Private Hiking In the Alps
Hi Jen and Friends,
We are so delighted you have chosen your holiday with Tracks and Trails this Summer. We truely hope you will enjoy exploring the finest trails of France’s legendary Chamonix Valley, where the scenery is nothing short of spectacular - snowy peaks, vast glaciers, and dramatic granite spires. Known as the mountaineering capital of the world, Chamonix is home to Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, and a place steeped in alpine history and adventure.
Your journey on foot will be as rich in culture as it is in scenery. Along the way, you’ll discover the valley’s rich history, it's folklore, and wildlife - from remote mountain farms and high refuges to the cosmopolitan town centre with its chic cafes and bars.
Highlights
- A perfect introduction to alpine hiking
- 5 guided day walks on excellent trails
- Enjoy mountain cafes with views of Mont Blanc
- Guided by professional 'International Mountain Leader'
- Walk sections of the famous ‘Tour of Mont Blanc’
- Aiguilles du Midi Cablecar and Montenvers railway
Chamonix walks are as varied as they are beautiful: traverse airy balcony trails that cut across the mountainside, wander through shady forests, and hike across flower-filled alpine meadows. In Chamonix, every path leads to a new discovery and the views are to die for!
This five-day Chamonix walking trip is perfect for those who want to explore the valley’s “must-do” classic trails while still having time to relax and enjoy being on holiday.
In the heart of the French Alps - where France meets both Italy and Switzerland - Chamonix offers hiking for every level, from gentle valley paths to high mountain trails. Each day’s walk begins within easy reach of your accommodation and takes you to a different corner of the valley, revealing new scenery and perspectives with every step. It’s the ideal way to experience the very best of Chamonix at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
Grade: Moderate
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking, Low Impact |
| Duration | 7 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 3842m (12604ft) |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Chamonix, France |
Dates and Prices
No Departures Available
There are currently no scheduled departures for this holiday. Please contact us for more information about future dates.
Itinerary
Your trip starts in the world famous mountain town of Chamonix, in France. Chamonix has a rich history as a climbing and hiking destination having attracted mountain lovers for many centuries. It is perhaps most famous for its incredible mountain views of glaciers and summits which are dominated by the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc which today sits at 4810m (15,777ft). This evening your guide will meet your hotel at approximately 1830 hrs, here they can answer questions and brief you on the days ahead.
We start your trip with a morning journey on the historic Mont Blanc Express train to the village of Argentiere. For over a century the Mont Blanc Express has transported visitors between this part of France and nearby Switzerland. Today's hike is a great introduction to Chamonix Valley exploring the balcony trails along the Petit Balcon Nord and Sud. These trails date back to the Victorian era when tourists hiking across the mountainsides while enjoying the stunning views, hence the term Balcony trail.
Facing each side of the valley these paths wind through the pine forests and hamlets along the River Arve making only short climbs and descents en route. Enjoy excellent views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the sleepy village of Le Lavancher with its traditional chalets. You will feel the grandeur of the peaks as you pass the mighty Aiguille Verte, Drus and Aiguille Rouge whose summits line either side of the valley.
Distance: 15km (9.3 miles). Ascent: 350m (1,148ft). Descent: 400m (1,312ft). Walking time: 4-5 hrs
The hike from the Brevent to Montroc is a lovely walk. Walking high above the valley floor, overseeing the whole of the Chamonix Valley and its beautiful scenerey. The area is also home to the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve with its landscape of granite cliffs, wildlife, and glacial lakes. Our route begins at the Brevent cable car where we take advantage of a ride up to our trail start. It's always wonderful to gain height with a little help! Our route is along a pleasant balcony trail high above the tree line which gives us impressive views along the Chamonix Valley. After a little while, with breaks to take photos, eat snacks and enjoy the awe inspiring views we will reach Flégère. From Flégère our hike continues as we begin our descent towards the treeline, until eventually we reach the valley floor. Before we arrive at the train station in Montroc we will pass by an alpine settlement called Trélechamp le haute with traditional chalets where we can enjoy a cake and a coffee before heading back to Chamonix.
Distance: 12.1km (7.5 miles) Ascent: 164m (540ft) Descent: 830m (2720t) Walking time: 5-6hrs
This is yet another brilliant day for Mont Blanc views. Using public transport we will make our way to the very end of the Chamonix Valley. Making use of our lift pass, we will take the lift up to the Col de Balme. This is a high mountain pass located between France and Switzerland. From the Col we start to climb towards Croix de Fer, which lays in Switzerland. We'll then descend and leave Switzerland behind us to go to our main objective of the day, the Aiguillette Des Posettes. From here you will have a 360degrees view over the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding peaks. After having enjoyed the views and our picnic we will make our way back to the lift station and descend back down to Le Tour.
Distance: 11.4km (7 miles). Ascent: 755m (2500ft) Descent: 755m (2500ft). Walking time 5-6 hrs
Today's classic trail starts from Chamonix town centre. We begin with a ride on the two stage cable-car to visit the famous rocky spire of the Aiguille du Midi. The cable-car is an amazing feat of engineering. It is not only one of the longest and highest 'single cable' lifts in the world, but also offers unsurpassable 360 degree panoramic views of Mont Blanc. the Chamonix Valley, Switzerland and into Italy. We will ascend to the dizzy height of 3842m (12604ft), and when we arrive at the summit station you are free to wander around exhibitions, view the Vallée Blanche glacier and the surrounding peaks which are truly stunning. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Matterhorn mountain, in Switzerland, from this amazing location. When we are ready to leave the summit station we will descend back down to the Refuge Plan d'Aiguilles at 2200m (7217ft) where we can enjoy a morning coffee while enjoying excellent views of the Chamonix Valley.
From the refuge we join the Grand Balcon Nord, a high balcony trail, and begin our hike. The walk is an undulating path beneath the massive granite rock spires. This trail traverses for 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) to reach Signal Forbes a viewpoint at 2198m (7211ft) of the iconic Aiguille du Drus and the largest glacier in France, the Mer de Glace. To descend we use the historic rack and pinion Montenvers Train. The train, which is a twenty-five minutes ride, follows the route of the old mule track to reach the valley floor.
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) Ascent: 300m (984ft). Descent: 250m (820ft). Walking time: 3-3.5 hrs, but the trip will take most of the day.
The destination of our last walk is Refuge de Loriaz, a meadow situated at 2020m (6627ft). Loriaz is a collection of ancient farm buildings offering overnight stays and delicious traditional cuisine. We use the Mont Blanc Express to travel to Vallorcine and the 'valley of bears'. In the Middle Ages bears were such a common feature of the local nature, that the people paid their taxes in bear meat. Sadly there are no longer any bears in the region, but it's here that we start our hike up to Refuge de Loriaz and its alpage. An 'alpage' is a mountain meadow where animals graze in the summer months.
This circular route climbs and descends all on good trails, never feeling too steep. Starting through the pine forest gaps in the trees offer glimpses of the Aiguillette des Posettes opposite. As we reach the treeline the trail opens up to the high pastures where the spring flowers, bees and butterflies are in abundance. A 'cross' leads the way and signals that we are close to the farm buildings. This peaceful alpine setting is the perfect place reflect on an excellent week of walking in the Chamonix Valley. A traditional shepherds lunch at the Refuge is included in your trip fee.
Distance: 7.5km (4.6miles). Ascent: 600m (1968ft) Descent: 600m (1968ft). Walking time: 4-5hrs.
Today is departure day. Your trip ends after breakfast.
It is 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 aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trip fees 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 single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use, but requires early booking and will incur a supplementary charge. For further details refer to Trip Information > Single Supplements. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking and is an indication of our accommodation, not a guarantee. Note it is unusual to have air conditioning in bedrooms in the mountain areas where our trips take place. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Hotel Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix - Summer
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.
Over the last 100 years five generations of the Farini family have managed this hotel, a tradition which continues today. We know that Carla and Vincent will give you a warm welcome. The Hotel Aiguille du Midi, which sits below the Les Bossons glacier, has forty traditionally decorated rooms. There is a small relaxation area with a sauna, and jacuzzi.
Trip Information
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. The most direct route is taking the Eurostar to Gare de Nord and then use the TGV system via Gare de Lyon, Bellegarde Sur Valserine, St Gervais le Bains and finally to Chamonix Mont Blanc.
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.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a hiking trip in the mountains it's 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.
Equipment
- Walking boots - waterproof & comfortable (walking shoes are acceptable, but might not be suitable if wet or snowy weather)
- Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
- Rucksack – 20-25 litres, ideally with a chest & waist strap
- Rucksack liner/cover - to keep contents dry
- Water container - bottle/hydration system
- Gaiters - useful, but not essential
- Emergency foil blanket
Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket - essential
- Waterproof Trousers - we reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if necessary, or to ask you to miss a day if you are not properly equipped for the weather
- Trousers - walking trousers that allow free movement
- Shorts/skort
- Sun hat
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Base layer - such as t-shirt/thermal tops
- Fleece jacket/top
- Socks - technical walking socks
- Duvet jacket/warm second layer
- Thermal leggings - optional, and only needed if a cold day
Comfort
- Sunscreen - this is essential and a total ‘bloc’ is useful
- Lip salve
- Sunglasses – essential as the sun can be extremely strong in the mountains
- Toilet/tissues - plus a few biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Swimwear - if your accommodation has a pool/sauna
Personal First Aid
- Personal medication
- Blister plasters
- Painkillers/Anti-inflammatories
- Glucose tablets/Energy gel
- 2 x Re-hydration sachets - eg Dioralyte
- Throat lozenges
- Antiseptic cream/spray
Documentation
- Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
- Passport
- Credit card
- Cash - Euros
- GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Additional Items
- Slippers for use at accommodation
- Clothing for use at accommodation
- Camera/ Book/Music
- Toiletries - soap/shower gel
- Ear plugs - if room sharing
- Small thermos for hot drinks
- Head torch - plus spare batteries, useful if room sharing
- 1x Medium size kit bag/holdall/suitcase
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
When creating private trips for guests your trip fee does not include the cost of additional expenses such as transport, accommodation or cable cars which may be required to complete your route due to itinerary changes. We aim to complete the agreed itinerary, however, in terms of both safety and enjoyment the route can only be followed when conditions/weather are appropriate. Your guide will make a decision on your route based on those conditions. Any decision by your guide will be final and indisputable. We therefore, if required, ask that you are prepared to cover these unforeseen expenses. It is rare that we need to apply this, but by operating on a case-by-case basis we avoid building these costs into your agreed trip price.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's 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, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
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 your itinerary:
IGN 3630 OT: Chamonix Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000
Or
IGN 89025: Tour du Mont Blanc 1:50,000
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. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be 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 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.
Food On 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 ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. 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 If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with 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.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. 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. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC 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 should apply for a GHIC.
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 operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. 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.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people 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/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of 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.
