Trail running - Tour of Mont Blanc in 5 days

This stage takes you through varied and spectacular alpine landscapes. The day begins with the ascent of two iconic passes: the Col du Bonhomme and the Croix du Bonhomme. These climbs offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and prepare you for a descent towards Les Chapieux, a small, peaceful hamlet, and then on to Ville des Glaciers, following the glacial stream.

A well-deserved lunch break in this natural setting allows you to recharge before continuing towards the Col de la Seigne, marking the border between France and Italy. The descent into the Val Vény, towards Lac Combal, offers the opportunity to discover the Limestone Pyramids and the historical remains of the Great War.

The stage ends with a crossing of the Arp Vieille alpine pastures, offering a panoramic view of Courmayeur. A night at the Maison Vieille refuge concludes this day rich in discoveries and breathtaking scenery.

This stage begins with a descent to the beautiful town of Courmayeur, nestled at the bottom of the valley. After crossing the town, a climb leads us to the Bertone refuge, perched at an altitude of 1,991 meters. From there, the magnificent Val Ferret valley in Italy unfolds before us, offering breathtaking views of the southern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif.

We continue to the Bonatti refuge, where a refreshment break is welcome. The balcony trail that follows offers spectacular views of iconic peaks such as the Dent du Géant, the Grandes Jorasses and Mont Dolent.

Having arrived in Arnuva, we tackled the ascent of the Grand Col Ferret, an imposing pass at 2537 meters altitude, marking the Italian-Swiss border. The descent towards the Swiss Val Ferret was gentle and pleasant, finally leading to La Fouly, the end point of our day.

You will have access to your suitcase upon arrival at the hotel.

Cette étape débute par un sentier agréable le long de la Dranse de Ferret, une rivière alpine aux eaux cristallines.

This flat, shaded path is a great way to start the day. We then arrive at Praz de Fort, from where we begin a climb through a spruce forest. The shade of the trees and the scent of resin accompany our ascent to the charming village of Champex. This alpine village, with its calm lake and peaceful atmosphere, is the perfect place to take a break and refuel. After this stop, we head towards Trient.

The ascent of La Bovine is a dreaded challenge for runners in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Although steep and demanding, this climb is relatively short. The Swiss alpine pastures, with their verdant meadows and traditional chalets, offer a magnificent and inspiring setting. Upon reaching the Col de la Forclaz, a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains unfolds before us. From this high point, we can see the Trient refuge, located below.

A final descent, through forest trails and alpine meadows, leads us to the Trient refuge for the night. This stage, although challenging, is rich in varied landscapes and authentic Swiss mountain experiences.

Last awakening, last efforts, last stars in the eyes.

This fifth and final day offers a finale worthy of the finest alpine adventures. The ascent begins in the forest before opening onto magnificent alpine meadows dotted with colorful flowers, leading us to the Col de Balme . From up there, the entire Chamonix valley unfolds before us, promising a triumphant arrival.

The easy-going path leads us to the sublime Aiguillettes des Posettes , where the Glacier du Tour treats us to its characteristic bluish hues. A technical trail then takes us to the Col des Montets , before which our final climb unfolds: the Tête aux Vents . Its short, tight switchbacks give way to a vast alpine meadow dotted with lakes, leading to the legendary Refuge du Lac Blanc . A well-deserved break for a savory and/or sweet treat!

The descent towards Flégère and then Chamonix embodies the final effort before the great comfort: finding the Arve river again, which we follow to the church in Chamonix.

That's a wrap, well done! A Tour of Mont Blanc in 5 days!