Classic Tour du Mont Blanc

menu du mont blanc

As a full board trip, the majority of meals are included in this adventure. The mountain refuges provide hearty, traditional and generous meals, though it's a good idea to make sure that some euros are set aside for drinks.

Packed lunches will be provided and include local meats and cheeses, freshly-baked, crusty bread and fresh seasonal vegetables. The lunch items will be shared between the group for carrying each day.

Remember to bring any favourite snacks (cereal or energy bars, dried fruits, chocolate) if extra sustenance is required on the trail. Whilst walking, there are many refuges where it is possible to top up water bottles.

a range of accommodation

On the first and final nights of the tour, stay in a three-star hotel in Chamonix in twin rooms. While trekking, the overnight accommodation is in mountain refuges in shared mixed-sex dormitory rooms.

clothing to bring

• Sun hat (preferably wide-brimmed for protection)
• Sunglasses
• Scarf, warm hat and gloves
• Short and long-sleeved t-shirts - lightweight and quick drying
• An insulated and waterproof (hard-shell) jacket
• Trekking shorts and/or trousers
• Windproof and waterproof hard shell trousers
• Gaiters
• Trekking boots - with good ankle support
• Comfortable trainers for the evenings
• Lightweight trekking socks / warm socks

equipment to bring

• 80-100 litre duffel bag or backpack (not a rigid suitcase)
• 30-40 litre daypack
• Sleeping bag liner
• Trekking poles
• Water bottles or hydration pack
• Drybags for your kit (if your duffel bag is not waterproof)
• Cutlery set
• Head torch with spare batteries

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Genève Aéroport
Route de l'Aéroport 21
Le Grand-Saconnex
Geneva
1215
Switzerland

It's best to fly to Geneva International Airport (GVA) as Chamonix is only 53 miles away and transport will be arranged from the airport to the hotel as part of the trek. Transport is generally available at 2pm and takes around an hour and a half.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Chamonix

  Transfer to the beautiful mountain town of Chamonix and spend some time exploring before the pre-climb briefing with the guide. Afterwards, sample one of the typical local Savoyard restaurants (dinner not included).

• Day 2 | Chamonix to Les Contamines

  Take the Bellevue cable car to see beautiful panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges, the Fiz chain and the Aravis before trekking to the Bionnassay glacier. Cross the Col de Tricot (2120m) then descend to the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie for the night.

• Day 3 | Les Contamines-Montjoie to La Ville de Glaciers

  Start the day with a leisurely trek along the river before taking the long, steep ascent to the Col de Bonhomme (2329m), a pass which has been used for centuries by shepherds, armies and pilgrims. Climb the Col des Fours (2665m) then drop down to the mountain pastures famous for cheeses such as Beaufort and Abondance.

• Day 4 | La Ville de Glaciers to Monte Bianco Refuge

  Cross from France into Italy for breathtaking views of snowy peaks and glacial lakes before descending into the Val Veny and spending the night at the Monte Bianco refuge.

• Day 5 | Monte Bianco Refuge to Bonatti Refuge

  After morning coffee in Courmayeur, hike along the Val Ferret to the Bonatti refuge. With no vehicle access everything for the night and Day 6 trek needs to be carried.

• Day 6 | Bonatti Refuge to Champex

  Continue the ascent to the Grand Col de Ferret (2537m) and cross into Switzerland taking an ancient pass connecting the Aosta Valley of Italy to the Valais Canton of Switzerland. Take a local bus from the village of Ferret to the quaint lakeside village of Champex.

• Day 7 | Champex to Argentière

  Trek through high meadows with panoramic views of the Rhône valley before descending through beautiful forest to the Col de la Forclaz. From the village of Trient, take a private vehicle through the Montets pass back into France to Argentière.

• Day 8 | Argentiere to Chamonix

  Trek up to the Cheserys Lakes and on to Lac Blanc for a picnic lunch and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Mer de Glace. Spot ibex, chamois and marmots on the way before heading back down to Chamonix with time to relax and enjoy an evening in town (dinner not included).

• Day 9 | Departure

  Transfer to Geneva airport.

Included

• Return transfers from Geneva to Chamonix
• Full supervision by a professional mountain guide
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Chamonix
• 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuge
• Full board: all breakfasts, lunches and dinners (except in Chamonix on day 1 and 8)
• Luggage transfers throughout the trek

Not Included

• International flights
• Evening meal on day 1 and 8 in Chamonix
• Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
• Personal trekking equipment
• Travel insurance
• Tips for your guide

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

... you only need to show up and be ready to have a wonderful time hiking. The hotel in Chamonix was very, very nice and all the refuges along the way were above my expectations. All had hot showers, great (and plenty!) food, and a warm place to sleep. 2021 trekker.