Best of Tour du Mont Blanc: Tre le Champ to Courmayeur - 9 Days

The walk starts in Chamonix and finishes in Courmayeur, crossing from France into Italy. The closest airport is Geneva (GVA), with good international connections. A transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix is included in the package, available between 10.00am and 7.30pm Saturday to Wednesday, and until 9.00pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Arrivals outside these times will need to arrange their own transfer; the included transfer cost will be reimbursed. Please provide your flight details as soon as possible after booking. Chamonix is also accessible by train from Paris and other French cities.

The walk ends in Courmayeur. No return transfer is included. A regular bus to Chamonix takes around 45 minutes, from where onward connections to Geneva are straightforward. Those continuing into Italy can take a bus to Aosta, with train connections onward to Milan and Turin. Remember to stamp your ticket at the platform machine before boarding any train in Italy.

This walk is available from early July to early September, with no fixed start days. The season is set to ensure the high passes are reliably clear of snow. In early July some passes may still carry snow; where this affects the route, guidance on alternatives will be provided. July brings warm temperatures, long days and alpine wildflowers at their peak. August is the warmest and busiest month, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular feature. Early September is often the most stable month, with less rain, cooler air and quieter trails. Do note that some transport options cease in early September; your travel notes will include full guidance. Pack warm layers and waterproofs.

This walk is graded challenging. This 118-kilometre route averages 15.6 kilometres per day with around 1,004 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 8 out of 10. Trails are well-defined and waymarked, covering varied terrain including forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths, and mountain towns and villages. Expect prolonged ascents and descents, rough surfaces, and steps. On some higher passes, snowy patches may need to be crossed, so good mountain footwear is essential.

Mountain weather can change quickly. At least one member of your party should be confident using a map and compass in the event that visibility drops. An exercise regime of three to four times per week, with a strong emphasis on hill work and back-to-back walking days, is recommended in preparation.

Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on our self-guided European Alps walking trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

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.