Tour Du Mont Blanc
Geneva, Switzerland
5.0 (23 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!
$460 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
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:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
4000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Extreme Exposure
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb 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.
BOOKING FLIGHTS
The closest and easiest airport to fly into for this trip is Geneva, Switzerland.
We will meet you at the first night’s hotel, Hotel Chalet Du Bois, in Les Houches (included, check-in available after 3pm), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 6:00 PM. Airport transportation is not included in the tour, but easily planned from the Geneva Airport with multiple economical and convenient options.
Please arrive to our hotel and meeting place in Les Houches no later than 5pm, day 1 of itinerary; depart anytime, day 9 of itinerary. Check-out is at 11am from our last accommodation
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.
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If booking within 90 days of the trip date, we require a minimum of 4 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
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-10 People: Rate x 1.15
- 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 meet at our first accommodation of the trip, Hotel Chalet Du Bois, in the charming village of Les Houches. You may check into the hotel anytime after 3pm 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 6pm 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 Mileage: 7 mi (11 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2100 ft (640 m)
- Elevation Loss: 4200 ft (1275 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
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 and wine if you choose.
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 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 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 a quality breakfast buffet in Italy 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 picturesque Swiss village near a beautiful mountain lake.
DAY 6
- Hiking Mileage: 10 mi (16 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2434 ft (742 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2238 ft (682 m)
- Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
Today we start our hike right from our lodging around the lake and start to climb over Bovine Pass (2,040 m, 6,693 ft.), and 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 dinner and Wine if you choose!
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: 6 mi (9.6 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2950 ft (900 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1700 ft (518 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 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 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’ll get settled in and 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!
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
- Access to our Adventure Consultant team 7 days a week
- 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 (weight limit applies)
- Use of a backpack, trekking poles 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 communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to Geneva, Switzerland
- Airport transportation to Les Houches (Day 1) and from Chamonix (Day 9)
- 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, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Gratuity for guide(s) (optional and based on level of satisfaction: industry recommendation is 5-10% of total trip cost; Euro are preferred or USD 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 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 destinations 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
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency Communication Device(s)
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.
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.
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 the first night’s hotel, Hotel Chalet Du Bois, in Les Houches (included, check-in available after 3pm), where we’ll conduct an 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. 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, airport transportation, 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. 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 CHALET DU BOIS
1 NIGHT
This quaint 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. Their Breakfast buffet is one of the best in the region.
HÔTEL ALPINA IN CHAMPEX
1 NIGHT
This hotel is owned and managed by a wonderful French family who lives onsite high in the Alps. With Michelin star quality food, expansive views and lovely hosts, this stay is often a highlight for our groups.
HÔTEL LA FORCLAZ
1 NIGHT
Nestled below the Col de la Forclaz mountain pass, this relaxed and simple, family-operated hotel has private bedrooms with shared bathrooms. The highlight is the outstanding views from the outside seating at the café.
HÔTEL DE LA COURONNE
1 NIGHT
This hotel is situated at the base of Mont Blanc in an idyllic alpine village with great views of the surrounding mountainous environment. It has spacious rooms and private in-suite bathrooms.
PARK HÔTEL SUISSE
1 NIGHT
Since 1930, this 4-star hotel has offered modern mountain style lodging with all the comforts of an upscale hotel, including a sauna and 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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Sharon R
Absolutely Amazing
The trip was absolutely amazing. The guides did an amazing job on both guiding the hike and were very knowledgeable on the geology, plants and culture of the region. One thing I would change about the trip is a better pre trip background. When we filled out the questions before the trip it was stated several times you must be very fit to complete this trek. Our group in all was very compatible on fitness level except to one person. That one person made us wait for half the duration of the overall hiking time. It was frustrating because everyone else was about the same pace and speed. The guides did a good job at customizing a few days so we could hike more at our own pace. But on such a long hiking day my husband and I would have enjoyed hiking at our own pace and being able to spend more time in each town to enjoy the culture of the area more. I also think it would have been fun to do a zoom meet and greet before such a big trip to meet the group.
Sheila B
AMAZING!
AMAZING! Matthew and Dean were excellent. Supportive and encouraging. At 62, I had some concerns about completion. But with the encouragement to go at my own pace I gained confidence every day. Bread and cheese on the trail each day was a special treat. And the chocolate at the end of each day turned into a celebration. Our nightly accommodations were very good. And the food each evening was beyond delicious. I told Matthew and Dean that my goal was not to “hike” the Alps, but to EXPERIENCE the Alps. They made sure that was a reality. I especially appreciate the opportunity each day to have time to “soak in” the beauty around me. . I would highly recommend this trip and have already to numerous friends and family. Definitely a trip of a lifetime.
Adrienne R
It was perfection
We just did the Tour Mont Blanc and it was perfection. Our guides Matthieu and Dean took such great care of us. The food was amazing. Accommodations lovely. And the trails were stunning. Would highly recommend this trek-all the logistics are taking care of-you just show up and get to experience the wonderful alps!
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