Testimonials

Thank you for making it all so easy for us and putting together a fantastic itinerary, It was just what we were looking for! - M.D. -New York

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Geneva. Transfer to Les Houches

On arrival in Geneva you'll be transferred to your hotel in the picturesque town of Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley at the base of Mt Blanc. (D)

Day 2 – Les Houches to Les Contamines

Cable ascent takes you 2500 feet above the valley to Bellevue. From there you’ll descend beneath the tumbling icefalls of the Bionassay Glacier and over Col de Tricot, with its alpenrose-covered slopes. After a gentle ascent of the Val Montjoie you’ll arrive in a peaceful wooded setting at a modern chalet hotel. (BD)

Ascent: 2325 feet | Descent: 4330 feet | Distance: 11 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

You’ll visit the 15th century baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge before following a Roman road past stunning waterfalls and over the Col du Bonhomme. Head east over another mountain pass before arriving at your mountain hotel. (BD)

Ascent: 4250 feet | Descent: 3155 feet | Distance: 11.5 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta

Crossing the Col de la Seigne with views to the southern faces of Mont Blanc, you'll hike into Italy and stay at a highly acclaimed mountain refuge. (BD)

Ascent: 3295 feet | Descent: 850 feet | Distance: 9.5 miles (may vary)

Day 5 – Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur

A steep hike down the valley brings you to the village of Courmayeur. Cross through town to your 4-star hotel. (BD)

Ascent: 1510 feet | Descent: 5120 feet | Distance: 11.5 miles (may vary)

Day 6 – Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

On a traverse of the Val Ferret, walk along rushing waters and have spectacular views of the Grandes Jorasses and the Brenva Glacier. Stay at a TMB favorite mountain refuge. (BD)

Ascent: 2825 feet | Descent: 335 feet | Distance: 8 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly

In crossing the expansive Grand Col Ferret you depart Italy and enter Switzerland. On both the ascent and descent the views are commanding in all directions as you descend into the idyllic Val Ferret and the laid back resort village of La Fouly. (BD)

Ascent: 2940 feet | Descent: 4625 feet | Distance: 12.5 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – La Fouly to Champex Lac

This is the easiest stage of the TMB and can even be used as a rest day. But you won't want to miss spending time in the lakeside village of Champex with views of the Grand Combin. (BD)

Ascent: 1380 feet | Descent: 1855 feet | Distance: 9.3 miles (may vary)

Day 9 – Champex Lac to Col de la Forclaz

A gentle ascent over Alps Bovine which offers commanding views into the Rhone Valley. You will arrive at the Col de la Forclaz where you will stay the night. (BD)

Ascent: 2625 feet | Descent: 3155 feet | Distance: 9 miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Col de la Forclaz to Argentiere

Starting with a descent into the village of Trient, you'll then start an ascent over the Col de Balme before descending along the massive Trient glacier and continuing on to Argentiere. (BD)

Ascent: 3510 feet | Descent: 3865 feet | Distance: 8.5 miles (may vary)

Day 11 – Argentiere to Chamonix

Hike the Grand Balcon Sud along one of the most beautiful trails in France. The Lacs des Cheserys dot this high alpine region and Lac Blanc is the perfect lunch spot. This route features some of the most awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc and its glaciers. Then make your decent by tram for a grand entrance into Chamonix. Your hotel is in the heart of this lively and historic resort. (B)

Ascent: 2500 feet | Descent: 1000 feet | Distance: 6 miles (may vary)

Day 12 – Chamonix

This is the perfect day to enjoy the best of what Chamonix has to offer with an ascent of the Aiguille du Midi or an excursion to the Mer de Glace. (B)

Day 13 – Depart Chamonix

Transfer to Geneva for return flights or onward travel. (B)

Activity Level

Alpenwild adventures are designed for people who are energetic, active and filled with a spirit of adventure. We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be a strong and experienced hiker with proven endurance and in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 5 to 8 hours per day on good trails, ascending up to 3,900 vertical feet per day, at an elevation up to 10,000 feet above sea level.

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