Hiking in Chamonix: 5 days at the foot of Mont Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationChamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif - France
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions26.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a unique alpine adventure in the heart of the Chamonix Valley , accompanied by a passionate mountain guide . This trip takes you off the beaten track , close to the Mont Blanc massif , into a high-mountain world of breathtaking landscapes. Each day reveals a new facet of this exceptional region: from sparkling glaciers like the Argentière and the Mer de Glace, to the iconic silhouettes of the Drus, the Aiguille Verte , and the Aiguilles de Chamonix . The itinerary, specially designed for hikers seeking spectacular panoramas , culminates at the Jonction , a natural balcony suspended between two glaciers, at the gateway to the roof of Europe . An intense immersion in untamed nature and mountain heritage awaits those who love wide-open spaces and challenging hikes .
The highlights
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Small groups for a more friendly and safe environment
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Impressive landscapes between glaciers, alpine pastures and valleys
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Discovering the Chamonix Valley
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1020 m
- Average daily descent: 1020 m
Management
French
Jean Luc and his team
Qualified guides and lovers of the great outdoors, Jean Luc and his team design immersive itineraries in the Alps and beyond. Attentive, skilled teachers, and mindful of each individual's pace, they guide you on a profound exploration of the mountains: hiking, nature, culture, and connecting with the environment. Powerful human experiences, designed to blend exertion, serenity, and wonder.
Program
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Argentiere - Argentiere Basin and its glacier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Argentière train station. You'll set off to explore the Argentière Glacier and its impressive glacial basin. The route, marked by cairns, will guide you through this high-altitude landscape. A beautiful hike awaits you in the heart of the glacial basin, among moraines, boulders sculpted by time, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Your guide will adapt the route to your fitness level and the weather conditions.
Day 1 -
Chamonix - Rocher des Mottets - Mer de Glace - Signal Forbes - Chamonix
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will begin our hike in the valley, at the very spot where the Mer de Glace extended in 1825.
We will then set off on a moraine path in search of the present-day Mer de Glace glacier. This path will lead us to the Mottet hut, where a break will be welcome.
Gradually, we will see the glacier tongue at the foot of the majestic west face of the Drus and the Aiguille Verte. Throughout the day, we will enjoy some of the most beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Mer de Glace, such as the famous Signal Forbes, from where you can admire the north face of the Grandes Jorasses and the Aiguilles de Chamonix.
The hike will continue under the impressive Aiguilles de Chamonix, before a descent on foot towards the valley, a beautiful alternative to the crowds of the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car.
Day 2 -
Montroc - Lac Blanc - Tête des Lacs - Tre Le Champ - Montroc
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will take a pleasant forest path to reach the legendary Aiguillette d'Argentière, offering a spectacular panorama of Mont Blanc. At the Passage des Échelles, your guide will assist you in crossing this equipped section.
We will then continue towards the Chéserys Lakes, and then the famous Lac Blanc. A peaceful picnic, slightly elevated, will allow us to fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the valley peaks and the Mont Blanc massif.
If conditions permit and you still have energy, we will descend off-trail for more adventure, passing through Col des Montets, Tré-le-Champ, then Montroc.
Day 3 -
Chamonix - Bec Des Corbeaux - Chamonix
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Heading towards the glaciers of Mont Blanc! The hike takes us to the Jonction, a spectacular place where the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers separate, forming a unique glacial landscape.
The ascent follows a good path, sometimes equipped with cables and ladders, first through the forest and then very close to the glaciers. We progress along a rocky spur surrounded by ice, in a breathtaking setting. Despite the significant elevation gain—the equivalent of a vertical kilometer—the climb goes well.
The view over Chamonix and Les Houches is exceptional. Depending on the weather and your fitness level, we can adapt the route, possibly stopping at the Bec des Trois Corbeaux. Then we'll return to the refuge to enjoy our last evening together.
Day 4 -
The Tour - Les Posettes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
An early start with your guide for a final hike to the Aiguille des Posettes. The route begins in the forest before opening onto alpine pastures, offering a superb view of the Chamonix valley.
This short day allows you to enjoy the scenery one last time while returning early enough to vacate the rooms by late morning.
Day 5
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
By train to Chamonix or Argentiere station, TGV possible to Annecy;
Price details
The price includes
The activity will be led by a state-certified Mountain Guide from our team.
The first night, Sunday, will be spent in a B&B.
Half-board accommodation as described in the program
Picnics are included every day of the program.
Mandatory transportation is included in the program.
The price does not include
Cancellation/interruption of stay/lost luggage insurance and emergency assistance
As for ski lifts, there are no ski lifts on the program; we prefer to go elsewhere, a little further away!
Drinks and personal expenses
Additional nights not included in the program
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
If possible, choose a bag that is lightweight with good carrying comfort; the bag should not exceed 1.5 kilos.
- Small size : 45 liters max
- Large size : 50 liters max
Your backpack should have 10 to 15 litres of space for the food you will carry for lunch and sometimes for the next day, which the shelters or guide will give you.
Kilometers to carry - it's better to wash than to carry extra weight:
- Small size : 5/6 kilos max, without water and food
- Large size : 6/7 kilos max, without water and food
Allow 2 liters of water and 500 grams of food for the day.
Essential
- a lightweight sleeping bag liner for the shelter
- 2 telescopic walking sticks
- Water bottle or reusable water container to hold at least 2 liters of water
- sunscreen SPF 30 to 50
- a pair of category 3 sunglasses
- a lightweight headlamp
- small pleasures like dried fruit, chocolate
- cash and your valid ID card or passport
Toiletries:
- a lightweight, quick-drying towel, hiking type
- a body soap
- a toothbrush with a small tube of toothpaste or solid toothpaste
- a small shampoo (small size - specialist shops sell small bottles that you will keep for your entire hiking life)
- a pair of earplugs for better sleep at night in a mountain refuge
Pharmacy & other:
- your drug treatments
- a lightweight survival blanket
- nail clippers
- enough to make small bandages
- a few compresses and adhesive bandages, or better yet, Strappal
Clothing to bring
- A cap or hat for the sun
- A hat for the cold
- A buff or neck warmer is optional but very welcome in bad weather.
- A Gore-Tex type jacket or equivalent for inclement weather
- A pair of gloves, preferably waterproof.
- A light down jacket or fleece to withstand sub-zero temperatures
- Two sweaters: a light one and a warmer one; if it's cold, we'll wear all the layers.
- Two or three technical t-shirts
- 2 to 4 pairs of socks, you can wash them in the streams near the refuges (use a solid soap for washing)
- Pants
- Tights
- A short
- A rain cover for your bag
- A waterproof bag to keep spare clothes dry
- Spare clothes for the shelter
- A pair of hiking boots with Vibram soles or good quality trail running shoes is recommended starting July 20th; if possible, try them on before the trek.
