- Dates: Middle of June – middle of September
- The freedom to hike at your pace, with the support to make it effortless.
The Aiguilles Rouges are located in the French Alps between Mont-Blanc from which it is separated by the Arve valley and the Haut-Giffre. This mountain massif in the Haute-Savoie region is quite simply one of the most beautiful in the Alps. On one side it overlooks Chamonix, on the other, it plunges towards Passy Natural Reserve.
Three different Natural Reserves
The Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges leads trough the heart of three nature reserves: the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, the Passy nature reserve and the Vallon de Bérard nature reserve.
Many high altitude lakes, glaciers, a great variety of rocks, flora at all alpine levels and abundant fauna with plenty of marmots, chamois, ibex to observe.
There are no words to describe the Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges. If one would try, one would certainly say: Wild, cut off from the world, preserved, peaceful.
As soon as you pass the Col du Brévent, you will be amazed. You will navigate on panoramic paths, between waterfalls and natural pools, torrents, forests, rocky chaos.
- 5 hiking days
- 4 Nights at traditional mountain huts
- Best views of the Mont Blanc range in a preserved environment
Hiking programme Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges, Chamonix:
Day 1: Col des Montets – Refuge Lac Blanc
The first day in the natural reserve offers already some highlights. Deep blue mountain lakes, impressive views over the whole Mont Blanc range and possible sporting of ibexes.
- + 1076m, – 70m, 5-7hrs
Day 2: Lac Blanc – Refuge Bellachat
Two options for todays hike depending on the time of the year. Either you will explore the highest mountain lakes in the area or walk on the stunning panoramic balcony path high above the Chamonix Valley. You will get rewarded with a stay at a rustic mountain hut just opposite Mont Blanc.
- +1200m, – 1400m / + 1088m, – 1309m, 6-8hrs
Day 3: Le Brévent – Refuge Moëde Anterne
Over Brévent viewpoint you get to the north side of the Aiguilles Rouges and can soak in an ice cold mountain lake just before a Fondue dinner at the hut.
- +744m, -903m, 5-7hrs
Day 4: Col Salenton – Refuge Pierre a Berard
A spectacular mountain pass brings you to the beautiful, wild Buet valley. Now we enter the beautiful, wild Buet valley and finish our day at the Pierre à Berard hut perched into the mountain.
- +981m, – 1537m
Day 5: Village Le Buet – Arête des Posettes – Argentière
You end this tour with a hike to one of the best viewpoints in the Chamonix Valley and finish the day back at your starting point.
- +900m, – 1600m
Map for Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges self guided:
Price for trekking tour des Aiguilles Rouges, self guided:
2 hikers: 831.00€ per person
4 hikers: 615.00€ per person
Included in the price: Organisation, 4 nights in refuges/mountain huts with half board, 4 picnics, detailed hiking map, detailed hiking itinerary with additional area information
Not included in the price:
Personal insurance, personal equipment, cablecar to Brévent (if you like to take it), beverages, transfer to hiking start and back from the end of the hike
Why self guided?
- All the bookings are done by us
- Completely hassle free
- Independence from the group
- Flexible schedule – you don’t need to fit into the schedule of an organized trip
This self guided treck is perfect for travellers after a lot of freedom and flexibility without compromising on the security and organisation of a guided tour. Designed to help you see the Aiguilles Rouges at your own pace, this trip operates for as little as one person and is incredibly flexible, economical and fun.
During a self guided walk all of the hassle of logistics and accommodation is taken care of, allowing complete freedom for you to explore fascinating landscapes rich in nature, culture and beauty. Our detailed route notes and maps mean you’ll stay on track. We’ll provide you with clear and detailed route descriptions and maps and local sightseeing information covering the best things to see and do en route. Under your own steam you’ll have time to savour the sights and delights of the region.
Our knowledge
We’re based in Chamonix, that gives us a wealth of local knowledge & experience. We have trekked the routes for many years with our guided groups which is why we can suggest the optimum routes, the nicest accommodation and of course the places to avoid. We’re also happy to tailor make an itinerary to suit your needs.
Do you prefer to do this tour with a local guide?
We’ll be more than happy to find a certified local guide to lead you on the Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges. Learn lots about culture, fauna and flora from your guide and don’t worry about anything.
Difficulty and Terrain
This trekking tour is appropriate for experienced hikers (no high mountain experience required) and requires a very good level of fitness. This tour is physically demanding you will be travelling over rugged and mountainous terrain with a sustained amount of ascent and descent on a daily basis. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed trail notes and maps.
Accommodations / Mountain huts
You will sleep in tradition served Mountain huts/Refuges nestled in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges mountains. Great views are guaranteed! Enjoy a fresh baked cake after your hike and a beer after a swim in the ice cold Lac Blanc.
Most huts offer dormitories with duvets and pillows. One hut offers double or triple rooms as well as dormitories. 2 huts offer hot showers (first and third), the others have a washing area with cold water. All the huts will serve family style dinners and breakfasts. Drinking water is not available at all huts but you can buy water and beverages from them and fill up your bottle on the mountain streams along the way.
For the accommodations before and after your tour you will find everything in the Chamonix Valley, from the 5 star hotel to a BnB, a catered Chalet or a small Studio. Let us know if we can help with finding the perfect place for you.
When to do the Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges
This Tour is available on any date from 15th of June until 15th of September (last starting date). Regularly updated weather forecasts for the area are available here.
Prepare for the Trekking Tour des Aiguilles Rouges
Make sure you are aware of the daily distances travelled and the height gain and descent so you know what to expect. It’s a good idea to have a trial at packing your backpack beforehand to maximise space, check the weight and get rid of any un-needed items! If you are not used to trekking with a heavier rucksack take it out with you when training during the months beforehand.
Getting to Chamonix
Your holiday starts and ends in the major Alpine resort of Chamonix, one of the best-linked in the Alps. The most convenient and closest airport is Geneva (GVA). Several minibus companies offer the route in about 1h 30m. You can also take the scenic Swiss trains via Martigny (Train directly to Martigny and then change to the Mont Blanc express train with one change in Vallorcine). Also from the Swiss side, Zürich (ZRH) and Basel airports work but with longer train journeys.
You can find your trains schedule here.
Your travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price, and we leave you to arrange your transfers individually. We do however take care to give the most useful notes possible about all travel options.
Equipment list
- Well broken in hiking boots/trail running shoes, should have a sturdy, vibram-like sole
- Backpack aprox. 35L that fits well to your back
- Hiking poles
- 2 pairs of Socks (one for the day, one for the hut)
- Hiking pants or tights
- T-shirt/long-sleeved top
- 2 sets of underwear
- Fleece (Thermal layer)
- Thin down jacket
- Gore-tex or waterproof pant and jacket
- Small gloves
- Buff/sun cap
- Beanie hat
- Sunglasses
- Suncream
- Small microfiber sport towel for use in the huts
- Water bottle/bladder minimum 1L
- Gaiters for tours in eraly season
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Earplugs (for the dorms in the huts)
- Sleeping sheet /liner (lightweight, silk) are needed for the huts
- Face mask
- Blister plasters (Compeed or similar)
- Mountain rescue numbers (see above)
- Multifunction knife
- Compass
- GPS (optional and only if you know how to use it)
- Altimeter
- Map
- Guidebook
- Whistle (there might already be one on your backpack strap)
- Survival blanket
- Head torch with extra batteries
- Phone with phone charger and extra batterie pack
- Passport or ID card
- Money €
- Bank card
- Insurance card
- Toilet paper and lighter
- Rubbish bag
- Waterproof sip lock bags or biger waist bags to keep essentials like extra socks and T-shirt in your backpack waterproof
