Independently transfer to Chamonix, located at the base of Western Europe’s tallest peak, Mont Blanc – 15,781 ft. Geneva is the recommended point of entry.

Shuttle from Chamonix to Les Houches in the morning and enjoy a moderate introductory hike to Contamines, with views over the peaks and glaciers of Chamonix. Hike past old ruins and settlements, then over the Col de Tricot, where you descend through a splendid forest to Les Contamines.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000/4000 ft

Ascend past waterfalls on an ancient Roman road to the dramatically situated Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. A delightful descent through high alpine meadows offers opportunity to spot the elusive ibex. You spend the night in a simple, but charming mountain hut. Private rooms are subject to availability. No luggage access!

Distance: 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 4300/2950 ft

The greetings change to Italian today as you cross the border to Italy at the Col de la Seigne. Enjoy staggering views of the glaciated peaks on the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2400/2870 ft.
Extension: 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2400/3250 ft.

As you traverse from Courmayeur to Val Ferret, across Mont de la Saxe, you are treated to ever-improving views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc, its most impressive and imposing aspect on our remote, rarely traveled variation.

Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3300/2100 ft.

The language changes back to French as you ascend the Grand Col Ferret into the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Stunning views of the Grand Combin massif make this a spectacular hike. Descend through pristine meadows to the Swiss Val Ferret. At the end of the hike there is a short transfer to the idyllic lakeside town of Champex.

Distance: 11.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2600/3100 ft.

We offer two options today. Either climb into the gorgeous side valley of Le Barmey and stop for lunch at Alpage de Bovine hut, above the beautiful Rhone Valley, or climb over the Fenêtre d’Arpette. Both routes end in Trient where you are accommodated in a simple inn with shared showers. Private rooms are subject to availability; you have access to your luggage here.

Col de La Forclaz (Bovine hut) distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2400 ft.
Fenêtre d’Arpette distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4500/4450 ft.

From Trient, hike via the Col des Posettes, a pleasant variant of the TMB, and finish in Argentière.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/2700 ft.

This hike along the stunning Grand Balcon Sud offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles, or needles, of Chamonix.

Distance: 7 – 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500 ft. Options to extend or shorten the hike are available.

Awaken to a delicious French breakfast, then depart. An early afternoon flight from Geneva can easily be met.