mont-blanc-a-10-day-tour-du-mont-blanc-in-mountain-huts

Guided groups

Hiking

lvl. 4
New
Essential
Multi-day hike
Réf : E303
10 days from 2190 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • Overnights in spectacularly located mountain huts like Arpette or Bonatti hut, face to Les Grandes Jorasses !

  • Local transfer (shuttle & buses) and bag transfer included.

  • Discover, taste and experience the 3 different alpine cultures (France, Italy and Switzerland).

  • The hike to the Lac Blanc included.

Reservation

Departure Return Price including VAT Departure status  
From 10 July 2023 to 19 July 2023 2190 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 24 July 2023 to 02 August 2023 2190 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 07 August 2023 to 16 August 2023 2190 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 21 August 2023 to 30 August 2023 2190 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 20 June 2024 to 29 June 2024 2225 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 04 July 2024 to 13 July 2024 2225 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 18 July 2024 to 27 July 2024 2225 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 29 August 2024 to 07 September 2024 2225 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 12 September 2024 to 21 September 2024 2225 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
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Past questions
Topics
Vera H.
Traveler
Timing and season
Hi
Do you have any dates heading out September 1 or 5th?
Please advise
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi Vera!
    For the Guided TMB in Hut, our last trip will start on August 21. In September we still have availability in our guided TMb in Hotel. I also can offer to organize a self-guided TMB in Hut for you in September. If you have any questions feel free to ask me directly at [email protected], I will be very happy to help you!

Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Duration : 10 days
Luggage transfers : Only your day pack
Lodging : Mountain Hut, Hotel
Guiding : French, english speaking, mountain leader (UIMLA certified)
Group : From 4 to 12 participants

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Chamonix !

Lodging : hotel.
Arrival in Chamonix, a very typical and historical town in the Alps. Settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through Chamonix's quaint cobblestone streets, and relax before embarking on what will be a truly amazing through-hike.
Day 2

Chamonix - La Flégère - Lac Chéserys and Lac Blanc - Argentière

Ascent : 400 m to 550 m.. Descent : 950 m to 1100 m.. Hiking : 5,5 hrs..
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Meet at 09:00 at your hotel with your guide and the taxi. Transfer to les Praz de Chamonix. A lift will takes you up to La Flégère where starts the hike. You get perfect views all day on glaciers and summits on the other side of the valley. We follow the balcony trail to Cheserys Lakes, all known for reflecting in their clear blue waters some of the Alps' most famous peaks. The itinerary continue to the beautiful Lake Blanc (2352m). The descent is done more in forest but always on these beautiful paths in balcony. Descent to Argentiere.
Day 3

Argentière - Balme pass - Trient

Ascent : 1000 m.. Descent : 1200 m.. Hiking : 6,5 hrs..
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
A long but magnificent climb in the forest, then on the easy ridges of Frettes to reach, in the heart of the mountain pastures, the aiguillette des Posettes (2201 m). The panorama on the glaciers of the Mont-Blanc massif are impressive. Descent on the Posettes pass (1,997 m) and last efforts to reach the plan des Reines, summit of our stage of the day. At the top of the Balme pass (2,191m), enjoy a breathtaking view of Chamonix and the valley below, as well as a spectacular panorama including Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace (glacier) and the Glacier d'Argentière. (2,191 m), then we will start the final descent to Trient (1,300 m).
Day 4

Trient - Col de la Forclaz - Bovine - Arpette

Ascent : 900 m.. Descent : 750 m.. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Climb to the La Forclaz pass and hike to the Bovine mountain pastures (1,987 m) where you get amazing views on the Rhône valley and Swiss Valais. We hike through famous Swiss moutain pastures and their cows producing some of the most famous cheese of the Alps.
Day 5

Arpette - Ferret - Grand Col ferret - Arnuva - Bonatti hut

Ascent : 1250 m.. Descent : 800 m.. Hiking : 6,5 hrs..
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Morning transfer to the small hamlet of Ferret (1700 m). We go up the Swiss Ferret valley to the alpine pastures of La Peule (2071 m), and then reach the famous Ferret pass (2537 m), border between Switzerland and Italy, which offers a unique panorama on the Grandes Jorasses and the Dolent mountain. Descent to the Elena hut (2,061 m), then Arnuva, at the foot of Mount Dolent (3,820 m), then balcony hike to the Bonatti hut (2,025 m) to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Day 6

Bonatti hut – Bertone hut – Courmayeur - col Chécrouit

Ascent : 650 m.. Descent : 1300 m.. Hiking : 6 hrs..
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Crossing to the Bertone hut (2 000 m) to discover one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Mont-Blanc tour! The famous Grandes Jorasses are in sight. Descent to Courmayeur where we will take the time to enjoy the town. Finally, a ski lift will take us to the Cécrouit pass for our night.

Day 7

Col Chécrouit - Col de la Seigne - Ville des Glaciers - Les Chapieux

Ascent : 900 m.. Descent : 750 m.. Hiking : 5,5 hrs..
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
On the way to the Aiguille des Glaciers, hike up through a nice alpine meadow to col La Seigne (2,516 m) where you reach the french-italian border. Stunning point of view on legendary summits as Mont-Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peutrey, Grandes Jorasses... Last stage of the day hiking down through alpine meadows leading to the typical hamlet of Les Chapieux.
Day 8

Les Chapieux - Col du Bonhomme - Les Contamines-Montjoies

Ascent : 950 m.. Descent : 1300 m.. Hiking : 6,5 hrs..
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
From the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1,549m), we cross alpine pastures. The ascent to the Croix-du-Bonhomme pass (2,433 m) offers a spectacular view on the Mont Pourri (3,779 m). The path marks the limit between the Mont Blanc range and the Beaufortain mountains. The descent passes by the Bonhomme pass (2,329 m). Gradual descent to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge by a Roman path, ancestral path used by the peddlers to connect the alpine valleys.
Day 9

Les Contamines-Montjoie - Tricot pass - Bellevue- Les Houches - Chamonix

Ascent : 1250 m.. Descent : 600 m.. Hiking : 6 hrs..
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
For this last day of walking, we go around the Truc mountain (1,811 m) to reach the bucolic chalets of Miage (1,559 m). Then, we climb by a steeper path to the Tricot pass (2,120 m). Time for a break to enjoy the panorama of the Val Montjoie, and we reach Bellevue (1,780 m) by a beautiful traverse hike that leads you under the Bionnassay glacier. Descent by cable car to Les Houches and short transfer by local shuttle to Chamonix.
Day 10

End of the tour - Chamonix

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Chamonix before heading off.

Pricing

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

Price includes:

  • French, english speaking trekking leader (UIMLA certified) from day 2 to day 9 and from 4 to 12 participants.
  • Accommodations as described in dormitory basis.
  • Meals : 9 breakfasts, 8 diners (dinner not included in Chamonix on day 1), 8 pack-lunches.
  • Energetic snacks for the week.
  • A welcome drink.
  • Luggage transfer every night, except on day 5 at Bonatti hut (no road access).
  • Cable-cars and transfers as described on the itinerary.

Price does not includes:

  • Transportation from Geneva to Chamonix on day 1 and from Chamonix to Geneva on day 8 (don't hesitate to ask us if you are interested in these transfers, we can book this transfer for you).
  • Dinner first day in Chamonix.
  • Drinks and personal expenses.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Spending and other expenses during your trip:

  • Tickets to any visit.
  • Drinks and tips.

During your trip

Our team

This trip is guided by a French - English speaking - UIMLA certified mountain leader from 4 to 12 participants. Specialists of the Tour du Mont Blanc, he will guide you on "their" trails through this region. Your guide will speak English...but don't be afraid if they speak as a French ;-)

These transfers are included in the tour such as:

  • J 2: cable-car from Praz-de-Chamonix to La Flégère.
  • J 5: private transfer from Arpette to La Fouly/Ferret.
  • J 6: lift to Col Chécrouit.
  • J 9: cable car from Bellevue to Les Houches ; transfer from Les Houches to Chamonix.

Lodging

You will stay in a selection of mountain huts and mountain inn. All accommodation is on dormitory basis (shared mixed sex 6 to 20 beds dormitories).

Mountain huts allow you to stay high in the mountains and offer spectacular view of the mountains! The mountain inns are communal living, you will have to share the bathroom.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations or taken in a restaurant.
- The first dinner in Chamonix, is not included to give you all options in town and a dinner on your own.
- Lunches are pack-lunches either prepared by your guide or the accommodation.

The picnic has an important place in a day of hiking. Healthy and balanced, it allows you to regain your strength before continuing the day's hike. The tasting of local products is an opening on the traditions and the regional culture, and then it is above all a moment of convivial exchange.
During our trekking trips, our guides are careful to ensure that these shared meals are special moments, and try to diversify the menus as much as possible while taking into account the constraints related to transport and food conservation in the specific conditions of the trip.
If you have strict dietary constraints, we invite you to communicate them to us before departure, in your personal space. Remind your guide of this during the first briefing: he will be in charge of the picnics and will be your contact with the accommodation providers.

We commit ourselves to :

  • Offer a share of regional products, chosen, when possible, from local producers to support short circuits.
  • Favour quality products and integrate a part of organic food.
  • Reduce packaging, especially plastic, and recycle the remaining ones.

Luggage transfer

Your bags will be transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night, except on day 5 at Bonatti (no road access).

Currencies

France
France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

 


Italia
France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

Access

Access

This trip starts and ends in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva Airport.

If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to use an airport transfer service. We can book this transfer for you, just ask our specialists.

We have decided not to include the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (round trip) to give you the greatest possible flexibility on your arrival and departure times (day and night arrival possible).

Required before leaving

Formalities

France
Please check with your embassy.

Health

France

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not. 
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories :
 - Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 litres of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.


Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 litres of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!


Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.