Itinerary Details
Arrive at Geneva Airport.
This trip starts and ends in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva International Airport. If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to use an airport transfer service. We have decided not to include the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (round trip) to give you the greatest possible flexibility on your arrival and departure times (day and night arrival possible).
Welcome in Chamonix!
Arrival in Chamonix, a very typical and historical town in the Alps. Settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through Chamonix's quaint cobblestone streets, and relax before embarking on what will be a truly amazing through-hike. You will meet the guide in the evening for briefing and gear check before starting the hike next day. Meet your guide in the early evening for a welcome briefing, shared over a good meal in a friendly atmosphere.
Meet at 08:30 am in Chamonix with your guide. Local morning transfer to Les Houches. Bellevue lift takes you up to Bellevue where starts the hike. You first hike down to the end of Bionnassay glacier for a lovely view on the glacier from a "nepali hanging bridge". Climb up to Col de Tricot (2,120m/6,955ft). Nice trail down to chalets de Miage (1,560m/5,118ft), charming hamlet overlooked by the Dômes de Miage summit, time for a rest. Then hike up to chalets du Truc (1,720m/5,643ft). A last effort hiking down to the village: Les Contamines Montjoie were you overnight. Distance : 11 km (7 mi) - Ascent : 650 m (2132 ft). Descent : 1300 m (4265 ft). Hiking : 5 hrs.
Short transfer with a local bus to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1,210m/3,970ft) a famous Baroque church. Then start for the longest day of this week with an old roman road. Progressive ascent to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m/7,641ft) between Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain ranges. You keep hiking up to col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (2,433m/7,982ft). Beautiful panorama on the Vanoise range, first french national Park. Last stage of the day hiking down through alpine meadows leading to the typical hamlet of Les Chapieux. A 25' transfer with a private vehicle takes you to Bourg-Saint-Maurice to find an hotel (none in Les Chapieux). Distance : 19 km (12 mi) - Ascent : 1300 m (4265 ft). Descent : 950 m (3117 ft). Hiking : 7 hrs. Transfert 30 minutes.
After a morning transfer, start hiking from la Ville des Glaciers (1,790m/5,872ft) where you can see the cheese farm. Hike up through a nice alpine meadow to col La Seigne (2,516m/8,255ft) where you reach the rench-italian border. Stunning point of view on legendary summits as Mont-Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peutrey, Grandes Jorasses… Then hike down into the val Veny to the end of Miage glacier. A short transfer brings you to Courmayeur (1,226m/4,022ft), the Italian Alps capital. Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi) – Ascent : 750 m (2460 ft). Descent : 950 m (3117 ft). Hiking : 5 hrs. Transfer : 40 minutes.
A shorter day in the middle of the week allows you time to rest. Short transfer from Courmayeur to the end of the italian side of Val Ferret. The hike begins at the foot of the Pré-de-Bar glacier to reach rifugio Elena (2,052m/6,732ft). Hike up to Grand col Ferret (2,537m/8,323ft), italian-swiss border. One last sight on Italy and you hike down through the sweet Swiss alpine meadow to reach the hamlet of Ferret (1,740m/5,708ft). Afternoon transfer on a private vehicle to the village of Champex and his charming Lake. Distance : 14.5km (9 mi) - Ascent : 850 m (2789 ft). Descent : 1000 m (3280 ft). Hiking : 5 hrs. Transfer : 45 minutes.
From Champex, start by hiking through the Swiss mountain pastures and alpine meadows known for the grazing cows that produce some of the Alps' most famous cheeses! From Bovine, enjoy incomparable views of the Rhône River Valley. We also offer an alternate hike: please be aware that this option presents a much longer and more committing adventure. Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665m/8,743ft) is a spectacular high-mountain notch located near the Grands Glacier. Finish the day in the village of Trient (1,280m/4,199ft). Transfer to Argentière in France where you will eat dinner and spend the night in a hotel. Note: If you have spent the night in La Fouly, morning transfer to Champex. Distance: from 14,5 km (9 mi) to 15,5 km (9,5 mi) - Ascent: from 700 m (2296 ft) to 1200 m (3937 ft). Descent: from 800 m (2625 ft) to 1400 m (4593 ft). From 5 hrs to 8 hrs of hiking.
Last day in the mountains in the Aiguilles-Rouges range facing Mont Blanc range. You get perfect views all day on glaciers and summits on the other side of the valley. From Col des Montets (1,461m/4,793ft), you follow a balcony trail up to lake des Chéserys, famous to reflect the most famous mountain of the Alps ! The itinerary continues to beautiful Lake Blanc (2,352m/7,716ft). Finally hike down to La Flégère (1,877m/6,158ft) to reach with les Praz de Chamonix with a cable car.
Back to Chamonix, where you will say good-bye to your guide and the rest of the participants.
Note:Last night in Chamonix Is not included and can be arranged upon request. Transfers booked on the same day recommended after 5:30 pm. Distance : 10 km (6.5 mi) - Ascent : 500 m (1640 ft). Descent : 500 m (1640 ft). Hiking : 4 hrs. The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.
