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Tour Overview
Embark on the Mont Blanc Classic Hike, a thrilling adventure through the breathtaking alpine landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland. This trek offers an exhilarating experience as you traverse the majestic European Alps, taking in stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hikers in mountain refuges, savor regional culinary delights like Raclette, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The journey includes crossing borders, exploring lush forests, and marveling at the sweeping vistas from iconic passes such as the Grand Col Ferret and Col de la Seigne. With luggage transfers and mixed dormitory accommodations, this tour is perfect for seasoned hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Le Tour begin hike to Trient (6-7hrs, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)
Location: Le Tour, Trient
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Dinner
Leaving from the village of Le Tour you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation.
(9km, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft) ...more ...less
Day 2 : Hike to Champex (5-6hrs, +900m/2952ft, -650m/2132ft)
Location: Champex
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name.
An alternative route is via the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), however due to the instability of this trail we do not recommend this route.
(+900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)
Day 3 : Bus to Ferret and cross the Grand Col Ferret, bus to Courmayeur (5hrs, +900m)
Location: Ferret, Grand Col Ferret, Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you take a public bus (fare not included - 15 Swiss Francs) to the small village of Ferret (1705m) and commence hiking. The route takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. Enjoy some time relaxing in the Refuge Elena which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Continue to the roadhead and take a local bus to Courmayeur.(13km, +900m/2953ft, -500m/1640ft)
Day 4 : Hike to Elisabetta (5-6hrs, +1560m/5118ft,-460m/1509ft)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements for the next two nights in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 6. From the centre of Courmayeur the hike heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge.(18km, +1560m, -460m)Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).
Day 5 : Cross the Col de la Seigne to France enroute to Bonhomme (6hrs, +1147m/3763ft, 1004m/3294ft)
Location: Col de la Seigne
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. A big ascent (949m) leads to your overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix.(20km,+1147m/3763ft,1004m/3294ft)
Day 6 : Hike to Les Contamines via the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (3hrs +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft)
Location: Les Contamines
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning the trail traverses mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and further on to Les Contamines.Hiking: approx 13km, +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ftNote: Your main luggage will be waiting for you in your accommodation in Les Contamines.
Day 7 : Hike to Les Houches (5 or 7hrs, +633m or 1318m)
Location: Les Houches
Accommodation Name: mountain refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The trail takes you along the river valley and heads slowly to La Gruvaz before continuing to Le Champel and a fairly steep ascent via Bionnassay to the Col de Voza. A longer route can be taken following a combination of tracks and trails above Contamines before you ascend to cross a shoulder of Mont Truc followed by an ascent of the Col du Tricot (2120m) which forms the divide between the Miage and Bionnasay Valleys. From here you have some spectacular views of limestone cliffs and the pistes below. The descent follows a combination of gravel roads and tracks past some settlements to reach Les Houches.
Alternate route via the Col de Voza (4.5hrs, +633m, -646m)
(20km, +1318m/4324ft, -1478m/4849ft)
Day 8 : Hike to Flegere, lift descent to Les Praz, walk to Chamonix, trip concludes (6-8hrs, +1715m)
Location: Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is a big day. Its possible to shorten the hike by descending the lift from Brevent instead of going all the way to Flegere. If you have the stamina the longer hike is well worth it.Cross the L’Arve River to continue up to the “Grand Balcon Sud” offering seriously good balcony trail views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. The trail takes you all the way to the top of Flegere Lift. From here you can descend to Les Praz then continue along the River to reach the centre of Chamonix. Your luggage will be awaiting collection at your pre tour hotel from around 4.00pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels -
Travel to Le Tour and from Chamonix
Travel arrangements to Le Tour and from Chamonix are included in the tour package.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included except on days 5-6, with a maximum of 15kgs allowed in soft duffel style luggage.
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Information Pack
An information pack including a Navigational App and TMB hiking map (1:50,000) is provided per group of 1-4 people.
What's Not Included
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Lunch and Drinks
Lunch and drinks are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Luggage Storage
Storage of luggage is not included. Please ensure your pre-tour hotel can store luggage before you book.
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Transfers
Transfers are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Public Transport
Public transport, including cable cars, is not included in the tour package.
Accommodation
Experience 7 nights in mountain refuges or gîte-hostels with mixed dormitory-style accommodation. Rooms can host up to 40 people, but typically accommodate 10-12. Beds are often bunks or long platforms with separate mattresses. Shared bathrooms and toilets are available, and blankets are provided. A sleeping sheet is required. ...more ...less
Grading
MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The hiking is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily hikes of around 5-7 hours, between 8 and 20km and maximum ascents of 1320 metres per day. The timing provided in the itinerary is a guide only and is for the hiking components only – rest breaks are not included. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only. You should also be able to navigate in alpine regions using a map. Whilst the route is very well marked and well trodden, adverse weather conditions may make navigation difficult without reference to a map and our navigational App. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to advanced. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
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Mode of Transport
Travel includes transfers to Le Tour and from Les Houches, with luggage transfer except on days 5-6. Participants must carry overnight essentials for three consecutive days. Main luggage will be available at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley on day 7.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Mont Blanc Classic Hike?
Accommodation is provided in mountain refuges or gîte hostels, typically in mixed dormitory style. There can be up to 40 people in one room, but usually around 10-12. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses. Blankets are provided, but you need to bring a sleeping sheet. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. ...more ...less
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Are there any luggage transfer services available during the hike?
Yes, luggage transfer is available except on days 5-6. You will need to carry your overnight requirements on three consecutive days, from day 4 to day 6. Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley on day 6.
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What meals are included in the Mont Blanc Classic Hike?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, usually consisting of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses, which may include regional specialties. Drinks are not included.
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Is there an option to upgrade the accommodation during the hike?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade to a double room on 4 out of 7 nights for an additional cost. This option is only available for two people traveling together and not for single travelers.
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What should I expect in terms of hiking difficulty on this tour?
The hiking is moderate to challenging with daily hikes of around 5-7 hours, between 8 and 20km, and maximum ascents of 1320 meters per day. The tour is suitable for experienced hikers with a good to excellent level of fitness. Some stages are challenging with steep uphills, descents, and sections requiring care. ...more ...less
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What should I bring for the overnight stays during the hike?
You should bring a sleeping sheet as blankets are provided in the refuges. You will also need to pack your overnight requirements for days 4 to 6 in your daypack, as your main luggage will not be available during this time.
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Are there any public transport options included in the tour?
Public transport, including cable cars, is not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange and pay for any public transport separately.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Mont Blanc Classic Hike
8 Days Starting and ending in Chamonix Valley, France
Visiting: Le Tour, Trient, Champex, Ferret, Grand Col Ferret, Courmayeur, Col de la Seigne, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Chamonix ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MBT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
