Tour Du Mont Blanc
Les Houches, France
4.9 (67 reviews)Trip Highlights
- World Famous Trek
- Wonderful Lodging
- Stunning Mountain Views
- Deep, Dramatic Valleys
- Unique Wildlife
- Delicious Regional Cuisine
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!
Looking to stay longer in the Chamonix Valley and explore? We have you covered with a 2-night, Chamonix Add-on Package that includes admission to some the most iconic sights and attractions Chamonix has to offer. All activities can be done on your own schedule to allow you the freedom to relax and enjoy this portion of your trip however you desire. We also include a day pass to a luxurious spa for those looking to maximize their relaxation and recovery after their trek.
From $950 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The single supplement on this trip provides for single rooms at all hotels on this trip, except for Day 6 where there is a possibility of only shared rooms. Per hotel rules, there is a limit to the number of singles supplements we can accommodate on a trip.
If you’re travelling on your own and would prefer double occupancy, please let us know and we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. If we’re unable to, then the single supplement fee will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip has long days of hiking with significant elevation changes (3,000+ ft is not unusual), but we’re carrying light day packs 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.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 mi
Backpack Weight:
15-25 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
4000 ft+
Heights Exposure:
Extreme Exposure
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 15-25 pound backpack for 7-9 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on steep, variable and uneven terrain
- River and creek crossings
- Hiking with occasional extreme heights exposure
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.
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 60-65 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Accommodation: Lodge in Les Houches, France
On this Alps hiking tour, we meet at our first accommodation of the trip in the charming village of Les Houches. You may check into the hotel anytime after 4:00 PM and get settled in to your room surrounded by a wonderful nature preserve and the village’s traditional architecture from the Savoie region. We’ll meet at 6:00 PM in the main lobby for a trip orientation meeting and full introduction of our group. Then we’ll have dinner at our hotel and get a good night’s rest in preparation for the next day’s hike.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 8.4 mi (13.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2100 ft (640 m)
- Elevation Loss: 4200 ft (1275 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Les Contamines, France
Departing from Les Houches, we will begin our adventurous trek through the Alps! After a small walk through town, we’ll board a classic Alps cable car and ride it high into the mountains to start our hike. 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 cuisine.
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 9 mi (14.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3937 ft (1200 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2952 ft (900 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Bourg Saint Maurice, France
After a European breakfast buffet at our hotel we will begin with a short shuttle to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Today 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 Distance: 9.3 mi (15 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2297 ft (700 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3280 ft (1000 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Courmayeur, Italy
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 check in to our accommodations, which feature incredible panoramic views of the Grandes Jorasses.
Day 5
- Hiking Distance: 8 mi (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2788 ft (850 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3280 ft (1000 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Champex, Switzerland
Today starts with breakfast in Italy and ends with dinner 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 picturesque Swiss village near a beautiful mountain lake.
Day 6
- Hiking Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2434 ft (742 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2238 ft (682 m)
- Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Trient, Switzerland
We start today’s hike right from our lodging around the lake and start to climb over Bovine Pass (2,040 m, 6,693 ft.), where we’ll savor the awe-inspiring views across the Rhône Valley into the famous Bernese Alps of Switzerland. Today’s lunch is near a quaint mountain hut and local farm, before we head down though lush alpine forests and landscapes to our lodging at a mountain hut, where we’ll celebrate with a delicious dinner!
Day 7
- Hiking Distance: 8 mi (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 3280 ft (1000 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3444 ft (1050 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Argentières, France
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 Distance: 7 mi (11.2 km)
- Elevation Gain: 4290 ft (1308 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2420 ft (738 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge in Chamonix, France
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 towards Chamonix and a short gondola ride to the hamlet of Le Praz. Tonight’s accommodations are in a wonderful 4-star hotel with a sauna and spa, where we can surely relax after our hike. Tonight, we’ll have a celebratory dinner out on the town in Chamonix.
Day 9
Today marks the end of our journey. We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together, where we’ll say our very fond good-byes, and start dreaming of our next adventure! You may leave at any time today (checkout from hotel is 11 am).
Chamonix Add-on Package
Looking to stay longer in the Chamonix Valley and explore? We got you covered with a 2-night, 4-star lodging package that includes admission to some the most iconic sights and attractions Chamonix has to offer. All activities can be done on your own schedule to allow you the freedom to relax and enjoy this portion of your trip however you desire. We also include day passes to a luxurious spa for those looking to maximize their relaxation and recovery after their hike. Click here to read more about our Chamonix Add-On Package!
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: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
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
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation during the trekking portion of the tour starting on Day 2 and ending on Day 8
- Lodging for the duration of the tour.
- Vehicle transport of luggage between inns (strict 33 lb./15 kg. weight limit applies)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9
- Use of a backpack and trekking poles
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Les Houches and from Chamonix
- Airport transportation to Les Houches, France (Day 1) and from Chamonix, France (Day 9)
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
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 are prepared on the trail by your guides. In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
It is common in the Alps that restaurants do not allow groups to order from an a la carte menu; a set menu is created, and guests do not have the option of ordering differently from the set menu.
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 destinations may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Lodging: What to Expect
Our trips in the Alps offer the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful lodges, inns, and chalets that European mountain villages are famous for. The historic, cultural lodging (and dining) experience of the Alps is a major highlight of these trips for many guests!
There are some unique elements to the accommodations that are important for guests to understand:
- Most beds are twin; no queen- or king-sized beds are available. Sometimes the twins are pushed together to form a double, but sometimes they must remain separated. If you would like to share a bed, it may not always be available.
- Occasionally, we have rooms that accommodate 3-5 people. Please understand you may be asked to share one of these rooms for 1-2 nights of your trip with other members of the group, and in some cases the arrangement will be mixed gender.
- Some hotels do not offer ensuite rooms so bathrooms may be either shared with other guests in the hallway, or you have a private bathroom down the hallway.
Please see the Accommodations section for more information.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency Communication Device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
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 our first night’s hotel, Hotel Chalet Du Bois, in Les Houches, France (check-in available after 4:00 PM), where we’ll conduct our orientation meeting at 6:00 PM.
Airport transportation is not included in the tour, but easily planned from the Geneva Airport with multiple convenient options. Please be sure to arrive no later than 5:00 PM into Les Houches in order to make our 6:00 PM orientation meeting. If flying into Geneva (GVA) on Day 1, your flight should arrive no later than 3 pm.
Our pre-trip support team 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, airport transportation, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Trip Start and End
Trip Start: Les Houches, France.
Trip End: Chamonix, France
Closest Airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA). Flights to and from Geneva are the guest’s responsibility.
Geneva Airport Transfer Options: Airport transportation is not included in the tour but easily planned to/from the Geneva Airport with multiple economical and convenient options. The airport is approximately 1-1.5 hours from both Les Houches and Chamonix (these two villages are only about a 10 min drive apart).
- Booking a shared transfer in a minivan is approximately a 1 hour. ride (~€35 – 50). We recommend Mountain Drop Offs (use code WILDTREKCHX for a discount code). They offer both private or shared shuttles.
- The most affordable (~€7-11) option is to take the bus from the Geneva Airport. Omio is a good option.
Pre and Post-trip Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Chamonix as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
You can also check out our Chamonix Add-On Package if you’d like to add 2 more nights in Chamonix before or after your hike.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
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.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 10 and older to join scheduled or private tours
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).
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.
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.
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
Night 1
HÔTEL CHALET DU BOIS
This quaint lodge is almost as picturesque as its surroundings. It is just minutes from the famous Chamonix Valley. (heated pool, sauna)
Night 2
HÔTEL LE CHRISTIANIA | HÔTEL La chemenaz
These are both traditional, family-run chalets in one of the most charming Alps villages with amazing home-cooked meals. (pool, sauna)
Night 3
HÔTEL L’AUTANTIC | HÔTEL Arolla
Surrounded by major ski resorts and summer mountain destinations, these comfortable hotels offer cozy lodging that put us right in the action for Night 3 of our trek. Both offer wonderful breakfasts, comfortable beds and amazing views!
Night 4
HÔTEL BOUTON D’OR | HÔTEL Crampon | HÔTEL Triolet | HÔTEL Croux
At the foot of Mont Blanc in the town of Courmayeur, these lodges are perfectly located for mountain views and relaxation on their amazing gardened terraces and balconies. Enjoy their lovely breakfast buffet or an evening drink with views of the surrounding peaks!
Night 5
HÔTEL ALPINA IN CHAMPEX | HÔTEL Splendide | HÔTEL Du Glacier | HÔTEL
These hotels are quintessential lodges perched high in the Swiss mountain town of Champex, on the shores of a gorgeous alpine lake (Lac de Champex). With Michelin star quality food, expansive views and lovely hosts, our night in Champex is sure to please.
**Groups are often split between two lodges in Champex, but dine together.
Night 6
HÔTEL LA FORCLAZ | HÔTEL Auberge Mont Blanc | HÔTEL La Grande Ourse
Nestled below the Col de la Forclaz mountain pass, these relaxed and simple, family-operated hotels have private bedrooms with shared bathrooms. The highlight is the outstanding views from the hotel decks.
**Please note that guests may need to share a room with others from the group (max of 4 to a room). Sometimes single rooms are unavailable for this night.
Night 7
HÔTEL LES GRANDS MONETS | Hôtel LE DAHU | Hôtel de La Couronne
These hotels are situated at the base of Mont Blanc in an idyllic alpine village called with stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Soak up the views, the cozy lodging, and the amazing breakfasts!
Night 8
PARK HÔTEL SUISSE | heliopic HÔTEL and Spa
One our final night we enjoy one of two lodges in the amazing town of Chamonix-Mont Blanc, the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and a vibrant town known for its ski resort. Both 4-star accommodations offer breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif and luxuries like spas, saunas, heated pools and wonderful breakfasts.
If you’d like to extend your stay in Chamonix, we offer an add-on package that also features these hotels: Chamonix Add-on Package.
* 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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Cindy T
Amazing Trip!
This was an amazing adventure! The hiking could be challenging but we were well prepared each day with what to expect and the scenery made every step more than worth the effort. Johannes and Matthieu were the best of guides with great advice, encouraging words and lots of humor.
Suma S
This was a wonderful trip.
Hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc was a truly wonderful experience. The area is beautiful, and our guides Willy and Thomas were very friendly, encouraging, and knowledgable about the area. They accommodated different hiking styles and abilities, prepared us for difficult terrain, and taught us so much about the local culture (such as Beaufort cheese!). The staff here in the US were also very responsive with any questions I had prior to leaving and promptly took care of other things that came up even after our return. An all around stellar experience. Many thanks!
Jill S
Excellent
Wilfred and Thomas guided us through Mont Blanc. It was a tough trip but they always made us feel safe. They were fun, positive and most encouraging. Couldn't have made it through this hike without such capable and skilled guides.
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