Tour du Mont Blanc North: Courmayeur to Chamonix - 9 Days
Mont BlancTour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc North: Courmayeur to Chamonix - 9 Days

9 Days
Challenging to Strenuous

Tour du Mont Blanc North: Courmayeur to Chamonix - 9 Days

from $3,535 / person

Overview

Walk the northern section of the Tour du Mont Blanc from Courmayeur to Chamonix. Trekking through France, Italy and Switzerland, spending each night in hotels.

Traverse high alpine trails and soak up the superb panoramas, including the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif. Stay in the charming Swiss lakeside village of Champex and return to France by way of the Col de Balme at the head of Chamonix Valley.

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 be refunded in full.

Highlights

  • Traverse the high alps of France, Italy, and Switzerland and experience a trio of cultures and cuisines
  • Epic views of Mont Blanc's magnificent mountains
  • Spot scurrying marmots and nimble mountain goats
  • Hike rugged trails, crossing the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland
  • Pass through chocolate-box Swiss villages
  • Walk over glacial streams, across alpine pastures and through pine forests

Itinerary

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (8 nights)

Meals

8 breakfasts, and 3 dinners

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Shuttle
  • Cable Car

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

6

Auswalk Walking Grade

Challenging to Strenuous

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Demanding terrain with significant elevation gains. Prior hiking experience and strong fitness required.

View Fitness Guide

7

Days on the trail

7-22 km

Daily distance range

636-1200 m

Daily ascent range

10/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Nights are spent in three-star hotels, small family-run hotels and traditional mountain auberges, each well-equipped for trekkers and chosen for their comfort and character. All rooms are private and ensuite with the exception of night five in Trient, where shared bathrooms are unavoidable due to limited accommodation — though from experience they are always clean with plenty of hot water. Your luggage travels with you each night, so there is no need for sleep sheets or towels. Double rooms in Switzerland typically feature two separate single beds with individual linen, which can be pushed together into one frame. Occasional substitutions of equivalent quality may be necessary — these will always be discussed during the booking process.


What You'll Eat

Eight breakfasts and three dinners are included throughout the walk. In smaller mountain properties, meals are often served at communal tables with set mealtimes — a convivial and very alpine way to end a long day on the trail. Lunches are yours to discover along the way, and the towns and villages of the Tour du Mont Blanc are renowned for their artisan breads, mountain cheeses and cured meats, many still produced by hand. Farmers markets are a highlight when encountered, and many accommodations will prepare a packed lunch on request. Daily walk notes include detailed suggestions on where to buy lunch each day.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in the mountains.

More About This Trip

To Courmayeur
This walk starts in Courmayeur. We have not included any transfers, you will need to make your own way to the start of the walk. The closest airport is Geneva Airport. We can arrange a shared transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix bus station at an additional cost. This is only available between 10.00am and 7.30pm (9.00pm on Thursday and Friday nights only). From Chamonix bus station it is an easy bus ride to Courmayeur and then a short walk to your accommodation.

There is also a train station in Chamonix if you wish to arrive by train from Paris, for example.

Onward travel from Chamonix
This walk ends in Chamonix. We have not included any transfers for you. You will need to make your own way from Chamonix. We can arrange a transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport at an additional cost, please see above times and ask your destination consultant for assistance.

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

The Tour du Mont Blanc season runs from July to early September. In early July, heavy snowfall may occasionally close sections of the trail — should this occur, we will do our best to reschedule and will communicate all options clearly. Through late July, some higher passes may still carry snow, and alternative routes or local transport will be provided if needed. Towards the end of the season in early September, some transport options along the route cease operating, so walkers should be prepared to cover the full daily distance on foot, with local taxis available as a backup. Walk notes include detailed advice on all transport options for each day.


The trails are well-defined and varied, covering forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and mountain villages, with prolonged ascents and descents on rough terrain and steps throughout. Some sections feature narrow footpaths, and short lengths of safety cable are in place on rare exposed sections to use as a handrail. Snow patches may be encountered on higher cols, so good mountain footwear is essential.

On days ten and eleven, short sections of metal ladders, handrails and foot rungs bolted into the rock add an additional challenge — these are straightforward to follow, but an alternative route is available for anyone with vertigo concerns. A training regime incorporating uphill walks three to four times per week is strongly recommended. Mountain weather can change quickly — at least one member of your group should be comfortable navigating with a map and compass in low visibility. Comprehensive walk notes, maps and GPX tracks are provided throughout.

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.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

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

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

July 2027

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Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Tour du Mont Blanc reviews

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Alex
10 months ago

We booked this trip and I didn't really know just what I was getting myself into. I was a bit anxious not going on a guided tour but when we received the travel pack my worries were alleviated. All the maps, GSP and Auswalk App made the hike easy to prepare and plan for. All the accommodation, walk notes and bag picks up were seamless and comfortable. I enjoyed this experience much more than I expected and that was to do with feeling confident in our routes and being able to plan each evening what we needed to do the next day. Thanks so much Auwalk for a professional, caring and adventurous adventure preparation! We are already looking at our next European walk.

Jane L
11 months ago

It was an absolute life highlight to hike in this beautiful and unique part of the world. Great group of people and our guide ensured we all had a unique and memorable adventure, taking us off the main trail whenever possible. His knowledge of the region's flora, fauna and history was exceptional. Highly recommend this challenging but rewarding hike.

Jane L
11 months ago

It was an absolute life highlight to hike in this beautiful and unique part of the world. Highly recommend this challenging but rewarding hike.

Catherine S
11 months ago

I would highly recommend booking with AusWalk. This was my 2nd walk with them. Information is good, the accommodation was excellent which include amazing breakfasts.

Deanna L
last year

Tour du Mont Blanc is no doubt one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world but also very challenging. It is incredibly stunning and beautiful from every angle & I would definitely recommend this trip to those who love a challenge and are physically prepared to meet the challenge.

Juliet B
last year

When we first received the information pack, with so many booklets and documents, we thought we'd have information overload. Particularly with the Universal Hikes App as well. But once we started walking, everything fell into place and the various information all made perfect sense. In the end we used the books to plan our day and know where to head, then we could use the trail signage as our primary guide. The booklet was then a useful backup (and information source) and if we were really unsure, the App pointed us in the right direction. We absolutely loved the options provided and the flexibility to shorten or extend our hike each day - brilliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chamonix. There is an abundance of great walks on Chamonix’s doorstep. You can also take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi (a panoramic cable car which takes you from Chamonix, 1035m to 3842m with an excellent view point up to the summit of Mont Blanc). Courmayeur Like Chamonix, Courmayeur has a number of great trails on its doorstep. It’s pedestrianised town centre has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sample wood fired pizza with a Monte Bianco beer. From Courmayeur you can also spend the day journeying across the Mont Blanc massif via a mountain train and series of panoramic cable cars. Champex As there is very little to do in Champex it is perfect for resting the legs and hanging out by the lake with a Mont Blanc biere and lunchtime fondue.

Of course, there are several sections you can omit to complete the circuit in a shorter distance. If you are looking for a shorter tour but without losing the experience our ‘Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc’ completes the tour in 8 days by employing a sensible combination of local transport links with the best sections of walking.

Your main luggage is collected each morning and delivered to your next accommodation while you walk. It must be ready for pick-up by 8:00 AM and will typically arrive at your next stop by 4:00 PM. A few important rules: only soft duffel bags or packs are accepted — no suitcases. The strict weight limit is 15kg per person, and bags are weighed on the first day. Don't tie bags together or attach loose items like shoes or umbrellas, as these will be removed. Keep your passport, medication, valuables, and fragile items in your daypack — never in your transferred luggage. Attaching an AirTag to your bag is a good idea in case of delays.

A comfortable daypack of at least 25–30 litres is recommended. It should have a waterproof cover or liner, as mountain weather can change fast. This is what you'll carry on the trail each day with your layers, rain gear, water, snacks, navigation, and valuables.

At least 12 months in advance. The TMB is one of the world's most popular long-distance walks and accommodation fills up fast — particularly during the main alpine summer season. During major trail running events in the area, availability becomes even tighter.

A good waterproof jacket and over-trousers are non-negotiable — mountain weather can turn quickly at any time of day. Other essentials include walking boots (not trainers), warm layers, a hat and gloves, sun protection, at least 2–3 litres of water, food for the day, a headtorch, your passport, cash in both Euros and Swiss Francs, a personal first aid kit, and your phone. Walking poles are strongly recommended — the TMB involves 1,000–1,500m of ascent and descent each day, and poles make a real difference. Bring a battery pack to charge your phone and camera during the day.

The TMB reaches a maximum of around 2,665m, which is below the threshold where altitude sickness typically becomes a serious concern. That said, the combination of altitude and sustained daily exertion means you should be well-prepared physically. Travel insurance must cover trekking above 2,500m and helicopter rescue — in the event of an evacuation, costs can run to several thousand Euros without adequate cover.

The TMB crosses three countries — France and Italy use the Euro (€), Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). You'll need both. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash at all times, as many smaller villages have no ATMs. Some establishments are cash only. You can withdraw Swiss Francs at Geneva Airport on arrival. Note that Swiss bars and cafés may accept Euros, but often at an unfavourable rate.

Yes. Most days have options to reduce the distance using cable cars or local public transport. Your daily walk notes detail all available options. Public transport in the region is generally efficient, though schedules can reduce later in the season. Taxis are an option too — Mont Blanc Taxis contact details are included in your walking notes — but they are expensive in the mountains.

Yes. Please flag any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking and reconfirm with your host on arrival. Alpine cuisine is hearty and ingredient-led — heavy on potatoes, cheese, beef, and bread. Vegetarian options have improved, but can be limited in smaller villages, and gluten-free requests can be problematic given how central bread and pasta are to the local diet. In Chamonix and Courmayeur, there is much more variety. If your requirements are complex, bring supplementary snacks to cover yourself on the trail.

Want to Know More?

The Mont Blanc Experience

Wonder
Auswalk rugged mountain trails through France, Italy and Switzerland around Mont Blanc
Straddle Col de la Seigne, then descend beneath tumbling glaciers into Val Veny
Traverse Courmayeur’s cobbled streets and the high Balcony Route towards Grand Jorasses
Wellness
Rejuvenate, restore & recharge. Tour du Mont Blanc, where big mountains change everything
105 miles. Three countries. One transformative journey. Circle the roof of Europe, one mindful step at a time
Unwind in Chamonix chalet gardens with pool, sauna and Aiguille du Midi views
Nature
Follow the Lac Blanc Balcony Trail with cobalt water and Mont Blanc vistas
Watch ibex, chamois and marmots across sheer rock faces and alpine pastureswalk under La Ville des Glaciers amid alpine pasture
Cross Grand Col Ferret past flower-filled Swiss hamlets, glaciers and lush valleys