Mont Blanc Classic Walks
Mer de Glace
This is a superb walking week at the heart of the European Alps. Chamonix Valley in France is an ideal base from which to explore a range of beautiful walks. It is an area which is rich in mountaineering history and culture. During your week you will witness stunning views of high snowy peaks and glaciers, while wandering through alpine meadows filled with flowers.
- Spectacular day-walks beneath Mont Blanc
- Perfect introduction to walking in the Alps
- Professional guide
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBW 1 | Sun 8 July 12 | Sun 15 July 12 | £895 or 1075 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| MBW 2 | Sun 5 August 12 | Sun 12 August 12 | £895 or 1075 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
| MBW 3 | Sun 2 September 12 | Sun 9 September 12 | £895 or 1075 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
View Mont Blanc Classic Walks in a larger map
Day 1 Arrival in Argentière, Chamonix Valley
This evening we meet you at your accommodation at Yeti Lodge to discuss the week ahead. There will also be a chance for the guide to check out your clothing and gear and decide if you need to pick up any further items of equipment before setting out in the morning.
Day 2 Le Lavancher
We set off this morning from the Chalet, heading up the mountainside through the lovely hamlet of Le Lavancher. Climbing steadily on a good trail through the forest we take in great views of the gorge and the head of the Mer de Glace glacier with a possible coffee stop at the Chalet de Chapeau. Eventually we leave the tree-line and are welcomed by views right across to the jagged peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. This is an excellent walk to introduce you to the area and the nature of alpine trails. Ascent 657m. Descent 657m.
Day 3 Lac Blanc
Lac Blanc, our target for the day, is one of the most stunning locations in the area. It was recently voted by one magazine as the most beautiful short day walk in the world! Our route begins in the village of Argentiere where we climb steadily to reach the ridge line. As we head towards our destination at 2352 m we pass through the Nature Reserve with its landscape of granite cliffs, small lakes, juniper, and alpenrose. The Reserve is also famous for its ibex and we often get very close to these wonderful animals. As we make our way along the ridge the views of the Mont Blanc range unfold before us. After arriving at Flégère we save our knees by taking the cable car to the town of Chamonix below. Ascent 1100m. Descent 500m.
Day 4 Alpage de Loriaz
A short train journey to start the day on the historic Mont Blanc Express which takes us to Vallorcine "The Valley of the Bears". In the middle ages the locals paid their taxes in bear meat, perhaps the reason why there are none around today! We take a well graded trail up the mountain to the 'alpage' or summer grazing ground at Loriaz where we can enjoy cake and coffee while taking in the views to the Mont Blanc Range. Then a gentle stroll back through the flower meadows and down to the valley via another trail and the train back to our Chalet. Ascent 720 m. Descent 760m.
Day 5 Aiguillette des Houches
We head for the hamlet of Le Bettey where we start our walk through the forest to the 'alpage' at Chailloux which offers some of the best mountain views in the area. Those who want to take it easy today can rest at Chailloux while the more energetic can choose to take in the peak of the Aiguillette des Houches. This is a truly stunning viewpoint with a 360 degree vista of the mountains. It is well worth the extra effort of making the climb to the summit at 2285m. Ascent 933m. Descent 933m.
Day 6 The Posettes Ridge
We head for Montroc and the start of our ridge walk along the Posettes. This is a really excellent ridge and gives great views to the Le Tour and Argentiere glaciers, as well as into Switzerland. After lunch on the summit at 2201m we will descend to Le Buet and take the train back to our Chalet in Argentiere. Ascent 819m. Descent 900m.
Day 7 Montenvers and the Mer de Glace
A great finale to our week today as we take the Mont Blanc Express down to Chamonix and then climb up the mountain to the 'alpage' at Blaitiere. A stop here for a snack and then its off up to join the traversing trail to Signal Forbes. This absolutely stunning viewpoint is where Scottish Glaciologist, James Forbes surveyed France's largest glacier, the Mer de Glace, or 'Sea of Ice' which is 7 km long and 200 metres deep. Nothing beats sitting on this summit and taking in what have got to be some of the most breathtaking mountain views in the world. We then take the historic rack railway of Montenvers back down to Chamonix. Ascent 1100m. Descent 290m.
Day 8 Departure Day
Today is departure day and the end of a week which has included some of the very best alpine walks in the Chamonix valley.
Please be aware that the itinerary is flexible and at the discretion of the guide, and that changes may be made due to weather and conditions
Price
Included: An experienced professional mountain leader. Chalet accommodation in Argentière at Yeti Lodge (based on twin or triple rooms possibly with a shared bathroom). It includes breakfast and the evening meal. All cable car lifts (which are part of the itinerary) and valley transport.
Not included: It does not include insurance, drinks or any uplift which you choose to use outwith the published itinerary. Lunches are not included as we find that many people prefer to eat certain foods while walking and prefer to have the flexibility of choosing their own. However, sandwiches can be ordered from Yeti Lodge if you prefer the easy option. Flights and transfers from Geneva airport are not included, but we can provide advice on the best options.
Minimum numbers
This trip 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
Upon booking a full list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided.
Accommodation
Our chalet accommodation for this week is in The Yeti Lodge in the lovely alpine village of Argentière. The chalet has a sauna, hot tub and wonderful views of Mont Blanc. The bedrooms are twin or triple bedded with either en suite or shared bathrooms - which depends on availability. The group has the use of the comfortable lounge area which has a real fireplace, satellite TV & DVD and free WIFI. There is a secure underground car park and overnight shoe dryers in the basement.
Travel
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.
