Tour du Mount Blanc - The Best Bits in 7 days

Join OutdoorLads to hike the 'Best Bits' of this uber classic European trek. The Tour du Mont Blanc takes in three countries making an anti-clockwise circuit of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. We will be walking for five consecutive days and staying in catered mountain refuges for four nights.

Make the most of our stunning European Alps and walk from Italy and on wards to Switzerland and France! This is an iconic trip and rated as one of the top ten walks in the World due the impressive scenery and beautiful landscapes you will be travelling through.

This trek is accessible to anybody who regularly walks in mountainous areas. Our longest day is 20km with a height gain of 900m that is achievable to anyone who is mountain fit and leads an active lifestyle. We have left out some of the hardest days on the standard TdMB route and shortened some of the long days.

It is a once in a lifetime experience that only takes a week. The cost for this great adventure is £1250. This includes half-board accommodation whilst trekking. The trip is organised by Pride Expeditions and will be led by OutdoorLads member Nick Read. More information and booking is available on the website. 

 https://www.prideexpeditions.co.uk/the-tour-du-mont-blanc

Itinerary 

03.08.24 Day 1 - Arrival in Chamonix - A transfer from Geneva is included

We will meet at our B&B in Chamonix. We will be getting together at 7pm to go through our kit and pack bags ready for a prompt start the following day. If you are going to make your own way to the Vert Lodge please be there by 7pm. Any extra items you bring can be left in the hotel for our return after trekking.

04.08.24 Day 2 -   Courmayer to Refuge Bonatti - Distance 8km, Ascend 550m, Descend 50m. Walking Time 3.5 hours

Depart Vert Lodge at 0900. We are driven to the Italian side of Mont Blanc. From here we will hike up the Val Ferret valley, enjoying incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif along the way. In the afternoon we’ll arrive at the remote Rifugio Walter Bonatti at 2,025m of altitude.

05.08. 24 Day 3 - Refuge Bonatti to Champex-Lac - Distance 20km, Ascend 870m, Descend 1290m, Walking Time 8 hours

The day starts with a balcony walk  as we continue along the Val Ferret valley. A short descent leads us to the head of the valley where we begin your ascent to the Swiss border. Stopping along the way for a well-deserved rest before heading up to the highest point on the TdMB, the Grand Col Ferret, at 2,536m. We descend into Switzerland. Along the way, you will visit a local farm where you can sample some local cheeses and refuel before you reach La Fouly. A short bus transfer takes us to Champex-Lac.. You may even get a chance to swim in the lake if there is enough time.

06.08.24 Day 4 - Champex-Lac to Trient Distance 16.5km, Ascend 810m, Descend 1000m, Walking Time 7 hours

 A challenging hike leads to Bovine where we will have lunch (known for its incredible Rosti and the herd of cows). After a break, we descend to the Col de la Forclaz and on to the picturesque Swiss village of Trient, with its pink church and our refuge.

07.08.24 Day 5 - Trient to Tre Le Champ Distance 18.1km, Ascend 875m, Descend 1292m, Walking Time 7 Hours

Today we trek back into France. We make your way up to the Col De Balme, boasting some of the most incredible views of Mont Blanc. Following a break at the refuge on the col we continue with a pleasant hike down the mountain, through meadows to our accommodation in Tre Le Champ.

08.08.24 Day 6 - Tre Le Champ to La Flegere (Chamonix) Distance 8.2km, Ascend 724m, Descend 257m, Walking Time 4.5 Hours

Today we have the wonderful view of Mont Blanc on the opposite side of the valley as we have the excitement of climbing up the ladders towards Lac Blanc with marvelous views of Mt Blanc. We cross around the base of the Aiguilles Rouges and towards the ski lifts of La Flegere. From here you may choose to save your knees and take the chairlift down (recommended) or descend the steep path back to Les Praz. We take the public bus through the centre of Chamonix and back to the Vert Lodge.

09.08.24 Day 7 Free day to explore Chamonix

There’s plenty to do in Chamonix including many adventure activities or you may choose to sit by a pool and relax your weary legs.

10.08.24 Day 8 - Departure from Chamonix to Home  

The trip finishes today and you can join the shared transfer back to Geneva or stay for an extra night or two and explore Chamonix some more.

How to Book

Bookings and Deposits: The full price is £1250. To book your place on this trip (or secure a place on the waiting list) please pay a £250 deposit direct to Pride Expeditions. This will secure your place on the trip. 

• PRIDE EXPEDITIONS Ltd
• Starling Bank
• Sort Code:60-83-71
• Account Number 19166775

Please message the Event Leader with your full name and email address in order to receive further documents.

On receipt of your deposit a confirmation email will be sent. Once six people have paid a deposit the trip will be guaranteed and further payments can be made in installments. If you cancel after the trip has been confirmed and bookings have been made you will lose your deposit. All monies must be paid by the 4th June 2024. Deposits are fully refundable until the trip is guaranteed and bookings are made at which point the terms and conditions will come into force.

Please be aware that it is the booking of the deposit that secures your place on the trip or waiting list, rather than booking onto the trip via the OutdoorLads site