Family Tour Du Mont Blanc
Family Mont Blanc Tour
Family Mont Blanc Tour
Family Tour Du Mont Blanc
Family Mont Blanc Tour
Family Mont Blanc Tour

Family Tour du Mont Blanc


Walking the TMB as a family

A perfect introduction to multi-day walking for families with children aged from 10 years old. Travel through three countries and three cultures on our mini-Tour du Mont Blanc. We meet in Chamonix in France, the mountaineering capital of the world to begin a journey of discovery which takes in the history, culture, folklore and wildlife of the mountains. We cross high passes, visit remote farms, a beautiful lakeside mountain village, and sleep in a mountain hut - it's all there on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Highlights

  • Stunning mountain views of glaciers and summits
  • Mini-tour of the biggest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc
  • Walk in three countries; France, Switzerland and Italy
  • Hike one of the best short walks in the world to Lac Blanc
  • Sleep in a gorgeous mountain hut the Rifugio Elena
  • Walk with a professional International Mountain Leader
  • Learn all about the flora and fauna, and folklore
  • All meals included, breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

This excellent family adventure is for families who love to walk. During the week, you will make a half circuit of the Mont Blanc massive following the classic Tour du Mont Blanc trail. This excellent introduction to multi-day walking is designed for families that are already used to full days out but now want to make a journey. With comfortable hotel and chalet accommodation and luggage transfers provided, this itinerary enables the whole family to walk the most beautiful section of the famous Mont Blanc circuit.


A HUGE thank you for the most BRILLIANT holiday. We just loved it. We weren’t quite sure what we were letting ourselves in for, but it surpassed all expectations. We really felt we achieved something. Thank you Julia for making it all a success – we were so lucky to have you as our guide and we really appreciated your skills and expertise – and knowing when to stop for ice creams or hot chocolates.

- The Broughton Family, England 2015

Thank you so much for being an amazing guide we learnt so much! We all really enjoyed ourselves and will never forget the experience. You have been an inspiration and helped us when we needed it most. We will certainly be staying in touch to plan a winter trip next.

- Ruby, Leo, Trevor & Sarah

Itinerary

  • Your guide will meet you at your accommodation in Chamonix Valley at approximately 1800 hrs. The views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding range from this picturesque mountain town provide a taste of things to come! There's time for a clothing and kit check to see if anything else is needed before setting out in the morning.

  • Today’s walk provides spectacular views across to the main Mont Blanc range. We begin with a ride in the Flégère cable car to reach the start of our ridge walk which will lead us upwards to the world famous Lac Blanc. En route we often see mountain animals, such as ibex, chamois, and marmots, which range freely throughout the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. The Reserve was set up in 1974 and covers some 3,279 hectares (8,100 acres) in a bid to protect the flora and fauna of this beautiful alpine landscape. Once we reach Lac Blanc, which sits at an altitude of 2352m (7714ft) there is an opportunity to indulge in some coffee and homemade goodies in the Refuge. We then walk down to the cable car mid-station at La Flégère, and then descend to Chamonix valley by cable car. 

    Ascent: 500m (1640ft) Descent: 500m (1640ft) Distance: 7.5km (4.7 miles) Duration: 3h00-4h00

  • After breakfast we head for the village of Argentiere and then stroll along the Petit Balcon Nord, to the hamlet of Le Tour at the top end of the valley. On the way we wander through larch forest and the cow-bells of the grazing animals can often be heard in the meadows below us. We pass some beautiful old wooden chalets that seem trapped in a time warp! Once at Le Tour we save our legs by taking the cable car up the mountain. We then head across the mountainside and over our high point for the day, which lies below the peak of the Croix de Fer. From here we head to the alpine cow meadows at Les Tseppes, and then zig-zag down through the larch forest to the tiny village of Trient. Depending on the availability of accommodation, we either overnight in Trient or walk a little further to the historic coaching hotel at the Col de la Forclaz.

    Ascent 600m (1968ft) Descent: 1000m (3280ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00

  • Depending on where you stayed last night the day will either begin with a climb to the Col de la Forclaz, or you will begin from the Col and head straight along the lovely Bovine trail. Either way you are soon wandering through the larch forests, and on your way to Champex. The Bovine is famous for its high pastures which are home to the famous Swiss fighting cows during the summer months, hence the name the 'Bovine'. The fighting cows are just brilliant, they are cheeky and with a lot of attitude! The 'fight' is the equivalent of Sumo wrestling for cows, and no one gets hurt, well, apart from damaged pride! We stop for lunch at the farm, where we might be able to chat with Nathalie, the farmer, whilst enjoying views right along the Rhône Valley of some of the major Swiss peaks. In the afternoon we walk down to the idyllic lakeside village of Champex where we overnight.

    Ascent: 700m (2296ft) Descent: 700m (2296ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 6h00-8h00

  • Champex has a beautiful 'blue-green' lake which is totally natural and a remnant from the days this high valley was covered by a glacier. After walking around the lake, we descend through pine trees and the begin the ‘mushroom trail’ towards the Praz de Fort meadows. Along the way there are information boards where you can learn about mushrooms. There are also fantastic wooden sculptures of animals placed at intervals along our route. Keeping to the valley floor and the river edge, we start a gradual climb towards the Italian border and Mont Dolent: a truly international summit stradling France, Switzerland and Italy. We spend the night in the small Swiss village of La Fouly. Optionally, this can be a rest day to enjoy relaxing in Champex with ‘pedalo’ hire available on the lake. You can then easily transfer to our accommodation in La Fouly by bus, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. Please note that if you choose to take the bus your ticket is not included in the trip price.

    Ascent: 550m (1804ft) Descent: 430m (1410ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 5h00

  • Today is our big day as we head to the hills to spend the night at one of the most beautiful Italian Rifugios. A Rifugio is accommodation high in the mountains, usually only accessible on foot or by helicopter! In France they are called Refuges, and in Switzerland either Cabane or Hütte. They are literally a refuge in the mountains for hikers and climbers. So we set off on a long, steady climb to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) and the Italian border. En route we stop at La Peule, a perfectly situated farm and refuge, to refuel with coffee and homemade cake. The farming family at La Peule spend the summer months making cheese. 

    The climb is well worth the effort, with views into Switzerland of the mighty snow-capped Grand Combin (4090m) and of the French frontier ahead of us in the distance. We stop here for our picnic lunch to enjoy the views and savour to our achievement! When we are ready we descend into Val Ferret to Refuge Elena at 2061m (6761ft) where we will sleep tonight providing a true night in the mountains. Enjoy stunning views of the 1000 year old Pre de Bard glacier and Mont Dolent, the only mountain that borders Italy, Switzerland and France. Showers are available and the food is excellent! Please note there is no luggage transfer to your accommodation today. You will be carrying just a few extra items in your rucksack for your overnight.

    Ascent: 980m (3215ft) Descent: 500m (1640ft) Distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00

    No access to luggage tonight.

  • We rise to views of the mountains and enjoy a good Italian hut breakfast before we begin our day on what is a really superb trail. We first descend 280m (918ft) from the refuge to reach the farm of Arnuva. From here we commence our final big climb to reach the Rifugio Bonatti at 2056m (6743ft). The Rifugio has stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif and makes for a wonderful hot chocolate stop! This is a new mountain hut which pays homage to the world renowned Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti. We leave the Rifugio Bonatti and walk along a balcony trail without losing any of our height to reach the Rifugio Bertone. The Rifugio is an ideal spot to enjoy refreshments and the views of the ‘Italian’ side of Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco in Italian. Then it's a descent through the pine and larch forests into the old quarter of the town of Courmayeur where we complete our journey. We have time to soak up the Italian sunshine, eat gelato, and enjoy some cafe culture before meeting our transfer back to Chamonix Valley. 

    Ascent: 580m (1902ft) Descent: 1186m (3891ft) Distance: 19km (12 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00

  • Today is departure day, and the end of the trip after breakfast. 

It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment. 

Accommodation

We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. In most cases we have known the management for many years. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured hotel/chalet and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of similar standard. 

All accommodation is in twin or family rooms, these may have en suite facilities or if in a chalet they may be with shared bathrooms. We have one night in dormitory style accommodation in the Rifugio Elena.  This is normal in a mountain hut and you will find that there are often families staying the night. We aim to try and secure a small dormitory just for our group. Twin rooms are available at the Rifugio, but are subject to a supplementary charge. Due to the nature of the accommodation on this trip; small hotels, in often tiny villages and remote mountain huts, we cannot offer single rooms.  Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.

Hotel Aiguille du Midi - Summer

Hotel

The 3* Hotel Aiguille du Midi, is a traditional French mountain hotel perfectly situated at the foot of the famous Glacier des Bossons with stunning views to the mountain. The hotel, which has been run by the same family for five generations, is within easy reach of the centre of Chamonix with a bus and train stop just a few minutes away. The hotel has forty traditionally decorated rooms which reflect the alpine style. It has a spa area with jacuzzi and sauna, and in summer an outdoor heated pool in the garden grounds with a lovely terrace area to enjoy a drink while watching the mountains.

It includes a 3 course Dinner, Lunches, Bed and Breakfast and meals can be adapted to suit any dietary requirement. The hotel offers a spacious living and dining area, free wi-fi, spa facilities, massage room and garden with pool boasting wonderful views of Mont Blanc. Massages are available and can be arranged through your coaches and hotel reception.

Hotel La Grand Ourse, Trient

Auberge

In years gone by the Grande Ourse was a hotel, then it was home to the Swiss Youth Movement camps. It has been entirely renovated and has returned to offering accommodation for hikers. The new owner is Jasiqi Azem and his family who have put a lot of love into the renovation project which was completed 10 years ago. Our accommodation here is in bedrooms when available, and on some occasions it will be necessary to use dormitories. 

The showers, and toilets are on each floor with separate facilities for males, and females. There is a cosy cafe/bar in the old pavilion building which is immediately next to the main building.

Hotel Splendide, Champex

Hotel

The Hotel Splendide sits high in the mountains with great views from the terrace down to the valley below. This historic hotel was built between 1934 and 1938 by the grand-father of the owner. Please note that not all of the rooms here are en suite but we do book as many as possible. For example, in some cases single rooms share a bathroom located on the same floor. There are some large family rooms available with adjoining rooms with en suite bathrooms which make a twin. We eat dinner in the lovely old-fashioned dining room, a real touch of history to be found in this family run hotel. 

During the Second World War the army from the nearby artillery fort were stationed at the hotel. Those perfect views down the valley were appreciated by more than just the tourists! It gave the army an excellent position of strength for protecting the route through to Italy. 

Hotel Edelweiss, La Fouly

Hotel

In La Fouly we spend our overnight at the Hotel Edelweiss, like all our other hotels it is family run, cosy and comfortable. There is a bar with a terrace where you can enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun. All the bedrooms are traditional in style with lots of 'wood'. Most of the rooms have en suite facilities, however on some occasions it's necessary for us to book two rooms (classed as a family room) with an adjoining bathroom. There is a dining room with lovely views, and breakfast is served buffet style.

Refuge Elena, Val Ferret, Italy

Refuge

Located below the Grand Col Ferret and thousand-year-old Prè de Bard glacier experience an unforgettable night in the mountains at Refuge Elena 2061m (6761ft) in Italy. Located at the head of the valley make yourself at home at this comfortable overnight stop with the warmth of a fireplace, in rustic surroundings of wooden beams and stone works. Elena's refuge offers a 3 course menu with typical dishes and wines of the Val d'Aosta. Depending on availability the accommodation is either in small rooms or dormitories, showers and electricity is available.


  • Chamonix, France is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.

    If travelling by train we recommend booking through RailEurope or Trainline.  For coach travel we recommend using Flixbus.  For more information on travelling by public transport, please see our travel blog.

    If travelling by plane, Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.

    A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website.

    Reaching Chamonix from Geneva airport is straightforward with many transfer companies operating this route throughout the day. Either consider a scheduled bus which will drop you at Chamonix Sud Bus Station, such as easybus.com, or use a private transfer company such as Haute Transfer, or Mountain Drop-Offs which will drop you at your accommodation. If booking with Mountain Drop-Offs you receive a small discount on the route by using our company code of TAT01. This code only applies to transfers in ’normal’ working hours. It does not apply to early morning, or late evening transfers.  

    Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.

  • When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:

    Mountain Rescue Insurance

    It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.

    Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance

    You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable, unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.

    COVID-19 Insurance

    As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.

    Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.

    All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions

    If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

    For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

  • Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. 

    However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.

    Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude. 

  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

    Equipment

    • Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
    • Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended. We can supply these if necessary. Please contact us to reserve
    • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip. We suggest that each child has their own small rucksack and carries their own water and food
    • Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry, a bin bag can be just as good
    • Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
    • Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
    • Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers

    Clothing

    • Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
    • Waterproof over trousers -  we reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, but if you have them you should bring them
    • Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
    • Shorts/skort
    • Sun hat
    • Warm hat
    • Hat - sunhat
    • Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
    • Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
    • Fleece jacket/shirt
    • Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
    • Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
    • Thermal leggings - optional

    Comfort

    • Sunscreen
    • Lip salve
    • Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
    • Tissues
    • Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
    • Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers
    • Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
    • Book/Kindle/Music

    Documentation

    • Passport, plus a paper copy
    • Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
    • Travel Insurance
    • Credit Card
    • Cash - Euros
    • Waterproof bag for documents

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication - if required
    • Antiseptic cream/spray
    • Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
    • Glucose tablets
    • 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
    • A few throat lozenges
    • Blister plasters 
    • Blister tape eg. Strappal
    • Bandaid plasters

    Items for the night in the mountain hut

    • Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided. We can supply these if necessary, please contact us to reserve
    • Pack towel
    • Ear plugs - optional, but advised
    • Head torch - plus batteries
    • Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so
    • Toiletries – miniature soap/toothpaste etc 

    Additional Items

    • Camera
    • Slippers for use in hut/accommodation 
    • Clothing for use at accommodation
    • AirTag or similar to track luggage
    • Travel Kettle - if required
    • Hair dryer - if required 
    • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
    • Padlock - for luggage being transferred
    • 1 Medium sized - kitbag/holdall/suitcase

    Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The legal maximum weight limit is 15kg (33lbs) per person. If your luggage exceeds this limit it will not be collected. You can take only ONE luggage bag on the trip. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. 

    **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

    Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

  • On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

    The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

    If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

    Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

  • We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. 

    Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

    Your hiking guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. For our family trips we ensure that you have a guide who enjoys working with young people and encouraging their interest in the outdoors. 

    You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page. 

  • If you consider yourselves a ‘hill-walking’ family then this is for you.  These trips involve longer days at an altitude of up to 2800m (9184ft) on good paths and tracks. A good level of fitness is required as these treks can involve considerable amounts of ascent and descent and the occasional difficult day on rougher paths. There may be an occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1250m (4100ft). We would expect you to have previous experience of walking on consecutive days in the mountains, and have experience of hiking in bad weather. Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day. 

    You should be confident that everyone in the family is comfortable with these daily distances and ascents, especially the younger members of the family. 

  • On this trip you will have access to your luggage on every night except the evening we spend at the Rifugio Bonatti in Italy when you will carry a few extra overnight items in your rucksack.

    Your luggage will be transferred daily to the next accommodation and you only need carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for guidance on the size of rucksack required. 

    Your luggage, ONE bag per person, will be moved along the route by taxi and should not exceed the legal maximum weight of 15kgs (33lbs).  If your luggage exceeds this weight limit it will not be collected and will be left behind. 

    Be aware that you will have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea, and the taxi companies prefer a soft bag. They cannot accept responsibility for damage to any hard-shell suitcases. You are asked to avoid leaving valuables in your luggage, fragile items, personal medication or official documents, such as passports.

    If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel in Chamonix it is possible to leave extra luggage at the hotel for your return. However, we cannot guarantee at this point in time that we will be using the same hotel at the beginning and end of your journey as it depends on availability. Contact us for details.

    Your bags will be collected each morning at 0800 hrs and if your bag is not ready it will not be collected. The bags will be delivered by 1730 hrs to your next accommodation. Earlier delivery cannot be guarantee due to the volume of luggage moving around the Tour du Mont Blanc.

    We recommend that you consider a device such as an "AirTag" which allows you to track your luggage in the event of it being misplaced. 

  • We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.

    Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.

    If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route: 

    IGN 89025: Tour du Mont Blanc 1:50,000

    or

    IGN 3630 OT: Chamonix Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • Food

    We encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for traditional food and where the menu reflects the best that the region provides.

    The hotels to there best to accommodate the dietary needs of our guest . If you are vegetarian this is not a problem as the hotel is used to being asked for vegetarian meals. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance which will make you ill then the accommodation will cater for this as best they can but we would ask that you make it clear on your booking form of any food intolerance so that we can discuss your needs with the hotel at the earliest point possible. When using remote mountain huts the staff are usually able to offer breakfast and dinner which meet with the clients needs.  Packed lunches can be more problematic and so we do suggest that, if you do have a specific dietary requirement, you bring a range of suitable snacks to supplement the lunches.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance  contact us

    We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.

    At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

    We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document. 

  • We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

    Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

  • Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

    For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

    If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

  • We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

    You can read our full policy here.

  • Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 

  • We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. In this respect due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. All the trips being sold by Tracks and Trails are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may find guests from other companies on your trip. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. 


What's Included

  • Full board for six nights in a 2** hotel or similar based on twin/family rooms
  • Full board for one night in a mountain hut in dormitory-style accommodation
  • The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader
  • Transfers as part of the itinerary
  • Transfer of your luggage between hotels
  • Cable car tickets that are part of the itinerary
  • All meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and three-course evening meal

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and snacks
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Grade: Intermediate

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At a Glance

From Price £1995
Holiday Type Family
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 6-10
Minimum Age 10
Maximum Altitude 2537m (8321ft)
Countries Visited Italy, France, Switzerland
Meet In Chamonix Valley, France
View all Family Holidays

Family Tour du Mont Blanc

Experience the Tour du Mont Blanc

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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