Family Mont Blanc Tour
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Family Tour du Mont Blanc - tasty, local produce high above the Swiss Sion valley at Bovine
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

DJ's: Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc


Trip Overview

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!

Highlights

  • Seven days of hiking around the highest peak in the Alps
  • Visit three countries - Italy, Switzerland and France
  • Two nights in the lovely Italian town of Courmayeur
  • Experienced, knowledgeable and professional guide
  • Luggage support, allowing you to hike with a daypack
  • Spend a night in the mountains at an Italian Rifugio

 


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.

- Andrew, UK - June 22

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.

- Frank, UK - July 22

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. :)

- Emma, UK, 2019
I just wanted to let you know what an amazing experience it was. Suze was the best and was a pro in evaluating our experience, fitness, and interest level when choosing the itinerary each day. And, we couldn't have been paired with four better people. Who could have guessed they would also be from San Diego? We were so perfectly suited in personality, sense of humor and fitness.
- Darlene, USA, 2019

Itinerary

  • We meet in Chamonix, France. 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. If you need fuel we can always stop for cake at the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme before our descent!

    Ascent: 1350m (4428ft) Descent: 960m (3148ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00

    Please note the final descent depends on accommodation sourced, and as I write I am still to hear from the Refuge des Mottets, so the last part of the description may read differently, and the distance may be longer. (11/4/24 - We can now confirm that you will be staying at Chalet de Roseland and this requires a taxi transfer from Chapeaux to your Chalet by the beautiful Lake de Roseland)

  • We leave the tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux, heading for 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 where we will spend the night in a mountain refuge by the glaciers.

    Ascent: 1048m (3437ft) Descent: 630m (2066ft) Distance: 17.5 km (10.9 miles) Duration: 6h30-07h00

    NB: No luggage access, you will carry a few extra items for your overnight in the mountains

  • This morning we leave the Cabane de Combal and after about 15 minutes of a gentle warm up we then start the day proper, with a steep ascent on an alpine path that zig-zags up the high meadows. In early summer the meadows are strewn with alpine flowers seeking sunshine after a long winter under the snow. This day offers absolutely stunning views to the Mont Blanc Massif. Not all Tour du Mont Blancs do this day as many opt to take the bus down the valley to Courmayeur, but we want you to experience the spectacular mountain environment that this trail offers. After the steep climb, we begin to traverse the mountain side towards the famous Rifugio Maison Vieille. For those in the know, the Rifugio is usually simply referred to as "Giacomo's" referring to the flamboyant and charismatic owner. It is without doubt the perfect coffee stop before our long descent past Mont Chetif, and down to Courmayeur which winds through the forests down a steep trail to the town. 

    Ascent: 538m (1764ft) Descent: 1287m (4221ft) Distance: 13 km (8 miles) Duration: 5h30-06h00

  • Today you can relax and soak up the Italian vibe in the ancient Roman town of Courmayeur. Enjoy cafe culture and a morning cappuccino in the town centre and watch the world go by, or perhaps you might want to take the cable car up the Skyway to the glaciers around Mont Blanc, or take the local bus down to the thermal spa in Pre-St-Didier where the healing hot spring waters will certainly help any aching muscles. 

    Tonight we propose that you 'do your own thing' for dinner as it allows the group some family time without your guide. There are many restaurants in the town to choose from. 

  • 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 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. We love this route.

    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. Leaving our overnight stop in the hamlet of Trient, or the Col de la Forclaz if we have spent the night there, we have two options to reach our next high point at the Col de Balme. We prefer to go via the quieter trail of Les Grands, or Les Tseppes since this allows us to savour views of the Trient Glacier and better appreciate the exposed position of the Fenêtre d’Arpette from the previous day. This is quite a climb today and although the forest trail rises steeply and at times can seem daunting it is very efficient and we gain height quickly. Both routes ensure flower strewn meadows and stunning mountain views before we reach our high point on the frontier between France and Switzerland. It was on this frontier in the year 1845 that English writer Charles Dickens penned a wonderful description of the views down to Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc. "...Gothic pinnacles, deserts of ice and snow, forests of firs on mountain sides..waterfalls, avalanches, pyramids and towers of ice, torrents, bridges, mountain upon mountain." You too can have the same experience as Dickens on the Tour du Mont Blanc! Once we have enjoyed the views we descend to the hamlet of Montroc and take the local bus back to our starting point in Chamonix.  

    Ascent: 1200m (3936ft) Descent: 1500m (4920ft) Distance: 18km (11.3 miles) Duration: 07h00 - 08h00

  • 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. 

Accommodation

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 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. 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. 

Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons, Chamonix

Hotel

Chamonix is a vibrant bustling town and offers a range of hotels. For this trip we will be staying at the 4* Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons, but this does require early booking. It is centrally located offering superb views of Mont Blanc.

The hotel has 107 rooms, a spacious lounge, fitness studio, cocktail bar and restaurant that access the pool and terrace. After a day in the mountains hotel guests have free access to the Deep Nature Spa. Free slippers and bath robes are provided.

Chalet Hôtel La Chemenaz

Hotel

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. 

Refuge des Mottets, Les Chapieux

Refuge

The Refuge is built from local stone in a traditional style, and is situated amidst the alpine flower meadows. As with all refuges the accommodation is dormitory style, but there are private bedrooms available if you would like to enquire about securing a private room. Please note this will incur a supplementary fee and these room are very limited in number. The refuge has showers, and an outdoor area to enjoy the evening sun. The food is traditional Savoyard dishes and plentiful. 

The reason we might use this Refuge is due to the very limited number of beds available in the tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux. The accommodation in this valley is often fully booked more than one year in advance of a trip departing. Quite simply, we are grateful to have a hot shower, good food, and a comfortable bed at the end of a full day in the mountains. 

Cabane Combal, Val Veny

Mountain Lodge

The Cabane du Combal sitting at 1968m (6456ft) is located between the Lac Combal and stunning Lac du Miage in the Val Veny, Italy. Equipped with a bar, terrace and seven shared rooms with toilets and showers. Enjoy delicious home cooked Italian food perfectly located for the TMB trail head.

Hotel Edelweiss, Courmayeur

Hotel

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

Hotel du Glacier, Champex

The 3* Hôtel du Glacier is a family run hotel that dates back over 100 years. It is in the centre of the quintessential Swiss village of Champex, and nearby a glacial lake with jade green water. For four generations, the Biselx Family has welcomed guests who have a love of Swiss hotel tradition. The hotel offers has comfortable and spacious rooms, a fabulous evening menu and a great buffet breakfast.


  • 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.

  • When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:

    Mountain Rescue Insurance

    It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. 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. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.

    Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance

    You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please 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.

    COVID-19 Insurance

    As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.

    Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.

    All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions

    If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

    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

    • Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
    • Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
    • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
    • Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
    • Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
    • Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
    • Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers

    Clothing

    • Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
    • Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
    • Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
    • Shorts/skort
    • Sun hat
    • Warm hat
    • Hat - sunhat
    • Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
    • Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
    • Fleece jacket/shirt
    • Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
    • Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
    • Thermal leggings - optional

    Comfort

    • Sunscreen
    • Lip salve
    • Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
    • Tissues
    • Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
    • Swimwear - optional
    • Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
    • Book/Kindle/Music

    Documentation

    • Passport, plus a paper copy
    • Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
    • Travel Insurance
    • Credit Card
    • Cash - Euros/Swiss Francs
    • Waterproof bag for documents

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication - if required
    • Antiseptic cream/spray
    • Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
    • Glucose tablets
    • 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
    • A few throat lozenges
    • Blister plasters 
    • Blister tape eg. Strappal
    • Bandaid plasters

    Items for the nights in the huts

    • Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided. You can hire if necessary at the Rifugio
    • Pack towel
    • Ear plugs - optional, but advised
    • Head torch - plus batteries
    • Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so
    • Toiletries – miniature soap/toothpaste etc 
    • Slippers/crocs for use inside the hut, you cannot use walking boots

    Additional Items

    • Camera
    • Clothing for use at accommodation
    • Travel Kettle - if required
    • Hair dryer - if required 
    • Padlock - for luggage being transferred
    • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
    • 1 Medium sized - kit bag/holdall/suitcase 

    Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. Please restrict yourself to one bag of approximately 15kg (33lbs) per person. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. There may be a charge imposed by the taxi company if you have more than 1 bag, and we would ask you to cover this. 

    **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.

  • 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. 

  • On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all of the nights, which means your bag is transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. 

    As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi your luggage should be a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. If you have more than one bag or your bag exceeds the weight limit you will be asked to pay a supplementary fee. These guidelines are imposed by the taxi company as their staff are loading and unloading many bags every day. 

    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.

    If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel in Chamonix it is possible to leave any 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. 

    Note you are asked to avoid leaving valuables in your luggage, fragile items, personal medication or official documents, such as passports. 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 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

    We encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for traditional food and where the menu reflects the best that the region provides.

    The hotels to there best to accommodate the dietary needs of our guest . If you are vegetarian this is not a problem as the hotel is used to being asked for vegetarian meals. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance which will make you ill then the accommodation will cater for this as best they can but we would ask that you make it clear on your booking form of any food intolerance so that we can discuss your needs with the hotel at the earliest point possible. When using remote mountain huts the staff are usually able to offer breakfast and dinner which meet with the clients needs.  Packed lunches can be more problematic and so we do suggest that, if you do have a specific dietary requirement, you bring a range of suitable snacks to supplement the lunches.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance  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 remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.

    At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 


What's Included

  • The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader
  • 3 nights half board hotel accommodation: breakfast, and dinner
  • 2 nights Bed & Breakfast in Courmayeur
  • 2 nights in mountain auberge/huts with half board, (one night in dormitory rooms)
  • All buses and transfers that are part of the itinerary
  • Luggage transfers to your accommodation, excluding the night at Cabane de Combal

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Transfers and cable cars which are not part of the itinerary
  • Picnic Lunches; we find that our guests enjoy buying local food
  • Dinner on the 'rest day' in Courmayeur so you can eat where you wish
  • Accommodation in Chamonix at the beginning/end of the trip
Return to Search Print Trip Notes

Grade: Intermediate

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At a Glance

From Price £2155
Holiday Type Walking
Duration 10 Days
Group Size 4-10
Maximum Altitude 2670m (8757ft)
Countries Visited Italy, France, Switzerland
Meet In Chamonix, France
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Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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