Stunning views as you hike around one of the most iconic mountain massifs in the world. This light version of the TMB includes several transfers.
Breakfast and two dinners in huts included. You will pass by plenty of refuges offering local dishes as you circumnavigate the Mont Blanc.
In this comfort version of the TMB, you will stay in double rooms in 3-star hotels and B&B’s on the way.
The basic prices does not include luggage transfer, but we can certainly arrange it.
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the valleys surrounding the iconic Mont Blanc massif, where glacial wonders transport you to a Himalayan-like realm. This self-guided hiking adventure will lead you on a cross-border exploration through Italy, France, and Switzerland.
Details
ItineraryArrival in Courmayeur and accommodation in hotel.
Courmayeur – Bus to Arnouva (1770 m.) – Trek Rifugio Elena (2.062m.) – Gran Ferret pass (2.537 m.) – La Fouly (1592 m.).
First day of the trek begins in the lush Val Ferret, below the Gran Jorasses peaks, with the trail leading up to the Gran Ferret Pass, facing the Triolet Glacier. The descent in Switzerland is on a beautiful trail surrounded by meadows getting then to the small La Fouly village. Dinner is included at the hut on the first night of the trek.
Bus to Champex-Lac (1470 m.) Trek to Bovine (1975 m.) – Col de la Forclaz pass (1526 m.) – Trient (1297 m.) / alternative route through Fenetre d’Arpette (2.665 m.) – private transfer to Martigny.
With a short bus ride you’ll get to Champex Lac from where you’ll reach Trient crossing the easier Bovine pass or by the demanding Fenetre d’Arpette, facing the Trient glacier and between incredible rocky towers. The driver will wait at the end for the transfer to Martigny. Dinner is included at the hut on the second night of the trek.
The trail leading to Fenetre d’Arpette is stony and rocky, as quite steep in the last section, so only for people with experience on this type of trails.
Private transfer to Trient (1297 m.) Trek Col de la Balme (2.191 m.) – Le Tour (1.543 m.) – Bus to Chamonix (1037 m.).
Back to Trient you’ll start the day with a long but regular walk up to the Col du Balme pass and refuge, from where the Mont Blanc view get unfolded! The descent in the Chamonix valley with the views over Aiguille du Tour and Aiguille Verte is amazing!
On the way up it’s possible to extend the tour passing by Refuge les Grandes and the balcony trail leading to Col du Balme pass. On the way down from the pass it’s possible to extend the route passing by the Aiguillette des Poisettes and then going down to Le Tour.
Bus to Argentiere (1320 m.) – Trek to Refuge du Lac Blanc (2352 m.) – Refuge de la Flegere (1913 m.) – Cable car to Chamonix (1037 m.).
Today you’ll explore the west side of the Chamonix valley, getting up to Refuge du Lac Blanc, one of the most beautiful spot on the circuit, facing all the summits of the mountaineering history! The descend can be done with cable cars or by walk. A nice moment to visit as well the Chamonix village, a vibrant alpine centre.
Possible to extend the stage walking down from La Flegere to Chamonix.
Bus to Les Houches (1.003 m.) – cable car to Bellevue (1.801 m.) – Trekking Col de Tricot (2120 m.) – Refuge de Miage (1559 m.) – Les Contamines Montjoie (1162 m.).
The today long trail cross meadows, rivers and forests below the Dome du Goutier and the Aiguille de Bionassay, leading up to the panoramic Col Tricot and then the pristine valley below the Glacier du Miage, arriving finally in Les Contamines Montjoie village.
Trek Refuge de Nant Borrant (1525 m.) – Refuge de la Balme (1706 m.) – Refuge de la Crux de Bonhomme (2433 m.) – Les Chapieux (1560 m.) – private transfer to Bourg Saint Maurice.
A long day rewarded by amazing views and beautiful environment. From Les Contamines the trail leads up in the valley up to Col de la Crux de Bonhomme, from where the descent through meadows and pastures leads to Les Chapieux. A private transfer will drive you to Bourg S. Maurice.
As in Les Chapieux (Refuge de la Nova, Chambre du Soleil, and the nearby Refuge des Mottets) it’s very difficult to find availability, we provide a private transfer down to Bourg S. Maurice where there’re more accommodations. The day after another private transfer will drive you back to Les Chapieux and Ville de Glaciers where you will start again the trekking.
Private transfer to Ville de Glaciers -Trek to Refuge des Mottets (1870 m.) – Col de la Seigne pass (2510 m.) – Rifugio Elisabetta (2197 m.) – La Visaille (1659 m.) – Bus to Courmayeur (1220 m.).
Last day of the circuit will bring you back to Italy, crossing one of the most beautiful pass of the tour and leading to the Val Veny, where the sharp Aiguille Noire appears in all its majesty. The descent back to Courmayeur will pass through Rifugio Elisabetta below the Aiguilles de Trelatete and nearby the huge Miage glacies.
Before la Visaille is possible to extend the stage taking the Val Veny balcony trail leading to Rifugio Maison Vieille and then La Visaille.
Trek Courmayeur (1220 m.) – Rifugio Bertone (1977 m.) – Rifugio Bonatti (2026 m.) – Arnouva (1770 m.) – Public bus to Courmayeur and departure.
Final day with a day hike from Courmayeur to explore properly the Ferret Valley, with great views over the Grand Jorasses and the Aiguille Noire, passing by the Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Bonatti.
Possible to shorten the stage hiking only to Rifugio Bertone and getting down to Val Ferret with a ring itinerary (about 4 hours).
Location And Getting ThereReaching Courmayeur is convenient with a range of travel options for both international and local visitors.
Airports: The closest airports are Geneva International Airport (100 km), Turin Airport (150 km), and Milan Malpensa Airport (210 km), all offering regular international and domestic flights.
Public transport: Courmayeur is accessible by bus from major nearby cities such as Chamonix, Aosta, and Milan. From Geneva and Turin, train connections to Aosta followed by a regional bus make for an efficient journey. Shuttle services and private transfers are also available from key airports.
Parking: For those arriving by car, Courmayeur provides several long-term parking facilities, including covered garages and public lots near the town center and the Mont Blanc Skyway. These options are ideal for hikers and visitors planning multi-day stays in the region.
AccommodationExamples of accommodation on this tour:
Accommodation
This tour is designed for two participants sharing a double, twin, or family room. Solo travelers should anticipate an additional surcharge for single occupancy in double rooms. On certain routes, particularly those involving high alpine huts, private rooms may not be available due to limited capacity or late bookings. In such cases, shared accommodations will be required and will be clearly indicated in your itinerary.
Linen & Towels
Most huts and hotels provide linen and towels. In rare instances where you need to bring your own towel and sleeping bag liner, this requirement will be clearly outlined in your itinerary.
Included Services
Add to this tourWhen booking this tour online, you will get the option to add the following services:
GuaranteeThis tour is fully covered by the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund (Rejsegarantifonden), ensuring financial protection and security for all participants. The guarantee covers situations such as company insolvency, securing refunds for canceled trips or necessary repatriation. Importantly, this protection applies to travelers of all nationalities, not just Danish citizens. By booking with a company registered under the Danish Travel Guarantee, you can embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing your investment is secure and your travel experience is safeguarded, regardless of your country of residence. Learn more here.
WeatherFrom July to September, the Tour du Mont Blanc offers excellent hiking conditions across its varied elevations and landscapes. At lower altitudes (1,000–1,500m), temperatures typically range from 18°C to 26°C, creating warm and inviting conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Mid-altitudes (1,500–2,000m) remain comfortable, with daytime temperatures between 14°C and 22°C and cooler mornings and evenings. Higher elevations (above 2,000m) are more unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C and a greater likelihood of sudden weather changes, including fog, strong winds, and brief showers. Snow patches may persist on north-facing slopes in early July. Layered clothing, sun protection, and waterproof gear are essential for adapting to the rapidly shifting alpine weather.
Difficulty
This tour is categorized Easy to Moderate
Well maintained and fairly wide trails, but with some challenging segments such as steep inclines and some technical, rocky parts. Fairly good form is necessary. Participants should be able to hike 15-20 km on a flat road with little difficulty. Suitable for active children from 12 years of age.
FAQIf you cancel your tour 60 days or more before the departure date, you will lose your deposit. If you cancel your tour between 60 and 45 days before the departure date, you will lose 50 per cent of the total tour price. If you cancel your tour within 45 days of the departure date, you will lose the full amount. If you fail to turn up on the first day of your tour, Outdoor Europe may not be able to make arrangements for you to join the rest of the tour, and you will lose the full payment. If, for any reason, Outdoor Europe has to cancel your tour, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.
You can book your tour directly on the Outdoor Europe website. Choose the tour from the dropdown menu, select the date you would like to start, and the number of participants in your group. You can either pay a deposit (60 days or more from the start of your tour) or pay the full amount. Click ‘book’ and follow the instructions. Once we have confirmed your payment, you’ll receive your confirmed tour itinerary within 10 days. There may be seasonal variations in the time it takes us to arrange everything. Please note that programmes on the tour pages are only examples — there may be several differences in the final programme you receive.
When booking your tour, you can choose to pay by credit/debit card or direct bank transfer. Direct bank transfers will generally take longer to process, while credit and debit card payments are processed instantly. You are, by default, asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the tour. If you choose this option, you will be asked to pay the remaining 75% one month before your tour. Please be sure to follow the payment links you receive in your invoice or reminder email, which we will send you when the second payment is due.
This depends on the individual tour and when you book it. When hiking in the Alps, most people stay in dorms or shared rooms as the availability of single, double and family rooms are limited. We can only guarantee your own room on certain tours such as in the Lys and Ayas Valleys — but only if you book in time. If this is your preference, we will do our best to ensure you get your own room, but please expect to spend some nights in shared accommodation if there is limited availability.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service with all our packages. Often, the huts or hotels we work with are in locations that can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Indeed, when choosing a tour that includes baggage transport, there may be one or two exceptions depending on the route. This will appear clearly on the tour page and in the program you receive when your booking has been confirmed.
All our tours include the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means that a six-day tour will include five nights of accommodation, a seven-day tour will include six nights, and so on. On the first day, guests are usually expected to arrive in the afternoon. And the program does not include any activities except for a briefing by our representative on the first evening. On the day of departure, guests are free to decide if they want to leave directly after breakfast or go on a shorter tour before their journey home.
Most of our tours will include Half Board (HB) services, which means breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a light-packed lunch. Please check the individual tour page for details, however, as variations occur with certain tours.
We specialize in self-guided tours. These tours are designed for travelers who love the independence of hiking, skiing, or running on their own but want to know that everything else is taken care of. In some cases, we are able to offer luggage transport to lighten your load as you enjoy the Great Outdoors.
Whether you’re already a group of friends, business colleagues or a sports club looking for an active mountain adventure, we can design and organize your Alpine tour for you. We also offer guided group tours for individual participants on fixed dates.
Yes, absolutely! Outdoor Europe can design the perfect mountain adventure for you and your friends or colleagues. Whether you want to hike, ski, run, cycle or climb, we have the expertise and experience needed to create a bespoke package for any level of experience or physicality. Please contact us if you would like us to create a customized package for your group.
There are few better ways to spend time with your children than with an active holiday in the mountains. Sharing a mountain adventure with your child is a memory that will last a lifetime. We try to design child-friendly variations (marked ‘family’) of all our Alpine tours. Children can hike, ski or bike a lot longer than you might expect, as long as you make it entertaining for them. However, they will respond instantly to the way you behave, so please consider whether you are able to create a safe environment for your children when faced with the many different challenges of an alpine environment.
Yes, we are able to offer a discount for children on most of our tours, provided they are not yet 13 years of age on the first day of the tour. Please see the individual tour page for our child discounts.
Many single travellers chose Outdoor Europe due to our high level of service and our expertise in self-guided mountain tours. And the safety of one of our representatives will only ever be just a phone call away. However, please expect additional costs, as our prices are based on two persons — the industry standard for outdoor tours of this nature. Private rooms and other services are often more expensive for individual travellers. You can find information about any additional costs for individual travellers on the tour page.
We are all different. Some of our clients are 70+ and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others may be twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental ability of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for level of physicality, which you can learn more about here. You are of course welcome to call us and we will do our best to advice you. Find your level of physicality here (link to Find your level page).
Our local partners know every square inch of this beautiful Alpine region. During the introductory briefing, you will receive an app, physical maps and a phone number to call if you need advice. In some cases, you’ll be able to forward your location to a local guide with the press of a button. This may prove helpful if you become lost.
We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider to ensure your existing policy covers mountain-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Please note that any costs relating to emergency situations and the potential need for evacuation are the sole responsibility of the client.
We are all different. Some of our clients are more than 70 years old and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others are twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental capabilities of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for the level of physicality involved, which you can learn more about on our Find Your Level page. You are, of course, welcome to call us, and we will do our best to advise you.
Enjoying the mountains with your best friend can be a joyful experience, which is why we try to make our tours dog friendly wherever possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible due to local rules. Selected tours are marked ‘Dog Friendly’ on the tour page. This means that your dog can stay with you in your private room or, in a few cases, the hut will have a separate or external room for dogs. Please refer to the individual tour page for more information.
*This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only the services mentioned above are included in the price.
Additional Information| Start | July to September |
|---|---|
| Time of departure | Flexible |
| Month | July, August, September |
Whether you're a large family, a work team or a sports club, we will help you create a perfect group adventure.
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