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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • guided alpine walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in gîte-hostels or refuges
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$1790USD

 

Overview

Trip Code: UCW

Trip highlights


  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe
  • Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps
  • Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette
  • Sharing your hiking day with like minded fellow travellers

Specially devised for hikers who like to 'smell the roses' en route to the next comfortable gîte or mountain refuge, this relaxed hike around Mont Blanc still takes in the vistas for which the Tour du Mont Blanc is so famous. In the company of a small group of like minded companions and a bilingual guide, the walk traverses high passes, meadows brimming with alpine flowers and wanders through typical mountain villages. There is ample time to stop and take in the stunning scenery, enjoy a picnic of local ingredients and absorb the alpine culture as you make your way to the next accommodation. This is relaxed alpine hiking at its best.

Traveller Rating

 

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

25kg of CO2-e PP per day

(149kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Leaving from Chamonix, we commence hiking above the Chamonix Valley. As we ascend the trail there are numerous opportunities to take in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating hike and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour. Distance 13.3km/8.2mi, Ascent: 870m/2857ft, Descent: 450m/1476ft

Meals:  L,D

Leaving from the village of Le Tour you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation. Distance 12.2km/7.6mi, Ascent: 1050m/3445ft, Descent: 980m/3215ft

Meals:  B,L,D

The route we take today is via the Mountain of Bovine which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m) where there are beautiful lake views. Along the route there will be views of Grand Combin, the Rhone Valley and the Bernese Alps. Distance 13km/98mi, Ascent 700m/2296ft, Descent: 900m/2952ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight gîte with shower. Distance 17km/10.5mi, Ascent: 750m/2460ft, Descent: 620m/2035ft

Meals:  B,L,D

The route today takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. After some time drinking in the panorama you can amble down the steep track to your overnight accommodation at the Refuge Elena which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Distance 11.5km/7mi, Ascent: 980m/3215ft, Descent: 500m/1460ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, pack your overnight essentials in your daypack, as your main luggage will be transferred ahead and waiting for you in Courmayeur. Today’s walk is one of the most scenic on the route, following a balcony trail through the Val Ferret with sweeping views of the Grand Jorasses, the Mont Blanc massif, and—on a clear day—the distant Col de la Seigne marking the border between France and Italy. Upon reaching Rifugio Bonatti, we continue along the northern flank of Mont de la Saxe, with uninterrupted views of the dramatic Aiguille Noire and the towering Brenva face of Mont Blanc. Overnight Rifugio (1989m/6526ft). Distance 15km/9.3mi, Ascent: 631m/2070ft, Descent: 704m/2309ft

Meals:  B,L,D

The TMB trail takes us down to the charming alpine village of Courmayeur where the trip concludes around 10-11am - time to celebrate with a gelato! Distance 4.5km/2.8mi, Descent: -900m/2952ft

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.
  • 6 nights in gîte-hostels or refuges on a multi share basis with shared facilities (upgrade to rooms - 5 nights double, 1 nights quad share available - supplement applies. Note: not necessarily private facilities)
  • Luggage transfer by vehicle (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only), except to Rifugio Berthone (need to carry overnight requirements - no vehicle access)
  • Experienced mountain guide

  • Travel to Chamonix and from Courmayeur, as well as to and from the trailhead
  • Drinks and snacks eg protein bars, trail mix
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Storage of luggage. There is the option to have your main luggage transferred from Chamonix to Courmayeur, to collect at the end of the trip - must be pre-booked - please ask your consultant.
  • Transfers not noted as included
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Luggage transfer on days 6 &7 - need to carry your overnight requirements. Your luggage will be returned to you in Courmayeur

Accommodation


Grading

moderate  

GRADE 3 - Daily guided hikes of around 3-6 hours (approx 10-17km). There are some more demanding stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care (maximum ascents of approx. 1000 metres per day). The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions. As with all our moderate programs, we expect participants to be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sport around two to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for June departures and strongly recommended for departures in July, August and September. Should there be recent snowfalls and subsequently snow underfoot, your guide (at their discretion) will request all hikers to wear boots. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.


Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Option to upgrade to 5 nights double rooms / 1 night dorm, supplement applies. No single room option available. Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.
Note:
The Chamonix Marathon is held in late June, and TMB Ultra Marathon in late August. We recommend making your pre- & post- trip accommodation reservations well in advance. See Trip Notes for more information.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1790USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Double room supplement - 5 nights double/1 night dormUSD$370
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Mont Blanc Guided Walk with UTracks

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