Tour of Mont Blanc via the secret paths of Italy
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Italy
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions29.04 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the Mont Blanc massif from a whole new perspective! Your guides will lead you to places you wouldn't dare explore on your own, for a breathtaking trek up close to Mont Blanc, all in 5 days. Starting from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, you'll set off to discover Mont Blanc, crossing France and then Italy. These challenging hikes offer superb variations on the Tour du Mont Blanc, in a wild setting and often much more peaceful than the classic route. We focus on the Italian side, considered the most spectacular by our team: the south face of Mont Blanc, with its vertiginous peaks reaching over 3,000 meters, evokes the Himalayas in its grandeur and beauty.
The highlights
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The wilder version of the renowned Tour du Mont Blanc
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Small groups of max 10 people
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5 days to discover the Mont Blanc massif, especially the Italian side
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 963 m
- Average daily descent: 1013 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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Bourg-Saint-Maurice - The City of Glaciers - Val Veny
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 7:30 am in front of the Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station for a coffee and acquaintance. The shuttle departs at 8:00 am for the City of Glaciers. From there, you'll begin your 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc, starting with a spectacular first stage.
We'll cross the alpine pastures of Ville des Glaciers before traversing a wild, off-trail pass to reach the Italian border. The balcony trail that follows will offer breathtaking panoramic views. The day will end in Val Veny, after a visit to the magnificent Lac Combal.
Day 1 -
Val Veny - Refuge Bertone - Chamonix
- Transportation Bus - 00h40 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short transfer to Courmayeur, we'll take the trail leading to the Bertone refuge, offering one of the most beautiful views of the south face of the Mont Blanc massif. Once the ascent is complete, we'll descend into the Val Ferret valley to meet our transfer back to Chamonix.
We will then have two options: either take the shuttle directly to the French town, or cross the mountains using the ski lifts. This second option will depend on the weather conditions, the agreement of the entire group, and will incur an additional charge for the lifts. The guide will explain all of this in detail when the time comes. Once we arrive in Chamonix, we will settle into our mountain accommodation.
Day 2 -
Argentière - Saint-Gervais
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 00h40 - 25km
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll set off early in the morning, by the light of our headlamps, towards Montroc, the starting point for the ascent to one of the legendary spots on the Tour du Mont Blanc: Lac Blanc, perched at an altitude of 2,352 meters. Once we arrive, you'll be struck by the contrast between the turquoise waters of the lake and the majestic silhouette of Mont Blanc in the background. The site is particularly popular with hikers and photographers, especially in summer, when the melting snow reveals the full splendor of the panorama.
We will then descend to take the cog railway to Saint-Gervais, before taking the ski lifts up to Mont d'Arbois. From there, it will be about three kilometers to reach our refuge. Nestled at an altitude of 2,000 meters, facing Mont Blanc, this small, welcoming refuge with about twenty beds will offer an ideal setting to end the day.
Day 3 -
Saint-Gervais - Mont Joly - Refuge facing Mont Blanc
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll begin the day with the ascent of Mont Joly, whose summit, at 2,525 meters, marks the highest point of the stage. The trail then continues along panoramic ridges offering magnificent views of the Megève valley and the Mont Blanc massif. The descent to the refuge is gentle, winding through verdant alpine pastures and flowery meadows. Both sunrise and sunset will enhance this end to the day and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Day 4 -
Col du Bonhomme - Col des Fours - Ville des Glaciers - Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We will then traverse two iconic passes of the Tour du Mont Blanc: the Col du Bonhomme, at 2,329 m, and then the Col des Fours, reaching 2,665 m. After a final break at Lac de Mya, the descent will continue off-trail, in a peaceful atmosphere where we will be almost alone with the Aiguille des Glaciers as our backdrop. We will then reach Ville des Glaciers, the final destination of your 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc. This will be an opportunity to savor and purchase some delicious local cheeses before taking the shuttle back down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
End of journey: Arrival in Bourg-Saint-Maurice (train station) is scheduled for the end of the day. It is advisable not to schedule any connections before 7:30 pm.
Day 5
Note
The program is provided as a guide only and is subject to change due to weather conditions, mountain conditions, and the needs of the travelers. Ultimately, the guide has sole discretion over the program and may modify it for safety reasons. Similarly, the estimated times for each stage are approximate.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified Mountain Guide
- The accommodations as described in the program
- Half-board within the accommodations
- Picnics (except on the first day)
- Mandatory transportation included in the program
The price does not include
- Day 1 picnic
- The ski lifts
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
- Anything not listed under “Price includes”
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.
