Tour du Mont Blanc
Geneva, Switzerland
4.9 (9 reviews)Trip Highlights
- World Famous Trek
- Wonderful Lodging
- Stunning Mountain Views
- Deep, Dramatic Valleys
- Unique Wildlife
- Delicious Regional Cuisine
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
This trip is a must-do for all mountain hiking enthusiasts! Faithful to the myth, Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive mountains in the world. This hiking tour will lead you from France to Italy to Switzerland in order to experience the towering Mont Blanc massif from a variety of perspectives. Our route takes us over high passes, through deep valleys, and in and out of quaint European mountain villages. The views are breath-taking with innumerable alpine peaks and stunning glaciers surrounding the impressive Mont Blanc massif constantly in the background. This hike is quite demanding, however guests only carry a light daypack each day. In the evenings, you will enjoy French and Italian cooking, paired with a hearty serving of Swiss hospitality in the traditional alpine villages we stay in!
$420 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The single supplement on this trip provides for single rooms at our hotel stays in Les Houches, Les Contamines, Bourg St Maurice, Courmayeur, Champex, Argentières, and Chamonix. The other accommodations do not allow for single rooms. Also, there is only capacity in the hotels for two guests per trip to secure single rooms so availability is limited.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Our difficulty ratings are based on a scale of 1-5, tours with a rating of 1 being least difficult, tours with a rating of 5 being most difficult
- Backpack Weight:
- 10-15 pounds
- Daily Hiking Distances:
- 6-10 miles
- Most Elevation Loss:
- 4570 feet
- Most Elevation Gain:
- 3960 feet
- Quality of Trails:
- The trails on this trip are well-trodden dirt and rock paths.
- Additional:
- This trip has long days of hiking with significant elevation changes (3000 ft is not unusual), but we’re carrying light day packs only on good trails with very comfortable night-time accommodations. Expect an average of 6 or 7 hours, with a max of as much as 9 hours, of hiking in a day.
Participants should:
- be active and healthy
- regularly exercise vigorously
- be comfortable hiking, biking, running, or swimming for several hours without many breaks
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Alps hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking. June and September will feature more solitude than July and August.
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For this trip you will need to arrive in Geneva, Switzerland on the day the trip begins, no later than 3 P.M. A Wildland representative will rendezvous with you at the airport and provide transportation to our first night’s hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your return flight should be scheduled for the final day of the tour.
Flights to and from Geneva are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Geneva from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Newark, Baltimore, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco, New York and Minneapolis. The duration of flights is 10-30 hours normally with one or two stops.
Your flight on the final day of the trip can depart any time after 1 P.M.
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 45 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Traveling in perfect company is a wonderful thing! With our private trip offerings you can book a trip exclusively for your group. Whether it’s with family, friends or colleagues, private trips are a fun and enriching way to explore the outdoors.
Private trip pricing is based on a sliding scale, depending on the number of people in your party. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax and national park fees (where applicable) or guide gratuity. Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE to get the ball rolling!
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2
- 3 People: Rate x 1.5
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.3
- 6-7 People: Rate x 1.2
- 8-10 People: Rate x 1.1
- 11-12 People: Rate x 1
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsItinerary
DAY 1
On this Alps hiking tour, we welcome you at the Geneva International Airport (landing before 3 PM) and transport you directly to the charming, traditional village of Les Houches. During the transfer, your guide will present the tour and the logistics. We check into the hotel and get settled in our rooms. Surrounded by a wonderful nature preserve, the village’s architecture is traditional from the Savoie region. A first walk is possible for those interested depending on your arrival time. We will have dinner at our very nice hotel and get a good night’s rest in preparation for the next day’s hike.
DAY 2
- Hiking Mileage: 7 mi (11 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2100 ft (640 m)
- Elevation Loss: 4200 ft (1275 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Departing from the quaint village of Les Houches, we will begin our adventurous trek through the Alps! We’ll board a classic Alps cable car and ride it high into the mountains, making the first day’s hike a lovely warm-up. We’ll traverse through deep conifer forests high above the Bionnassay Valley and hike through stunning alpine hamlets with amazing views of Mont Blanc and across the foothills of the Alps. The Dôme du Gouter, Aiguille de Bionnassay, and an impressive glacier beneath the two peaks dominate our views. After reaching our high point we’ll descend through a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. A riverside path leads us into Les Contamines, where we’ll get settled in a cozy, very comfortable hotel and enjoy some delicious French wine and cuisine.
DAY 3
- Hiking Mileage: 9 mi (14.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3937 ft (1200 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2952 ft (900 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
After a tasty French breakfast we will begin with a short shuttle to Notre Dame de la Gorge. We’ll climb over two high mountain passes (Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme) with beautiful views into the surrounding summits and deep valleys, and eventually make our way down into the Chapieux Valley. Today’s biggest highlights are the outstanding views of Aiguille des Glaciers, a sheer, ice-draped peak of the Mont Blanc massif. Tonight’s accommodations are in Bourg Saint Maurice at a charming inn situated in a classic mountain hamlet.
DAY 4
- Hiking Mileage: 9.3 mi (15 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2297 ft (700 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3280 ft (1000 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
This morning we shuttle briefly from Bourg Saint Maurice to ville des Glaciers, where we begin our hike into Italy. We’ll hike up and over the Col de la Seigne to the Italian side of the border. On today’s trek, you can expect spectacular views and a fun descent into Val Ferret, a lush alpine valley with rustic homesteads, farms and rich history. We’ll take a bus from La Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur, where we get settled in our accommodations, which feature incredible panoramic views of the Grandes Jorasses.
DAY 5
- Hiking Mileage: 8 mi (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2788 ft (850 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3280 ft (1000 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Today starts with our first Italian breakfast and ends in Switzerland! We cross the breathtaking mountain pass Grand Col Ferret and arrive in the quaint, beautiful village of La Fouly in Switzerland. We’ll absorb exceptional views over the massif of Combins in the East and on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. A short shuttle takes us to Champex, a Swiss village near a beautiful mountain lake.
DAY 6
- Hiking Mileage: 10 mi (16 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3444 ft (1050 m)
- Elevation Loss: 4543 ft (1385 m)
- Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
We reach the highest point of our trek today as we climb over the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,750 m, 9022 ft), and we’ll savor the awe-inspiring views while we trek down alongside the amazing Trient glacier. Today is an absolutely stunning day that words cannot do justice. For those who join this trek, you will see what we mean! We end at a beautiful mountain lodge, where we’ll celebrate with wine and dinner!
DAY 7
- Hiking Mileage: 8 mi (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3280 ft (1000 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3444 ft (1050 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Today takes us up over the Col de la Balme and back into France with fantastic views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte, and ends in the iconic French Alps village of Argentières. We’ll get settled in our rooms and then enjoy a walk around town to soak up views of the alpine country we just descended from. We’ll cap the day off with a return to French cuisine.
DAY 8
- Hiking Mileage: 9 mi (14.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2950 ft (900 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3600 ft (1100 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Our final day of trekking! Today’s hike takes us up and over Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges (“Balcony over the Red Peaks”) before a climb to Lac Blanc. Lac Blanc is one of Chamonix’s most famous hikes, and features a high mountain panorama reflected on the turquoise waters of a beautiful alpine lake. This is also an excellent area to see Ibex and marmots. We’ll soak up all the beautiful surrounding scenery: Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de glace, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter, and last but not least, Mont Blanc! We’ll finish with a descent into Chamonix through the hamlet of Le Praz. Tonight’s accommodations are in a wonderful inn, where we’ll get settled before going out for a celebratory dinner.
DAY 9
Today marks the end of our journey. We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before transferring to the Geneva Airport, where we’ll say our very fond good-byes, and start dreaming of our next adventure!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Access to our Adventure Consultant team 7 days a week
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 9 at the Geneva airport
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- Vehicle transport of luggage between inns
- Use of a day pack, trekking poles, bedding and other gear
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day
- Professional, certified Wildland trekking guides
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- You will receive a Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and kids to a lifetime discount of 10% off any Wildland Trekking hiking trip after your first one!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to Geneva, Switzerland
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in the Alps)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills , wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (Oboz hiking shoes and boots recommended)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Gratuity for guide(s) (industry recommendation is 10-20% of total trip cost; USD or Euro is acceptable.)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
MEALS: WHAT TO EXPECT
This Alps hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. Most lunches and some breakfasts are prepared on the trail by your guides.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
GEAR WE PROVIDE
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Clean Bedding (where needed)
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Satellite phone
WHAT GEAR TO BRING
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter water bottles per person and basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important. All of these items are available online at Wildland Trekking Outfitters.
WHAT CLOTHES TO BRING
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed guidance about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required. All of these items are available online at Wildland Trekking Outfitters.
Trip Logistics
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
WHERE DO WE MEET?
We will meet you at Geneva Airport in Geneva on Day 1 and transport you to the first night’s hotel (included), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM (your flight needs to arrive before 3PM). Your guide will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Your safety is our top priority. This trek is led by professional hiking guides along with additional support staff. All of our guides are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry a satellite phone. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
GUIDES
This trip is led by expert, local Wildland guides. Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
GUIDE WORKING PARAMETERS
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
GROUP SIZE AND AGE RESTRICTIONS
The standard group size on this hiking tour is 12 guests and 2 guides. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Age restrictions are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
TRIP INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is required on all Alps trips as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
If you need to purchase field evacuation, repatriation, or medical insurance we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all Alps requirements.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: WildLandTrekking@EasyToInsureME.com
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions. Please bring a copy of your insurance policy to provide to your guides at the orientation meeting.
WEATHER IN THE ALPS
The location of the Alps and their tremendous elevation variations lead to significant and sometimes unpredictable temperatures and weather patterns, both in different ranges and in a particular range itself. Due to the Alps’ location in central Europe, they are influenced by moist air off the Atlantic, cold polar air from northern Europe, fluctuating air masses; and warm Mediterranean air flows northward.
Due to these extraordinary forces acting on the Alps’ weather, we recommend following our clothing list closely (in your trip packet when you register), as guests are best served by being prepared for a broad range of possible temperatures and weather conditions.
The average temperatures and precipitation in Alps are:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
|
Month
|
Valleys
<4k ft |
Peaks
4-6.5k ft |
||||
|
hi
|
low
|
hi
|
low
|
|||
|
May
|
67°
|
56°
|
60°
|
40°
|
||
|
June
|
75°
|
63°
|
66°
|
45°
|
||
|
July
|
81°
|
68°
|
71°
|
49°
|
||
|
August
|
79°
|
67°
|
70°
|
48°
|
||
|
September
|
74°
|
63°
|
63°
|
43°
|
||
Accommodations
HÔTEL DU BOIS
1 NIGHT
This beautiful lodge is almost as picturesque as its surroundings. It is just minutes from the famous Chamonix Valley. (heated pool, sauna)
HÔTEL LE CHRISTIANIA
1 NIGHT
This is a traditional family-run chalet in one of the most charming Alps villages with amazing home-cooked meals. (pool, sauna)
HOTEL L’AUTANTIC
1 NIGHT
Surrounded by major ski resorts and summer mountain destinations, this hotel is with stone facade and gardens. (heated pool)
HÔTEL BOUTON D’OR
1 NIGHT
At the foot of Mont Blanc, this family operated lodge is perfectly located for mountain views and relaxing on their amazing gardened terrace.
HÔTEL DU GLACIER
1 NIGHT
With spacious, comfortable rooms, amazing dining, views, and proximity to wonderful walks around town, this hotel is one of our favorites.
HÔTEL LA FORCLAZ
1 NIGHT
Nestled below the Col de la Forclaz mountain pass, this relaxed, family-operated hotel has private bedrooms with shared bathrooms.
HÔTEL DE LA COURONNE
1 NIGHT
This hotel is situated at the base of Mont Blanc in an idyllic alpine village. It has spacious rooms and private bathrooms.
PARK HÔTEL SUISSE
1 NIGHT
Since 1930, this hotel has offered modern mountain style lodging with all the comforts of an upscale hotel, including a spa.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Patty W.
Organized Trip and Fantastic Guide
The trip was well organized and our guide Matthieu was fantastic! He really knew the area well and passed on a lot of information about the area and its history, and was always happy and enthusiastic and wanted everyone to have a great time. Lots of laughs the entire week (even in the bad weather) and look forward to our next trip.
Liz B.
An Amazing Experience!
The Mont Blanc hike was an amazing experience! The scenery, inns and food were exceptional! And our guide went above and beyond to make the hike a memorable experience!
Grant B.
Great Trip
Great trip. Matthieu was fantastic. Really enjoyed it and hopefully will do another trip in the future.
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