Tour du Mont Blanc

This morning we rendezvous with the group at Les Houches, and have a briefing with our guide before commencing the ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’, the official name for our 10 day walk. The route begins with an ascent to the Voza passage (1653m) and then across the Bionnassay glacier in order to join up with the “knitting pass”, or Col de Tricot (2120m).

As we descend into this high mountain pasture area, which is a mesh of fields, we find ourselves in a truly fabulous setting – face to face with the stunning domes of the Miage. Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance 16-18km/10-11mi, +1100m/3609ft, -914m/2999ft meals: L,D

Today we will pass by the chalets of Truc and then the pretty village of Contamines-Montjoie. Our route continues along the ancient Roman road that leads us into the beautiful Nature Reserve of Contamines. We make our way through the “Bonhomme” mountain passage and have some fun making our way around Beaufortin and Tyrol, two mountains which form part of the French Alps. Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance 18km/11mi, +1300m/4265ft, -500m/1640ft Possible Spring Variant: Walk to Refuge Nant Borrant (4-6hrs, approx 10km, 660m/2165ft ascent, 550m/1804ft descent) meals: B,L,D

Descending through luscious pastures, there may be opportunities to buy Beaufort cheese from the shepherds. We later pass through the City of the Glaciers (La Ville des Glaciers) – a magnificent place where the green of the pasture is covered-up by the ice. Following a steady ascent we reach the Seigne passage (2516m) where the ruins of a customs hut remind us that we are crossing into Italy. Here there is a first glimpse of the Mont Blanc massif from the southern perspective, and descending to the Vallon de la Lée Blanche, there are good views of the fabulous limestone and snow pyramid of the Grand Combin and the Estelette and Lée Blanche glaciers. In the afternoon we will enter a rocky landscape in stark contrast to the lush pastures of this morning ........welcome to the Mineral Kingdom! Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +960m/3150ft, -998m/3274ft meals: B,L,D

In the enchanted valley of Veni, the enormous Miage glacier flows down into the beautiful Lake Combal. This is the Italian side of Mont Blanc that is offered to you from a truly beautiful standpoint and is perhaps the most enjoyable on the route. The trail continues along the flat valley floor overlooked by the serrated rock pinnacle of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey (3773m). There are some steep climbs, rewarded by magnificent alpine views, before we arrive in the town of Courmayeur, where you should definitely make the most of the amazingly delicious Italian Gelato (ice cream). Before arriving at the Berthone refuge (1970m) for the nights accommodation, we have a tough but rewarding 2-3 hour ascent. Overnight Refuge with shower. Distance 23km/14mi (possibly partly by bus), 1100m/3609ft ascent, 1200m/3937ft descent meals: B,L,D

Today we have a major but scenic crossing to make, with great views over the ‘Grandes Jorasses’. We begin by ascending to the flanks of Mont de la Saxe, followed by a steep ascent to a col immediately below the summit of Tete de la Tranche (2584m). From here the southern face of Mont Blanc is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower. Distance 16-18km/10-11mi, +704m/2310ft, -631m/2070ft meals: B,L,D

The sight of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), is with us all the way as we make our way to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), and the whole atmosphere is out of this world, and despite the climb is a very rewarding section of the walk. The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The ascent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and eventually the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight Hotel with shower. Distance 13km/8mi, +624m/2047ft, -1100m/3608ft meals: B,L,D

This morning we take a short bus transfer to the pretty lakeside town of Champex. From here we ascend through woods along the main TMB trail to reach the barns of Bovine (Alp Bovine) (1987m). Absorb the sweeping views of the Rhone Valley, Grand Combin and the Bernese Alps.

then descend to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m). There is then the option (guides discretion) of a walk to the Chalet du Glacier and a bit beyond for fine views of the Trient Glacier, before descending to the village of Trient. Trient is a tiny village in the Val Trient. Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +900m/2952ft, -800m/2625ft meals: B,L,D

The route we take today is dependent on weather. Usually we make our way to the Col de Balme with impressive views of the Glacier du Trient and Glacier des Grande. After pausing at the border between France and Switzerland, we descend to the village of Le Tour before ascending a short distance to Tre le Champ. Distance 13km/8mi, +900m/2952ft, -800m/2625ft meals: B,L,D

The route taken between Lac Blanc and Tre le Champ may include short parts on ladders enabling an ascent of a sloping rock section. These ladders are considered safe but do require care. Alternatively, the guide may use a longer route along the the Col des Montets variante route where no ladders are involved. You should have your cameras at the ready as you are afforded a fabulous view out over the Mont Blanc chain: you will be able to take some impressive pictures of “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. Crossing the “Grand Balcon” by the “Aiguilles Rouges”, (or the Red Needles), one is afforded different views out over the Mont Blanc massif. Distance 6km/4mi, +900m/2952ft meals: B,L,D

In order to reach the Chamonix valley, we take the ‘Balcon’ path, which looks out onto Mont Blanc. Prepare yourselves to come across many different nationalities here... the linguists amongst you will definitely appreciate it! You will encounter day walkers from Chamonix who have ascended to the path from the Brévent cablecar. The views continue to be inspiring and we will encounter many downhill ski runs as we descend into the valley. We plan to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon at approximately 2pm. Your trek luggage will await your return at the station in Chamonix and you can depart the trip on its collection. If you have stayed in Les Houches before the trip, take the train or free local bus back to Les Houches. Distance 15km/9.3mi, -700m/2300ft meals: B,L