB have hosted thousands of trail runners each August for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), which has developed into one of the most prestigious and influential ultra races in the world. Hundreds of the fastest mountain athletes flock to Chamonix weeks before the event to train for what may be their biggest race of the year. The UTMB follows the TMB counterclockwise starting and ending in Chamonix, and the fastest runners finish in under 24 hours.
6. The People
One of the best aspects of any popular hiking destination is the people that you meet on the trail. The fact that the Tour du Mont Blanc is such a global attraction elevates this to a whole new level. On any thru-hike it would not be unusual to hear ten different languages being spoken and to see an incredible age range of people using the trail. The trail is also open to mountain bikes, so it’s common to see cyclists resting on the trail’s high-elevation cols before an exhilarating descent. Swapping trail stories is even more fun when your campfire pals are from all over the world.
7. The History
Most high mountain areas have a history of adventure, and the Mont Blanc Massif is no different. The first ascent of Mont Blanc was in the late 1700’s, not too long after the first circumnavigation of the massif itself roughly along the Tour du Mont Blanc’s path. Some of the trails that comprise today’s TMB route are even older than this, though, because they follow old trade and transportation routes used for many centuries between mountain villages—some dating as far back to the days of the Roman Empire.
8. The Culture
In international travel, getting from Point A to B efficiently can sometimes restrict cultural immersion. Hiking is the perfect way to reverse that. As the trail wanders through quaint and historic hamlets in France, Italy, and Switzerland, hikers are able to gain an intimate look into local life and culture at their own pace without the distractions of modern transportation.
9. The Distance
Hiking over mountainous terrain is tough, especially for the first few days. When a hiker is able to continue working through the soreness and discomfort on a longer trek, a new world of empowered enjoyment can be found. A thru-hike of the TMB takes 9-12 days for most hikers, giving anyone plenty of time to adapt to the terrain and to thrive in the mountains. This is the perfect distance for an international trip that calls for a full-scale adventure in a compact timeline.
Skiing in Liddes, Pays du St. BernardOur beautiful Chalet at Val Ferret, Switzerland
Highlights
3 days ski teaching and ski touring
3 nights at a wonderful small Chalet in Val Ferret
Learn all about ski touring and back country skiing
Ski touring basics, including gear usage, uphill techniques, pacing, layering, and route selection
Avalanche awareness including terrain management and basic companion rescue strategies
Learn Off piste skiing and ski touring with us!
Three days of world-class skiing with top instructions from Ex-World Cup ski racer and certified ski instructor Ella Alpiger. This ski touring camp features the latest ski and ski-touring teaching techniques, avalanche safety informations and some hidden Off-piste runs.
“It’s all about learning off piste skiing technique, backcountry skills, mountain safety, and most importantly, having fun in the outdoors!”
We will base out of the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret for 3 days of adventure skiing. Our goal is to ski the best hidden places for the given conditions, and provide you with coaching and instruction in skiing off piste.
“It’s a unique ski program that makes it easier, faster and more fun to learn.”
Ski touring camp La Fouly Itinerary
Arrival day
We pick you up at Martigny train station at 6pm and drive into the Swiss Val Ferret (20′). We welcome you at the Chalet for a first get together.
Come enjoy a dinner in the kitchen and a glas of wine infront of the fire place.
Night and dinner at Chalet in Val Ferret
Day 1: Off piste skiing work shop and avalanche rescuing
From piste to Off piste work shop in the ski area of Liddes near Grand Saint Bernard Pass. We ski where we find the nicest snow. Get tips on your skiing skills and technique to help you improve in a variety of ski conditions and terrain. Work on technique and mental preparation that will improve your skiing in the backcountry, in steeps, trees, narrow chutes and crud. Learn how to search with your avalanche transceiver in the afternoon on a short ski tour. An important skill you have to know!
Before heading back to the Chalet we stop at the local cheese factory to get our Raclette cheese for dinner.
Night and dinner at the Chalet in Val Ferret.
Day 2: Ski touring intro La Fouly, Switzerland
A short drive brings us to our Offpiste work shop in the morning in the small ski area of La Fouly. It’s a secret spot for powder lovers and offers also some great tree skiing. Practice the tips you have learned yesterday. Now we are ready to bring our back country skiing to the next level. We start with a short ski tour in the afternoon where you learn all about ascending with skins on your skis, ski touring itineraries and snow safety information.
Night and dinner at the Chalet, enjoy a glas of wine at the fire place and check out today’s skiing videos.
Day 3: Ski tour
With a picknick and all necessary things in our backpack we skin up into the mountains. We use and try all our new learned skills and enjoy a day in the peaceful mountains. The course finishes at 4pm at the train station in Martigny.
Changes to the itinerary:
The programme is given as an indication only. Changes and adaptation may be made to suit current technical criteria, safety requirements and weather conditions.
What you will learn in this Women’s ski touring camp:
This course makes it possible for intermediate and advanced skiers to move to the next level of expertise in the shortest time possible. Get confident with the avalanche safety skills and make your first ski touring experiences. All in a group session designed to foster camaraderie. A truly elevated experience. Do you already have some ski touring experience? This course will still help you to improve and make sure, you feel confident while skiing off piste.
Personal Requirements:
If you feel confident on red and black slopes and have some off-piste experience, you’re ready to join this camp. Please contact us if you’re not sure about your level.
Location, Pays du St. Bernard:
In a privileged natural Alpine setting that is almost perfectly preserved, the St-Bernard region offers a wide range of sports and cultural activities.
In winter, the charming resorts offer ski runs and freeride for all levels with spectacular panoramic views in breathtaking natural surroundings .
How to get to Martigny, Switzerland:
Martigny in the Swiss Valais region can be reached by train in an hour from Geneva and in 2hrs from Zürich. From Chamonix you can reach Martigny by train as well.
Our Accommodation: (Depending on availability, sometimes we might stay in a small Hotel in La Fouly)
We’ll stay in a special Chalet from the 18th century, carefully renovated by Sylviane, our host. The chalet is located in a very quiet, traditional village with only 30 people living there.
We share the two big bedrooms with places for 8 people and can enjoy the whole chalet to ourselves. You can relax in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine or enjoy the tastefully decorated wooden living room and a big common space underneath the roof where we can do some yoga and stretching after skiing.
Chalet features:
Champagne and canapés upon arrival at the chalet
Home made vegetarian dinners – including special menus for those with dietary needs, prepared by Sylviane our host
Full breakfast every morning: hot and cold option including eggs, fresh bread, fruit platter and cereals
Afternoon tea – home baked cakes, fresh bread and jams with tea and coffee
(*Min. 3 skiers: accommodation/half board, ski pass and transport not included in the skiing only program)
Included: Professional teaching and organisation, 2 ski passes, 3 nights in a traditional Chalet with half board in shared rooms, lots of information about ski touring and avalanche rescuing, mental training tips, pick up and drop off at Martigny train station
Not included: Transportation to and back from Martigny, lunches, drinks, personal insurance, personal equipment (let us know if you need ski touring and avalanche safety equipment, it can be rented).
What material should you choose for our women’s ski touring camp?
Let us help with your decision. Please ask us before the course.
March – April, please choose your date for privat tours
From the French to the Swiss historical alpine capital
This seven day Ski tour on glaciers for the most part, offers exceptional beauty of the landscapes. It traverses the crest of the Western Alps and passes through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Europe. We start in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc and ski across the Wallis glaciers of Switzerland. The tour ends with a unique ski descent on the foot of the Matterhorn down to Zermatt.
This spectacular tour can be done in many different ways. Adding more peaks or changing tour route with other huts. Please contact us for more informations.
Map:
Price:
2 Skiers: 3’596.00€ per Skier
4 Skiers: 2’189.00€ per Skier
6 Skiers: 1’720.00€ per Skier
Included in the price: Organisation, 7 days IFMGA mountain guiding, Private Transport Champex – Verbier on Day 2, 6 nights at huts with half board, 6 pack lunches, tea for the tour Not included in the price: Drinks, Lift tickets, personal insurance*, personal equipment
*We strongly recommend the purchase of a cancellation, accident, travel insurance.
Level requirements
This trip is for experienced ski tourers who have already done at least one hut-to-hut tour or a multi-day ski tour. You should be able to skin up to 5 hours with up to 1100m vertical gain per day, at a good steady pace. Efficiency in your skinning technique and confident moving over a steep and exposed terrain should be no problem. You are expected to be comfortable and safe doing kick turns on slopes of over 35 degrees. Are you an excellent off piste skier, confident and efficient in skiing in all snow conditions without losing control over your skis? Skiing on slopes of 40 degrees is not a problem of you? You should be physically fit, ready to hike and ski for up to 8 hours per day without being too tired the next day. You have to be able to move reasonably fast (climb 400m/h).
Haute Route Mont Blanc Extension
Why not benefit from your fitness and acclimatization and climb Mont Blanc with skis following your completion of the Haute Route? Take a look at our program!
