Itinerary

Day 1: Independent travel to Chamonix, France. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860′). (hide)

Day 2: Short transfer by bus to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue (5,610′). Here you begin today’s hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay, then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995′) with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After a steep descent from the Col you arrive at your refuge, set in a lush valley dominated by the Dome de Miage. Often there is time to explore this beautiful valley before dinner.

Day 3: From Miage, you continue to the small village of Les Contamines with time to linger and buy lunch items for the next day. Departing Les Contamines, you hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to your overnight stop.

Day 4: Departing, you begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme and to the Col des Fours (8,960′.) From here a 20-minute detour takes you to the highest point of the tour, Tete des Nord Fours (9,045′). Weather permitting there is an expansive 360-degree view. After a long descent passing though the Ville des Glacier and perhaps stopping to buy some Beaufort cheese at a farm, you end your day at the remote and very rustic, and lively, Refuge des Mottets.

    An alternate route is to hike to Chapieux and stay in a hiker’s hostel and resume the hike as below.

Day 5: Today’s hike brings you to the Italian border at the Col de la Seigne (8,300′). Hiking down the Val Veny, the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif and Mont Blanc itself dominates  the scene with its myriad of glaciers and towering rocky peaks. Hike to La Visaille. Transfer by private taxi to your hotel in Courmayeur, Italy. This transfer is included in the cost of the trip, and we will make arrangements for you to be met at La Visaille. Dinner on your own.

    From either Chapieux or Mottets it is possible to hike to Rifugio Maison Vieille. This adds another wonderful day and a half of hiking before arriving in the village of Courmayeur.

Day 6: Rest day in Courmayeur. The day can be spent exploring the town’s narrow streets, sampling the local pastries and cuisine, day hiking, or taking a series of cable cars up to Point Helbronner and into the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Day 7: Transfer by private taxi from the hotel in Courmayeur to the end of the spectacular Val Ferret. Hike to Ferret, Switzerland over the Col Grand Ferret (8,372′). Stopping for lunch en route you are offered views of the Val Veny, Val Ferret and the skyline is dominated by the Grandes Jorasses, Aiguille Talefre and Mont Dolent. This wonderful day of hiking ends in the Swiss Val Ferret.

    Many of our hikers depart on foot from Courmayeur and hike to the wonderful Rifugio Walter Bonatti for the night. This strenuous hike is perhaps one of nicest on the entire route. The next day the route continues to Ferret, Switzerland. We recommend this option.

Day 8: A moderate day of hiking takes you down the Ferret Valley through small Swiss hamlets and beautiful gardens. The hike ends with a climb up to the picturesque lake village of Champex. This afternoon you will have some time to explore this small village, relax or stroll around the lake.

Day 9: There are two hiking options for today. One is via the high alpine pastures of Bovine with expansive views of the Rhone Valley, and the other more difficult route is up and over the ruggedly beautiful Fenetre d’Arpette. The second option is possible only if weather conditions are appropriate. You end the day in the quiet town of Trient. You can decide which hike you prefer in the morning.

Day 10: Hike from Trient to Tre le Champ or to the village of Argentiere, France over the Col de Balme (7,230). Crossing into France at the Col, once again the spectacular sight of the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc Range with its dramatic peaks and glaciers will be breathtaking. You can end your day at either the small refuge in Tre le Champ or continue about 25 minutes further down the trail to Argentiere and stay in a small, simple hotel.

    It is possible to hike from Trient all the way to Chamonix in one day. There are several hiking options and buses that can shorten the hiking day. This is a great option if you are short on time and need to combine two hiking days into one.

Day 11: From Tre le Champ or Argentiere you hike to Chamonix with ever-changing views of the Aiguille Verte, the Aiguilles des Chamonix, the glaciers of le Tour, Argentiere and the Mer de Glace. There are several hiking options for today’s hike

Day 12: The trip will end at the hotel in Chamonix. Please allow for travel time when making plans.

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