Family Tour du Mont Blanc
Making friends in the mountains!
Explore this famous classic walk as a family! Pass through three countries and three cultures on our mini-Tour du Mont Blanc. This excellent introduction to multi-day walking is designed for families with children aged between 12 and 18 years old. Your family should be used to spending full days in the mountains.
We meet in Chamonix, 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.
- Mini tour of the biggest mountain in the Alps
- Walk in 3 Alpine countries, France, Italy & Switzerland
- Enjoy a night in a mountain hut
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Departures
Trip
Departure date
End date
Price
Status
FMB 1A
Sun 1 July 12
Sun 8 July 12
£995 or 1195 Euros
Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking
FMB 1
Sun 22 July 12
Sun 29 July 12
£995 or 1195 Euros
Places available | Make a Booking
FMB 2
Sun 19 August 12
Sun 26 August 12
£995 or 1195 Euros
Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking
Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley
We meet at the group chalet at Yeti Lodge in Argentiere, just outside Chamonix. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are amazing from the start! Before dinner, you will meet your trip leader to have an informal chat about the days ahead. We will have time to check out your clothing and gear and decide if you need to pick up anything else, before setting out in the morning.
Day 2 Lac Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
Today’s walk is an excellent start to the Tour du Mont Blanc with spectacular views across to the main Mont Blanc range. We start our trip with a ride up in the Flégère cable car to gain some height into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to reach the start of our ridge walk which will lead us upwards to Lac Blanc. En route we often see ibex, chamois, and marmots. It really can be a great chance to get up close to some of the alpine wildlife. At Lac Blanc itself there is an opportunity to visit the Refuge and indulge in some home made tart and a coffee! We then descend to the mid-station at La Flegere and then to Chamonix by cable car before returning to Argentiere. Distance: 6km. Ascent: 500m.
Day 3 Col du Balme to Col de la Forclaz
After breakfast, our trek starts straight from the front door with a walk along the Petit Balcon Nord, to Le Tour at the top end of the valley. Here we save our legs by taking the cable car up the mountain. We then head over the Col de Balme from where Charles Dickens once penned a letter describing the stunning beauty of the mountains – and where you can have one foot in France and the other in Switzerland! We have our picnic lunch here before heading to Les Granges, and round to the Col de la Forclaz where we spend the night at a simple hotel. Distance: 9km. Ascent: 450m.
Day 4 Col de la Forclaz to Champex
Today we walk along the beautiful Bovine trail through the high meadows where the famous Swiss fighting cows spend the summer months. We stop for lunch at the farm and might have a chance to chat with the cow-herder whilst enjoying views right along the Rhône Valley and of some of the major Swiss peaks. In the afternoon we walk down to the idyllic lakeside village of Champex where we spend the night. Distance: 13km. Ascent: 600m.
Day 5 Champex to La Fouly
We enjoy walking round the lake, before descending through pine trees and the ‘mushroom trail’ towards the meadows of Praz de Fort. Here our trail keeps to the valley floor and the river edge as we gently start to climb towards the Italian border and Mont Dolent, the summit of which is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. We spend the night in La Fouly. This day could also be used as a rest day where you can enjoy relaxing in Champex. You can even hire a ‘pedalo’ to explore the lake with! If you choose this option then you can easily transfer to our accommodation by bus, the journey takes about 90 minutes. Please note that the bus is not included in the trip price. Distance: 14km. Ascent: 550m
Day 6 La Fouly to Bonatti Hut via the Grand Col Ferret
Today is our big day! We set off on a long climb to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m. Along the way we stop at le Peule, a perfectly situated farm and refuge where we can refuel with coffee and homemade cake. Our climb to the Grand Col is well worth the effort. We have views of the snow-capped Grand Combin 4090m, beyond the pass we enter Italy with views all the way to the border of France. We descend into Val Ferret to Arnuva for another refuel before our last push up to a beautiful balcony trail to reach the fantastic Bonatti Hut (2056m). The Refuge enjoys stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif and provides a true night in the mountains. This is a new mountain hut which pays homage to the world renowned Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti, showers are available and the food is excellent! Distance: 13km. Ascent: 1100m
Day 7 Walk from the Bonatti Hut to Courmayeur
Our final day is less strenuous but yet another gem. We say our farewells and begin walking along a balcony trail keeping our height. From here we have several options to complete our journey all depending on how we feel. We may choose to walk over the Col du Sapin (2436m) and even the Tête de la Tronche (2584m) before making our way along the Mont de la Saxe Ridge with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range. A little further on we find the Bertone Refuge which is ideally situated for refreshments and views of the ‘Italian’ side of Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco! From here we descend through pine forests to the old quarter of Courmayeur where we complete our journey. We have time to soak up the Italian sunshine and cuisine before meeting our transfer back to Yeti Lodge. Distance: 10km. Ascent: 600m.
Day 8 Depart Argentiere
Today is departure day, services end after breakfast.
Price
Included: The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader. Night in a mountain hut in dormitory style accommodation, hotel or gîte accommodation for 6 nights (based on twin or family rooms possibly with a shared bathroom), all meals, transfers and cable cars involved in the itinerary and the services of a baggage vehicle and driver.
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food, transfers and cable cars which are not part of the itinerary, personal expenses – beer, souvenirs etc. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights. Bus and activities in Champex to La Fouly if taking a rest day.
Accommodation
During this trip you will stay at the very comfortable Yeti Lodge, in Argentiere, near Chamonix. Offering stunning views of Mont Blanc. Facilities include Hot Tubs, Saunas, free WIFI, in-house computers and secure
parking. On the trek, you will spend three nights in comfortable hotels, or gites with all bedding provided, and one night in the lovely Bonatti mountain refuge, where a sheet sleeping bag is required, but can be purchased upon arrival for a few Euros. All accommodation is in twin or family rooms (possibly with shared bathrooms), with one night in dormitory style accommodation in the Bonatti Refuge (twin rooms are available in the Refuge subject to an extra charge). Single rooms are not available for this trip.
Luggage
On each trekking day, there will be vehicle support to carry your luggage to the next overnight stop. To make things efficient during the luggage transfer process, and to prevent any losses, please keep luggage to a minimum. IE: A day sac whilst walking and one bag labelled clearly to transfer.
Spending money
You will need to allow approximately 10 - 15 euros per day for snacks and you should also make an allowance for drinks, including bottled water. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night. We estimate that approximately 200 - 250 Euros should cover all your personal expenses. Please note that a part of the route is in Switzerland and you should consider taking a small quantity of Swiss francs. These are particularly useful at Geneva Airport.
Minimum numbers
This is designed for families with children aged between 12 and 18 years old and will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 10 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Further Information
Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.
Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
View Family Tour du Mont Blanc in a larger map
Departures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMB 1A | Sun 1 July 12 | Sun 8 July 12 | £995 or 1195 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
| FMB 1 | Sun 22 July 12 | Sun 29 July 12 | £995 or 1195 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| FMB 2 | Sun 19 August 12 | Sun 26 August 12 | £995 or 1195 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley
We meet at the group chalet at Yeti Lodge in Argentiere, just outside Chamonix. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are amazing from the start! Before dinner, you will meet your trip leader to have an informal chat about the days ahead. We will have time to check out your clothing and gear and decide if you need to pick up anything else, before setting out in the morning.
Day 2 Lac Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
Today’s walk is an excellent start to the Tour du Mont Blanc with spectacular views across to the main Mont Blanc range. We start our trip with a ride up in the Flégère cable car to gain some height into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to reach the start of our ridge walk which will lead us upwards to Lac Blanc. En route we often see ibex, chamois, and marmots. It really can be a great chance to get up close to some of the alpine wildlife. At Lac Blanc itself there is an opportunity to visit the Refuge and indulge in some home made tart and a coffee! We then descend to the mid-station at La Flegere and then to Chamonix by cable car before returning to Argentiere. Distance: 6km. Ascent: 500m.
Day 3 Col du Balme to Col de la Forclaz
After breakfast, our trek starts straight from the front door with a walk along the Petit Balcon Nord, to Le Tour at the top end of the valley. Here we save our legs by taking the cable car up the mountain. We then head over the Col de Balme from where Charles Dickens once penned a letter describing the stunning beauty of the mountains – and where you can have one foot in France and the other in Switzerland! We have our picnic lunch here before heading to Les Granges, and round to the Col de la Forclaz where we spend the night at a simple hotel. Distance: 9km. Ascent: 450m.
Day 4 Col de la Forclaz to Champex
Today we walk along the beautiful Bovine trail through the high meadows where the famous Swiss fighting cows spend the summer months. We stop for lunch at the farm and might have a chance to chat with the cow-herder whilst enjoying views right along the Rhône Valley and of some of the major Swiss peaks. In the afternoon we walk down to the idyllic lakeside village of Champex where we spend the night. Distance: 13km. Ascent: 600m.
Day 5 Champex to La Fouly
We enjoy walking round the lake, before descending through pine trees and the ‘mushroom trail’ towards the meadows of Praz de Fort. Here our trail keeps to the valley floor and the river edge as we gently start to climb towards the Italian border and Mont Dolent, the summit of which is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. We spend the night in La Fouly. This day could also be used as a rest day where you can enjoy relaxing in Champex. You can even hire a ‘pedalo’ to explore the lake with! If you choose this option then you can easily transfer to our accommodation by bus, the journey takes about 90 minutes. Please note that the bus is not included in the trip price. Distance: 14km. Ascent: 550m
Day 6 La Fouly to Bonatti Hut via the Grand Col Ferret
Today is our big day! We set off on a long climb to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m. Along the way we stop at le Peule, a perfectly situated farm and refuge where we can refuel with coffee and homemade cake. Our climb to the Grand Col is well worth the effort. We have views of the snow-capped Grand Combin 4090m, beyond the pass we enter Italy with views all the way to the border of France. We descend into Val Ferret to Arnuva for another refuel before our last push up to a beautiful balcony trail to reach the fantastic Bonatti Hut (2056m). The Refuge enjoys stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif and provides a true night in the mountains. This is a new mountain hut which pays homage to the world renowned Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti, showers are available and the food is excellent! Distance: 13km. Ascent: 1100m
Day 7 Walk from the Bonatti Hut to Courmayeur
Our final day is less strenuous but yet another gem. We say our farewells and begin walking along a balcony trail keeping our height. From here we have several options to complete our journey all depending on how we feel. We may choose to walk over the Col du Sapin (2436m) and even the Tête de la Tronche (2584m) before making our way along the Mont de la Saxe Ridge with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range. A little further on we find the Bertone Refuge which is ideally situated for refreshments and views of the ‘Italian’ side of Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco! From here we descend through pine forests to the old quarter of Courmayeur where we complete our journey. We have time to soak up the Italian sunshine and cuisine before meeting our transfer back to Yeti Lodge. Distance: 10km. Ascent: 600m.
Day 8 Depart Argentiere
Today is departure day, services end after breakfast.
Price
Included: The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader. Night in a mountain hut in dormitory style accommodation, hotel or gîte accommodation for 6 nights (based on twin or family rooms possibly with a shared bathroom), all meals, transfers and cable cars involved in the itinerary and the services of a baggage vehicle and driver.
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food, transfers and cable cars which are not part of the itinerary, personal expenses – beer, souvenirs etc. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights. Bus and activities in Champex to La Fouly if taking a rest day.
Accommodation
During this trip you will stay at the very comfortable Yeti Lodge, in Argentiere, near Chamonix. Offering stunning views of Mont Blanc. Facilities include Hot Tubs, Saunas, free WIFI, in-house computers and secure
parking. On the trek, you will spend three nights in comfortable hotels, or gites with all bedding provided, and one night in the lovely Bonatti mountain refuge, where a sheet sleeping bag is required, but can be purchased upon arrival for a few Euros. All accommodation is in twin or family rooms (possibly with shared bathrooms), with one night in dormitory style accommodation in the Bonatti Refuge (twin rooms are available in the Refuge subject to an extra charge). Single rooms are not available for this trip.
Luggage
On each trekking day, there will be vehicle support to carry your luggage to the next overnight stop. To make things efficient during the luggage transfer process, and to prevent any losses, please keep luggage to a minimum. IE: A day sac whilst walking and one bag labelled clearly to transfer.
Spending money
You will need to allow approximately 10 - 15 euros per day for snacks and you should also make an allowance for drinks, including bottled water. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night. We estimate that approximately 200 - 250 Euros should cover all your personal expenses. Please note that a part of the route is in Switzerland and you should consider taking a small quantity of Swiss francs. These are particularly useful at Geneva Airport.
Minimum numbers
This is designed for families with children aged between 12 and 18 years old and will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 10 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Further Information
Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.
Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
View Family Tour du Mont Blanc in a larger map
