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The Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Price £695 or €895

Trip 1 – Saturday 5 July – Saturday 12 July 2008 - FULL
Trip 2 – Saturday 2 August – Saturday 9 August 2008*
Trip 3 – Saturday 23 August – Saturday 30 August 2008*
Trip 4 – Saturday 6 September – Saturday 13 September 2008*

*These trips have the required minimum numbers and are guaranteed to run

Grade: Difficult

This is the best of the famous classic walk of the Alps passing through three countries and three cultures. We meet in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the world, and begin a journey of discovery which takes in the history, culture, folklore and wildlife of the mountains. From remote farms and refuges, to ancient Roman towns and beautiful lakeside mountain villages - it's all there on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

This great new trip picks out the best of the daily stages and links them by short vehicle transfers. Our route will tackle several major pass crossings, such as the Col de Bonhomme, Col de la Seigne and the highest of all, the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2760m). As a grand finale, we have also included the superb day-hike to the summit of the Brevent, with its panoramic views across the Chamonix Valley to Mont Blanc. For those with limited time, this one-week version of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers superb trekking in France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as a wealth of unforgettable Alpine experiences.

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 and have the chance to check out your clothing and gear and to decide if you will need to pick up any further items of equipment, before setting out in the morning.

Day 2 Col de Tricot to Les Contamines

We transfer to Les Houches (20 mins) and begin our trek with a  gentle introduction, ascending for  approximately 1 hour to the Col du Vosa and the Bionassay Glacier with stunning views of the Aguille de Bionassay towering above. Crossing the torrent via a fine new suspension bridge, we climb to the Col de Tricot. Ahead lies the bulk of the Dome de Miage and below us is the idyllic summer hamlet of the Chalet de Miage.  After a welcome drink at the Chalet de Miage, a relatively short climb and easy descent takes us into the colourful village of Les Contamines.
Approximate walking time 5 - 6 hours.

Day 3 Col de Bonhomme to Les Chapieux

A leisurely wander by the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge is our start for today. Leaving the river our route then climbs steeply, following the ‘paved’ Roman road thought to have been a route taken by Hannibal.  Our next stop is at the refuge at Le Balme, a good place to contemplate the climb to the Col de Bonhomme. This is a long, steady climb and the pass itself often has snow patches early in the season. At 2469 metres this is considerably higher than the Col de Tricot, but once reached the climbing is over for the day, as we traverse round the Croix de Bonhomme before dropping gently down to Les Chapieux.
Approximate walking time - 6.5 hours.

Day 4 Courmayeur via the Col de la Seigne

A section of road takes us out of Les Chapieux towards the refuge Le Mottet, which doubles as a donkey and mule sanctuary. Many of these animals earn their keep by transporting the baggage of the less energetic to our next high point, at the Col de la Seigne 2513m.  This is a significant col on the border between France and Italy and gives superlative views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc. An easy descent takes us past the Elizabetta Refuge and down into the head of the Val Veny, under the awesome ridge of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey. After lunch, a pleasant descent then takes us to the vibrant town and mountaineering centre of Courmayeur. From Courmayeur we catch a local bus for 12km along the Val Ferret to Arnouva where we check into a hotel.
Approximate walking time - 6 hours.

Day 5 Col du Grand Ferret to La Fouly

We set off on the long climb to the Col du Grand Ferret 2530m.  From this pass, there are views of the snow-capped Grand Combin 4090m and also Mont Dolent, the summit of which is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. Beyond the pass, we have entered Switzerland and the terrain is very different, less rugged, as we descend to La Fouly. Here we catch a local bus to our overnight halt in the beautiful lakeside Swiss village of Champex. Approximate walking time - 5 hours.

Day 6 Cross the Fenêtre d’Arpette to Trient

The climb up to the pass known as the Fenetre d’Arpette 2670m is perhaps one of the most demanding days of the tour, but there are compensations. On reaching the rocky col the spectacular view across the Trient Glacier is quite breathtaking. We will take time out at the pass to fully appreciate the position, looking down towards a veritable sea of seracs and crevasses. We then descend to the village of Trient from where we catch the bus to Argentiere (25km).  We overnight at a chalet in Argentiere. Approximate walking time 5 – 6 hours.

Day 7 Final day to the Brevent Summit

Today’s walk is an excellent finale to the Tour du Mont Blanc with spectacular views across to the main Mont Blanc range. We start by taking the cable car up to where we start the day’s trek. Traversing on the west side of the Chamonix valley we cross the Col du la Gliere, the Col du Lac Cornu and finally the Col du Brevant to reach the summit of the Brevent.  Descending by cable car to Chamonix, we have time to look around this fascinating historic alpine town before returning to our chalet in Argentiere.

Day 8 Depart Argentiere

The holiday package ends after breakfast.

Price

What’s included:- The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader, hotel or gîte accommodation for 7 nights, all meals,  transfers and cable cars involved in the itinerary and the services of a support vehicle and driver.

What’s not included:- Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food, transfers and cable cars not part of the itinerary, personal expenses – beer, souvenirs etc. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights.

Accommodation

During this trip, you will start and finish the trek at the very comfortable Yeti Lodge, in Argentiere, 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 5 nights in comfortable hotels, chalets or gites with all bedding provided. All accommodation is in twin or non-segregated triple rooms (not dormitory), with shared bathrooms. Single rooms are not available for this trip.

Luggage

On all but one of the trekking days, there will be vehicle support to carry your trek bags to the next overnight stop.  On Day 3 of the itinerary, group members will need to carry a few additional items.

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 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 trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 12 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.

Further Information

Chamonix is easily reached by airport transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. More information on how to reach Chamonix at   www.chamonix.com  Please do not hesitate to get in touch to chat through the details. 

Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.

Please note that this trip is run in conjunction with our partners at
KE Adventure Travel

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