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OVERVIEW

Experience the world-famous 'Tour du Mont Blanc' in 8 days. Starting and finishing in Chamonix, ascend by cable car to high grazing pastures and onto alpine trails as you circumnavigate western Europe's highest mountain. Trek into Italy, hiking over the Col de la Seigne and to the chic, cobbled streets of Courmayeur. Stay in the charming lakeside village of Champex and choose between the classic Bovine Route or the challenging, rocky trail of the Fenêtre Arpette. 

The final day of trekking culminates by crossing back into France over the Col de Balm . Sitting high above the head of Chamonix Valley, soak up the panorama of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, verdant meadows and historic villages that make the Tour du Mont Blanc one of the most coveted treks in the world.

Please note: additional transfer fees may apply if our regular accommodation providers have no availability for your preferred departure date. Should this occur, the cost will be communicated to you prior to confirming the booking. If you choose to cancel as a result, your deposit will of course be refunded in full.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a snapshot of the best routes of the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit
  • Hike through the stunning high Alps of France and Italy
  • Follow rugged mountain trails over the Col de la Seigne, Grand Col Ferret and Col de Balme
  • Discover the famous French mountain town of Chamonix
  • Sample typical Savoyard dishes such as cheese fondue and tartiflette
  • Skyway Pass to enjoy a view of the mountains from the luxury of a cable car that rotates 360 degrees as you ascend Mont Blanc
  • Stay in family-run hotels in private rooms with ensuites

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Challenging

Grade 5 - Challenging

Longer, tougher, steeper hill sections, rough terrain with possibly many steps. Active lifestyle, good fitness and walking experience required.
PRICE FROM
$ 3095

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1025

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Arrive Chamonix

From Geneva, we transfer you to Chamonix. Bustling with outdoor enthusiasts, the French Alpine town of Chamonix is only a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport. Please supply flight details as soon as you can if you are arriving via Geneva (see the How to get there section on the website for the conditions). From the garden of your hotel, relax under the incredible Mont Blanc massif before further exploring the streets, pavement cafes and bars of this famous alpine town.

Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet
Run by the Durban sisters, Agnes and Veronique’s 3* hotel is a typical timber alpine chalet located in the heart of Chamonix. From their spacious garden, relax poolside with exceptional views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc.

Meals included: None

DAY 2
Tre-le-Champ via Lac Blanc to Le Flegere

We start the day with a private transfer out to the beginning of the walk. A spectacular day of mountain walking begins with an ascent across forested slopes and onto steeper ground to the foot of a short section of fixed ladders. Being steeper ground means there are excellent chances to see agile Ibex mountain goats. Now, deep into the Aiguille Rouge Nature reserve, follow the trail to the idyllic setting of Refuge Lac Blanc overlooking the cobalt waters of the lake. Descending on rocky paths, the path narrows into the famous ‘Balcony Trail’, where you’ll enjoy largely unbroken vistas across to Mont Blanc range until you reach the cable car station of Plan Praz. Here, descend by cable car to your hotel in Chamonix.

Distance: 10km
Ascent: 730m
Descent: 270m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

 

DAY 3
Le Flegere to Les Houches

Today’s trekking starts by returning to Plan Praz by cable car. Re-joining the trail, you have several options, which include hiking up to the Col du Brevent and onto Le Brevent (2525m). At the mountain top restaurant, snow-capped peaks and glaciers seem within touching distance. From here, if you prefer to take the day a little easier, descend to Chamonix on the Brevent cable car. Alternatively, continue by foot, descending into alpine woodland and the village of Les Houches. Return to Chamonix via the mountain train (or bus). With an abundance of traditional and global dining options, Chamonix is a great place to rest and soak up the alpine experience.

Distance: 18.5km
Ascent: 900m
Descent: 1770m

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

DAY 4
Les Houches to Les Contamines

Today we’d suggest taking the cable car up to Bellevue (1802m) at the western end of the Chamonix Valley. From Bellevue you have a choice of two routes to Les Contamines; Hike over the Col du Tricot (2102m), under the shadow of the Bionnassay and Aiguille de Bionnassay glaciers and onwards to the picture-postcard Chalet de Miage (famed for their blueberry tart). Alternatively, trek through high alpine pastures and enchanting woodland via the hamlets of Bionnassay and Le Champel to the peaceful village of Les Contamines. Once the walk is completed, we will provide you with a private transfer to Courmayeur.

Trek via the Col du Tricot: 15.5km or 18.5km
Ascent: 1010m or 1480m
Descent: 850m or 1320m

Trek via Bionnassay & Le Champel: 15.5km
Ascent: 1010m
Descent: 850m

By using the cable from Bellevue, either walk is reduced by approx. 2 hours and around 700-800m of ascent.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon
Run by the Grivel Di Addario family, this 3* hotel is located in a quiet street just a few minutes walk from the main centre. With a long heritage of mountaineers in the family, the hotel is well equipped to look after weary trekkers. A comfortable lounge, fireplace, a garden terrace and modest en-suite rooms all make for an enjoyable stay.

DAY 5
La Visaille into Courmayeur, Italy

Follow the trail down to Lac Combal where you’ll soon begin to climb again towards Arp Vielle and onto a magnificent balcony trail towards Col Checrouit. Across the valley, the enormity of the southern Mont Blanc is revealed and there are many great vantage points to soak mountain life, relax with a picnic and look out for Marmots. To make the most of your time up on this trail, you can always descend directly to Courmayeur by chairlift.

Distance: 15.5km
Ascent: 850m
Descent: 1300m
Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

DAY 6
Rest day in Courmayeur

Today you can relax and stroll around the cobbled streets of Courmayeur or take the ski lift up and over the mountain. Today we supply you with a Skyway Pass to traverse the top of the mountain in semi-spherical cabins which gently rotate a full 360 degrees for the duration of the ascent. This not to be missed experience allows visitors to grasp the splendour of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, such as the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso.

The beauty and mountains of Courmayeur have long been attracting climbers and trekkers since the late 18th century when Mont Blanc was conquered in 1786. In the town centre, the Guides Museum is well worth a visit, celebrating 150 years of alpinism.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

DAY 7
Courmayeur to Val Ferret

Leave Courmayeur town on foot and ascend onto the steep forested slopes of La Montagne de la Saxe. After arriving at Rifugio Bertone, follow the ‘Balcony Route’, which gives incredible unbroken views across Val Ferret to Mont Blanc and Grand Jorasses. The high route is challenging, but it provides some of the most epic views on the walk. On reaching Rifugio Walter Bonatti, the picnic terrace is great for sampling the famous Bonatti hot chocolate and taking in the majesty of the mountains around you.

Distance: 14km or 17km
Ascent: 1080m or 1730m
Descent: 580m or 1250m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon (or Rifugio Bonatti)
.

DAY 8
Onward Travel

We deliver you back to Chamonix with a private transfer where you can catch a train to anywhere in Europe, or you can go back to Geneva. However, this will depend on your onward travel arrangements. Take a walk around Chamonix, and indulge in freshly baked patisserie cakes and coffee before moving on to your next adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 7 nights of accommodation in 3.5-star hotels and 7 breakfasts
  • Cable car Skyway pass for use on the extra Cormanyeur rest day
  • Transfers from Geneva and all luggage transfer
  • Private transfers to Italy from France and back again
  • Maps, Auswalk Mont Blanc walk notes and GPX tracks
  • Itineraries have the flexibility to account for most weather conditions
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s authored comprehensive track notes and maps
  • Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation arranged for you

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in 3.5* hotels and are very good.  All rooms have private en-suites.

All the accommodations are accustomed to welcoming trekkers and very well equipped to make your stay comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. Typically, rooms are simple but very comfortable. As many of the overnight stays are in small villages or towns, on occasion, we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process.

Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you. Especially as ingredients and supplies can be hard to obtain in the mountains.

Lunches can be purchased locally which is a great part of the experience. The towns and villages you pass through are renowned for their speciality breads, cheeses and meats (many of which continue to be produced by hand). If you’re lucky enough to encounter a local farmers market, the choice and range of local foods are staggering. Many of your accommodations will also make a picnic lunch for you. A staff favourite is the Beaufort cheese from La Vallee des Glaciers, which you can purchase fresh from the farm. Within your daily walk notes, there are detailed suggestions of where to buy lunch each day.

  • NIGHT 1,2 & 3

  • NIGHT 4,5,6 & 7

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from early July to 31st August.

In early July it is possible the trail might remain closed due to heavy snowfall. Should this happen we would do our very best to reschedule the tour for a later date (on occasion it is possible the tour might even be cancelled, but this is rare). Up until late July, some of the higher passes may still have snow on them (with the possibility of them being closed). Should this happen you will be provided with comprehensive information about taking an alternative route and/or local transport. In the event of any major route closures, we will contact you prior to travel and discuss the alternative walk options with you.

Towards the end of the season (early September) some transport options will have stopped operating for the season. You should therefore be prepared to walk the full distance every day. There is always the option of using a local taxi if necessary. Within your travel notes, advice will be given for all transport options to shorten or skip the walking for that specific day.

THE WALKING

The 103 km of walking 103 km is best described as Moderate to Challenging. Tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents and descents, through sections of rough surface and steps. You may find some sections have narrow footpaths and for your guidance on some very short sections, safety cable lengths have been put in place for you to use for a handrail. Having an active lifestyle and being an experienced walker makes the journey enjoyable. We would suggest an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week in addition to your usual weekly walks.

You will be walking around 20km a day with up to 1500m of ascent and descent. Trails are well-defined, well waymarked and cover a variety of terrains which include; forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and through mountain towns and villages. It is also possible you may have to cross some snowy patches on the ascent or descent of higher mountain cols, so good mountain footwear is required!

Although the route is well way marked for each of your walks, you will be provided with comprehensive walk notes giving alternatives as well as the main route, maps (and GPX tracks if you require to use for your own device). Mountain weather can change quickly so it is essential that at least one of your trekking party is confident in using a map to navigate (should visibility drop).

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts and ends in Chamonix. The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport. There is also a train station in Chamonix if you wish to arrive by train from Paris for example.

Geneva Airport to Chamonix
Included in your package is a transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Please note these transfers are shared and only operate between 10.00am and 7.30pm (Saturday to Wednesday) or 9.00pm ( Thursday and Friday nights only) – outside these times you will be responsible for your own transfer, we will reimburse you the cost of our included transfer only. Upon receipt of your booking confirmation, please advise your flight details as soon as possible so that we can book this transfer for you.

At the end of the walk
Your last night’s accommodation is in Courmayeur Italy. We include a transfer from Courmayeur to Chamonix on your last morning. Please let your destination consultant know if you do not need this transfer and wish to make your own arrangements from Courmayeur. If you do take the transfer to Chamonix, once in Chamonix you will need to make your own arrangements for onward travel – it is about 4 hours train ride to Paris.

Alternatively we can arrange a shared transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport at an additional cost. This must fit in with the above timeframes.

A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

LUGGAGE

Each morning it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 15kg (this is French legislation) and be Soft Bags (i.e. not hard cases).

Importantly, any excess kilos can be stored for free at the luggage transfer company.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Jul 2025 - 31 Aug 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3095

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1025

    High-season surcharge may apply in August

    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Jul 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3220

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1065

    High-season surcharge may apply in August

    BOOK NOW

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Experience the world-famous 'Tour du Mont Blanc' in 8 days. Starting and finishing in Chamonix, ascend by cable car to high grazing pastures and onto alpine trails as you circumnavigate western Europe's highest mountain. Trek into Italy, hiking over the Col de la Seigne and to the chic, cobbled streets of Courmayeur. Stay in the charming lakeside village of Champex and choose between the classic Bovine Route or the challenging, rocky trail of the Fenêtre Arpette. 

The final day of trekking culminates by crossing back into France over the Col de Balm . Sitting high above the head of Chamonix Valley, soak up the panorama of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, verdant meadows and historic villages that make the Tour du Mont Blanc one of the most coveted treks in the world.

Please note: additional transfer fees may apply if our regular accommodation providers have no availability for your preferred departure date. Should this occur, the cost will be communicated to you prior to confirming the booking. If you choose to cancel as a result, your deposit will of course be refunded in full.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a snapshot of the best routes of the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit
  • Hike through the stunning high Alps of France and Italy
  • Follow rugged mountain trails over the Col de la Seigne, Grand Col Ferret and Col de Balme
  • Discover the famous French mountain town of Chamonix
  • Sample typical Savoyard dishes such as cheese fondue and tartiflette
  • Skyway Pass to enjoy a view of the mountains from the luxury of a cable car that rotates 360 degrees as you ascend Mont Blanc
  • Stay in family-run hotels in private rooms with ensuites

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Challenging

Grade 5 - Challenging

Longer, tougher, steeper hill sections, rough terrain with possibly many steps. Active lifestyle, good fitness and walking experience required.
PRICE FROM
$ 3095

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1025

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Arrive Chamonix

From Geneva, we transfer you to Chamonix. Bustling with outdoor enthusiasts, the French Alpine town of Chamonix is only a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport. Please supply flight details as soon as you can if you are arriving via Geneva (see the How to get there section on the website for the conditions). From the garden of your hotel, relax under the incredible Mont Blanc massif before further exploring the streets, pavement cafes and bars of this famous alpine town.

Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet
Run by the Durban sisters, Agnes and Veronique’s 3* hotel is a typical timber alpine chalet located in the heart of Chamonix. From their spacious garden, relax poolside with exceptional views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc.

Meals included: None

DAY 2
Tre-le-Champ via Lac Blanc to Le Flegere

We start the day with a private transfer out to the beginning of the walk. A spectacular day of mountain walking begins with an ascent across forested slopes and onto steeper ground to the foot of a short section of fixed ladders. Being steeper ground means there are excellent chances to see agile Ibex mountain goats. Now, deep into the Aiguille Rouge Nature reserve, follow the trail to the idyllic setting of Refuge Lac Blanc overlooking the cobalt waters of the lake. Descending on rocky paths, the path narrows into the famous ‘Balcony Trail’, where you’ll enjoy largely unbroken vistas across to Mont Blanc range until you reach the cable car station of Plan Praz. Here, descend by cable car to your hotel in Chamonix.

Distance: 10km
Ascent: 730m
Descent: 270m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

 

DAY 3
Le Flegere to Les Houches

Today’s trekking starts by returning to Plan Praz by cable car. Re-joining the trail, you have several options, which include hiking up to the Col du Brevent and onto Le Brevent (2525m). At the mountain top restaurant, snow-capped peaks and glaciers seem within touching distance. From here, if you prefer to take the day a little easier, descend to Chamonix on the Brevent cable car. Alternatively, continue by foot, descending into alpine woodland and the village of Les Houches. Return to Chamonix via the mountain train (or bus). With an abundance of traditional and global dining options, Chamonix is a great place to rest and soak up the alpine experience.

Distance: 18.5km
Ascent: 900m
Descent: 1770m

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

DAY 4
Les Houches to Les Contamines

Today we’d suggest taking the cable car up to Bellevue (1802m) at the western end of the Chamonix Valley. From Bellevue you have a choice of two routes to Les Contamines; Hike over the Col du Tricot (2102m), under the shadow of the Bionnassay and Aiguille de Bionnassay glaciers and onwards to the picture-postcard Chalet de Miage (famed for their blueberry tart). Alternatively, trek through high alpine pastures and enchanting woodland via the hamlets of Bionnassay and Le Champel to the peaceful village of Les Contamines. Once the walk is completed, we will provide you with a private transfer to Courmayeur.

Trek via the Col du Tricot: 15.5km or 18.5km
Ascent: 1010m or 1480m
Descent: 850m or 1320m

Trek via Bionnassay & Le Champel: 15.5km
Ascent: 1010m
Descent: 850m

By using the cable from Bellevue, either walk is reduced by approx. 2 hours and around 700-800m of ascent.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon
Run by the Grivel Di Addario family, this 3* hotel is located in a quiet street just a few minutes walk from the main centre. With a long heritage of mountaineers in the family, the hotel is well equipped to look after weary trekkers. A comfortable lounge, fireplace, a garden terrace and modest en-suite rooms all make for an enjoyable stay.

DAY 5
La Visaille into Courmayeur, Italy

Follow the trail down to Lac Combal where you’ll soon begin to climb again towards Arp Vielle and onto a magnificent balcony trail towards Col Checrouit. Across the valley, the enormity of the southern Mont Blanc is revealed and there are many great vantage points to soak mountain life, relax with a picnic and look out for Marmots. To make the most of your time up on this trail, you can always descend directly to Courmayeur by chairlift.

Distance: 15.5km
Ascent: 850m
Descent: 1300m
Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

DAY 6
Rest day in Courmayeur

Today you can relax and stroll around the cobbled streets of Courmayeur or take the ski lift up and over the mountain. Today we supply you with a Skyway Pass to traverse the top of the mountain in semi-spherical cabins which gently rotate a full 360 degrees for the duration of the ascent. This not to be missed experience allows visitors to grasp the splendour of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, such as the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso.

The beauty and mountains of Courmayeur have long been attracting climbers and trekkers since the late 18th century when Mont Blanc was conquered in 1786. In the town centre, the Guides Museum is well worth a visit, celebrating 150 years of alpinism.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

DAY 7
Courmayeur to Val Ferret

Leave Courmayeur town on foot and ascend onto the steep forested slopes of La Montagne de la Saxe. After arriving at Rifugio Bertone, follow the ‘Balcony Route’, which gives incredible unbroken views across Val Ferret to Mont Blanc and Grand Jorasses. The high route is challenging, but it provides some of the most epic views on the walk. On reaching Rifugio Walter Bonatti, the picnic terrace is great for sampling the famous Bonatti hot chocolate and taking in the majesty of the mountains around you.

Distance: 14km or 17km
Ascent: 1080m or 1730m
Descent: 580m or 1250m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon (or Rifugio Bonatti)
.

DAY 8
Onward Travel

We deliver you back to Chamonix with a private transfer where you can catch a train to anywhere in Europe, or you can go back to Geneva. However, this will depend on your onward travel arrangements. Take a walk around Chamonix, and indulge in freshly baked patisserie cakes and coffee before moving on to your next adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 7 nights of accommodation in 3.5-star hotels and 7 breakfasts
  • Cable car Skyway pass for use on the extra Cormanyeur rest day
  • Transfers from Geneva and all luggage transfer
  • Private transfers to Italy from France and back again
  • Maps, Auswalk Mont Blanc walk notes and GPX tracks
  • Itineraries have the flexibility to account for most weather conditions
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s authored comprehensive track notes and maps
  • Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation arranged for you
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in 3.5* hotels and are very good.  All rooms have private en-suites.

All the accommodations are accustomed to welcoming trekkers and very well equipped to make your stay comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. Typically, rooms are simple but very comfortable. As many of the overnight stays are in small villages or towns, on occasion, we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process.

Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you. Especially as ingredients and supplies can be hard to obtain in the mountains.

Lunches can be purchased locally which is a great part of the experience. The towns and villages you pass through are renowned for their speciality breads, cheeses and meats (many of which continue to be produced by hand). If you’re lucky enough to encounter a local farmers market, the choice and range of local foods are staggering. Many of your accommodations will also make a picnic lunch for you. A staff favourite is the Beaufort cheese from La Vallee des Glaciers, which you can purchase fresh from the farm. Within your daily walk notes, there are detailed suggestions of where to buy lunch each day.

  • NIGHT 1,2 & 3

  • NIGHT 4,5,6 & 7

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from early July to 31st August.

In early July it is possible the trail might remain closed due to heavy snowfall. Should this happen we would do our very best to reschedule the tour for a later date (on occasion it is possible the tour might even be cancelled, but this is rare). Up until late July, some of the higher passes may still have snow on them (with the possibility of them being closed). Should this happen you will be provided with comprehensive information about taking an alternative route and/or local transport. In the event of any major route closures, we will contact you prior to travel and discuss the alternative walk options with you.

Towards the end of the season (early September) some transport options will have stopped operating for the season. You should therefore be prepared to walk the full distance every day. There is always the option of using a local taxi if necessary. Within your travel notes, advice will be given for all transport options to shorten or skip the walking for that specific day.

THE WALKING

The 103 km of walking 103 km is best described as Moderate to Challenging. Tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents and descents, through sections of rough surface and steps. You may find some sections have narrow footpaths and for your guidance on some very short sections, safety cable lengths have been put in place for you to use for a handrail. Having an active lifestyle and being an experienced walker makes the journey enjoyable. We would suggest an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week in addition to your usual weekly walks.

You will be walking around 20km a day with up to 1500m of ascent and descent. Trails are well-defined, well waymarked and cover a variety of terrains which include; forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and through mountain towns and villages. It is also possible you may have to cross some snowy patches on the ascent or descent of higher mountain cols, so good mountain footwear is required!

Although the route is well way marked for each of your walks, you will be provided with comprehensive walk notes giving alternatives as well as the main route, maps (and GPX tracks if you require to use for your own device). Mountain weather can change quickly so it is essential that at least one of your trekking party is confident in using a map to navigate (should visibility drop).

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts and ends in Chamonix. The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport. There is also a train station in Chamonix if you wish to arrive by train from Paris for example.

Geneva Airport to Chamonix
Included in your package is a transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Please note these transfers are shared and only operate between 10.00am and 7.30pm (Saturday to Wednesday) or 9.00pm ( Thursday and Friday nights only) – outside these times you will be responsible for your own transfer, we will reimburse you the cost of our included transfer only. Upon receipt of your booking confirmation, please advise your flight details as soon as possible so that we can book this transfer for you.

At the end of the walk
Your last night’s accommodation is in Courmayeur Italy. We include a transfer from Courmayeur to Chamonix on your last morning. Please let your destination consultant know if you do not need this transfer and wish to make your own arrangements from Courmayeur. If you do take the transfer to Chamonix, once in Chamonix you will need to make your own arrangements for onward travel – it is about 4 hours train ride to Paris.

Alternatively we can arrange a shared transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport at an additional cost. This must fit in with the above timeframes.

A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.

LUGGAGE

Each morning it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 15kg (this is French legislation) and be Soft Bags (i.e. not hard cases).

Importantly, any excess kilos can be stored for free at the luggage transfer company.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Jul 2025 - 31 Aug 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3095

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1025
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Jul 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3220

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1065
    BOOK NOW
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