Level 1: You have no experience.
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Level 2: You have had at least one previous experience.
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Level 3: You practice regularly.
Body
The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has designed a selection of trips where logistics and comfort level are adapted to your needs, allowing you to live the experience fully. Each trip guarantees a hike rich in emotions:
- Classic Tour du Mont-Blanc: 6 days to discover all the unmissable sights
- Tour du Mont-Blanc comfort: the classic itinerary with nights in hotel rooms
- Authentic Tour du Mont Blanc :6 days immersed in the local heritage
- Luxury Tour du Mont Blanc: 8 days with luxury logistic to enjoy the best
- Complete Tour du Mont-Blanc: 10 days to fully live the experience
- Half complete Tour du Mont-Blanc: 5 days to hike a half of the full tour (complete the loop next time !)
Can't take a full week off, but you dream of doing the Full Tour du Mont-Blanc ? This formula is perfect for you. A 5 day hike to immerse yourself in the southern part of the legendary Tour du Mont-Blanc. Departing from Chamonix, this southern half will take you to Courmayeur via Beaufortain and Val Vény. We start our hike using the ski lifts that take us directly to an altitude of 2000m (6562ft) and the top of the Planpraz cable car. This trip begins with a magnificent panorama of the Mont-Blanc Massif which will dazzle you with its splendor within the first few minutes! We take charge of everything. Just contemplate the grandiose landscapes while benefiting from the knowledge and experience of our mountain guides. This trip is reserved for people who practice a regular sporting activity.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc North Half will allow you to complete the complete loop.
Luggage transport is provided throughout the hike (except day 4 when we sleep in a mountain hut). You only need to carry the essentials in your backpack to enjoy your hike fully. Transfers, luggage and picnics are provided by a mountain guide or private transporter throughout your hike.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Chamonix Valley
Our trek starts from the top of Plan-Praz cable car (2 000m). A nice path leads us to the Brevent summit (2 525m) from where Mont-Blanc reveals itself in all its majesty. From this unforgettable viewpoint, the trail heads down towards Bellachat mountain hut and on to the Merlet animal park. A short transfer brings us down to the valley to Les Houches where we will spend our first night.
Elevation gain: 525m - Elevation loss: 1 025m
Day 2 : Val Montjoie
Today we start from the the top of the Bellevue cable car (1 800m), where we will have panoramic views on the Mont-Blanc mountain range, the Aiguilles Rouges, the Fiz and the Aravis massifs. We will cross the suspended bridge over the Bionnassay torrent. A short uphill leads us to Col du Tricot overlooking the alpine hamlet of Miage. Descent towards Les Contamines to reach the Val Montjoie. Night in a gite, triple/quadruple room.
Elevation gain: 570m - Elevation drop: 1200m
Day 3 : Beaufortain
Departure is from Notre Dame de la Gorge with its romantic baroque church. At the Col du Bonhomme (2 479m), we leave Val Montjoie behind us and head to Beaufortain towards the southernmost tip of the Mont-Blanc massif. The trail rolls down to the hidden valley of Les Chapieux (1 549m). Night in dormitory.
Elevation gain: 1270m - Elevation drop: 930m
Day 4 : Val Veny
At la Ville des Glaciers, a visit to the local cheese factory is a must where Beaufort cheese is the king ! At the Col de la Seigne (2 516m) we reach the Italian border and the Val Veny. From there, we have many route choices to rejoin the Elizbetta mountain hut (2 195m). Night at the mountain hut, no access to your luggage.
Elevation gain: 720m - Elevation drop: 320m
Day 5 : Aosta Valley
Our last day begins with a descent towards Lac Combal. The uphill to Arp Vieille takes us onto a magnificent
balcony trail facing mythical peaks such as the Noire de Peuterey, the Dent du Géant and the Grandes Jorasses. Descent to Courmayeur. End of the trek. Transfer back to Chamonix.
Elevation gain: 460m - Elevation drop: 990m
The guide may have to adapt the route to weather conditions and/or to group physical and/or technical ability.
GROUP BOOKING
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 : Find all the dates available in the drop-down list below
Price 2023 : 730€ 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 (4-bed room & dormitory)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- luggage transportation throughout the trek (1 piece of luggage per person, Maximum 15KG per bag - No hard-shell suitcase)
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended
PRIVATE BOOKING
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 mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.
Prices 2023 :
1 person : 3610€ per person | 7 people : 940€ par person
2 people : 2040€ par person | 8 people : 885€ par person
3 people : 1525€ par person | 9 people : 845€ par person
4 people : 1270€ par person | 10 people : 810€ par person
5 people : 1115€ par person | 11 people : 780€ par person
6 people : 1015€ par person | 12 people : 730€ 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 (4-bed room & dormitory)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- luggage transportation throughout the trek (1 piece of luggage per person, Maximum 15KG per bag - No hard-shell suitcase)
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).
Meeting point : meet at 8.30 am at the Compagnie des Guides office, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix.
Ability level : 3/5. Half-TMB South hiking trip is a moderate trek. A minimum of 700m (2350ft) and a maximum of 1300m (4265ft) vertical gain and about 6 to 8 hours of hiking daily. Hiking on generally well-maintained mountain trails, sometimes including out-of-trail sections. A great multiday hike for people with trekking experience. Good physical training and multiday hiking experience on mountain trails are required.
Guiding policy : minimum 7 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.
Important: 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 triple/quadruple room).
Please Note : no access to your luggage on Day 4 (no road access).
- 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 : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.
Equipment
We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.
Equipment
- A backpack with a capacity of at least 30 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack.
- A compact and solid travel bag, maximum 15kg.
- A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters : talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.
Clothing
For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.
For the day :
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric)
- 1 polar fleece
- 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric)
- 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker)
- 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of gloves
For the entire trip :
- At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers)
- optional : short gators (start of the season)
Accessories
For the day :
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip salve
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better)
- 1 knife
- 1 fork (type "spork")
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
For the entire trip :
- 1 sleeping bag liner
- Flashlight or headlight
- Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.
- Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs
- Identification (passport or ID card)
- Money for your personal expenses
- A bit of soap for laundry
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
Carbone Calculator
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 74 kg. In 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.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 74 kg. In 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.
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 2.2€ to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
Book your activity
For more information, contact Pôle Randonnée : +33 (0)4 50 53 92 78
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