Tour of the Wild Mont Blanc / 5 days, light pack
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 / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions55.44 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Escape the crowds for 5 days of hiking in the exceptional setting of Mont Blanc ! Each day, you'll explore wild natural areas located between France and Italy. This truly unique experience offers you the extraordinary opportunity to admire Mont Blanc from both its north and south faces . You'll also have the chance to hike in a small group, guided by a passionate local expert. Furthermore, on this star-shaped itinerary, based in Chamonix and then Courmayeur , a minibus will transport you each day to the starting points of your hikes. What are you waiting for to discover the magnificent heights of Chamonix , the breathtaking panorama from the Col de la Forclaz , or the impressive Mont Fortin ?
The highlights
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Small groups limited to a maximum of 8 people
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Lightweight packs on a star-shaped itinerary
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A unique way to circumnavigate Mont Blanc
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1280 m
- Average daily descent: 1280 m
Management
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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Chamonix - Aiguillette des Houches
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 13km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The guide will be waiting for you at 8 a.m. in front of the Chamonix-Mont Blanc SNCF train station for a check of the equipment and a presentation of the trek.
We will then take a minibus to the day's starting point. We begin our first hike along a forest trail that opens onto a rocky landscape offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. The wild setting of this hike will allow you to explore the wildlife of the Carlaveyron Nature Reserve, with its splendid mountain pastures at the summit.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 1 -
Col de la Forclaz – Fenêtre d'Arpette
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 17km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For the second day, we head towards the Trient Valley, at the northeastern end of the Mont Blanc massif, in Switzerland.
The route begins gently along the glacier path that follows the irrigation channel. It then gradually ascends towards the Fenêtre d'Arpette. Throughout this climb, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Trient Glacier and the tranquility of a less frequented trail.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 2 -
Courmayeur – Mont Fortin
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 40km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For the next few days, our destination is Italy. On our first outing, we will climb Mont Fortin for a unique close-up view of the south face of Mont Blanc.
The route will be decided by your guide, who will choose the best spot to admire the immensity of Europe's highest peak. The southern slope of Mont Blanc is often described as a miniature Himalaya in the heart of the Alps, adding an exceptional dimension to your adventure.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 3 -
Courmayeur – Col de Malatra
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1350 m
- Negative elevation 1350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a restful night in the valley, we'll head towards Val Ferret near Courmayeur to reach the starting point of our hike. It will take us to the Col de Malatra, situated at nearly 3,000 meters altitude. This secluded spot offers the chance to discover a wild valley surrounded by imposing peaks, providing magnificent views of the Aosta Valley and the Mont Blanc massif. On the descent, a well-deserved break at the Bonatti refuge will allow us to enjoy a refreshing drink – a welcome reward after the exertion of this memorable day!
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 4 -
Courmayeur – Testa Bernarda or secret spot
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 25km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The last hike in Italy takes us to Testa Bernarda. It's a superb viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif on the Italian side, with the majestic Grandes Jorasses in the background.
The climb to Testa Bernarda requires sustained effort. Once at the top, a balcony trail invites us to take our time admiring the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. On the descent, a stop at the Bertone Refuge will allow us to enjoy a coffee before continuing our journey back to France via the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix. The trek concludes with a drop-off at the Chamonix-Mont Blanc train station.
And so ends this unforgettable exploration of the exceptional landscapes offered by Mont Blanc!
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 5
Accommodation
- 2 nights in France, in the Chamonix valley : dormitory beds in a mountain refuge with shared bathroom
- 2 nights in Italy in the Courmayeur valley : dormitory beds with shared bathroom outside
Possibility of having a comfort room with bathroom inside (optional).
- 2 nights in France, in the Chamonix valley : dormitory beds in a mountain refuge with shared bathroom
- 2 nights in Italy in the Courmayeur valley : dormitory beds with shared bathroom outside
Possibility of having a comfort room with bathroom inside (optional).
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a State-Certified Mountain Guide
- Full board from the evening of day 1 to lunchtime on day 5
- Accommodation in a dormitory for 4 nights
- Mandatory transport in private minibuses is included in the program for France, Switzerland and Italy.
The price does not include
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Day 1 picnic
- Dinner on Day 5
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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
- High-top walking shoes
- Telescopic walking sticks
- Your travel toiletries.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50
- Category 3 sunglasses
- A survival blanket
- A water bottle or reusable water container to carry at least 2 liters of water
- A lightweight Opinel-type knife
- A nice specialty to share with the rest of the team, liquid or solid
Clothing to bring
- Technical sweaters
- Technical T-shirts
- Hiking socks
- A pair of shorts
- Warm leg tights
- A warm garment for the upper body (down or fleece)
- A pair of gloves, preferably waterproof.
- A buff or neck warmer is optional but very welcome in bad weather.
- A Gore-Tex jacket or equivalent for inclement weather
- A cap
