Mont Blanc Classic Hiking Tour

Hike Around Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland

From Mont Blanc's glacier-clad 15,771' summit, the highest in Western Europe, sublime alpine valleys radiate to three countries creating some of the most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes on the planet. We circle this great peak crossing from France to Italy and Switzerland on foot, savoring the changes in language, architecture and cuisine as much as the magnificent scenery itself.

Days 1-2 Geneva-Chamonix-Tricot Pass-Contamine-Montjoie. We're met at Geneva Airport and transfer to Chamonix, capitol of the French Alps. The next morning we transfer to Fayet to catch the spectacular Mont Blanc Tramway for the 2500' ride up to our hike's start. We cross the moraine of giant Bionnassay Glacier and climb through the meadows of Tricot Pass. After lunch we descend through lovely alpine forests to the charming ski village of Contamine-Montjoie.

Days 3-4 Bonhomme Pass- Les Chapieux-Seigne Pass-Courmayeur. We transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge and begin the long climb over Bonhomme Pass. After lunch we continue downhill to the mountain hamlet of Chapieux and transfer to Ville des Glaciers. We next climb through the Valley of Glaciers over Seigne Pass for stunning panoramas of Mount Blanc's peaks and snowfields. From the pass we descend into Italy's Veni Valley and the village of Visaille where a bus takes us to Courmayeur, the "Pearl of the Alps". Courmayeur is filled with grand old buildings, narrow cobbled streets and Italian village charm.

Days 5-6 Grand Ferret Pass-Champex-Forclaz Pass-Trient. This morning we're off to Switzerland across mountain meadows with stunning views of the Veni Valley en route to Grand Ferret Pass where the rocky spires of Mont Dolent tower above. We descend through Ferret Valley to Fouly where we transfer to the tranquil Swiss resort of Champex for the night. Next we have two options--we can take the classic route through the high meadows of Bovine over Forclaz Pass, or the rigorous but spectacular route via the Window of Arpette. This trail climbs high above the giant seracs of Trient Glacier and offers fantastic views to the Aiguille D'Argentiere. Both routes lead us to the Swiss village of Trient.

Days 7-8 Balme Pass-Chamonix-Geneva. Today it's back to France as we climb through serene larch forests to Balme Pass for tremendous views of the Chamonix Valley at the top, and then complete the gentle descent to the French village of Tour. From here we transfer back to Chamonix and our hotel and farewell dinner. After breakfast it's back to Geneva International Airport for flights home.

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Inn & Hut:	8 days/7 nights
2010 Dates:	July 4-11 August 1-8 September 5-12
Trip Rating:	Challenging
Price:	$2598
Single Supplement:	Chamonix only--upon request
Gateway City:	Geneva, Switzerland
Meeting Place:	Geneva International Airport
Activities:	hike (6 days)
Inn & Hut Highlights:	We stay at simple auberges chosen for their location and alpine ambience. All rooms are doubles with shared baths except at our inn in Chamonix.