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. Meeting with the guide for the first briefing.

From Chamonix, take the famous cable car to the top of l’Aiguille du Midi (3,842m). Take time to visit the area and enjoy the amazing view on the Mont Blanc summit!

Descend back halfway with the lift to the intermediate station of Plan de l’Aiguille (2,350 m). Here starts the hike of the day. After a short descent to the refuge of the same name, take the famous Grand Balcon Nord route which crosses under all the Aiguilles of Chamonix, from the Aiguille du Plan to the Aiguille de la République. The itinerary passes at the foot of the Blaitière and Nantillons glaciers. A short climb leads us to the Signal Forbes (2,200 m) offering a panoramic view of the Mer de Glace and the North face of the Grandes Jorasses in particular. A stop on the Montenvers site, before going back down with the famous red cog-train to Chamonix.

Private transfer Chamonix – Les Houches

Take the Bellevue cable car. Trailhead is at the top of the lift. Take in the amazing scenery as you stand at the foot of the standard route for climbing Mt. Blanc. Start with a traverse to the Bionnassay Glacier. Next, after a “Nepali hanging bridge crossing”, hike through the alpine pastures that lead up to Col de Tricot Pass (2120m). After a short break to admire the views of Contamines-Montjoie Valley, hike down a steep trail to the quaint rural chalets in Miage (1559m). Hike up to Chalets du Truc (1750m) and finally, contour around Mt. Truc (1811m) and then hike down into the village of Contamines- Montjoie, where you will spend the night.

After a short transfer in the morning to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210m) with the free local shuttle (in the high season), take the time to visit the renowned baroque church that marks start of the Roman road, the historic trade route used to travel from one mountain valley to another. The steady climb to Col du Bonhomme Pass (2329m) presents a beautiful section of hiking along the far southern end of the range. The trail marks the boundary between the Mt. Blanc Range and the Beaufortain Mountains. The ascent continues to Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433m), which offers spectacular views of Mt. Pourri (3779m). On the descent, hike through alpine pastures to the small hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m). Private transfer to your hotel in the small village of Bourg St Maurice.

Private transfert to la Ville des Glaciers (40 minutes). Start the day’s hike from Ville des Glaciers (1800m), making sure that you stop at the local farm along the way to learn about how Beaufort cheese is made. Continue your ascent through the beautiful alpine pastures to Col de la Seigne Pass (2516m) and the Italian border. From here, admire the jagged and steep side of the Mt. Blanc Range; the views are simply breathtaking! Legendary summits like Mt. Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey Spire, and the Grandes Jorasses appear close enough to be able to reach out and touch them. The descent takes you through Val Veny to the foot of the Miage Glacier with its peaceful lake and unique alpine flora. Transfer by local bus to Courmayeur (1226m), capital of the Italian Alps.

Possible walk in the valley (Bertone to Bonatti balcony trail) or rest day in the city.

Private transfer to Arnuva. This day at the halfway point on your tour offers the opportunity to take it easy and recuperate. From Elena hut, hike up to and cross over the border from Italy into Switzerland at either Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537) or the much wilder Petit Col Ferret Pass (2490). Take one last look back into Italy before starting the descent through Switzerland’s gentle alpine meadows as you hike all the way down to the small village of La Fouly (1600m).

Early morning transfer to Champex from La Fouly (Plan-d’en-Haut). 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 (2665m) is a spectacular high-mountain notch located near the Grands Glacier. Finish the day in the village of Trient (1280m), where you will eat dinner and spend the night in a guest house.

From Trient, hike up to Col de Balme Pass (2191m) to cross the French-Swiss border. At the top of the pass enjoy great views into Chamonix and the valley below, as well as the spectacular panorama that includes Mt. Blanc, the Mer de Glace (glacier), and the Argentière Glacier. Hike down (or take the chairlift/gondola) the dirt roads and trails through the meadows and pastures to Le Tour (1453m).
From there, a leisurely walk takes you to Montroc (1370m) and Argentière. Public bus and gondola possible to shorten the walk.

Private transfer to col des Montets. Today’s scramble through the Aiguilles Rouges presents views of the many glaciers and summits above Chamonix, with the Mont Blanc range just across the valley.

From Col des Montets Pass, follow the balcony trail to the Cheserys Lakes, known for their clear blue waters and reflections of the surrounding peaks. Continue to Lac Blanc, watching for alpine ibex along the way, and onto La Flégère. A gondola will take you down the valley floor in the hamlet of Les Praz, where you can choose to either hike back via the Bois du Bouchet Forest or take the bus back to the Chamonix city.

Enjoy your breakfast before leaving the alpine capital of Chamonix!