Trip Details
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, reaches over 15,770 feet with magnificent valleys of its massif stretching into France, Italy, and Switzerland. Set out on an incredible, 10-day circuit linking these three Alpine countries and explore the famed mountain range that has beckoned climbers for centuries. Discover the snowfields and hanging glaciers that inspired its name “White Mountain.” Cross dramatic mountain passes and trek through pristine meadows and forests, enjoying majestic mountain views at every turn. Along the way, explore charming hamlets steeped in Alpine culture. Each exhilarating day begins and ends in the shadow of one of the most legendary mountains in the world.Trip Highlights
Itinerary - 10 Days
Day 1 — Geneva, Switzerland/Chamonix, France
Arrive in Geneva and transfer to our hotel in Chamonix, situated at the foot of Mont Blanc. Explore this famous mountaineering resort, which hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Gather this evening for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Hôtel Le Prieuré (D)
Day 2 — Les Houches/ Les Contamines-Montjoie
After breakfast, transfer to the French village of Les Houches and ride a cable car up to Bellevue, where our hike begins with incredible views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix valley, and the granite peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. Begin a steepening ascent through pastures skirting the Bionnassay Glacier and rhododendron fields to Col du Tricot. Here, the pass winds down a wooded hillside to the charming hamlet of Miage, situated on a glacial plain. After a picnic lunch, trek uphill once more before descending to Les Contamines-Montjoie, a picturesque village with traditional chalets. (8 miles hiking, 6 hours)
Hôtel la Chemenaz (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Les Contamines/Col du Bonhomme
This morning, explore the baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, a centuries-old pilgrimage site, and then connect to the ancient Roman route used for centuries by mountain travelers. Hike through evergreens, wildflowers, and the marmot-populated fields of Les Contamines Nature Reserve. After climbing up to the Col du Bonhomme, make a delightful descent through glacier valleys, cliffside paths, and gorges. Relax this evening with a delicious dinner at our lakeside chalet. (9 miles hiking, 7 hours)
Chalet de Roselend (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Ville des Glaciers/Courmayeur, Italy
Set out for the remote Ville des Glaciers, scattered with farms that produce the world-famous Beaufort cheese. Our trail twists uphill to the Col de la Seign, where we cross into Italy. Take in breathtaking views of the icy southern walls of Mont Blanc. Then hike down to Miage Glacier, which snakes down from the Mont Blanc massif into Val Veni. Transfer by van to Courmayeur, a bustling Alpine town nestled in Italy’s Valle d’Aosta. (10 miles hiking, 6 hours)
Hôtel Croux (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Mont de la Saxe
Follow a varied trail through larch forest and Alpine vegetation to Mont de la Saxe and Rifugio Bertone, where we pause to take in sweeping views of the Valle d’Aosta and the Gran Paradiso range beyond. From here, a short, steep ascent leads to a crest overlooking the snow-capped pinnacles of the Mont Blanc massif. Against this stunning backdrop, continue hiking to Rifugio Bonatti, an Alpine hut perched below Grandes Jorasse and its tumbling glaciers. (10 miles hiking, 7 hours)
Rifugio Bonatti (B,L,D)
Day 6 — La Fouly, Switzerland
Hike through Alpine meadows and begin our ascent to the Grand Col Ferret, marking the border between Italy and Switzerland. Above us, Mont Dolent is the only Alpine peak shared by three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. At the pass, enter the Swiss canton of Valais, laced with woodland. After a picnic lunch, descend through wildflower meadows along sinuous streams to the village of La Fouly. (10 miles hiking, 7 hours)
Hôtel des Glaciers (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Val Ferret/Champex
Follow the Swiss Val Ferret through pine forests and berry patches and countryside dotted with raccards, traditional rustic barns built on stilts. Then begin an ascent to the mountain resort of Champex, renowned for its crystalline lake and alpine gardens. Our path steepens along a rushing stream toward the charming Relais d’Arpette, our home tonight. (9 miles hiking, 5-6 hours)
Hôtel du Glacier (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Col de la Forclaz
Set out on the Bovine route named for the cattle that graze in these high Alpine meadows. A steep climb leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Rhône Valley and the town of Martigny. After a scenic picnic lunch, hike down to the Col de la Forclaz and our mountain inn framed by snowy peaks. (12 miles hiking, 6 hours)
Hôtel de la Forclaz (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Col de Balme//Tré-Le-Champ/Chamonix
The final day of our trek kicks off early with a hearty breakfast. Our trail reaches up to Col de Balme, high above the Trient Glacier. Hike along a stunning Alpine balcony to the Swiss-French border, where the Chamonix valley unfolds beneath us once more. Descend to the French hamlet of Tré-Le-Champ for a celebratory drink. Then transfer to Chamonix for a festive farewell dinner. (7 miles hiking, 6-7 hours)
Hôtel Le Prieuré* (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Geneva/U.S.
This morning, soak up our final views of Mont Banc before transferring to Geneva for our homebound flights.
(B)
*In Chamonix on Day 9 of the September 15, 2012 departure, we will stay at the Hotel Alpina instead of the Hôtel Le Prieuré.
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National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that combine spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge. You'll explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path places with top guides, and wherever possible, meet National Geographic experts in the field.
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GROUP SIZE: 10–14
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Activity Level
While on the trek, we will be hiking 6 to 8 hours per day (7 to 12 miles) on moderate to steep grades and at elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to a maximum of 8,800 feet. We will stay 1 night in a mountain hut and 8 nights in hotels, lodges, and inns combining ideal locations and local Alpine charm.
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