Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc (Huts)

Since de Saussure first walked around the Mont Blanc Massif in 1767 the Tour du Mont Blanc has built on its reputation as one of the world’s classic treks. Our 7 night Highlights Tour du Mont Blanc trek explores the best of this classic trek over six days of unforgettable walking in the high alps. Staying in high mountain huts and using transfers as necessary you walk the high mountain trails between France, Italy and Switzerland as you circle Mont Blanc and marvel at the ever-changing panoramas.

Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc concentrates on the best sections of the trail. Starting from Les Houches in France your first morning of walking is dominated by the Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnasay as you pass just beneath the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay on your way over the Col de Tricot. After passing the idyllic Chalet de Miage you follow a variant of the Tour du Mont Blanc to Refuge Tré le Tête. The trail then continues over the airy Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col de la Seigne where you pass into Italy.

The glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif pour steeply into the Val Veni, rewarding your efforts with some of the best views of the TMB. The climb to the atmospheric Maison Vieille at Col Chécrouit is one of the highlights of the tour.

From Col Chécrouit you walk or catch the cablecar down to Courmayeur and then bus to Arnuva in the heart of the beautiful Valley of Val Ferret. The climb over Grand Col Ferret delivers you into Switzerland and a short bus transfer brings you to Champex.

The next day’s walk to Trient via Alp Bovine gives sensational views of the Rhone Valley or you can choose the challenging variant via Fenetre d’ Arpette, a highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc for many. The final day on the trail doesn’t disappoint. The Col de Balme delivers arguably the best view on the trail with whole range including the summit of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière all putting on a show. Your walk finishes in Montroc and your last night is in Chamonix.

The Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc is ideal if you want to experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc in a week. Accommodation is in comfortable three star hotels on the first and last nights and in mountain hut dormitories for the five nights on the trail. This way you can stay high in the mountains each night and experience the best of the Mont Blanc Massif. Detailed information packs, a guidebook, IGN maps and local emergency support are all included. Baggage transfer is available as an optional extra, except on day two and four where there is no access to the hut.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Les Houches
Day 2: Col de Voza – Col du Tricot (2120m) - Refuge Tré le Tête
Day 3: Refuge Tré le Tête - Croix du Bonhomme (2443 m) - Col des Fours (2716 m) to Refuge des Mottets (Vallée des glaciers) or Les Chapieux.
Day 4: Col de la Seigne, - val Vény to col Chécroui (1956 m).
Day 5: Grand col Ferret (2537 m) - Ferret (1740 m) - Champex.
Day 6: Champex, Les Bovines (2050 m), (Optional: Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665 m)), Trient (1280 m).
Day 7: Col de La Balme (2191 m) - Montroc - Chamonix
Day 8: Onward Travel

Includes

Included :
- 2 Nights three star hotels in double/twin room in Les Houches & Chamonix
- 5 Nights in mountain huts/refuges in dormitories
- 7 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners
- Detailed maps, information pack, route notes and guidebook
- Organisational assistance and backup from our local representative and our office.
Excluded:
- Mountain rescue / emergency assistance
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix
- Lunches (allow 10 Euro per day)
- 1 Dinner in Chamonix
- Local transfers and ski lifts (allow 45 Euros for the trip)
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
Optional:
- Transfer of one 12 kg bag per person (except on night 2 & 4)
- Single room supplement if required in Chamonix and Les Houches
- Extra nights before, during or after the tour

Essential Information

Accommodation
Your first and last nights are in a private room (twin/double share) and the five nights on the trail are in mountain refuges/huts in shared mixed sex dormitories. Mountain huts are spectacularly located and allow you to stay high in the mountains each night rather than dropping down into the valleys. The detailed itinerary has links to the huts and hotels we use. If you would prefer private rooms then our Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort would be a better option.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is not available to solo walkers and single rooms are not available except on the first and last nights. A supplement is payable.
Meals
7 continental breakfasts and 6 hearty and tasty evening meals are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way. Allow about 10 Euro per day for lunch. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.
Baggage Transfer
Baggage transfer is not included but is available as an optional extra. Your main luggage (maximum 12kg) is transferred each day apart from on day 2 when you will not have access to your luggage. If you have additional bags we can store these for you at no charge.
Experience & Fitness
As this is a self guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip. This walk is strenuous, crosses high mountain passes and the weather can change quickly.