Tour of Mont Blanc in 10 days

For this second day, we completely leave the classic TMB route to descend into the wild Grande Pierrière valley, passing through the Col de la Fenêtre. We begin by descending towards the famous Roman road of Les Contamines, then climb up the opposite side towards the Refuge des Près and the Col de la Fenêtre. We descend to the small Refuge de la Gittaz where we will spend the night. Welcome to the Beaufortain.

This day begins with the historic Priest's Trail, a path carved into the cliff face in the 1890s, a true gem of the Beaufortain region. It leads us to the Col de la Sauce pass, where we join the magnificent Gittes Ridge trail, which takes us to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme pass and continues our ascent to the Col des Fours pass (2665m). From the pass until the following day, it's time to disconnect. We descend to Ville des Glaciers and finally reach the Refuge des Mottets mountain hut.

Early in the morning, we set off up to the Col de la Seigne to wake ourselves up in the cool air. Once over the pass, we begin the descent towards the Elisabetta Refuge, in the heart of the Val Veny. The view of the Miage Glacier is exceptional. After reaching Lac Combal, a second 400m climb awaits us, leading to the balcony trail above the Val Veny that will take us to the Maison Vielle Refuge, high above Courmayeur.

After descending to Courmayeur, head towards Val Ferret and then Val Sapin, reaching the Col Sapin (2435m) and the Col entre Deux Sauts (2525m) before returning to Val Ferret via the Malatra valley. This is an unusual day on the TMB, demanding but wild. The route can be adapted to shorten the stage slightly.

From the refuge, we continue up the Val Ferret, reaching the valley floor and beginning the ascent to the famous Grand Col Ferret. We then return to the classic route, leaving it immediately upon reaching the pass to traverse towards the Petit Col Ferret (a short section can be quite exposed). The stretch between the two passes allows us to descend into the wild valley of the Swiss Val Ferret and reach the Gîte de la Léchère, far from civilization.

The entire Swiss Val Ferret awaits us for this day with its mostly downhill profile. We'll reach La Fouly, then the charming villages of the Val Ferret, where time seems to stand still.

From the village of Issert, a beautiful climb awaits us to reach Champex-Lac, a charming seaside resort. A quick ice cream break and then we're off again to reach the refuge.

(option: +/- 90m and 1.5km with the North Peak of the Fours)

A long day ahead! We'll head towards the Bovine alpine pasture to reach the Col de la Forclaz, then Trient. The main challenge of the day will be climbing back up to the Col de Balme at the end of the stage. A few slight variations throughout the day will allow us to stray from the classic route.

We'll set off in the morning towards the Aiguillette des Posettes, descend to the Col des Montets, and then begin the ascent towards Lac des Cheserys and Lac Blanc via the upper balcony trail. A beautiful route overlooking the Chamonix valley, arriving at Lac Blanc just as everyone else is leaving.

One night up there to clear the site for us.

For this final day, we traverse the entire Aiguilles Rouges massif to reach the Brévent and descend by cable car. We will pass through the Col de la Glière, the Col du Lac Cornu, and finally the Col du Brévent.

In this mineral environment which contrasts with the rest of the tour, it allows to finish in style facing Mont Blanc.