Please accept our gratitude for the amazing Alpine experience. You really put together a fantastic trip for us, and we know that this trip will remain an enduring memory. - J.M. - California
Upon arrival in Geneva, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the bustling heart of Chamonix, one of the most historic, dynamic, and beautiful resorts in the world. You’ll meet your group at the hotel in Chamonix at 2:00 PM. You'll have a chance to take a short excursion and brief orientation before we enjoy a welcome dinner at a select restaurant. (D)
A cable ascent from Les Houches takes us 2500 feet above the valley to Bellevue. From there we descend beneath the tumbling icefalls of the Bionnassay Glacier where we cross a suspension bridge over the glacial gorge. Then it's over the Col de Tricot, with its alpenrose covered slopes. We stop for lunch at a favorite restaurant at the base of the Miage glacier. After an ascent of the Val Montjoie we arrive in a peaceful wooded setting at our modern chalet hotel. (BLD)
Ascent: 2325 feet | Descent: 4330 feet | Distance: 11 miles (may vary)
We visit the 15th century baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge before following a Roman road and bridge past stunning waterfalls and over the Col du Bonhomme. Arriving in the hamlet of Les Chapieux we transfer to our welcoming hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. (BLD)
Ascent: 4250 feet | Descent: 3155 feet | Distance: 11.5 miles (may vary)
We start near the alpine farms that produce the famous Beaufort cheese, and pick up a healthy portion for our lunch. Crossing the Col de la Signe with views to the southern faces of Mont Blanc we hike into Italy and the Val Veni with views of the Miage Glacier. Our hotel is located in the heart of Courmayeur, an elegantly relaxed resort nestled in the Val d’Aosta. (BLD)
Ascent: 2545 feet | Descent: 2885 feet | Distance: 10.5 miles (may vary)
Today is a welcome rest day in Courmayeur where you can relax or shop. But whatever you do, you won't want to miss joining us as we take the Skyway Monte Bianco as it ascends 2000 vertical meters in just 10 minutes and takes you to breathtaking views of glaciers, seracs, and the pastel-shaded granite spires of Mont Blanc. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own. (BL)
On a traverse of the Val Ferret, we walk alongside rushing waters with breathtaking views of the Grandes Jorasses and the Brenva Glacier. This evening, we settle into the classic, rustic charm of our remote mountain inn, Chalet Val Ferret, offering an unforgettable alpine experience.
Ascent: 4015 feet | Descent: 2275 feet | Distance: 12.5 miles (may vary)
It’s a straightforward and beautiful ascent over the Grand Col Ferret which marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. We descend into the Swiss canton of Valais in view of Mont Dolent, the only Alpine peak shared by Switzerland, France, and Italy. A descent leads along the river to La Fouly where we then take a quick transfer to the lakeside resort of Champex-Lac. (BLD)
Ascent: 2565 feet | Descent: 2510 feet | Distance: 7.5 miles (may vary)
Take a route over Alp Bovine which boasts panoramic views into the Rhone Valley, the Bernese Alps and the rocky Dents du Midi. We drop into the quaint village of Trient overseen by its famous pink church. A quick transfer takes us to our luxury hotel in nearby Argentiere for the evening. (BLD)
Ascent: 2625 feet | Descent: 2500 feet | Distance: 9 miles (may vary)
We take the old smugglers route back into France that leads us over the Col de Balme where the Mont Blanc Massif emerges into view in all its glory. We descend along the massive Trient Glacier to Le Tour and continue by bus into the classic French alpine village of Argentiere and our 4-star hotel. (BLD)
Ascent: 3205 feet | Descent: 3380 feet | Distance: 11 miles (may vary)
Hike the Grand Balcon Sud, one of the most spectacular trails in France. The sparkling Lacs des Cheserys make the perfect spot for a final picnic in the high alpine. Along the way, take in awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc and its glaciers—an unforgettable finale to your journey. Depending on trail conditions, we may alternatively enjoy a day hike from Chamonix. In the evening, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner in the heart of this lively and historic resort town, to toast the completion of the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc!
Please note: If your tour ends during the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) race, which typically takes place in the final week of August and the first days of September, we will stay at the Grand Montets Hotel in nearby Argentiere instead of Chamonix to avoid the extreme crowds, traffic disruptions, and general chaos of UTMB week.
Ascent: 3870 feet | Descent: 1745 feet | Distance: 7 miles (may vary)
We say goodbye to the Tour du Mont Blanc and return home with lasting memories of the Alps. A shuttle transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport is included. Shuttles are scheduled to pick you up approximately 4.5 hours before your flight departure, so please plan flights with this in mind (we recommend booking flights no earlier than 11:00 AM). If you are extending your stay, or your travel plans require a different schedule, shuttles can be arranged for any day and time that best suits your itinerary.
We rate this trip as strenuous, with limited adaptability and vehicle support. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 6 to 8 hours per day on good trails, with some steep ascents and descents averaging 2,500 to 4,200 vertical feet per day at an elevation up to 8,000-9,000 feet above sea level. Trekking poles are highly recommended.
Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.
See Alpenwild Alltrails for example statistics (may vary).
