Hiking Adventure: Tour Du Mont Blanc
August 21 -August 31, 2027
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is an awe-inspiring hike that encircles the magnificent Mont Blanc massif across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Despite being the 11th highest peak globally, the Col des Fours is often regarded as the highest point of the TMB, standing at approximately 2,665 meters (8,743 feet) above sea level. This pass provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of the neighboring peaks. The route guides hikers through diverse terrains, including challenging mountain passes, verdant valleys, alpine meadows, and icy glaciers.
Apart from its natural splendor, the TMB also offers a cultural journey as it traverses traditional alpine villages where one can savor local dishes, engage with locals, and delve into the area's history. It stands as one of the most sought-after long-distance hikes in Europe, drawing adventure enthusiasts from across the globe. Whether you crave the thrill of high-altitude passes or the tranquility of alpine pastures, this expedition combines adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration seamlessly.
Adequate fitness levels are essential, and pre-trip training is strongly recommended.
Day 1
Get comfortable and unwind by the pool as you take in the breathtaking views of the mountains. Later tonight, we will gather in the lobby for a welcome dinner, giving us the chance to get to know each other better.
Accommodations:
Heliopic Hotel & Spa
- The hotel is located a 9-minute walk from the center of Les Houches, 7 km from Chamonix, and 9 km from the Réserve Naturelle de Carlaveyron.
Group Welcome Dinner included
Day 2
August 22nd - Chamonix to Les Contamines
Chamonix to Les Contamines
The Starting Line: You will take the local valley bus or train from Chamonix center down to Les Houches. You'll walk right up to the famous TMB Arch (the official, iconic wooden archway that marks the start of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc loop).
The First Climb: You will make a steady, steep climb out of Les Houches through the pine forests up to Col de Voza (1,653m). Here, you cross the tracks of the historic Tramway du Mont Blanc (a cogwheel train) and get your first sweeping views of the Bionnassay Glacier.
The Thrilling Walk (The Variant): Most hikers prefer to take the spectacular Col de Tricot variant if the weather is good. On this path, you will cross an incredible, swaying Himalayan suspension bridge directly over the rushing glacial waters of the Torrent de Bionnassay.
Over the Pass: You will climb steeply up to the Col de Tricot (2,120m), which treats you to a jaw-dropping view of the red rock needles of the Miage glacier. From there, you'll drop straight down into the grassy pastures of the Chalets de Miage (a perfect spot to grab an alpine blueberry tart).
Breakfast included, lunch and dinner included
Day 3
August 23: Les Contamines ➔ La Petite Auberge
(Bourg-Saint-Maurice)
What you pass: The beautiful baroque church at Notre-Dame de la Gorge ➔ the ancient Roman stone path climbing into the alpine zone ➔ Refuge de la Balme ➔ the wild, rocky moonscape of Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) ➔ Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m).
The Finish: You will drop down the long switchbacks into the tiny outpost of Les Chapieux and continue on foot down the scenic valley trail alongside the glacier torrent straight to your inn.
We will stay at La Petite Auberge (Bourg-Saint-Maurice)
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 4
August 24: Bourg-Saint-Maurice ➔ Rifugio Monte Bianco (Italy)
What you pass: You walk up through the dramatic Glaciers Valley (Vallée des Glaciers) ➔ past the historic stone dairy farm at Refuge des Mottets ➔ the steep, heavy switchbacks crossing the international border at Col de la Seigne (2,516m).
The Finish: You step into Italy! You'll descend into Val Veny, pass the historic Rifugio Elisabetta, and walk along the massive glacial moraine walls to your mountain lodge high on the ridge. We will stay at the Rifugio Monte Bianco
*Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
Day 5
August 25: Rifugio Monte Bianco ➔ Hotel Croux (Courmayeur)
What you pass: The high-altitude wetlands of Lac Combal ➔ a spectacular high ridge traverse with massive granite walls hanging overhead ➔ Rifugio Maison Vieille (famed for its espresso and trail-side snacks).
The Finish: A steep, forested descent directly into the cobblestone streets of the Italian mountain town of Courmayeur.
*Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6
August 26: Courmayeur - Rest Day
Opting for a rest day in Courmayeur during the Tour du Mont Blanc is truly a fantastic idea! Courmayeur, a charming town nestled in the Italian Alps, offers the ideal setting to pause, recharge, and regroup during your hiking expedition. Its historic center features a delightful labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets adorned with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Moreover, Courmayeur boasts thermal spas where visitors can relax and revitalize in the therapeutic waters.
To fully enjoy your well-deserved break, consider sleeping in, exploring this enchanting town in Northern Italy, indulging in Italian gastronomy, treating yourself to a massage, experiencing Skyway Monte Bianco, and most importantly... taking care of your laundry!
We will be staying at Hotel Crux.
*Breakfast and dinner included
Day 7
August 27: Courmayeur ➔ Auberge Maya Joie
(La Fouly, Switzerland)
What you pass: The steep morning climb out of town up to Rifugio Bertone ➔ the world-famous Val Ferret High Balcony (unobstructed views of the Grandes Jorasses wall) ➔ Rifugio Bonatti ➔ crossing the Swiss border at Grand Col Ferret (2,537m).
The Finish: You drop down into lush, rolling green Swiss pastures, passing the sleepy farm hamlet of Ferret before arriving in La Fouly.
We will stay at Auberge Maya Joie
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8
August 28: Auberge Maya Joie ➔ Relais d'Arpette (Champex-Lac)
What you pass: A beautiful, lower-elevation valley day. You trail alongside the rushing Drance river ➔ through postcard-perfect Swiss villages like Praz-de-Fort and Les Arlaches with their dark wood chalets ➔ a steady climb through pine woods up to the pristine alpine lake at Champex-Lac.
The Finish: You continue past the lake into the entrance of the quiet, rugged Val d'Arpette.
Breakfast lunch and dinner included
Day 9
August 29: Relais d'Arpette ➔ Hotel La Grand Ourse (Trient)
What you pass: Your choice of two footpaths. Either the Bovine Route (winding past alpine dairy farms, clanging cowbells, and panoramic views of the Swiss Rhone Valley) OR the extreme Fenetre d'Arpette variant (2,665m), climbing steep boulder scree fields right next to the massive ice-fall of the Trient Glacier.
The Finish: Both trails drop you right down into the tiny village of Trient, recognizable by its famous pink church.
We will stay at Hotel La Grand Ourse
Breakfast lunch and dinner included
Day 10
August 30: Hotel La Grand Ourse ➔ Hotel de la Couronne (Argentière)
What you pass: The climb out of Trient through the forest to the Col de Balme (2,191m), crossing the stone border marker back into France ➔ a massive head-on panorama of the entire Mont Blanc massif ➔ the high, scenic ridge trail of the Aiguillette des Posettes.
The Finish: You descend the ridge directly into the historic mountaineering village of Argentière to complete your final trekking day.
Breakfast lunch and dinner included
Day 11
August 31: Travel Day to Geneva Airport
The time has come to say our good-byes to the Alps and to each other. Wake up and enjoy breakfast at our accommodations before packing up and checking out.
A transfer will be arranged to the Geneva Airport (GVA) for those flying out today to take you home or wherever your next destination may be.
Breakfast included
Trip Cost Includes:
•One night stay at a resort style mountain lodge in Chamonix. Double occupancy room. Hotel also has a heated swimming pool, sauna, and onsite spa.
• 9 nights of accommodation, with twin/double rooms on 7 nights and shared rooms on the other 2 nights. You will have your own bed in a shared room with other hikers during the trek. Blankets and pillows will be provided at each of the accommodations. Hotel rooms along the trail are double occupancy.
• A group airport transfer from Geneva International Airport (GVA) to your hotel in Chamonix and back to Geneva International Airport (GVA)
• Private, fully guided 8-day 65+ mile trek through the heart of the Alps where you will visit France, Switzerland and Italy and hike past pristine lakes, traditional farms and ancient churches as you circumnavigate the world’s 11th highest mountain, Mont Blanc.
• Luggage transfer for the duration of the trek so you can enjoy the trail only carrying your essentials in your day pack while hiking
• Local in country transportation and transfers during the trek
• Time to explore the villages of Les Houches, Courmayeur and Chamonix
• Welcome and farewell dinners, all breakfasts along with all meals while trekking; in total this includes 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 dinners
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions
• Small group; maximum of 8 women + your trip host and local guide
Not Included:
• International Flights to/from Geneva International Airport (GVA)
• Tips and gratuities for guides (at the discretion of the client)
• Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above; meals not included - 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
• Trekking poles (available to rent), backpack (35-40L suggested), sleeping bag liner (mandatory), pillowcase, headlamp/flashlight and personal items
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
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