Tour du Mont Blanc 'Best of' Self Guided Trek

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN CHAMONIX

As we are based in Chamonix please ask if you wish to have a self guided trek briefing to go through any aspect of your trek before you start on your adventure.

If you require a briefing on your day of arrival please specify at the time of booking so we can make sure someone will be available.

Accommodation

3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast

Day 2 LES HOUCHES TO CONTAMINES

Your day starts with a 20 minute bus ride from Chamonix to Les Houches. The bus will drop you off opposite the cable car, from here you take a ride to the Bellevue 1802m with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range from high above the westerly end of the Chamonix valley. You then have a choice of routes to Les Contamines via Bionnassay & Chapel or the Col du Tricot & Chalets des Miage.

Daily stats:

Using the cable car
Via Bionnassay: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +100m | Descent: -700m
Via Col du Tricot: Distance: 13k | Height gain: +800m| Descent: -1300m

Accommodation

3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast included

Guide notes:

If you are trekking via the Col du Tricot check out the Blueberry pie at the Chalets des Miage, very memorable and delicious!

Day 3 LES CONTAMINES TO REFUGE NOVA or MOTTETS:

A great day ahead awaits you, make your ascent through three cols, Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme & the Col des Fours 2665m. Descending steeply through the wild and remote landscape to Chapieux and the Refuge Nova or Ville des Glaciers and on to the Refuge Mottets.

Daily stats:

Distance: 20k | Height gain: +1500m | Descent: -900m

Accommodation

Dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

Guide notes:

On paper this looks like one of the longest and toughest days on the trek but don’t worry its very doable. There is a fair amount of height gain but it is integrated with sections of gentle terrain, which make the day more manageable. The key is to start early and allow plenty of time.

Day 4 REFUGE NOVA or MOTTETS TO COURMAYEUR:

If staying at the Refuge Nova you take the bus to Ville des Glaciers and continue on the trail to the Refuge Mottets. The Refuge Mottets is situated in a great position below the Col du Seigne 2516m, although you climb steeply at times you soon find ourselves over the col & across French/Italian border into Italy. You then make a descent into the stunning Val Veny with easy walking through the hanging valleys to Lac Combal. From here you descend La Visaille and take the shuttle bus to Courmayeur.

Daily stats:

Distance: 14k | Height gain: +700m | Descent: -700m (with shuttle bus)

Distance: 24k | Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1700m (full route)

Accommodation

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B

Guide notes:

One of my favourite days on the Tour du Mont Blanc, the views from the Col du Seigne is second to none! Once you are at the col & if the weather is right rest for a while and take in the far-reaching views in to Italy & Switzerland, just wonderful!

Day 5 COURMAYEUR TO CHAMPEX

You will start the day by taking a bus or taxi from Courmayeur to Arnurva and then make your way past the Refugio Elena and on to the Col du Ferret on the Italian/Swiss border and descend to Ferret and La Fouly. You will then take a bus to Champex Lac via Orsieres. All transport details are given in the self-guided pack.

Daily stats:

Distance: 14k | Height gain: +800m | Descent: -800m

Accommodation

3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

Guide notes:

Again this day looks tough but the hard bits are nicely spaced with less challenging terrain and once at the Col stare in wonder at the view looking back at your last 3 days of trekking towards the Col du Seigne and over the boarder into Switzerland. The descent is long but at an easy angle and the path is good. Plenty of opportunity to stop for refreshments at Arnurva, Refuge Elena and La Peule.

Day 6 CHAMPEX-LAC TO TRIENT:

An initial easy start to the day is to be had as you wind our way on easy paths to Plan de l'Au. You then climb up steadily to the Alpage Bovine 1987m and enjoy fabulous views over Martigny and the Swiss Valais. You spend the rest of the day making your descent to the Col du Forclaz 1526m with a final descent to Trient.

Daily stats:

Distance: 18k | Height gain: +750m | Descent: -950m

Accommodation

Auberge with private rooms & shared facilities, evening meal & breakfast

Guide notes:

The Bovine route is a fabulous day not too tricky over lovely terrain. Lunch stop at the high alpine farm at Bovine is a must, you can purchase local food or even eat your own picnic on the terrace as long as you buy a drink. Amazing views across to Lac Leman and down the Rhone valley.

Day 7 TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE:

Again today you have two options as you can take the route directly to the Col du Balme from Trient or by following the variant up through alpine woodland to the Alpage of Tseppes, Catogne and on to the Col du Balme 2191m and the Swiss/French border. From the col you then make our descent to the hamlet of Le Tour where you will take the bus back to Chamonix. A fabuous end to this Mont Blanc trail.

Daily stats:

Direct via the Col du Balme:
Distance: 13k | Height gain: +900m | Descent: -900m
or Via Catogne & the Col du Balme: Distance: 15k | Height gain: +1000m | Descent: -1000m

Accommodation

3* Hotel private en-suite rooms, evening meal & breakfast

Guide notes:

Personally unless the weather is bag take the route via Catogne, the views are far superior as one up high you take a lofty traverse with excellent views over towards Emossom dam and the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve Stop if you dare at the refuge at the Col du Balme. Service with a grimace rather than a smile!

Day 8 DEPART CHAMONIX

Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

Guide notes:

Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Tour du Mont Blanc is truly an exceptional trek & has a worthy place as of one of the worlds top 10 long distance walks.