Internationale groepsreis Tour du Mont Blanc Week

Start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. A short (unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon, depending on arrival time. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by your leader and time to spilt bags between items to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you. Hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. 

We leave the Col de la Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft) from where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great for flowers in the early season) the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch we descend to Champex (1486m – 4880ft) and the east side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Walking south we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Orsières (887m – 2910ft), a pretty alpine village nestled in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass. Hotel in Orsières (Switzerland). 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 730m – 2400ft up, 1300m – 4260ft down 

We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (1600m 5250ft) dominated by the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Still following the valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb steadily to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called 'Val Ferret' (1760m – 5770ft ) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud. Hotel in La Palud (Italy). 7.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down

We travel by bus to La Visaille (1,660m – 5450ft) then climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today’s pass: the 'Col de la Seigne' (2,516m – 8250ft), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m – 5870ft) and finally after a long walking day to Les Chapieux (1,553m – 5100ft), a small hamlet inhabited only during the summer months. Auberge in Les Chapieux. 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 870m – 2840ft up, 970m – 3180ft down

By now we have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and we turn north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m – 8130ft), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (1,175m – 3860ft). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink. Auberge in Les Contamines. 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 930m – 3050ft up, 1340m – 4400ft

Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m – 5120ft), a great spot to sample some home cooked delicacies. From here we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2,119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay with good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Eventually we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m - 5420ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (993m 3260ft) and take the bus to our hotel. Hotel in Chamonix. 8.5 hours walking time including lunch and breaks etc. 1200m – 3980ft up, 1370m – 4500ft down

Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks; trekking a section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route will then drop sharply down to Chamonix (1,030m) and the end of our trek. Hotel in Chamonix. 8 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 900m – 2950ft up, 1330m – 4370ft down

Following breakfast we say our goodbyes.