Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided

Your tour starts at the lift in Les Houches, which you’ll take up to Bellevue (1780 m (5840 ft)).

You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of Mont Blanc and at the starting point of your incredible trek!

Your hike starts with a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay. Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col de Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)). Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie Valley before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)). Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll spend the night. First day done – you’ve officially left ordinary life behind.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, distance approx. 12 km (7.5 miles), 675 m (2,215 ft) ascent, 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellevue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). If you wish to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m (2618 ft) ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.
• N.B.: it is possible to shorten this stage by removing the climb to Col du Tricot. You’ll find info on the alternative route in your Travel Pack.

You’ll start the day with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)) and an optional visit to the famous Baroque church. Then, it’s a progressive hike up to Bonhomme Pass (2329 m (7641 ft)) between the Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain mountain ranges. You continue going up until you reach Col du Bonhomme (2433 m (7690 ft), where a beautiful panorama of Mont-Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) is the reward for your efforts.

Then, you’ll hike down through an alpine pasture that leads you to the hamlet of Chapieux. From there, you’ll take a private taxi (included in the price) to your accommodation in Bourg St Maurice. You’ve earned that dinner, whatever it turns out to be.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, distance approx. 18.7 km (11.6 miles), 1,355 m (4,446 ft) ascent, 982 m (3,222 ft) descent.
• Transfer 1: Notre Dame de la Gorge: 3.6 km (2.24 miles).
• Transfer 2: Bourg Saint Maurice 15 km (9.32 miles) (transfer to your accommodation in the village). You’ll do the same transfer the next morning to start hiking again.

You’ll start the day with a private transfer (included in the price) to la Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)) and start hiking from there. But first, you may want to start with a visit to the cheese farm to discover how the famous Beaufort cheese is made. Then, you’ll hike up to an alpine pasture to La Seigne Pass (2516 m (8255 ft)).

You’ve now reached the Italian border. It’s a stunning viewpoint with views of legendary summits like Mont-Blanc of Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. They all seem so close!

Then, you’ll hike down to the Val Veny at the end of the Miage Glacier. It’s a short transfer by local bus to Courmayeur (1226 m (4022 ft)), the capital of the Italian Alps, where you’ll be spending the night. Welcome to Italy – the pasta portions here are not shy.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, distance approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 760 m (2,493 ft) ascent, 880 m (2,887 ft) descent.
• Transfer 1: Bourg Saint Maurice – La Ville des Glaciers: 19 km (11.81 miles).
• Transfer 2: To Courmayeur: 7 km (4.35 miles).

Courmayeur to the end of the Val Ferret. You’ll begin the hike at the end of the Pré-de-Bar Glacier and Mont Dolent (3823 m (12543 ft)) and hike until you reach Elena Hut (2052 m (6732 ft)).

Then, you’ll continue hiking in the direction of the Grand Ferret Pass (2537 m (8323 ft)), the border pass between Italy and Switzerland. Take one last look at the Val Ferret before you hike down through the picturesque Swiss mountain pasture to reach the hamlet of Ferret (1 740 m (5709 ft)). Then you’ll take a short transfer on a local bus to the village of Champex and its charming lake where you can cool off with a swim. You’ve earned every inch of that lake.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, distance approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 820 m (2,690 ft) ascent, 980 m (3,215 ft) descent.
• Transfer 1: To Arnuvaz: 13 km (8.08 miles).
• Transfer 2: To Champex: 19 km (11.81 miles).

From Champex, you’re going to discover the famous Swiss mountain pastures and the cows that produce some of the most famous cheese in the Alps! From Bovines, the view of the valley of the Rhônes and of the Swiss Valais is amazing.

There’s also an option for a longer and harder hike to the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665 m (8743 ft)), a splendid pass that’s one of the highlights of the trip. Note: this option should only be done in good weather conditions. Your hike finishes in the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)). From there, you’ll take a private transfer to l’Argentière. You’re now back in France. Back in France, back on cheese duty.

• Hiking Time: Bovines Route: 5:30 hours, Distance approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), 800 m (2,625 ft) ascent, 750 m (2,461 ft) descent.
  OR Arpette Window: 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent, ~ 14 km (8.7 miles).
• Transfers To l’Argentière: 15 km (9.32 miles) or 10 km (6.21 miles) by foot.

You’re in for a treat on your final day. This hike in the Aiguilles-Rouges Massif in front of Mont Blanc provides spectacular viewpoints of glaciers and summits. From Montets Pass (1461 m (4793 ft)), you’ll follow a balcony trail to Chéserys Lake. It’s famous for its reflection of Mont Blanc!

You’ll continue to the beautiful Blanc Lake (2352 m (7717 ft)), then hike down to La Flégère (1877 m (6158 ft)). You can either take the Lift Les Praz de Chamonix or hike down. It’s your choice. Your hike finishes at the train station in Chamonix.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, distance approx. 18 km (11.2 miles), 1,200 m (3,937 ft) ascent, 1,420 m (4,659 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Argentière – Col des Montets (10 min, 3 km (1.86 miles)), Lift La Flégère (cable car) 30 min, Bus Praz de Chamonix to Chamonix (5min, 3 km (1.86 miles)).

From Chamonix, make your way to Les Houches by bus or train to reach the bottom of the Bellevue lift (your one-way ticket is included). At the top of the cable car, take a moment for the views across the Mont Blanc range before you head for the Col du Tricot.

On the way you’ll hike right underneath the Bionnassay glacier. After the col, it’s down to the Chalets de Miage and on towards Les Contamines-Montjoie, where a private transfer is waiting to take you to your hotel.

• Distance approx.: 12 km, 675 m ascent, 1305 m descent
• Accommodation: Private room in a 4-star hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie.
• Meals: Dinner and breakfast included

From your hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie, a private transfer takes you to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge to start hiking. From there you climb towards the Col du Bonhomme (2329 m). Today has the distance, the elevation and the altitude all in one go, and the col keeps its secrets for the hikers who earn them.

Once you’ve crossed the pass there’s no phone coverage, so you may as well enjoy being unreachable. Carry on to the hamlet of Les Chapieux, where another private transfer takes you down to Bourg Saint Maurice for the night.

• Distance approx.: 18 km, 1355 m ascent, 970 m descent
• Accommodation: Private room in a 3-star hotel in Bourg Saint Maurice
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

A private transfer takes you from Bourg Saint Maurice to La Ville des Glaciers, where you rejoin the Tour du Mont Blanc. You’ll climb through alpine pasture to the Col de la Seigne (2516 m), and a few steps later you’ve walked into Italy.

Before you drop down to La Visaille in Val Veny, stop and look. La Noire de Peuterey, the Grandes Jorasses and the rest of the skyline are all laid out in front of you. From La Visaille a private transfer takes you into Courmayeur, the capital of the Italian Alps.

• Distance approx.: 15 km, 755 m ascent, 880 m descent
• Accommodation: Private room in a 5-star hotel in Courmayeur
• Meals: Breakfast included. Dinner on your own, with restaurants nearby.

From Courmayeur you climb to the Bertone hut and out onto the Mont de la Saxe, then on towards the Bonatti hut. This is the stretch a lot of hikers remember most: the whole southern side of the Mont Blanc massif on your right, summit after summit, glacier after glacier, until you reach the refuge named after the Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti (2022 m).

From there you descend to Lavachey and catch a bus back to Courmayeur for a second night. Prefer to rest your legs instead? You can take today as a rest day in Courmayeur.

• Distance approx.: 14 km, 1000 m ascent, 590 m descent
• Accommodation: Private room in a 5-star hotel in Courmayeur
• Meals: Breakfast included. Dinner on your own, with restaurants nearby.

A private transfer takes you from Courmayeur to Arnouva to reach today’s starting point. The path leads you up to the Rifugio Elena, where a last Italian espresso is very much part of the itinerary, and then on up to the Grand Col Ferret and the Swiss border.

Turn around at the top for a final look at the Italian side of your Tour du Mont Blanc, then hike down to the village of La Fouly, where a private transfer takes you on to Champex.

• Distance approx.: 15 km, 820 m ascent, 990 m descent
• Accommodation: Private room in a 5-star hotel in Champex
• Meals: Breakfast included. Dinner on your own, with restaurants nearby.

Today is classic Swiss alpine walking. You start with about an hour and a half of easy hiking along the old cattle road that ranchers once used to move their herds through the mountains.

The trail rolls on through hilly ground with the Dents du Midi in view, then climbs through forest above the Rhone valley and the town of Martigny. At the Col de la Forclaz a private transfer takes you to your hotel in Argentière.

• Distance approx.: 14.5 km, 810 m ascent, 760 m descent
• Accommodation: Private room in a 4-star hotel in Argentière
• Meals: Dinner and breakfast included

Your last day is the one people photograph most. From Argentière you climb to a balcony path that crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, so keep an eye out for ibex and chamois on the slopes above you.

You’ll have stunning views of the Mont Blanc range and its glaciers across the valley the whole way. The trail brings you to Lac Blanc, where you can often see the reflection of Mont Blanc. It’s one of the best views on the entire trip! Take the Flégère lift down (included) and the bus back into Chamonix (not included).

• Distance approx.: 11 km, 1155 m ascent, 530 m descent
• Accommodation: No accommodation booked on the final night

Your 7-day Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tour starts at the lift in Les Houches, which you’ll take up to Bellevue (1780 m (5840 ft)).

You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of the Mont-Blanc and at the starting point of your incredible trek!

Your hike starts with a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay. Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col du Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)).

Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie Valley before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)). Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll spend the night. First day done – you’ve officially left ordinary life behind.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, approx. 12 km (7.5 miles), 675 m (2,215 ft) ascent, 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellevue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). If you wish to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.
• N.B.: it is possible to shorten this stage by removing the climb to Col du Tricot. You’ll find info on the alternate route in your Travel Pack.

You’ll start the second morning with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)) and a visit to a famous baroque church. The progressive climb to the pass of Bonhomme (2329 m (7641 ft)) gives you a superb view of the Mont Blanc massif.

The climb continues to the Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (2433 m (7982 ft)), and a magnificent panorama on Mount Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) rewards your efforts.

Then you’ll descend into alpine pastures in the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549 m (5082 ft)).

Note: Accommodations in Les Chapieux are already full for many dates, so you may have to go to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which takes ~30 minutes. You can reach it with the local bus (runs from the end of June to the beginning of September) or take a private taxi.  You’ve earned that dinner, whatever it turns out to be.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, 18.7 km (11.6 miles), 1,355 m (4,446 ft) ascent, 982 m (3,222 ft) descent.
• Transfers: * Bus (3.7 km (2.3 miles), optional).

If you stayed in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, you’ll take a transfer back to Les Chapieux, and from there, start hiking to the Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)), where you’ll want to stop at a farm to discover the production of the famed Beaufort cheese and naturally stock up. Then you’ll climb in the beautiful alpine pastures of the Col de la Seigne (2516 m (8255 ft)) to the Italian border. From this point of view, the slopes of the Mont Blanc massif are splendid!

Then you’ll descend into the Valle Veny at the foot of the Miage Glacier and its pastoral lake, where you’ll find unique alpine flora. You’ll cap off the day with a short transfer to the bottom of the Val Ferret (2052 m (6732 ft)). Two countries down, one to go.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 15 km (9.3 miles), 760 m (2,493 ft) ascent, 880 m (2,887 ft) descent.

This shorter day is an opportunity to let your weary muscles recover. After an unforgettable night at the foot of the Pre-de-Bar suspended glacier and the Dolent mountain (3823 m (12543 ft)), you’ll drive in the direction of the Ferret Pass 2537 m  or (8323 ft), the border between Italy and Switzerland.

Take a last look at the Italian Val Ferret as you climb mountain pastures to reach the hamlet of La Fouly. You’ll take a bus to the village of Champex and its charming little lake. Are you ready for a refreshing dip?

• Hiking Time: 4 hours, 15 km (9.3 miles), 820 m (2,690 ft) ascent, 980 m (3,215 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Bus from Courmayeur to Arnouvaz in the morning (13 km (8.08 miles)) and then from La Fouly to Champex (19 km (11.8 miles)).
• Note: it’s possible to extend this step by hiking to the village of La Fouly.

If you have stayed in La Fouly, take a bus to the village of Chamex and its charming little lake

You’ve been discovering the Swiss mountain pastures and their cows that produce some of the most renowned cheeses from the Alps, so it should come as no surprise that the regular route is called the Bovine Route.

It offers fantastic views of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Mountains. We highly recommend this route in the early season and when the weather is bad.

If you’re seeking more of a challenge, Arpette Window (2665 m (8743 ft)) is a more technical route. You should only take this route in good weather and when there’s no snow. The day ends at the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)). Trient: small village, big bragging rights so far.

• Hiking Time: Bovines Route: 5:30 hours, distance: approx. 14.5 km (9 miles), 850 m (2,789 ft) ascent, 1,015 m (3,330 ft) descent
  OR Arpette Window: 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent, ~ 14 km (8.7 miles)

From Trient, you’ll head back to the French border, the Col de Balme (2191 m (7188 ft)). Here you get a fantastic view of Chamonix Valley and one of the most beautiful panoramas on the summit of Mont Blanc, the Sea of Ice and the glacier of Argentiere!

You have the option of descending by foot or taking the lift (1453 m (4767 ft)). Then walk to Montroc (1370 m (4495 ft)) and Tré-le-Champ. One day left. Savor it.

• Hiking Time: 14 km (8.7 miles), 1,145 m (3,757 ft) ascent, 1,020 m (3,346 ft) descent
• It’s possible to take a lift down Col de Balme and a bus from Le Tour to Argentière (for private accommodation only).

This is one of the best days of the Mont-Blanc massif. The trail takes you across Les Aiguilles Rouges (a nature reserve) in front of the glaciers and the great summits of the Mont-Blanc range; Aiguille Verte, Mer de Glace, north face of Grandes Jorasses, and of course Mont-Blanc itself.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, approx. 18 km (11.2 miles), 1,200 m (3,937 ft) ascent, 1,420 m (4,659 ft) descent.

Your tour starts in Chamonix with a lift. You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of the Mont-Blanc and at the starting point of your incredible trek!

You’ll hike to Brevent Pass and Brevent Summit (2525 m (8284 ft)). Here you’ll get amazing views of Mont Blanc and its glaciers. Then you’ll hike down to Bellachat Hut, where you take a break before climbing up to Aiguillette des Houches, then descending down to Houches. Day one, and you’ve already seen why people fly across oceans for this.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, distance: approx. 15.5 km (9.6 miles), 1,050 m (3,445 ft) ascent, 1,455 m (4,774 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Gondola lift from Chamonix to Plan Praz (2000 m (6562 ft)). (Cost: €24.50 pp).

You’ll start the day by taking a lift from Les Houches to Bellevue. Here you’ll start hiking at a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay from a Nepali hanging bridge.

Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col du Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)). Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie Valley – you’re really doing this – before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)).

Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll spend the night. Two days in, zero regrets.

• Hiking Time: 5- 6 hours, distance: approx. 13 km (8.1 miles), 670 m (2,198 ft) ascent, 1,345 m (4,413 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellevue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). For hikers wishing to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m (2615 ft) ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.

Today is a long day, but you’ll get great views. You’ll start the day with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)), where you have the option of visiting a famous Baroque church.

Then it’s a progressive hike up to Bonhomme Pass (2329 m (7641 ft)) between the Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain massifs. The trail continues up to Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433 m (7982 ft)), where the beautiful panorama of Mont Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) awaits. The descent leads you through an alpine pasture to the hamlet of Chapieux.

Note: Accommodations in Les Chapieux are already full for many dates, so you may have to go to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which takes ~30 minutes. You can reach it with the local bus (runs from the end of June to the beginning of September) or  take a private taxi.  Long day, bigger payoff.

• Hiking Time: 7 hours, distance: approx. 19.5 km (12.1 miles), 1,390 m (4,560 ft) ascent, 965 m (3,166 ft) descent.

If you’ve stayed in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, you’ll take a transfer back to Les Chapieux or La Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)), where you can visit a cheese farm to discover the famed Beaufort cheese for yourself. That’s one of the great things about hiking, you get to reward yourself with treats like yummy cheese!

Then you’ll hike up to the alpine pasture to La Seigne Pass (2516 m (8255 ft)) to reach the Italian border for an amazing view of legendary Mont Blanc summits like Mont-Blanc of Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. Then you’ll hike down in the Val Veny to the end of Miage Glacier before taking a short transfer to Courmayeur (1226 m (4022 ft)), the adventure capital of the Italian Alps. Italy: where second helpings are basically mandatory.

• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours, distance: approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 760 m (2,493 ft) ascent, 875 m (2,871 ft) descent + 5 km (3.1 miles) if the lift (optional) is closed in June and September.

Walk up to the Bertone Hut (2000 m (6562 ft)) to discover one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Tour du Mont Blanc on the famous Grandes Jorasses. The balcony path leads you near the Bonatti Hut (2025 m (6644 ft)). You can take a short detour there if you want to stop there.

After your hike, you’ll go down to Val Ferret. If accommodations are available, you’ll stay there.

Note: Many accommodations in Val Ferret are already booked up. If that’s the case for your dates, you’ll take a local bus to Courmayeur, where you’ll spend the night. Halfway there – your legs already know it.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, distance: approx. 13.5 km (8.4 miles), 1,065 m (3,494 ft) ascent, 580 m (1,903 ft) descent.

If you stayed in Courmayeur, you’ll take a local bus to the end of the Val Ferret, Arnouva. If you stayed in Val Ferret, you’ll start hiking directly from Arnouva, you’ll start hiking up to the Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537 m (8323 ft)) to enter Switzerland. You’ll finish off with a walk down to the hamlet of La Fouly. Switzerland number two, still going strong.

• Hiking Time: 5 -6 hours, distance: approximately 15 km (9.3 miles), 820 m (2690 ft) ascent, 990 m (3248 ft) descent.

This short day gives you time to rest near the lake of Champex. From La Fouly, an easy walk leads you to the village of Praz le Fort. (1151 m (3776 ft)). The path follows the river of Ferret to the hamlet of Issert. Then you’ll hike up to the beautiful lake of Champex (1477 m (4846 ft)). Ready for a refreshing dip?

• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, distance: approx. 16.5 km (10.3 miles), 580 m (1,903 ft) ascent, 740 m (2,428 ft) descent

You’ve been discovering Swiss mountain pastures famous for the cows that produce some of the best cheeses in the Alps. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the regular way is called the Bovine Route. It offers fantastic views of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Mountains. We highly recommend this option in the early season and in inclement weather.

If you’re seeking more of a challenge, Arpette Window (2665 m (8743 ft)) is a more technical route. You should only take this way in good weather and when there’s no snow. The day ends at the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)). Trient: you’ve officially out-hiked most people’s Sunday walks.

• Hiking Time: 5:30 – 6:00 hours, distance: approx. 16 km (9.9 miles), 840 m (2,756 ft) ascent, 1,050 m (3,445 ft) descent(The Bovines route)  OR 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent (Arpette Window), ~ 14 (8.7) to 15 km (9.32 miles).

From Trient, you’ll hike up to the French border at the Balme Pass (2191 m (7188 ft)). Here you’ll get one of the best panoramas of Mont Blanc Summit and Chamonix Valley. Then you’ll either hike down to Le Tour (1453 m (4767 ft)) or take a lift, your choice. You’re almost there; it’s just a bit further to reach Montroc (1370 m (4495 ft)) and the village of Argentière. One day to go. Make it count.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 15.5 km (9.6 miles), 1,140 m (3,740 ft) ascent, 1,155 m (3,789 ft) descent. 5:30 hours to the hotel in Argentière (private accommodation). It’s possible to take a lift down Col de Balme and a bus from Le Tour to Argentière (private accommodation only).

You’re in for a real treat on your last day. This hike in the massif of the Aiguilles-Rouges is n front of the Mont Blanc Summit. It offers a spectacular view of glaciers and summits. From the Montets pass (1461 m (4793 ft)), you follow a balcony trail to Chéserys Lake, which reflects the most famous mountain in the Alps! You’ll continue to the beautiful Lake Blanc (2352 m (7717 ft)). Then you’ll hike down to La Flégère (1877 m (6158 ft)) to reach the Lift Les Praz de Chamonix.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, distance: approx. 18 km (11.2 miles), 1,195 m (3,921 ft) ascent, 1,400 m (4,593 ft) descent.