This is the 'best of' one of the most famous walks in the world, the Tour du Mont Blanc, passing through three countries and three cultures. We meet in Chamonix, in France, 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 here!
For those with limited time, this one-week version of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers superb trekking in France, Italy and Switzerland, along with a wealth of unforgettable Alpine experiences.
The trip was probably better than I imagined. Seeing Mont Blanc bathed in sunshine. Perfect conditions to view the mighty mountain! Awesome!
The overall 'vibe' was incredible. The experience of pushing me and my group of friends physically to reach monumental views; huge range of accommodation from bunkhouses to reasonable hotels which varied the whole experience.
Having used Tracks & Trails before I knew I would have an amazing time walking the TMB. The walking was satisfyingly challenging, and our guides (Julia and Martin) were as fabulous as the scenery. My highlight was the view from the top of the Tête de Ferret where we stopped for lunch.
Throughout the preparation for this trek, I had no worries about how our trip was being planned and was fully impressed with the individualized care and consideration you gave us. It really eased my worries about how strenuous it was going to be. You were right, I was well prepared and, while it was a difficult hike, I did really well! It was a great confidence builder. :)
It was a wonderful experience and the perfect weather was icing on the cake, we'll be talking about the trip for a long time. We enjoyed the variety of trails from the cols to the forrest settings, the snowy mountains to the glaciers that one could stare at for hours. We enjoyed the variety of accommodations and I must say that the Hotel Alpina in Champex was the tops, there was a possibility that we might not have moved on from there.
From our whole group, thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful week! We could not imagine having a better guide. How lucky we were with the weather. The drenching on day one made all the following days even more appreciated and nothing could have been better than the clear views of Mont Blanc on the last day. In the meantime we are treasuring our memories and pictures of the TMB.
Your guide will meet you at the hotel in Chamonix, France, at approximately 1800 hrs. 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 check out your clothing and gear to decide if you will need to pick up any further items of equipment before setting out in the morning.
A stunning first day with glorious views of the Mont Blanc range - its glaciers, jagged spires and peaks, and an introduction to the history of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We hop on the local bus to head for the village of Les Houches where we have a relaxed and speedy ascent to the mountains via the Bellevue Cable Car. We arrive at the Col de la Voza and begin a brief descent through the forest to the Bionassay torrent which we cross on a suspension bridge. Always a major photo opportunity! There are views along the way of the Bionassay Glacier and the Aiguille de Bionassay mountain towering above the valley. After a climb to the Col de Tricot we have views to the Chalet de Miage where we plan to stop for some lunch. A pastoral valley where herds of cows, and sheep are to be found grazing on the alpine wild flowers. After another brief ascent, we are on our way down to the lovely alpine village of Les Contamines where we will spend the night.
Ascent: 680m (2230ft) Descent: 1300m (4264ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
This morning we pick up the trail near the ancient chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge. Following the river our trail takes the tree-lined ‘paved’ Roman road thought to have been a route taken by Hannibal and his army. You definitely feel as though you are following in the footsteps of history. Eventually we leave the forest and enter alpine meadows where the sound of cow-bells welcomes us. Each cow is given a 'tone' and throughout her life she will continue to wear the same bell with the same tone. Our first stop is at the Le Balme refuge, a good place to contemplate the climb to the Col du Bonhomme and enjoy a morning coffee. The route to the Col, which sits at 2469m (8098ft) is a long, steady climb and the pass itself often has snow patches early in the season. Arriving at the Col we have views right into the Beaufortain region and thankfully the climbing is almost over for the day as we traverse round to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. We then drop steeply down to our remote auberge at Les Chapieux. If you need fuel we can always stop for cake at the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme before our descent! From here we will take a transfer to our accommodation for the evening.
Ascent: 1350m (4428ft) Descent: 960m (3148ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
We leave the hotel in Bourg St Maurice and take a transfer to Ville des Glaciers where Bernard, the farmer, is usually on hand to sell us some farm produced cheese. We will stop and chat about his Tarine cows who produce milk for the famous Beaufort cheese. We then stroll along the valley, usually accompanied by the cry of marmots hiding in the rocks, heading for the high point of our day at the Col de la Seigne which sits at 2513m (8242ft). This is a significant Col bordering France and Italy, and it is always tempting to do the classic photo with one leg in France, and the other leg in Italy! We then descend from the Col on a trail that gives superlative views of the infamous Peuterey Ridge on Mont Blanc. This is the hardest and most fearsome route to the summit of the mighty Mont Blanc with over 4500m (14,760ft) of rock climbing. An easy descent takes us past the Rifugio Elizabetta and down into Val Veny. We will then take the local bus, always good fun with lots of gesticulating 'locals', and descend to the vibrant town and mountaineering centre of Courmayeur.
Ascent: 867m (2843ft) Descent: 1015m (3329ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
After breakfast we will take a transfer up the stunning Val Ferret lined with sparkling glaciers and snow capped mountains. A short climb to wake us up and then we set off on a lovely traversing path which leads us to a morning coffee/cake stop at the lovely Rifugio Elena. From here we climb the steady zig-zag path that leads us to Switzerland and the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m (8321ft). From this pass, there are views of the snow-capped Grand Combin and also Mont Dolent, the summit of which is rather unique as it is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. The views in both directions from this Col are really spectacular. After lunch we enter Switzerland, no need for passports here, and discover that the terrain becomes less rugged and more meadow-like as we descend to La Peule. This small farm produces cheese throughout the summer months, and also runs a 'buvette' the name given to a 'snack bar/small cafe' in the mountains. Many farmers offer food and drink to the hikers as a way of supplementing their income. We always feel it is incumbent upon us to support them, though there is a limit to how much tea/coffee/cake we can consume in one day. A final traversing trail to the small village of La Fouly and it is here that we catch our private taxi transfer to our overnight halt in the beautiful lakeside village of Champex.
Ascent: 1072m (3517ft) Descent: 1257m (4124t) Distance: 19km (12 miles) Duration: 6h00
Today we have two route options and your guide will make a decision on the best trail given the group fitness and ability, and the weather. The climb up to the pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette, which sits at 2670m (8757ft) is 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 to its seracs and crevasses is quite breathtaking. However, in summer 2018 there was a landslide which has affected this route and it is now not always possible.
Ascent: 1480m (4854ft) Descent: 1760m (5772ft) Distance: 15.5km (9.6 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
Alternatively, we take the beautiful Bovine trail through the high meadows where the famous Swiss fighting cows spend the summer months. This is a lovely walk which begins by meandering past old Swiss chalets with their bright window-boxes filled with geraniums, and on into the larch forests. After a steep ascent to the meadows, we aim to stop at the farm for coffee and a chance to chat with Nathalie who tends the cow herds and the hikers! You can almost be certain that there will be freshly baked cakes and pies on the table that are still warm from the oven. Nathalie has a large herd of Hérens cows, the so called Swiss Fighting Cows. They love to tussle and essentially the one that runs away first is the loser. They are wonderful animals with a lot of character for cows! After the farm, our route continues to offer fantastic views down the Rhone Valley and on to the Bernese Oberland. It is very different from the Arpette, but is by no means 'second best'. We love it!
When we reach the Col de la Forclaz you can enjoy a drink before our transfer to Chamonix Valley and the village of Argentiere. The Col de la Forclaz is the former frontier between France and Switzerland, before Switzerland acquired more territory and the border was pushed back to Le Châtelard-Frontière.
Ascent: 775m (2542ft) Descent: 735m (2410ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
NB: The final choice of route will be at the discretion of your guide.
A stunning last day with glorious views of the Mont Blanc range - its glaciers, jagged spires and peaks, and a chance to reflect on your Tour du Mont Blanc with the entire massif laid out before you. We begin our hike from Argentiere wandering up through the larch woods to the foot of a rock wall where we take a ladder (not difficult) to climb this spectacular section. En route there are lots of wild flowers, granite outcrops, and often Chamois or Ibex grazing by the trail as we make our way to the Lacs des Cheserys, a great spot for our picnic lunch. On a hot day our guests find it hard not to indulge in some paddling or swimming. We can then continue to climb higher to enjoy the truly spectacular views from Lac Blanc - voted the 'Best short walk in the world'. After the obligatory photo 'op' we descend via a rocky trail to the mid-station at La Flégère, and return to Chamonix by cable car where we will spend our final night.
Ascent: 1000m (3280ft) Descent: 650m (2132ft) Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
Today is departure day, services end 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.
We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a 'couple', a double room with one large bed is booked. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. 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.
Due to the demand for accommodation on this particular trip we sometimes have to transfer at the end of our hiking day to the nearest available hotel in local towns and villages. The transfer is usually never more than 20 minutes of driving. There is the possibility that we have to use dormitory accommodation, but that is rare. If this is the case those guests who booked first will be given priority when allocating bedrooms.
The 4* Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré has a chalet style to the interior making it a warm and welcoming place to spend time in Chamonix. Step onto your balcony and you have amazing views to the mountains. Your meals will be taken in the light and modern restaurant, with its glass frontage. Whether it be the start or end of your holiday a visit to the hotels pool and spa will help you relax and unwind.
In the Middle Ages, Le Prieuré was the name given to the center of the village of Chamonix. It was referred to as the Prieuré of Chamonix valley. In 1928, Doctor Chabanolles enlarged the building to accommodate children suffering from tuberculosis. In 1960, after extensive renovations, a 'Le Prieuré' opened its doors in Chamonix. It was run by the Morand family, who named it L'Hôtel le Prieuré in reference to its history. In 2015, the hotel was completely renovated while retaining its history and authenticity.
We have worked with this family run hotel for a number of years. The 4**** Chemenaz is a modern hotel in Les Hameaux du Lay on the outskirts of Les Contamines. The Hotel, which has a swimming pool, offers 36 bedrooms and 4 suites. The bedrooms have en suite facilities, and are non-smoking. The hotel is in a great location for the start of our most challenging day, in that it gains us some km's first thing in the morning as we have less distance to walk to join the first climb of the day.
The Hotel Angival is a newly renovated small hotel which has retained its unique style, offering both comfort and charm. The hotel is situated in the centre of Bourg St Maurice near the main pedestrian street, providing an opportunity to visit the local shops and cafes after your day in the mountains. Afterwards you can rejoin your group at the hotels restaurant and sample dishes that are based on the produce of the area.
The Hotel Edelweiss is right in the heart of Courmayeur with easy access to the town centre, while being tucked away in a quiet street where you will not be disturbed by the crowds. The hotel has a lovely sunny garden area at the front, and a spacious lounge bar to enjoy a drink. All the rooms are en suite and dinner is very Italian with local dishes and plenty of pasta. Other hotels which we use in Courmayeur include the Hotel Bouton d'Or, and the Hotel Walser.
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.
Our hotel in Argentière is the most historic in the village built in 1865 when there was an influx of mountaineers and therefore a demand for accommodation. With the first ever Winter Olympics held in the valley in 1924 tourism continued to grow and the now 3* Hotel de la Couronne has played its part ever since. In the 1930's the hotel was one of the first to install central heating, and it has continued its modernisation ever since with it's last upgrade and new extension being built in 2024.
The Hotel de la Couronne is the only hotel of the nineteenth century in the Chamonix valley that has not changed activity since its construction. Right in the heart of the village it is ideal for exploring the characterful bars and shops, and for the start of our hike the next morning.
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.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. 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.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. 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.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. 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
Clothing
Comfort
Documentation
Personal First Aid
Additional Items
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.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single supplement for this trip is £600.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation for the countries that they work in.
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. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
This classic journey picks out the best of the daily stages and links them by short vehicle transfers. Please be aware this does not mean it is 'easier' than the full ten day version of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The trip takes in the highlights, while leaving out the easier valley walks. Our route will tackle several major pass crossings, such as the Col de Bonhomme, and the Col de la Seigne. We also spend a day on the stunning Mont de la Saxe ridge, followed by a night at the world famous Rifugio Bonatti, dedicated to the legendary Italian photographer and mountaineer, Walter Bonatti.
This trip is graded 'Difficult'. It is suitable for those of you who consider yourself ‘hill-walkers’, 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 1350m (4428ft). 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.
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
IGN 3531 ET: St Gervais-les-Bains 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
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please 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 water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
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.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
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.
Prices may vary depending on date.
Code | Start date | Return date | Dates | Price | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BTM1 | Sun 07 Sep | Sun 14 Sep |
Sun 07 Sep - Sun 14 Sep Code: BTM1 |
Price: £2440 | Spaces available | Book |
Code | Start date | Return date | Dates | Price | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BTM1 | Sat 04 Jul | Sat 11 Jul |
Sat 04 Jul - Sat 11 Jul Code: BTM1 |
Price: £2265 | Spaces available | Book |
BTM2 | Sat 05 Sep | Sat 12 Sep |
Sat 05 Sep - Sat 12 Sep Code: BTM2 |
Price: £2265 | Spaces available | Book |
The trip was probably better than I imagined. Seeing Mont Blanc bathed in sunshine. Perfect conditions to view the mighty mountain! Awesome!
The overall 'vibe' was incredible. The experience of pushing me and my group of friends physically to reach monumental views; huge range of accommodation from bunkhouses to reasonable hotels which varied the whole experience.
Having used Tracks & Trails before I knew I would have an amazing time walking the TMB. The walking was satisfyingly challenging, and our guides (Julia and Martin) were as fabulous as the scenery. My highlight was the view from the top of the Tête de Ferret where we stopped for lunch.
Throughout the preparation for this trek, I had no worries about how our trip was being planned and was fully impressed with the individualized care and consideration you gave us. It really eased my worries about how strenuous it was going to be. You were right, I was well prepared and, while it was a difficult hike, I did really well! It was a great confidence builder. :)
It was a wonderful experience and the perfect weather was icing on the cake, we'll be talking about the trip for a long time. We enjoyed the variety of trails from the cols to the forrest settings, the snowy mountains to the glaciers that one could stare at for hours. We enjoyed the variety of accommodations and I must say that the Hotel Alpina in Champex was the tops, there was a possibility that we might not have moved on from there.
From our whole group, thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful week! We could not imagine having a better guide. How lucky we were with the weather. The drenching on day one made all the following days even more appreciated and nothing could have been better than the clear views of Mont Blanc on the last day. In the meantime we are treasuring our memories and pictures of the TMB.
From Price | £2265 |
Holiday Type | Walking |
Duration | 8 Days |
Group Size | 4-10 |
Minimum Age | 18 |
Maximum Altitude | 2670m (8757ft) |
Countries Visited | Italy, France, Switzerland |
Meet In | Chamonix, France |
This is 'sumo wrestling' for cows. In Switzerland cow fights are part of the culture. The Heren breed has a high level of testosterone in the females and left to their own devices they will fight in the fields. For farmers it is a matter of pride to breed a 'queen', the name given to the winner of major contests. The cows are rarely injured with just an occasional bloody nose, and damaged pride.
16 August 2010
11 August 2020
11 April 2013
12 December 2021
25 May 2022