It circles around the highest mountain in Western Europe and many of its satellite peaks. The route takes you through awe-inspiring mountain scenery as you traverse three different countries, France, Italy and Switzerland. There are spectacular views to be enjoyed as you cross from country to country via high alpine passes, delightful villages and picturesque valleys.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Outward journey
Arrive Geneva. Transfer to hotel in Les Houches. Meet up with your guides. Check equipment and make final preparations.
Day 2: Les Houches – Les Contamines
The tour commences after breakfast by taking the Bellevue cable car from Les Houches. This avoids the rather long and relentless ascent! Continue over the Col de Voza (1653 m) and below the tip of the Bionassay glacier to the Col de Tricot (2120 m). Descend to Les Contamines (1170m). Included: (B), (D).
Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux
6-7 hours. 10 miles/ 16 km. Ascend to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and traverse to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2479m). Descend to Les Chapieux. Included: (B), (D).
Day 4: Les Chapieux – Courmayeur
7-8 hours. 12 miles/ 18 km. After a steady ascent past Ville de Glaciers, cross the Col de la Seigne (2516m) into Italy. Follow the south side of the Val Veni to Courmayeur. Included: (B).
Day 5: Courmayeur - Refugio Bonnati
6-7 hours. 10 miles/ 16 km. Ascend the Mont de la Saxe ridge with superb views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses. Included: (B), (D).
Day 6: Refugio Bonatti – La Fouly
7-8 hours. 11.5 miles/ 18 km. Cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) to enter Switzerland. From Grand Col Ferret descend through alpine meadows to Ferret and on to La Fouly (1595m), beautifully situated below the Glacier de l’A Neuve. Included: (B), (D).
Day 7: Fouly – Champex
5-6 hours. 10.5 miles/ 17 km. An easier day following the beautiful Val Ferret before climbing to Champex, with its spectacular blue lake. Included: (B), (D).
Day 8: Champex – Trient
5-6 hours. 12 miles/ 20 km. One of the highlights of the tour across the Fenetre d’Arpette (2665m) before the descent to the Chalets du Glacier and on to Trient. Included: (B), (D).
Day 9: Trient – Argentiere
6-7 hours. 12 miles/20 km. Cross back into France via the Col de Balme (2191m) and Posettes ridge followed by a steep descent on good paths through forest to Argentiere. Included: (B), (D).
Day 10: Argentiere – Les Houches
7-8 hours. 15 miles/ 24 km. Route goes via Lac Blanc (2352m) and the Grand Balcon route to La Flegere (1877m). From La Flegere ascend Le Brevent (2525m) before the final descent to Les Houches. Included: (B).
Day 11: Departure after breakfast for Airport and return flight. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The Price Includes:
5 nights half-board chalet accommodation, 2 nights HB in mountain huts, 6 full days guiding/off-piste coaching, resort transfers
The Price Does Not Include:
lunches, personal insurance, equipment hire, lift pass, travel to and from Chamonix, helicopter ride on Mont Blanc
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Switzerland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
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