Mont Blanc Circuit Self Guided Hike

Leaving from Chamonix, take a balcony trail above Chamonix town. Heading up the valley the trail takes in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating hike and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour. Distance 13.3km/8.2mi, +870m/1476ft, -450m/1476ft

Leaving from Le Tour in the Chamonix valley, you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation or continue to the nearby Col de la Forclaz. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +1050m/3445ft, -980m/3512ft

The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name. Distance 15.5km/9.5mi, +945m/3100ft, -900m/2952ft An alternative route is via the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), however due to the instability of this trail we do not recommend this route.

Although this is most definitely an easier day, it is also one that highlights some amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of fresh water, herds of cows and wonderful chalets surrounded by flower filled gardens greet us. Swiss village life is all around and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight in La Fouly. Distance 15.4km/9.5mi, +750m/2460ft, -620m/2034ft

The route takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret path. The sight of the Pre de Bar glacier is with you all the way as you make your way from the Col to the road head in the Val Ferret. Bus to Courmayeur. Distance 13km/8mi, +1090m/3576ft, -930m/3051ft

This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements for the next two nights in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 7. From the centre of Courmayeur the hike heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +1494m/4900ft, -630m/2067ft Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).

From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. A big ascent (949m) through alpine meadows and over small streams leads to your overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +1300m/4265ft, -1000m/3280ft

This morning the trail traverses open mountain pastures to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m), with expansive views across to the peaks of the Beaufortain range. From the pass, the route descends into the Contamines-Montjoie Valley via the Contamines Nature Reserve. A steep section through a forested gorge leads to the historic Roman road and the chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge. The trail then follows the valley floor through the alpine village of Les Contamines before climbing again through a series of small hamlets and meadows. Shortly before reaching the Miage Valley, you’ll pass the scenic chalets of Truc, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The day ends at the Refuge de Miage, nestled beneath dramatic glaciers in a tranquil alpine setting. Distance 19km/11.8mi, +640m/2100ft, -1500m/4921ft Note: Your main luggage will be waiting for you in your accommodation at your accommodation

From the Refuge de Miage, the main route (weather permitting) ascends to the Col du Tricot (2120m), which forms the divide between the Miage and Bionnassay valleys. The climb offers outstanding views of the Dômes de Miage behind you and, from the pass, panoramic views across to the tumbling glaciers of the Aiguille de Bionnassay. The descent traverses a hanging valley beneath limestone cliffs and follows gravel tracks past small alpine hamlets before climbing again to the Col de Voza, situated between the Aiguille de Bionnassay and the Aiguille du Goûter. From here, it is a steady descent to the village of Les Houches, where your trek concludes. You return to Chamonix by local bus or train to collect your luggage. In poor weather, or if conditions are unsuitable, an alternative route may be taken via the river valley. This variant leads down to La Gruvaz, then gradually climbs through Le Champel and onto a steeper trail ascending via Bionnassay to reach the Col de Voza. This route offers fewer high mountain views but is a safe and scenic option in inclement conditions. Distance 14km/8.7mi, +716m/2350ft, -1287m/4222ft Alternate route via Le Champel - Distance 17.5km/10.9mi, +788m/2585ft, -1352m/4436ft