Mont Blanc Classic

Mont Blanc Classic

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tourhub | UTracks | Mont Blanc Classic | MBT tourhub | UTracks | Mont Blanc Classic | MBT

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35 Views
8 Days From

$1556

Mont Blanc Classic

8 Days Starting and ending in Chamonix Valley, France

Visiting: Trient, Champex, Courmayeur, Col de la Seigne, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Chamonix

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

MBT

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural

Activities:

Mountain Biking, Trekking

From: $1556

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Mont Blanc Classic tour, a breathtaking trek through the stunning alpine scenery of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Experience the exhilaration of traversing three countries in the European Alps, with highlights including the highest peak in Western Europe and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers. Enjoy culinary specialties like Raclette and stay in mountain refuges or gîte hostels, with options to upgrade to double rooms on select nights. This adventure includes 7 breakfasts and dinners, luggage transfers, and an information pack with a navigational app and hiking map. Perfect for experienced walkers, this tour promises unforgettable views and challenging yet rewarding trails.

Highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe

  • Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps

  • Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette

  • Participating in the camaraderie on the trail and at night in the refuges

  • Cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient

  • Walk through impressive forests with views of the Grand Combin and the Rhone Valley

  • Take in the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier from the Grand Col Ferret pass

  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys from the Col de la Seigne

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Mont Blanc Classic | MBT | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive In Le Tour Begin Walk To Trient (6-7Hrs, +700M, -900M)

Location: Trient

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Dinner

Leaving from the village of Le Tour you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation.
(9km, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)

Day 2 : Walk To Champex (5Hrs, +900M)

Location: Champex

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name.
An alternative route is via the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), however due to the instability of this trail we do not recommend this route.
(+900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)

Day 3 : Bus To Ferret And Cross The Grand Col Ferret, Bus To Courmayeur (5Hrs, +830M)

Location: Courmayeur

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you take a public bus (fare not included - 15 Swiss Francs) to the small village of Ferret (1705m) and commence walking. The route takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. After some time drinking in the Refuge Elena which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Continue to roadhead and take a local bus to Courmayeur.
(13km, +900m/2953ft, -500m/1640ft)

Day 4 : Walk To Elisabetta (5Hrs, +1560M,-460M)

Location: Courmayeur

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements for the next two nights in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 7.
From the centre of Courmayeur the walk heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge.
(18km, +1560m, -460m)
Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).

Day 5 : Cross The Col De La Seigne To France Enroute To Bonhomme (6Hrs, +1147M)

Location: Col de la Seigne

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. A big ascent (949m) leads to your overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix.
(20km,+1147m, -1004m)

Day 6 : Walk To Les Contamines Via The Col De La Croix Du Bonhomme (3Hrs +40M)

Location: Les Contamines

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning the trail traverses mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and further on to Les Contamines. where there is a bus or taxi service (payable locally) to Le Fayet and Chamonix.
Walking: approx 13km, +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft
Note: Your main luggage will be waiting for you in your accommodation in Les Contamines.

Day 7 : Walk To Les Houches (5 Or 7Hrs, +633M Or 1318M)

Location: Les Houches

Accommodation Name: mountain refuge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The trail takes you along the river valley and heads slowly to La Gruvaz before continuing to Le Champel and a fairly steep ascent via Bionnassay to the Col de Voza. A longer route can be taken following a combination of tracks and trails above Contamines before you ascend to cross a shoulder of Mont Truc followed by an ascent of the Col du Tricot (2120m) which forms the divide between the Miage and Bionnasay Valleys. From here you have some spectacular views of limestone cliffs and the pistes below. The descent follows a combination of gravel roads and tracks past some settlements to reach Les Houches.
Alternate route via the Col de Voza (4.5hrs, +633m, -646m)
(20km, +1318m/4324ft, -1478m/4849ft)

Day 8 : Walk To Flegere, Lift Descent To Les Praz, Walk To Chamonix, Trip Concludes (6-8Hrs, +1715M)

Location: Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is a big day. Its possible to shorten the walk by descending the lift from Brevent instead of going all the way to Flegere. If you have the stamina the longer walk is well worth it.
Cross the L’Arve River to continue up to the “Grand Balcon Sud” offering seriously good balcony trail views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. The trail takes you all the way to the top of Flegere Lift. From here you can descend to Les Praz then continue along the River to reach the centre of Chamonix. Your luggage will be awaiting collection at your pre tour hotel from around 4.00pm.

What's Included

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinners will consist of 2 or 3 courses which may include regional specialties.

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation in mountain refuges or gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. It is possible to upgrade to a double room on 4 out of 7 nights at an additional cost (only possible for 2 people traveling together).

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer is provided except on days 5-6. You will need to carry your overnight requirements on three consecutive days (5 to 7). Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley on day 7.

  • Information Pack

    An information pack including a Navigational App and TMB hiking map (1:50,000) per group of 1-4 people is provided. The route is waymarked.

  • Travel to and from the Tour

    Travel to Le Tour and from Les Houches is included.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and Drinks

    Lunch and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Luggage Storage

    Storage of luggage is not included.

    Please ensure your pre-tour hotel can store luggage before you book.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Public Transport

    Public transport, including cable cars, is not included in the tour package.

Accommodation

7 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels. Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided - you need to bring a sleeping sheet. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Whilst the double room option which is available on some nights offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared. Please note if you elect the double room option you may stay in different accommodation and therefore follow a slightly different route. This should be kept in mind when travelling with friends as you may be split up if you choose different styles of accommodation. The double room option is not available for single travellers. In alpine huts if there is a free bed it will be sold regardless of whether you as an individual have requested a single room. To avoid this likelihood we do not offer a single option in this category. Single travellers should take the dormitory option.

Grading

MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The walking is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily walks of around 5-7 hours, between 8 and 20km and maximum ascents of 1320 metres per day. The timing provided in the itinerary is a guide only and is for the walking components only – rest breaks are not included. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. You should also be able to navigate in alpine regions using a map. Whilst the route is very well marked and well trodden, adverse weather conditions may make navigation difficult without reference to a map and our navigational App. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to advanced. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.

Mode of Transport

Travel to Le Tour and from Les Houches. Luggage transfer except days 5-6 (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only). You will need to carry your overnight requirements on three consecutive days - 5 to 7. Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley on day 7.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Mont Blanc Classic tour?

    Accommodation is provided in mountain refuges or gîte hostels, typically in mixed dormitory style. Some refuges can accommodate up to 40 people in one room, but most nights will have around 10-12 people. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses. Blankets are provided, but you need to bring a sleeping sheet. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.

  • Is it possible to upgrade to a private room during the tour?

    Yes, it is possible to upgrade to a double room on 4 out of the 7 nights for an additional cost. However, this option is only available for two people traveling together and not for single travelers.

  • What meals are included in the Mont Blanc Classic tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinners will consist of 2 or 3 courses, which may include regional specialties.

  • Will my luggage be transferred during the tour?

    Luggage transfer is provided except on days 5-6. You will need to carry your overnight requirements for three consecutive days (days 5 to 7). Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley on day 7.

  • What should I bring for sleeping in the mountain refuges?

    You should bring a sleeping sheet as blankets are provided in the mountain refuges.

  • Are there any special requirements for the type of luggage I can bring?

    Yes, the luggage transfer service only accepts soft duffel style luggage with a maximum weight of 15kgs.

  • What kind of fitness level is required for the Mont Blanc Classic tour?

    The tour is graded as moderate to challenging, suitable for experienced walkers only. You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully, as the daily walks range from 5-7 hours with maximum ascents of 1320 meters per day.

  • Is there any special equipment needed for navigation during the tour?

    Yes, you should be able to navigate in alpine regions using a map. The tour provides an information pack including a Navigational App and TMB hiking map (1:50,000) per group of 1-4 people.

  • What happens if the weather conditions are poor during the tour?

    Adverse weather conditions may make navigation difficult, and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds. There are options to shorten some routes by taking a bus or chairlift in the event of poor weather.

  • Can single travelers book a private room option?

    No, the double room option is not available for single travelers. Single travelers should take the dormitory option.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Danny Black(St Cloud)  

Mont Blanc Classic

23 Sep 2021

The Tour du Mont Blanc trail has been on my bucket list for years now. UTracks did an incredible job with every last detail. I would HIGHLY recommend using them.

D. Howard(Illinois, USA)  

Mont Blanc Classic

24 Jul 2019

Great accommodations. Very good food at every over night Refuge.

J. Mark(Christchurch, New Zealand)  

Mont Blanc Classic

24 Aug 2018

Great trip, very well organised, fantastic pre trip information. Amazing countryside and spectacular scenery. The walk was classified as moderate to challenging but by New Zealand standards we would rate it moderate (if you are just carrying a day pack).

L. Rees(Clifton Hill, VIC)  

Mont Blanc Classic

20 Aug 2018

The Mont Blanc Classic was perfect. Eight days was sufficient to experience the amazing walk, and going in the 'non traditional' clockwise direction I believe was just as spectacular as going anti clockwise. Having our luggage transported between refuges was an added treat - way less hassle.

E. McCall(Byron Bay, NSW)  

Mont Blanc Classic

04 Jul 2019

I wanted to complete the Tour de Mt Blanc while I still had the fitness level having recently celebrated my 70th birthday. My husband and I found it challenging at times, particularly up and down some of the long cols (passes) - Grand Col Ferret from Switzerland into Italy and Col du Bonhomme. Both had heaps of snow in mid June - eminently manageable with hiking poles. We’re new converts. The vistas throughout were glorious, the wildflowers beautiful, emanating a scent of honey, the pine forests refreshing and the sense of accomplishment not to be discounted. The camaraderie of fellow UTracks self guided hikers was the icing on the cake.

M. Hurley(Brighton, Australia)  

Mont Blanc Classic

15 Aug 2023

Spectacular scenery every day. A real achievement.

J. Mosley(Mosman, NSW)  

Mont Blanc Classic

02 Aug 2018

We loved the Mont Blanc Classic trip (self-guided). UTracks did a great job with the bookings and it went like clockwork, so much so that other walkers asked for UTracks’ details along the way. It is such a stunning walk, the hotels and food and general organisation were excellent. It is so much fun to do. In our family group we had 4 children aged from 18 to 8 and the trip was perfect for us (we gave a little assistance to the 8 year old on some of the bigger days). We will definitely use UTracks again.

J. Tucker(Wake Forest, United States)  

Mont Blanc Classic

15 Aug 2023

This was a hard hike with lots of beauty along the way. Some overnight stays are better than others. Would recommend to anyone needing a challenge!

J. Pallarca(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)  

Mont Blanc Classic

04 Aug 2018

This trek is highly recommended! The views, people you meet along the way and the food were some of the highlights of this trip.

N. Crowe(Bonbeach, Australia)  

Mont Blanc Classic

31 Jul 2024

Loved the trip, going clockwise was a bonus, l felt the ups were not as severe. Also enjoyed having some quite time on the trail to ourselves, rather than moving with the crowd. Our accommodation and food was fantastic got a good taste of every country we travelled through. Had a bit of a hiccup with refuges and had to travel back and forth a bit the first couple of days, which meant we had to travel a bit more by bus and train than we would have liked. Overall l loved the 8 days and made memories for life.

Read all 10 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.