Mont Blanc Rambler

Mont Blanc Rambler

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7 Days From

$1386

Mont Blanc Rambler

7 Days Starting in Chamonix, France and ending in Courmayeur, Italy

Visiting: Chamonix, Trient, Champex, La Fouly, Grand Col Ferret, Val Ferret, Courmayeur

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UCW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 14

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Trekking

From: $1386

NB: Prices correct on 16-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 an exhilarating journey with the Mont Blanc Rambler tour, trekking through the breathtaking alpine scenery of France, Italy, and Switzerland. This adventure offers the unique experience of traversing three countries in the European Alps, with highlights including stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier, and the Aiguille du Tour. Enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded travelers as you share daily walks and savor regional culinary specialties such as Raclette. Accommodation is in charming gîte-hostels or mountain refuges, with the option to upgrade to double rooms. With an experienced mountain guide leading the way, this tour promises an unforgettable alpine adventure.

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

  • Trail above the Chamonix Valley with views of the Mont Blanc Massif and Argentiere glacier

  • Cross the border between France and Switzerland on the scenic high mountain path of Balme

  • Views of Grand Combin, the Rhone Valley, and the Bernese Alps from the Forclaz Pass

  • Ascend the Grand Col Ferret path with sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier

  • Walk through the Val Ferret with impressive views of the Grand Jorasses and Mont Blanc

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Meet Chamonix And Walk To Le Tour (5Hrs, 450M)

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation Name: Le Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving from Chamonix, we trail above the Chamonix Valley. As we ascend the trail there are numerous opportunities to take in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating walk and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour.
Ascent: 450m/1476ft, Descent: 150m/492ft

Day 2 : Walk To Trient (6Hrs)

Location: Trient

Accommodation Name: Trient

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, 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.
Ascent: 894m/2933ft, Descent: 740m/2427ft

Day 3 : Walk To Champex (6Hrs)

Location: Champex

Accommodation Name: Champex

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route we take today is via the Mountain of Bovine which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m) where there are beautiful lake views. Along the route there will be views of Grand Combin, the Rhone Valley and the Bernese Alps.
Ascent 700m/2296ft, Descent: 900m/2952ft

Day 4 : Continue On The Tmb Trail To La Fouly (5Hrs)

Location: La Fouly

Accommodation Name: La Fouly

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight gîte with shower.
Ascent: 420m/1378ft, Descent: 650m/2132ft

Day 5 : Ascend The Grand Col Ferret Path To Elena (6Hrs)

Location: Grand Col Ferret

Accommodation Name: Refuge Elena

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route today 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 panorama you can amble down the steep track to your overnight accommodation at the Refuge Elena which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps.
Ascent: 930m/3050ft, Descent: 475m/1558ft

Day 6 : To Berthone (5-6 Hrs)

Location: Val Ferret

Accommodation Name: Rifugio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This mornings walk takes you through the Val Ferret and along a balcony path with impressive views of the Grand Jorasses, Mont Blanc and in the distance the Col de la Seigne marking the border between France and Italy. On reaching Refugio Bonatti there are two options to reach Berthone. The newly rerouted TMB trail traverses the north flank of Monte de la Saxe, whilst the former official TMB route takes you along the crest of Monte de la Saxe. Both are high trails with fabulous views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc and the dramatic Aiguille Noire. Overnight Rifugio (1989m).
Ascent: 631m/2070ft, Descent: 704m/2309ft

Day 7 : Descend To Courmayeur, Trip Concludes (3Hrs)

Location: Courmayeur

Meals Included: Breakfast

The TMB trail takes us down to the charming alpine village of Courmayeur where the trip concludes around midday - time to celebrate with a gelato!
Descent: -900m/2952ft

What's Included

  • Meals

    6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialities.

  • Accommodation

    6 nights in gîte-hostels or refuges on a multi-share basis with shared facilities. Upgrade to rooms (5 nights double, 1 night quad share) available for a supplement. Note: not necessarily private facilities.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer by vehicle (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only).

  • Experienced Mountain Guide

    An experienced mountain guide will accompany the group.

  • Transport

    Travel to Chamonix and from Courmayeur, as well as to and from the trailhead.

  • Storage of Luggage

    Storage of luggage. There is the option to have your main luggage transferred from Chamonix to Courmayeur, to collect at the end of the trip - must be pre-booked.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included in the package.

  • Items of a Personal Nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Travel to Courmayeur and from Chamonix

    Travel to Courmayeur and from Chamonix, as well as to and from the trailhead, is not included.

  • Storage of Luggage

    Storage of luggage is not included.

    There is an option to have your main luggage transferred from Chamonix to Courmayeur, to collect at the end of the trip - supplement applies and must be pre-booked.

Accommodation

6 nights in gîte-hostels or refuges. Accommodation is dormitory style (mixed sex) in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. On most nights the dorm rooms will sleep around 10-12. Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long mattress. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/duvets are provided, you will need to bring a sleeping sheet, also a towel. A double room option is available and this offers privacy but not always a private bathroom. This is for 5 nights double room, 1 nights quad share. The double room option is not available for single travellers.

What You Carry

As your main luggage is carried by vehicle, you are free to walk with just a daypack in which you can store your camera, water, wet weather gear and a share of the lunch supplies.

Grading

MODERATE– GRADE 3
The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours (approx 12-15km). There are some more demanding 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 level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. 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. The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions.
As with all our moderate programs, we expect participants to be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sport around two to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Mode of Transport

Travel to Chamonix and from Courmayeur, as well as to and from the trailhead. Luggage transfer by vehicle (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only).

Check out our Q&As

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

    Accommodation is provided in gîte-hostels or refuges, with dormitory-style rooms that are mixed sex and typically sleep around 10-12 people. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/duvets are provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet and a towel. There is an option to upgrade to double rooms for 5 nights and quad share for 1 night, though private bathrooms are not guaranteed.

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

    The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic style, and dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.

  • What should I carry during the daily treks on the Mont Blanc Rambler tour?

    Since your main luggage is carried by vehicle, you only need to carry a daypack. In your daypack, you should store your camera, water, wet weather gear, and a share of the lunch supplies.

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

    The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3) and involves daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours (approximately 12-15km). Some stages are more demanding with steep uphills, descents, and sections that require care. A good level of fitness is required, and participants should be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sports around two to four times a week. It is recommended to have at least three months of fitness preparation before the trip.

  • Are there any special equipment requirements for the Mont Blanc Rambler tour?

    Good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the Mont Blanc Rambler tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer by vehicle is provided, with a maximum allowance of 15kgs in soft duffel-style luggage only. There is also an option to have your main luggage transferred from Chamonix to Courmayeur to collect at the end of the trip, but this must be pre-booked.

  • What happens if the weather conditions are adverse during the Mont Blanc Rambler tour?

    The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions. Participants should be prepared for all conditions, including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds.

  • 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

M. Turner(Glenview, United States)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

21 Aug 2024

We had a wonderful experience on the Mont Blanc Rambler tour. Our guide, Bruno, met us at the Chamomix train station as planned. (It might have been helpful to have a sign to help people find the right group to ease any stress.) The accommodations at the “gites” or “refuges” were better than expected. We had paid the up charge for private rooms, which we had all the nights except one (shared a room with bunk beds with the rest of the group). The meals were varied and regional based on where we stayed. For example, one night in Switzerland we had fondue, and one night in France we had raclette, a popular French dish also with cheese. We would consider going on a hiking trip with this company again.

Graham Arkell(Perth, WA, Australia)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

20 Sep 2022

The scenery was fantastic, the guide was knowledgeable, helpful and personable. One of the highlights was taking the trip with our own special mule. The walk was demanding and my wife found it very difficult

N. Cohn(Kiryat Tivon, Israel)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

16 Aug 2023

Our trek around the Mont Blanc was wonderful in every respect. A really nice diversified group of people, a wonderful and knowledgeable guide, incredible scenery, and great weather. The organization was excellent and it was nice having a mule as part of our group! The lodgings were fine and the food was good. My husband and I hope to go on other trips with you.

Neralie Carr(QLD, Australia)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

27 Sep 2022

Really enjoyable walk - excellent guide, great food, fun company and beautiful scenery.

J. Szymoniczek(Gayal, Saudi Arabia)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

1 Aug 2023

Well organised. Very experienced guide who knew the way at all times.

M. Cheng-Yan(Dedham, Australia)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

23 Jul 2024

Taking this trip is one of the best birthday presents I gave to myself. I am grateful my family joined me to support me.

P. Binesh(Los Altos, United States)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

9 Aug 2023

It was a very organized and informative guided hiking. Greatly enjoyed the hike and the scenery.

I. Lobb(Exeter, United Kingdom)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

6 Aug 2024

Had the absolute best time! We had Micheal as our guide and he couldn’t have been better. He was always smiling and so accommodating and knowledgeable about all things Mont Blanc and its surroundings. He truly was superb. I highly recommend anyone do this trip. I’m a 21 year old female and it was a group mixed with people of all ages so it felt very inclusive and didn’t feel like the odd one out for my age. I had an amazing group of people that I was with too which made it even better. The hike in and of itself was planned very well and I felt as though I didn’t have to do anything other than hike which felt like such a nice peaceful experience to not have to worry about anything and just let the guided tour organise it all. It was amazing value for money additionally with breakfast lunch and dinner all provided. I’m vegan and although it was difficult at times, most places were very accommodating and I definitely never went hungry. The Tour de Mont Blanc trail is absolutely incredible and I think this tour was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life so would highly highly recommend it! Thank you Michael, thank you to my group of amazing people and thank you UTracks!

J. Kreutzer(Sacramento, USA)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

13 Sep 2022

Spectacular trek around the best part of the TMB. Our guide was excellent and attended to individual circumstances. The group size was moderate and got along very well. The accommodations were comfortable and conveyed the local culture.

C. Witherdin(Pearce, Australia)  

Mont Blanc Rambler

19 Jul 2023

The walk was spectacular with beautiful scenery, great Refugio’s and lovely walking and food.

Read all 49 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.