Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc 'north half'

Duration: 5 days

Level:

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

Price from: 810€

For more information, contact Pôle Randonnée :

+33 (0)4 50 53 92 78

Information Request

For those seeking the full immersive experience of the Tour du Mont-Blanc but facing time constraints, we have divided our complete Tour du Mont-Blanc into two parts. Our North and South half-tours provide a condensed experience over 5 days or the option to complete the full circuit in two parts.

The legendary circuit of the Northern Alps, the Tour du Mont-Blanc, offers a unique panorama. This long-distance hike exposes you to breathtaking panoramic views: lakes, mountain pastures, and glaciers. A circuit for hiking enthusiasts, rich in emotions. This half-tour of Mont Blanc starts on the heights of Courmayeur and guides you to the Chamonix Valley, traversing the Italian and Swiss Val Ferret. Luggage transport is arranged for the majority of the hike, allowing you to concentrate on the essentials in your backpack and fully relish your trek. Accommodations include stays in small local hotels or mountain huts with sleeping arrangements in small rooms and dormitories. Transfers and luggage handling are efficiently managed by taxi companies, and daily picnics are prepared by the accommodations. To experience the entire Tour, consider complementing this journey with our South half-tour on your next visit.

The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.

Dates : See below for the group booking module

Price 2024 : 810€ per person - based on a minimum of 7 participants

This price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation (dinner, breakfast and night) in mountain huts and basic hotels (dormitory & shared room)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- transportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase. Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider

Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your guide who will meet your specific needs. Undoubtedly, it is the ideal formula that guarantees you maximum comfort. Accommodation and itinerary can be tailored, and you are free to choose your departure date depending on accommodation availability.

Prices 2024 :
1 person : 4555€ per person
2 people : 2595€ par person
3 people : 1945€ par person
4 people : 1620€ par person
5 people : 1425€ par person
6 people : 1295€ par person
7 people : 1200€ par person
8 people : 1130€ par person
9 people : 1075€ par person
10 people : 1030€ par person
11 people : 995€ par person
12 people : 810€ par person

The price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation (dinner, breakfast and night) in mountain huts and basic hotels (dormitory & shared room)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- transportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase. Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider

Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…),
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended

In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience

Meeting point : Meet at 7.30 am in front of the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix.

Ability level : 3/5 - The North half-tour hiking trip is a moderate trek. A minimum of 700m (2296ft) and a maximum of 900m (2953ft) vertical gain and about 5 to 7 hours of hiking daily. Hiking on generally well-maintained mountain trails, sometimes including out-of-trail sections. For active people who do not mind training to prepare for the hike and practice sport regularly. A great multiday hike for people with trekking experience.

Itinerary: The guide may need to adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions and/or the physical and/or technical abilities of the group

Guiding policy : minimum 7 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice. Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.

Accomodation :
- During the trip : 4 nights in mountain huts or basic hotels (in dormitory or shared room). No luggage access on day 1 (no road access). For people signing up alone, we cannot guarantee that you will share your room with a person of the same gender
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.

Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Preparing for the trip : An information meeting with your guide is scheduled the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagie des Guides office. We highly recommend your participation, as this meeting provides an opportunity to fine-tune your preparation.

Documents available for download

Weight is a hiker's adversary, so it is crucial to carefully select your equipment as it plays a key role in ensuring the success of your trip

Your gear
-A 30L backpack
-A compact and sturdy travel bag, maximum 15 kg
-A pair of top quality hiking boots
-A pair of telescopic poles
-A hat or cap
-A warm hat
-Category 3 sunglasses
-Breathable long and short-sleeved T-shirts
-A polar fleece
-A warm down jacket
-A Gore-Tex waterproof jacket
-A rain poncho
-A hiking trouser
-A Gore-Tex waterproof trouser
-A short
-A pair of gloves
-Hiking-appropriate socks
-A minimum 2L water bottle
-A pocketknife and a spork
-A flashlight or headlamp
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-A sleeping bag liner
-Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs, and toilet paper
-Minimal personal pharmacy: blister pads like Compeed, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies
ID, money for personal expenses
-Spare shoes
-Spare clothes as per your preference

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet

Itinerary

Day 1

Italian Val Ferret
Our half TMB north starts at the village of Villair Supérieur and takes us to Bertone Refuge (6,561ft), from where we descend to an impressive balcony offering exceptional views of the most beautiful peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. We will sleep at Bonatti Refuge in the heart of the Italian Val Ferret. No luggage access.
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet - descent: 2,000 feet - Distance : 7 miles

Day 2

Swiss Val Ferret
Starting from Arnuva, the trail takes us to the Grand Col Ferret (8,169ft), marking the border between Italy and Switzerland. We are welcomed by its peaceful alpine meadows, overlooked by the distant snow-covered peaks of Dolent, A Neuve, and their glaciers. We descend into the Swiss Val Ferret, heading to La Fouly where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 5,000 feet - descent: 7,000 feet - Distance : 12 miles

Day 3

Trient Valley
The day begins with a transfer to the village of Champex-Lac. As we make our way to the Bovine alpine pasture, we can admire the Rhône Valley with its vineyards, the view of the high mountains of the Bernese Oberland, and the dizzying summits of the Combins Massif. We descend to the Col de la Forclaz, a key passage between the Rhône Valley and the Trient Valley. Night in a dormitory-style lodge.
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet - descent: 4,000 feet - Distance : 9 miles

Day 4

Trélechamps
We leave the Col de la Forclaz and head towards the Col de Balme (7,185ft), the border between Switzerland and France. Upon reaching the col, we are greeted by the imposing majesty of Mont Blanc, which accompanies us to the hamlet of Tré le Champ. Night in a typical inn, in a dormitory.
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet - descent: 5,000 feet - Distance : 9 miles

Day 5

Chamonix Valley
From Trélechamps, we ascend via the Grand Balcon Sud trail to the famous Chéserys Lakes (between 6,888ft and 7,546ft), where the Mont Blanc Massif reflects in the water. We will take advantage of this splendid place to enjoy a final picnic! We conclude our hike at the summit of the Flégère cable car, returning to Chamonix in the afternoon.
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet - descent: 2,000 feet - Distance : 5 miles

Booking

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Calculate your carbon footprint

CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 71 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 7.1€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.

Find out more about our zero impact strategy.