Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Martigny lies at the foot of the Swiss Alps, close to where the River Rhône turns northwards towards Lake Geneva. If arriving early, make the most of your time here and take a walk to visit the Château de la Bâtiaz or one of the restaurants that Martigny is famous for.

Today starts with an early morning bus to Trient before beginning the climb up to Col de Balme (2,191m), to the traditional mountain lodge of Refuge du Col de Balme, a perfect place for a short rest with views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. Descend to the open saddle of Col des Posettes (2,201m) and head along Kammweg ridge over the summit of Aiguillette des Posettes, with views of surrounding glaciers. The walk ends with a steep descent following a mountain stream to Argentière.

Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h ↑1,170m ↓1,230m

This is one of the most challenging sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Using a combination of fixed ladders and timber-braced steps over steep rocks to reach Refuge du Lac Blanc. In the afternoon, follow the path across Grand Balcon to Planpraz, which has a cafe at an altitude of 2,000m, for a final break before heading back down the cable car to the mountaineering hub of Chamonix.

Walking for the day: 15.5km, 7h ↑1,440m ↓1,620m (easier option by cable car: ↑1,440m ↓685m)

Please note:
The ladder section on this day is very steep and exposed, with some scrambling elements. For those with a fear of heights or who are feeling fatigued from the previous day’s walking, an alternative lower route along the Petit Balcon Sud to Chamonix is available.

Today there is the option of a more relaxed start by taking the cable car up to Planpraz before a short walk to Col du Brévent (2,368m). From here, it’s possible to climb to the peak of Brévent, considered to be one of the best lookout posts for viewing Mont Blanc, and the surrounding glaciers and peaks. Continue on the hiking trail to pass Lac du Brévent and descend to Refuge Bel-Lachat, a good rest spot, before resuming the steep climb. The final section of the day skirts Parc de Merlet forest before finishing in Les Houches.

Walking for the day: 12km, 6h, ↑500m ↓1,500m

A stretch of today’s hike follows the famous Mont Blanc tramway, so you get a chance to admire both the tram and surrounding scenery. From Col de Voza there are two options for the route to Les Contamines: a shorter, easier option via Bionnassay, or a more scenic route which guides you to an impressive suspension bridge crossing a torrent from Glacier de Bionnassay. The hike continues through mountain meadows to Col de Tricot (2,120m), and descends to Refuge de Miage. After a further ascent, there is a perfect rest stop at Truc-Alpe. The finishing point for today’s hike, Les Contamines, is in Montjoie valley, famous for its delicious cheeses and their dairies are worth a visit if you get a chance. If availability is limited in Les Contamines, we will arrange accommodation in the nearby town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. If you are staying in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, a transfer takes you from Les Contamines to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and back the following morning.

Walking for the day: 17.5km, 7-8h ↑1,440m ↓1,260m (easier option by cable car: 13km, 5-6h ↑380m ↓1,010m)

Today’s trek takes you over ravines, past glacial lakes and ascends over two cols, passing the southernmost point of the Mont Blanc massif. The day starts with a short transfer from Les Contamines/Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to the Baroque Notre Dame de la Gorge church, where the long ascent to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,450m) begins. Take a rest at Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme before the last descent brings the day to a close in the hamlet of Les Chapieux. From here, take the public shuttle from Les Chapieux to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a lively mountain town with plenty of options for dinner tonight.

Walking for the day: 15.5km, 7-8h ↑1,300m ↓950m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Begin the morning with a short bus transfer to Vallée des Glaciers before beginning the climb from here up to Col de la Seigne, crossing the border from France into Italy. The route continues through fields towards Rifugio Elisabetta, where you can stop for a break before continuing on to La Visaille, to catch the bus to Courmayeur.

Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h ↑795m ↓900m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season of September, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Today offers the option of either a rest day in Courmayeur or hiking up to Val Ferret before returning via public bus. From Courmayeur, follow the mountain path to Rifugio Bertone and along the crest of Mont de la Saxe to Tête de la Tronche, offering far-reaching views toward Col de la Seigne, Grand Col Ferret, and all along the south side of the Mont Blanc massif. The path continues further over bridges and brooks, passing Rifugio Walter Bonatti and continuing on to Chalet Val Ferret, which sits at the foot of Val Ferret. From here, take the bus back to your accommodation in Courmayeur, returning to Val Ferret the next morning, via public bus.

Walking for the day: 16.5km, 7-8h ↑1,140m ↓560m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season in September, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Begin the morning with a short bus transfer back up to Val Ferret before setting off over Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), heading out of Italy and into Switzerland’s rolling pastures. Rest in one of the mountain lodges along the trail before continuing on to La Fouly.

Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h ↑770m ↓945m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season in September, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Today marks the easiest day of the TMB route, with much less elevation change than previous walks. The Dranse River accompanies you on your leisurely hike past high mountains, through forests, meadows and traditional mountain villages towards the valley. At the end of the hike, the Murmeltierweg (Marmot trail) takes you up to Champex-Lac, a mountain location famous for its expansive forests and crystal clear lake. If staying in Orsières, take a short bus from the end of you’re walk in Champex down to Orsières.

Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h ↑535m ↓670m

This day of walking has the option of two routes which vary in difficulty. The Fenêtre d’Arpette should only be considered in fair weather, as this challenging path reaches the highest point of the TMB, and offers tremendous views across the Trient Glacier and down into Vallée du Trient. The alternative route via Alp Bovine is an easier route which follows the northern contours of the rocky spur, leading through high alpine pastures and passing a great lunch spot at Alp Bovine (1,987m). Both routes continue on to Trient, famous for its impressive glaciers on the surrounding mountain peaks. End the day by taking a public bus down to Martigny.

Walking for the day: Via Fenêtre d'Arpette 15km, 5-6h ↑1,190m ↓1,350m (via Alp Bovine 15.5km, 6-7h ↑770m ↓945m)

Departure or extra nights in Martigny.