Tour of Mont Blanc
This is the famous classic of the Alps a 105 mile complete circuit of the magnificent Mont Blanc (4807M), the highest mountain in Western Europe.
The circular route starts in France, crosses into Italy and then Switzerland before returning to France. It has an accumulated height gain and loss of approximately 10,000M as the route crosses from valley to valley via the mountain passes. The alpine landscape is stunning, the high mountain peaks, the valleys with unforgettable views and individual characteristics, and the mountain flowers adding their riot of colour.
We meet in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the world, and from there embark on a journey taking in the rich history and culture of the mountains. We visit remote farms and refuges, ancient Roman towns and beautiful lakeside mountain villages. Our trips are meticulously planned, lead by a local guide and accompanied by a Northwestwalks representative. The group size is a maximum of 10 people. Our personal minibus support means that you have your luggage ready and waiting for you each afternoon at any hotel that has vehicle access. The minibus is also available for those that are feeling the pace and would prefer a day off from the hike.
This is a challenging route with many long, and some steep, ascents and descents therefore participants on this holiday must be reasonably fit and able to walk on rough paths for up to 8 hours a day.
Duration of tour
13 days (12 nights)
Total distance
105 miles
Tour start dates
21st June 2008
Also available on request from June to September for private group bookings. Please contact us for availability and a price.
Price
£1295 per person
Prices include
Accommodation with breakfast and evening meal.
Experienced guide.
Luggage transfer between overnight accommodation (except for the walks to and from Les Chapieux and Bonatti hut when you will have to carry a small amount of overnight/next day gear).
Accommodation to accommodation transfer if required.
Prices do NOT include
Grade of walking
Strenuous
Start of tour
Chamonix, France
End of tour
Chamonix, France
Group size
Maximum 10 people
Accommodation
11 nights accommodation in selected comfortable guest houses and hotels and one night in the mountains at Refuge Bonatti.
Single travelers please note you will need to share a twin room each night with another walker in our group.
Additional nights accommodation can be booked on request for anyone wishing to arrive in or depart Chamonix a day or two earlier/later.
Meals
Evening meals and breakfast are included in the price of the holiday. Packed lunches can be purchased on route.
Your guide
This walk is operated in partnership with Mountain Guides based in Chamonix. Like Northwestwalks they are a family run business able to offer a personal service, and have an excellent knowledge of the Tour of Mont Blanc.
You will be guided by an experienced local English speaking guide, and accompanied by a Northwestwalks representative.
Luggage transfer
Except for the walks to and from Les Chapieux and Refuge Bonatti your luggage is transferred between overnight accommodation so all you need to carry is a day rucksack and its contents.
Support vehicle
We hope that everyone who joins us on the Tour of Mont Blanc will complete their challenge, however illness and injury sometimes occur. For this reason we are supported by a daily transport service, which can drive you from accommodation to accommodation if required.
Transport
The nearest international airport is Geneva. Buses and trains run from here to Chamonix.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Chamonix
Arrive in Chamonix and meet your leaders for an informal briefing at your hotel.
Day 2: Les Contamines
We set off from Les Houches, enjoying stunning views of Chamonix Valley as we use the cable car to gain 900m to start the trip. We cross under the Bionnassay glacier and head up to the Col de Tricot, 2120m, before a steep descent to the Miage pastures. From there a short climb over another col before heading down through the forests to the small town of Les Contamines. Ascent 700m.
Day 3: Les Chapiuex
Starting along a Roman road we make the long ascent through mountain pastures to the Col de la Bonhomme, 2599m. We then traverse the hillside to another slightly higher Col where ibex can often be seen, before a gentle descent to the lovely hamlet of Les Chapieux where herds of sheep, goats and cows spend the summer grazing. There is limited vehicle access to Les Chapieux so you will need to carry a two day pack. Ascent 1300m.
Day 4: Courmayeur
We follow the road along the valley where cows produce the famous Beaufort cheese; with the opportunity to buy some for a picnic! A steady climb to the Col de la Seigne, 2516m and into Italy with views of the ‘other side’ of Mont Blanc. From the Col a gentle descent to the valley past the famous south ridges of the ‘Blanc’ such as the Peuterey with its impressive jagged skyline. We arrive in the ancient Italian town of Courmayeur. Ascent 830m.
Day 5: Rest day in Courmayeur
Today we have rest day in Courmayeur and after a leisurely breakfast we have a number of options, the town itself has some great shops cafes and bars for those who want to just wander peacefully, if you prefer to be pampered we recommend a trip to the luxurious spa at Pre St Didier just 2 kilometres down the valley, for the adventurous we suggest a trip up the cable car to point Helbronner and fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the glaciers of the valley blanche. Whatever you decide your rest day should leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead.
Day 6: Refuge Bonatti
We leave the old quarter of Courmayeur and head up the Mont de la Saxe Ridge through pine forests to the Bertone Refuge for a coffee. Then along the ridge with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range, before arriving at the Bonatti Refuge for a true night in the mountains. The Refuge to which there is no vehicle access (you will need to carry a two day pack), pays homage to the great Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti. Ascent 900m.
Day 7: La Fouly
The day starts with a gentle traverse of the mountainside to the Elena Refuge for morning coffee. A climb to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537M where we cross the border into Switzerland. Down through the flower meadows to the small village of La Fouly. Ascent 770M.
Day 8: Champex
An easier day as we follow a Swiss mountain valley to Champex. Dairy cattle graze the pastures as we pass the local farming communities. Ascent 420M.
Day 9: Col de la Forclaz
We leave Champex and begin to climb along the Bovine trail which traverses the mountainside through flower filled pastures. Picnic lunch at a rustic refuge with the chance to learn about the famous Swiss fighting cows. Stunning views down to the Roman town of Martigny and the Rhone valley as we walk to Col de la Forclaz for the night. Ascent 570m.
Day 10: Tre-la-Champ
As we come full circle we head up and over the Col de Balme from where Charles Dickens penned a letter describing the stunning beauty of the mountains. Along the Posettes ridge and down through the forests to the charming hamlet of Tre-la-Champ. Ascent 1070m.
Day 11: Flegere
From the Col des Montets we head up through the Nature Reserve to the famous Lac Blanc which provides a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc Massif, with its peaks and glaciers. Enjoy the flowers of the high mountain and see ibex and chamois, often we can get very close. We take a cable car from La Flegere down to Chamonix. Ascent 900m.
Day 12: Les Houches
We return by cable car to La Flegere for the final stage of the Tour of Mont Blanc. We head for Le Brevent, the high point of the day, and an amazing full frontal view of Mont Blanc. From here we descend a steep path with spectacular views to Les Houches. Accommodation in Chamonix. Ascent 770M.
Day 13: Depart for home
After breakfast at your hotel depart for your journey home.
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