Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Company (Huts) Map and Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Les Houches

The sleepy village of Les Houches is easily accessible by either train or shuttle from Geneva Airport in just over an hour.

Overnight: Hotel in Les Houches

Day 2: Les Houches to Chalets de Miage

Your Tour du Mont Blanc starts with a steep ascent from Les Houches to the Col de Voza, which can be avoided by taking the Tramway du Mont Blanc. From the col there are two options, the tougher Col de Tricot Variant contours below the snout of the Bionnassay glacier and the icy Dômes de Miage before arriving at Chalets de Miage.

Walk: 6/7 Hours, Ascent: 1350m, Descent: 550m

Overnight: Refuge de Miage

Day 3: Chalets de Miage to Chalet du Nant-Borrant

An easier but delightful day of walking through woodland and pastures high on the slopes above the valley through the Contamines Montjoie Nature Reserve.

Walk: 6 Hours, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 1000m

Overnight: Chalet Refuge du nant Borrant

Day 4: Chalet du Nant Borrant, Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Vallée des Glaciers

A steady climb reveals increasingly rugged views of the high peaks and very quickly you reach the rugged landscapes of the Col du Bonhomme (2329m). A further hour on rough and rocky ground brings up the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.

A high mountain path then leads to the Vallée des Glaciers via the Col des Fours. The climb from Col de la Croix to the Col des Fours (2716m) rewards with probably the finest view of Mont Blanc you will enjoy on the circuit. From the col you descend steeply on scree and through alpine meadows to the Vallée des Glaciers and then continue on to the Refuge des Mottets.

There is also the option of following the standard route to Les Chapieux and then taking the local shuttle to skip the road section to Ville Les Glaciers

Walk: 6-7 Hours, Ascent: 1050 m Descent: 950m

Overnight: Refuge des Mottets (http://www.lesmottets.com/) idyllically situated the converted from buildings of the refuge over 50 beds and a welcome meal at the end of a great day.

Day 5: Vallée des Glaciers to Col Chécrouit

The Col de la Seigne (2516m) is where you leave France for Italy and lies 750m above the refuge. Just wait until you see the view! Superb! The trail contours along the steep Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Marmotts and marigolds are common on this section and the scenery will have you reaching for your camera every few yards. Hanging glaciers pepper the slopes above you and they seem close enough to touch. The trail from Col de la Seigne to Col Chécrouit really must be one of the world’s finest walks.

Overnight: Gite Maison Vieille – 1965m - (http://www.maisonvieille.com). Traditional mountain food is a forte of this gîte which enjoys a fabulous position.

Walk: Hours: 6h30, Ascent: 1100 m. Descent: 950 m.

Day 6: Col Chécroui to Champex

Your day begins with a descent to the Italian village of Courmayeur (Optional cable car). Enjoy a cappuccino in the stylish capital of the Italian Alps before catching a bus or taxi (transfer not included) to Arnuva, in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret, in the Grandes Jorasses.

Back on your own two feet you ascend Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), you are in Switzerland! Descend to Ferret (1740m) where you catch the local bus to the lakeside village of Champex.

Walk: Hours: 6h30 Ascent: 800 m Descent: 1550 m

Overnight: Gîte in Champex

Day 7: Champex to Trient

The official route goes via Alp Bovine, a splendid walk through pine and larch forests interspersed with alpine meadows and wonderful views down the Rhône Valley. Alternatively the demanding variant goes via the spectacular Fenêtre d’Arpette to the Trient Valley. Climbing to 2665m it’s a challenging and exposed route but worth every step. Descending right to the valley floor in Trient (1280 m) you can look forward to a good meal.

Walk via Alp Bovine: Hours: 5 h 30 Ascent: 750 m, Descent: 900 m.

Walk via Fenêtre d’Arpette: Hours: 8 h00 Ascent: 1200 m, Descent: 1400 m

Overnight: Refuge

Day 8: Trient to Montroc/ Tré le Champ via Col de La Balme

From Trient, you climb to reach the French border at the Col de Balme (2191 m). From the Col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière glaciers! You then descend to Montroc (lift optional) in the valley and a short walk brings you to the peaceful village of Tré le Champ.

Walk: 5.5 Hours, Ascent: 900 m, Descent: 850 m.

Overnight: Auberge in Tré le Champ

Day 9 : Tré le Champ to Lac Blanc via Col des Montets

From Tré le Champ the trail climbs via the Col Des Montets to the Grand Balcon Sud of the Aiguilles Rouges. You are now in the Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve and sightings of Ibex, Marmot and many other furry creatures are common. The refuge at the beautiful Lac Blanc is surrounded by high peaks and gives a grand view of Mont Blanc across the valley.

Walk: 5 Hours, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 50m

Overnight: Refuge Lac Blanc

Day 10: Lac Blanc to Les Houches

The last day to Les Houches is a long but hugely rewarding one, ending with the climb to the rocky pedestal of Le Brévent (2525m). Mont Blanc seems within touching distance on the opposite side of the valley and now it’s just a long descent to Les Houches. (Possible to shorten the day by taking the cable car from La Flégère or Le Brévent). Once you reach Les Houches a short bus ride will bring you to Chamonix, the perfect place for a celebration!

Walk: 7 – 8 Hours, Ascent: Descent:

Overnight: Hotel Vallee Blanche, Chamonix (http://www.vallee-blanche.com)

Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base.

Day 11: Onward Travel

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days. Taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3795m is a great way to wrap up your time in the Mont Blanc Massif, the view are just incredible. If you are heading home there are numerous shuttles, buses and trains back to Geneva and throughout France.

Optional Mont Blanc Summit Extension (3 Days & 2 Nights)

Experienced mountaineers may wish to extend the trip with an ascent of Mont Blanc (4465m), Europe's highest peak.

Day 1: Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi - Cosmiques

Meet in front of the the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix at 10 h. Meeting with the group and equipment check. We then take the altitude to reach the top of the needle. Focus on our objective, presentation guides the program, materials and technical guidance and summer safety. On arrival at the top station (3842 m), we descend to the Col du Midi for a run towards the tip Lachenal. We then continue to Cosmiques for a short night. Night and dinner at Cosmiques.

Walk: 3 hours of walking. A and D: 250 m.
Overnight: Cosmiques Hut

Day 2: Refuge des Cosmiques - Mont Blanc du Tacul - Mont Maudit - Mont Blanc - Refuge du Goûter - Refuge de Tête Rousse

Early departure. The route of the three Mont Blanc brings us back to the Col du Midi, a vast plateau where the stars give way to the twilight. The ascent begins, and we follow the trail to go over the shoulder of Mont Blanc du Tacul (4248 m). Crossing the Col Maudit and technical passage on slopes and seracs of Mont Maudit (4465 m). After Brenva Pass (4303 m), the summit (4808 m) is finally reached after a final snow slope. Mont Blanc, we descend the normal route, passing Taste, to Tête Rousse hut (3167 m). This allows us to "cut" the descent and spend a final night at the shelter to celebrate our climb!

Walk: 8 hours walking. A: 1300 m. D: 1650 m.

Day 3: Refuge de Tête Rousse - Mont Lachat - Les Houches

A lovely walk out in the morning to Mont Lachat (Tram terminus of the entire 2012 season) and by the sometimes rocky path of the air "Rognes." Mont Blanc tramway and cable car to Bellevue Valley. Separation at the station of Les Houches in the early afternoon.

Walk: 3 hours 30 minutes walking. D: 1100 m.

Overnight: Not included

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