A spectacular journey around one of the most famous mountains in the world Mont Blanc. Mont Blanc, rising to 4,800 meters, is the highest peak in the Alps and forms a natural border between Italy and France. The young Alpine folding that created this massive mountain produced a rugged, wild ridge almost completely opposed to the culture that developed at its base. This striking contrast allows us a hiking experience usually reserved for remote areas, while enjoying high-level comfort with a European touch.
The full route is twelve days long, while our company covers the northern and wilder half, allowing a unique experience of crossing the Alps through three countries France, Switzerland, and Italy. This trek offers everything the Alps have to offer cliffs and forests, small villages, meadows and flowers, scenic cable cars (an experience in itself), with each day different from the previous one. Although some days require intensive walking, most of the trek is not particularly difficult, and except for the third day, the paths are comfortable.
This is a true nomadic hike, aiming to walk from Chamonix and return after six days without using any vehicles. Overnight stays are in Alpine huts providing basic shared accommodation (dormitory) and varied breakfast and dinner. Lunch is carried on the back and eaten in the field. Each participant is expected to walk 15 km per day and carry a pack weighing 12 kg.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Day 1: Arrival at the Geneva airport and transfer to Chamonix. Arrival around noon and hotel check-in. The afternoon is dedicated to preparations and last-minute gear before the trek. The rest of the time can be spent enjoying the Alpine atmosphere at the many cafes scattered throughout the town.
Day 2: Departure from Chamonix to the village of Le Tour, followed by several hours of ascent beyond the tree line and along the exposed ridge of Aiguillette de Posettes. Descend along the ridge and climb toward Col de Balme the border between France and Switzerland. From Col de Balme, begin the descent into Switzerland to reach the village of Trient for the night.
Walking time: 7-8 hours. ↑ 1,100 m ↓ 1,000 m
Accommodation: Mountain hotel / village
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Today, Switzerland reveals its full beauty. The path leaves the village and climbs steeply to the pass. Continue through Alpine pastures with beautiful views of the wide Rhône Valley stretching across Switzerland. The trail ends at the resort town of Champex by the lake.
Walking time: 6-7 hours. ↑ 650 m ↓ 400 m
Accommodation: Mountain hotel / village
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: A relatively easy day. From Champex, descend through a pine forest filled with mushrooms and Swiss kitsch sculptures toward the Ferret Valley. After a coffee stop at a small cafe, ascend gently along the valley through scattered small villages. Overnight in one of the higher villages.
Walking time: 6-7 hours. ↑ 650 m ↓ 420 m
Accommodation: Mountain hut / village
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: After a day in the valley, return to the high mountains and climb toward Grand Col Ferret at the foot of Mont Dolent, forming the triangle border between France, Italy, and Switzerland. At the pass of Grand Col Ferret, cross into Italy and descend into the Italian Ferret Valley perhaps the most beautiful valley of the trek. Begin a moderate ascent to reach one of our overnight gems Refugio Bonatti, an isolated and magnificent hut.
Walking time: 7-8 hours. ↑ 1,250 m ↓ 820 m
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Wake up to the view of the southern side of Grand Jorasses and Mont Blanc in Italy. The walk starts gently along two-thirds of the altitude, with the Grand Jorasses revealing more of its power. After about three hours, reach Refugio Bertone, stop for coffee, and then a steep descent past Courmayeur below. After lunch, return by vehicle to Chamonix and the start point of the trek.
Walking time: 4-5 hours. ↑ 120 m ↓ 860 m
Accommodation: Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Free day in Chamonix. The town is a global center for adventure activities and nature hikes. Surrounding the town are many walking paths and cable cars, also used in summer. One can also stroll around the picturesque town, exploring its cafes and galleries.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Pickup from the hotel according to flight schedule, transfer to Geneva airport, and flight back home.