Tour du Mont Blanc Week

From Geneva airport we transfer to the 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. 

Day 2

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

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Day 3

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

Day 4

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

Day 5

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

Day 6

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

Day 7

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

Day 8

End Chamonix. Transfer to Geneva airport.
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