Tour du Mont Blanc Comfort

The Mont blanc is well-known for being one of the most beautiful mountain itinerary, with amazing views on the highest Alpes peaks and its pastures where we can find an authentic life. Every step offers a large range of different landscapes and meeting, throughout an itinerary always easily accessible thanks to well-paved pathes. From Chamonix, we join the Lac Blanc and the village of Argentière, where we will spend the night. Private transfer to the Forclaz pass and trekking to Champex through bovin pastures. Night in Champex hotel. We head down to Issert, then transfer by bus to La Fouly. We cross the Ferret pass before going down to Italy, in Arnuva, Courmayeur. Night in Courmayeur. Private bus transfer to Visaille, then we cross the Seigne pass. We go back to France descending to Les Mottets and Chapieux. Crossing the Bonhomme pass and descent to Notre Dame de la Gorge and the Contamines. We go back to Chamonix.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Chamonix - la Flégère - Lac Blanc - Argentière

    Short transfer to Les Praz village (by bus or train) and heading up to La Flégére cable car, enjoying a breathtaking view of the valley and the Mer de Glace. From there, we leave to reach a balcony-like path that slowly goes up and leads us to the Lac Blanc (2352m) and its extraordinary view on the massif : the Drus, the Vert, the Aiguille du midi and the Mont Blanc obviously. Heading down through the Chéserys lakes (1891m) to Argentière (1250m), where we will spend the night. Diner and night in hotel.

    Ascent: around 475m / Descent : around 1150m / Walk : 4 to 5 hours / Max. Alt : 2350m / Transport : Bus / Accomodation : Hotel

  • Day 2 Argentière - the Forclaz pass - Bovine - Champex

    In the morning, private short transfer to cross the border and arrive in Switzerland through the Châtelard and the Trient village until the Forclaz pass (1527m). From there, we start our trekking through a pine forest in Mélèzes to join the bovin pastures (1978m) from where we enjoy a view of the valley and the Coude du Rhônes that we can see below and on the north foothills of the Mont Blanc. On the east side, the impressive Combins massif follows us all day and during the descent to Champex, charming village bording a small mountain lake where we will spend the night.

    Ascent: 500m / Descent : 650m / Walk : 5 hours / Max. Alt : 1980m / Accomodation : Hotel

  • Day 3 Champex - Issert - Ferret - La Fouly

    Departure from the hostel along the Champex lake, before starting a small descent towards Issert through the beautiful forest of Mélèzes. Arrival and visit of the small typical village and its « raccards » (old wheat storehouses built on stilts to avoid rodents). From there, we take a bus to la Fouly from where we walk along the Dranse to join Ferret, last village visited in Italy. Night and diner in hotel.

    Ascent: 300m / Descent : 450m / Walk : 3 hours / Max. Alt : 1750m / Transport : Bus / Accomodation : Hotel

  • Day 4 La Fouly - Grand Ferret pass - Arnuva - Courmayeur

    In the morning, we go up along the Dranse to leave from the forest zone in Ferret and start to hike on the Grand Ferret pass crossing La Peule pasture. We reach the pass (2490m) from where we can cross the border to reach Italy. From there, we enjoy a tremendous view of the Triolet glacier and the Great Jorasses on south-east. Descent to the Arnuva hamlet (1769m), from where we take a bus leading us to Courmayeur in the Italian Aoste valley.

    Ascent: around 900m / Descent : around 750m / Walk : 6 to 7 hours / Max. Alt : 2490m / Transport : Private bus / Accomodation : Hotel

  • Day 5 Courmayeur - Seigne pass - Les Chapieux

    In the morning, transfer by bus to Visailles (1659m) at the bottom of Miage glacier from where we start our trekking and go up to the Lée Blanche valley, where sheeps graze during summer. We reach the Seigne pass (2516m) and cross the border separating us from France. The south face of Mont Blanc is now behind us. We head down to the Mottets. Transfer to the Champieux where we spend the night.

    Ascent: around 900m / Descent 490m / Walking time : 6 hours / Max. Alt : 2516m / Transport : Private bus / Accomodation : Comfortable hostel

  • Day 6 Les Chapieux - Bonhomme pass - Les Contamines

    Our last day of trekking leads us to the Raja cottage which represents the beginning of the slopes to reach the La croix du Bonhomme refuge (2639m). The refuge is a crossing point located right before the Bonhomme pass (2329m), opening on a valley that will lead us to the Balme cottage and the Nant-Borrant refuge. Going back to Notre Dame de la Gorge et its small chapel before reaching the Contamines. Private transfer by bus to Chamonix. Night in hotel (meals as you please).

    Ascent: 1100m / Descent : 1400m / Walk : 7 to 8 hours / Max. Alt : 2635m / Transport : Private bus / Accomodation : Hotel

The itinerary may be modified regarding weather or participants physical conditions. At last, the accompanist remains the only judge of the program that he can adapt according to the situation. Trip time is indicative, as are ascent and descent inclines, they can be modified at the moment regarding the decision of the accompanist and the group’s speed. Please don’t pay much attention to that and enjoy your trip in the mountain. 

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

Hotel formula with luggage assistance:

Based on 2 people:  995€  per person
Base 3 and more: 945 € per person

This budget is indicated per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a personalized quote with the exact price. Indeed, the latter may vary depending on several elements (availability, service levels, period, number of participants, reservation time and many more).

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

A deposit of 30% of the trip’s price will be needed during the subscription, the whole price must be paid at least 30 days before departure.

  • The technical organization of the stay
  • Mountaineering with a mountain guide
  • Luggages transfer
  • Accomodation in refuges, hostels and lodges
  • Half-board and picnics
  • Transfers as descibed in the program

Not included

  • Transfers to the meeting and the separation points
  • Snacks: dried fruits, cereal bars, chocolate bars, etc ..
  • All the drinks and personal expenses in refuges
  • Insurance and assistance
  • Application fees
  • Anything that is not mentioned in the "price includes"

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

By booking one of our travels, the customer bindingly accepts the general terms and conditions of sale. Each customer must fill a registration form. The booking is definitively registered when the customer has settled the payment of a deposit of 35 % of the total trip's price (subject to availability at the time of registration). In case of short term booking – within 35 days before the travel departure, the full trip's price is due immediately. Payments can be settled via bank transfer (SWIFT code/IBAN number) or online, directly from our website (available soon). You will receive an email with a booking confirmation as quickly as possible.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking registered, we send you an email with the invoice. Full payment is required at least 35 days before your arrival. If the customer does not settle the payment of the travel's price within the period agreed upon, Altaï Alpes gets the right to cancel the booking without additional charges.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation by You

If, for any reason, you need to cancel your trip, the amounts you have paid will be refunded, subject to the following deductions:

You must notify us of your decision to cancel in writing, using any method that provides acknowledgment of receipt. The cancellation date will be determined based on the date we receive your written notice.

In case of cancellation, for any reason, the following cancellation fees will apply:

  • More than 31 days before departure: 30% of the total trip cost (excluding insurance)
  • 30 to 21 days before departure: 40% of the total trip cost (excluding insurance)
  • 20 to 14 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost (excluding insurance)
  • 13 to 7 days before departure: 75% of the total trip cost (excluding insurance)
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100% of the total trip cost (excluding insurance)

Special Cases

Regardless of the cancellation or contract modification date, the following fees are added to the above scale:

  • Non-refundable fixed ground fees: Any firm bookings made early (such as certain mountain huts) will be charged in case of cancellation.
  • Insurance and registration fees: Whatever the insurance policy chosen, the cost of insurance and registration fees are non-refundable.

If you have taken out multi-risk insurance, the cancellation fees may be reimbursed by the insurance in specific cases (e.g., illness, accident, death, etc.).
The insurance becomes effective from the day of subscription and payment.

Cancellation by Us

Altaï France may cancel a trip free of charge in the following cases:

  • If the minimum number of participants required to run the trip is not met.
  • In case of exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, especially related to mountain conditions and customer safety.

In such cases, Altaï France will propose alternative solutions. If no suitable alternative is available, any unused services will be refunded. No additional compensation can be claimed.

You will be informed of any cancellation as soon as possible, and no later than:

  • 30 days before departure for self-guided or exclusive trips
  • 20 days before departure for trips longer than 6 days requiring a minimum number of participants
  • 7 days before departure for trips lasting 2 to 6 days
  • 48 hours before departure for trips shorter than 2 days

If Altaï France is forced to cancel all or part of the trip due to circumstances that compromise customer safety (e.g., poor mountain weather), the unused services will be refunded. No additional compensation will be provided.

For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent group level as described, the guide and organizers reserve the right to terminate your participation if your technical level or physical condition does not meet the requirements. In such a case, no refund or compensation will be provided.

Changes to travel contract

If any change is made in the travel's contract at the customer’s request, any fee that might arise from this change shall be paid by the customer. In any cases, every request for changes shall be notified in writing. In case of external events that could not be foreseen, Altaï Alpes might change some aspects of the travel contract. We will endeavour to inform you of any change as quickly as possible.

Pricing

All travel prices for groups on our website have been calculated for the indicated number of participants. The price list is confirmed after the booking. If the number of participants is lower than expected, an additional payment charge might be applied. For each travel and program, we mention the price per person – valid for the minimum number of participants – and we provide you with detailed explanations about the services included or not. Any change, of the currency exchange rates or on the price of travel's services in particular regarding the cost of the fuel, might entail price revision.

Contract transfer

In case of transfer of the contract by the customer to an assignee, modification and cancellation conditions will be applied.

Insurance

We recommend you to get your own insurance before your departure to cover the activities undertaken by Altaï Alpes. Please email us your insurance contract information (insurance company's name, contract number, phone number) and bring this information with you during your trip. 

Practical info

Staff

The tour is supervised by a mountain accompanist who has been chosen for his field experience, his specifc knowledge of one geographical area and the culture attached, as well as his passion of the region.

Food

Meals


  • Lunch picnics : mixed salads, meat, cheese and fruits. They are made by the accompanist at night for the day after. Don’t be suprised if he leaves you for one or two hours, he is just preparing great meals for the day after…
  • At night, diners are taken in refuges.
  • Bring your own snacks according to your tastes before departure : cereal, chocolate bars, dry fruits, and feel free to bring some of our region’s specialties for aperitifs. 

Drinks


  • Drinks are not included in the trip’s price : bring some money (swiss francs and euros) for coffees, fruit juices, beers and cokes during breaks. Refuges are usually not equiped with bank card machines.

Accommodation

You will be placed in double rooms in hotels and hostels (most of them equiped with private toilets). The Mont Blanc Tour itinerary crosses three high-altitude border-passes. Although it is a trekking itinerary (we don’t go through glaciers and don’t use any spikes or ropes), one part remains in high-altitude mountain, far from valleys and inhabited areas

Supplied equipment

Collective equipment (compass, altimeter, maps, pharmacy, ropes,..) is provided.

Vital equipment

  • One hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Bonnet or scarf
  • Tee-shirt (carline-type, quickly drying material)
  • Warm shirt ou thin polar shirt
  • Warm coat (polar-type)
  • Windproof coat (K-way of Gore-tex type)
  • A drain cape with sleeves (without any button, in polyamide)
  • Thin pants
  • Windproof pants (K-way or Goretex type)
  • Short
  • Socks (100% wool : warm, absorb and evacuate humidity, avoid foot warming/ synthetic fibres : good resistance, absorb and evacuate humidity but foot warming if 100% synthetic / cotton : absorb humidity but don’t evacuate it)
  • Trekking shoes : they are the mountain climbers' best friends ! They must be : solid, waterproof, and hold the feet and anckles. Chose shoes with greeping tread surface, quite rigid, Vibram-type
  • Long gaiters
  • Warm gloves
  • Replacement underclothing
  • Thin pants or replacement short
  • Replacement socks
  • Light sandals or sneakers for nights in refuges
  • Toilet bag (earplus recommended)
  • Towel

Material

  • One small headlamp (with replacement battery)
  • One pair of collapsible walking poles (recommended)
  • 1L bottle
  • Thermos
  • Cutlery
  • Individual plastic tupperware for lunch salads
  • Solar cream (face and lips)
  • Toilet paper + lighter
  • Camera, binoculars (not compulsory)
  • Warning : mountain is unpredictible. We have tried to think of all the different weather situation  possible. This equipment list will help you adapt to the mountain’s whims.

Luggage

You will bring two bags :
  • One travel bag for your replacement clothes, transfered by the assistance vehicle (max 10kg, 60x40cm), warning : one person one bag !
  • One 40L backpack with a large chest strap. Bring a trash bag to isolate your replacement clothes from humidity.

Your guide’s advice : « In your backpack, you will put : warm clothes (polar, pants, bonnet and gloves), rain clothes, bottle, camera, solar cream, and you lunch picnic ».
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Quentin

My local agent
Quentin

  • Natif de l'arrière pays provençal, j'arpente depuis mon plus jeune âge les alpes du sud et les massifs provençaux en rando et vélo. C'est avec plaisir que je partagerai mes coups de coeur afin que vous puissiez profiter au mieux de votre séjour à nos côtés.
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Region
Italian alps Northern Alps : around Mont blanc Swiss alps
Activity
Summer Trekking
Duration
6 days
Code
TMBC-LIB
Price
From €995
Level
3/5
Comfort
4/5

Strengths

  • Crossing of the three borders (France, Italy, Switzerland).
  • Fantastic high-altitude landscapes, pastures and natural reserves.
  • Your luggages will be transfered so that you only need to carry daily belongings.
  • Accomodation in hotels everyday to rest well from daily activities.

Guide's advice

In your backpack, you will put : warm clothes (polar pants, bonnet and gloves), rain clothes, bottle, camera, solar cream, and you lunch picnic.

Required level

This itinerary is accessible to all mountain hikers with a high level. Steps has ascents and descents up to 1000m and 8 hours of walk in one day. You must have a physical and endurance condition suitable for the trip.

Technical difficulties


Pathes are large and well-paved. At the beginning of the seasons, you may have to cross some snowfields, and your accompanist will be in charge of your safety. You will meet rocks in some descents, that is why you must pay attention to the kind of shoes you bring . We also recommend you to use collapsible walking poles (see "Equipment" section).

Physical difficulties


You must be able to walk for 6 days in a row between 6 and 7 hours a day. Breaks are frequent to admire landscapes and pace yourself. Your guide will always adapt the walk rythm to the slowest persons, others will take this opportunity to admire fabulous landscapes without trying to break speed records.

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