Full Tour du Mont Blanc

Route

What's the Plan?

Stage 1: ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES - REFUGE MIAGE
After making your way from Chamonix to Les Houches by bus, you will make your first steps uphill towards the Col de Voza, from where we can admire the ascent to the Mont Blanc through the Gouter refuge. After walking past the Bellevue hotel you will continue to the Bionnassay glacier. The hanging bridge over the drainage of this glacier is perhaps one of the great steps of the Tour. From here we will ascend the Col de Voza where you will already see our accommodation, the Refuge Miage. Here you will be able to enjoy a warm dinner in the dining room overlooking the Domes de Miage.

Ascent: 1350 m
Descent: 879 m
Distance: 14.5 km
Accommodation: Refuge Miage

Stage 2: REFUGE MIAGE - NANT BORRANT
After a nice breakfast at Miage Hut and taking the last pictures of the Domes, we will go to the Chalet du Truc and go down towards Les Contamines-Montjoie. The valley is certainly spectacular and the views towards the Mont Blanc massif and down the valley are certainly memorable. Once in the valley, we will go up towards Notre Dame de la Gorge and reach our refuge. This day allows a variant in case of good weather for the refuge of Tre la Tete and the glacier of the same name.

Ascent: 788 m
Descent: 960 m
Distance: 11.5 km
Accommodation: Refuge Nant Borrant

Stage 3: NANT BORRANT - MOTTETS
The first ascent of the day takes you to the Col de Bonhomme and the Croix de Bonhomme. This pass marks the abandonment of the valley of Les Contamines and the passage towards the southern zone where you can already sense your crossing to Italy. From here you will visit the refuge of the Croix de Bonhomme. The views of the Gran Paradiso National Park are impressive and the descent towards le Champieux is very entertaining. A short break in le Champieux and you will head towards your refuge for the night, Les Mottets.

Ascent: 1241 m
Descent: 1106 m
Distance: 18.2 km
Accommodation: Les Mottets

Stage 4: MOTTETS - MAISON VIEILLE
Our first hill of the day, the Seigne, takes you to Italy. The gentle descent towards the Elisabetta Soldini refuge and Lake Combal allows you to enjoy the view of Mont Blanc and its southern face. The Miage and Brenva glaciers and the impressive Peuterey needles accompany you all day long. Your accommodation is on a hill. The sunset with Mont Blanc in the background will no doubt have been worth it.

Ascent: 1249 m
Descent: 1249 m
Distance: 19.9 km
Accommodation: Maison Vieille

Stage 5: MAISON VIEILLE – RIFUGIO GIORGIO BERTONE
Today we descend to Courmayeur. This is one of the most famous places in the world in mountaineering and is the town from which Bonatti undertook his impressive ascent of Mont Blanc in the 1960s. From here, the climb up to Rifugio Bertone is magnificent, and from here Mont Blanc looks majestic.

Ascent: 760 m
Descent: 770 m
Distance: 9,5 km
Accommodation: Refuge Bertone

Stage 6: RIFUGIO GIORGIO BERTONE - GITE ALPAGE DE LA PEULE
Today, you should have a good breakfast, because one of the great climbs of the Tour, the Col Ferret, awaits you. First, you hike to Rifugio Bonatti, named after the legendary climber. From here, it takes about 3 hours to cross the col and reach the Swiss Val Ferret. The view of the Grand Combin is breathtaking. You will spend the night in Gîte Alpage de La Peule, just before you descend to La Fouly.  

Ascent: 1040 m
Descent: 930 m
Distance: 19,7 km
Accommodation: Gîte Alpage de La Peule

Stage 7: GITE ALPAGE DE LA PEULE - RELAIS D'ARPETTE
Welcome to Switzerland. Today, you have a fairly mild hike scheduled, from La Fouly to Champex, an idyllic spot in the Swiss Alps. Here you can enjoy the peace and have the opportunity to walk along the shores of the beautiful Lake Champex. You will spend the night at the foot of the Fenêtre d'Arpette, in the Relais d'Arpette of the same name. 

Ascent: 720 m
Descent: 1130 m
Distance: 22,5 km
Accommodation: Relais d'Arpette

Stage 8: RELAIS D'ARPETTE - TRIENT
The Fenetre de Arpette with its almost 2700 meters is the highest pass of the Tour. Its ascent is hard, but the views are worth it as, on the other side, you will find the Trient glacier and the Aiguille du Tour. The descent to the Chalet des Glaciers and the village of Trient is through a beautiful forest surrounded by fir trees.

Ascent: 1327 m
Descent: 1337 m
Distance: 12 km
Accommodation: Auberge Mont Blanc Trient

Stage 9: TRIENT - TRE LE CHAMPE
The Col de la Balme is not only the border between Switzerland and France but also the passage that takes us back to the Chamonix Valley from the opposite end to where we left it. From the top, you have an impressive view of Mont Blanc, the Dru, or the Aiguille du Chardonett. From here we go down to Tre la Tete by the Aiguille des Posettes.     

Ascent: 1265 m
Descent: 1265 m
Distance: 14 km
Accommodation: Gite le Moulin

Stage 10: TRE LE CHAMPE - CHAMONIX
The so-called southern balcony is a well-known excursion for all visitors to Chamonix, but we will take it from Tre la Tete. The climb is easy and in the end, you will enjoy the views from the Lac Blanc, one of the most beautiful memories of the trek. You can have lunch at the Lac Blanc refuge and from here you will go directly to Chamonix. You can spend the rest of the afternoon in Chamonix and in the evening you can try a typical Savoyard dinner.

Ascent: 1290 m
Descent: 1310 m
Distance: 12 km

What's Included?

Included:

√ Booking the huts
We will take care of arranging accommodation for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead. 

√ Accommodation
During your Tour du Mont Blanc trek, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we book automatically a bed in the dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

√ Half-board
Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts.

Excluded:

× Airfare and Visa
You have to make your way to Chamonix. The total amount does not include flights to France. 

× Transfers
Once in France, you will have to make your way to the trailhead in Chamonix. We will provide the instructions and assist you with how to get there. Transport to Chamonix is not included.

× Accommodation before and after the trek
Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

× Luggage Transport
Luggage transport is not included in the total cost of the trip. There are local companies offering these services if you wish for your luggage to be transported. NB: Don't book any luggage transport until your booking is confirmed.

× Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

× Lunch
Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

× Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

Accommodation

Accommodation

During your Tour du Mont Blanc trek, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we book automatically a bed in the dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this. If you book the Tour du Mont Blanc, the booked accommodations may differ from the below program here and there. A beautiful location and great food are at all times guaranteed.

Refuge Miage
The Refuge de Miage is located in the village of St Gervais at 1560m of altitude. Its location is ideal for spending a relaxing afternoon after your first day at the Tour du Mont Blanc. From the refuge, several short walks are possible for all levels of trekkers. Olivier, Céline, and their team offer their visitors warm meals as well as accommodation in private rooms or dormitories.


Refuge Nant Borrant
The chalet of Nant Borrant was built in the 1800s. In 1842, the council of the Commune of Les Contamines gave permission for a mountain hut to be established there. Located 45 minutes walk from Notre Dame de la Gorge, on the itinerary of the Tour du Mont-Blanc and the GR5, you will find at the chalet refuge de Nant Borrant a warm welcome in a friendly atmosphere, to spend a night during your hike or to eat for lunch.


Refuge Les Mottets
Located in the south of the Mont Blanc Range, in a beautiful Glacier Valley, Refuge les Mottets stands at an altitude of 1864 m and at the foot of the Aiguille des Glaciers and the Seigne pass. Here you will enjoy the pleasure of waking up in the morning in the middle of the mountains surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.


Maison Vieille
While staying at Maison Vieille you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most fascinating and spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. From the hut, you will enjoy the views of the peaks and glaciers that have marked the history of mountaineering. Cozy dormitories and relaxing hot showers will help you to recover from all the walking. 


Rifugio Giorgio Bertone
Rifugio Giorgio Bertone is one of the classic mountain huts around Mont Blanc, the mountain that was much loved and experienced by mountain guide Renzo Cosson. This hut is named after Giorgio Bertone, mountain guide and close friend of Renzo, with whom he undertook many adventures, most notably the first Italian ascent of the southeast face of the Nose to Capitan in Yosemite Valley. In 1977, fate struck and the Rifugio is a tribute. 


Gîte Alpage de La Peule
With 65 dairy cows, this classic gite produces raclette and tomme cheeses and typical local mountain pasture butter. Typical mountain dishes such as raclette, fondue and the assiette valaisanne and of course "croûte au fromage" are offered. Swiss hospitality as it is meant to be. 


Relais d'Arpette 
Since 1926, the members of the same family have been taking turns to give you an unforgettable time in their magnificent mountain inn. Enjoy a well-deserved stop at this nice hut, have a drink at their wonderful terrace where you can meet other trekkers, have a heart-warming meal, and rest surrounded by amazing views. 


Auberge Mont Blanc Trient
Trient is on the unmissable stage of the Tour du Mont-Blanc as well as on the international route between Martigny and Chamonix. Located at the entrance of the village, this Auberge is part of a traditional Swiss setting with its terrace, bar, and restaurant. 


Gite Le Moulin
At the foot of the prestigious Mont Blanc massif, between the Tour and Argentière glaciers, in an old mill, the hostel-refuge Le Moulin awaits you. The refuge is located very close to the Tour Col de Balme, just a few steps from the Aiguilles Rouges. The gîte-refuge du Moulin welcomes you for a "mountain relaxation" stay and a quiet night before the last stage of your Tour du Mont Blanc.

Packing List

Packing List

It doesn't matter where you are going trekking or for how long. Carrying the right equipment with you is paramount. For the Tour du Mont Blanc you will need, first and foremost, a good backpack and comfortable trekking shoes. The size of your backpack will depend on how many days you will be spending on the mountain, the season, and the clothes you will be taking with you. We have prepared a packing list with some essential clothing that you should include and some extras that you may find useful:

Essentials
- Walking boots (worn in)
- Walking socks
- Base layer tops – ideally thermal
- Mid-layer tops (eg. fleece)
- Trekking Trousers
- Hat for warmth or shade
- Gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm layer. 
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. 
- Nightwear and underwear
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses & sun cream
- Toiletries

Extras 
- Small first aid kit
- Blister Plasters
- Insect repellent
- Electrical socket adapter
- Camera and charger
- Map and compass 
- Whistle
- Book to read
- Energy snacks
- Walking poles
- Buff

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
This hike is one of the most famous in Europe and traditionally crosses 3 countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. The famous Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer long circuit, which encircles the Mont Blanc massif and has 10 kilometers of ascent/descent. The trek can be completed in 7 to 11 days, depending on the route and physical condition.

Best season
The best time to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc is during the summer months, July and August, when the route has little snow and the weather is usually good. Outside these months, the logistics get more complicated because many of the hostels and mountain huts on the route are closed. If we had to recommend a more specific time, it would be the second half of August. During these 2 weeks, the number of trekkers and mountaineers is lower and the weather is usually quite pleasant.

Starting points for the Tour du Mont Blanc
Since the Tour du Mont Blanc is a circular route, there are many starting points on the route. The most common, by far, is Chamonix or the nearby town of Les Houches on the French side. However, you can also choose to start at any of the other main towns en-route, like Les Contamines in France, Courmayeur in Italy, or Champex in Switzerland. To get to Chamonix, you can fly to Geneva and hire a transfer in advance to take you to this Alpine city. Transfers leave directly from the airport and are located as you leave the arrivals gate. You can travel within the valley between Chamonix and Les Houches on a local bus.

How to get to Chamonix
Fortunately, getting to Chamonix is quite easy. Chamonix is located only 103 kilometers away from Geneva international airport, the second-largest airport in Switzerland. There are several transport options for you to get to this beautiful city depending on where you are departing from. 

By Plane
Flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Chamonix. Although the Geneva international airport is indeed the closest one, you can also fly to Chambery Airport, Turin Airpot, or Lyon Airport. Being Geneva's the biggest airport in the area, it has more flight options available from more destinations than the other airports do. Also, from Geneva, you can take a direct shuttle from the airport to Chamonix. 

By Car
If you are in France already or in any country near Chamonix, you can drive there. The extensive network of European motorways makes it easy to reach Chamonix by car.

By Train
There is a train station right in the center of the city. Traveling to Chamonix by train isn't necessarily the easiest or fastest option, but it is definitely the one with the least impact on the environment. On your way to Chamonix, you will have to change trains a few times along the way. The silver lining is that you are allowed to carry more luggage without additional charges.

By Bus
Coach or long-distance buses are another option to get to Chamonix. The good thing about these buses is that they tend to be quite cheap and are more environmentally friendly than flying. If you choose this option, however, you must know that the seats can be quite uncomfortable and the ride takes the longest of all the options.

Safety

Safety

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a safe trek and the trail is quite well signposted along the way. Although the route is quite clear throughout the trek, it is important to carry competent navigation with a map and compass. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the mountains and occasional snow, fog or storms can make navigation hard. A map and compass are a must when going on a self-guided trek. Also, make sure to always have enough water, snacks, and a good jacket.

What to do in case of an emergency?
A situation is defined as an emergency whenever human life (yours or someone else's) is endangered and there is nothing you can do to resolve the matter. You should call for help if there has been an accident, if there is somebody trapped, if you got lost or in trouble and are unable to continue because of the time of day or weather conditions, or if you are trapped because of technical climbing challenges that exceed your capabilities.

The most important thing to do in an emergency is to stay calm and survey the situation. Do not panic or take useless risks if the people in trouble are difficult to reach. In an emergency, first and foremost, call for assistance. When calling for help, make sure to provide your location, and the number of victims and type of injuries. Then, protect the victim from cold and other environmental threats and administer first aid, if you can. 

Useful emergency phone numbers:
Italy: 118 / 112
France: 112
Switzerland: 144
Civil Protection (Italy): 800 319 319
PGHM Chamonix (France): +33 0 4 50 53 16 89

COVID-19

Covid-19

The Corona pandemic has had its grip on us, and mountain huts in the Alpine region have had to take several preventive measures over the past two years. In the meantime, the first relaxations in the Alps are noticeable, yet it is definitely still a factor to take into account. Some Covid restrictions that are worth mentioning:

- Don't go to the huts if you have symptoms!

- Not all mountain huts are allowed to operate at full capacity yet, so make sure you book your stay in advance.

- To be on the safe side, always take a mouth mask with you.

- In some mountain huts it is still compulsory to bring your own sleeping bag, in others a sheet bag and pillowcase are sufficient. Your personal travel guide will tell you which rules apply to your route.

- Bring your own towel

How to Book

How to Book?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking your match? In that case, you can proceed with your booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 30% of the total amount. In the case of this trek, we will check the availability at the respective accommodations for you. There are two possible outcomes:

√ There is availability 
We go ahead and make all necessary arrangements for your trip. Once confirmed, we will send you a confirmation and your personal hiking guide. The remaining 70% must be paid at least two (2) weeks before the start of the trekking.

X There is no availability 
If there is no availability, we will look for other starting dates or another trekking in agreement with you. Are there no other options for you? Then your deposit of 30% will be refunded.

Cancellation Policy
Bookatrekking.com is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable and that plans may change. In recognition of this, we have created a flexible cancellation policy for our trekkings. You may cancel your trekking reservation free of charge if you notify us at least 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your full booking amount.

Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.