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Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc 'north half'

Duration: 5 days
Price from: 1 050€
For more information, contact Pôle Randonnée :
General information

For those seeking the full immersive experience of the Tour du Mont-Blanc but facing time constraints, we have divided our complete Tour du Mont-Blanc into two parts. Our North and South half-tours provide a condensed experience over 5 days or the option to complete the full circuit in two parts.

The legendary circuit of the Northern Alps, the Tour du Mont-Blanc, offers a unique panorama. This long-distance hike exposes you to breathtaking panoramic views: lakes, mountain pastures, and glaciers. A circuit for hiking enthusiasts, rich in emotions. This half-tour of Mont Blanc starts on the heights of Courmayeur and guides you to the Chamonix Valley, traversing the Italian and Swiss Val Ferret. Luggage transport is arranged for the majority of the hike, allowing you to concentrate on the essentials in your backpack and fully relish your trek. Accommodations include stays in small local hotels or mountain huts with sleeping arrangements in small rooms and dormitories. Transfers and luggage handling are efficiently managed by taxi companies, and daily picnics are prepared by the accommodations. To experience the entire Tour, consider complementing this journey with our South half-tour on your next visit.
 

Group booking

The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.

Dates : See below for the group booking module

Price 2025 : 1050€ per person - based on a minimum of 7 participants

This price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation (dinner, breakfast and night) in mountain huts and basic hotels (dormitory & shared room)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- transportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase. Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider

Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…)
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended
 

Private booking

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your guide who will meet your specific needs. Undoubtedly, it is the ideal formula that guarantees you maximum comfort. Accommodation and itinerary can be tailored, and you are free to choose your departure date depending on accommodation availability.

Prices 2025 :
1 person : 5150€ par person
2 people : 2930€ par person
3 people : 2190€ par person
4 people : 1820€ par person
5 people : 1600€ par person
6 people : 1450€ par person

7 people : 1345€ par person
8 people : 1265€ par person
9 people : 1205€ par person
10 people : 1155€ par person
11
people : 1115€ par person
12
people : 1080€ par person

The price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation (dinner, breakfast and night) in mountain huts and basic hotels (dormitory & shared room)
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- transportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase. Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider

Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…),
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurence highly reccommended

Further information

In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience

Meeting point : Meet at 7.30 am in front of the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix.
 
Ability level : 3/5 - The North half-tour hiking trip is a moderate trek. A minimum of 700m (2296ft) and a maximum of 900m (2953ft) vertical gain and about 5 to 7 hours of hiking daily. Hiking on generally well-maintained mountain trails, sometimes including out-of-trail sections. For active people who do not mind training to prepare for the hike and practice sport regularly. A great multiday hike for people with trekking experience.

Itinerary: The guide may need to adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions and/or the physical and/or technical abilities of the group

Guiding policy :  minimum 7 and maximum 12 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice. Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted  to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.

Accomodation :
- During the trip : 4 nights in mountain huts or basic hotels (in dormitory or shared room). No luggage access on day 1 (no road access). 
For people signing up alone, we cannot guarantee that you will share your room with a person of the same gender
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.

Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Preparing for the trip : An information meeting with your guide is scheduled the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagie des Guides office. We highly recommend your participation, as this meeting provides an opportunity to fine-tune your preparation.

 

Equipment

Weight is a hiker's adversary, so it is crucial to carefully select your equipment as it plays a key role in ensuring the success of your trip

Your gear
-A 30L backpack
-A compact and sturdy travel bag, maximum 15 kg
-A pair of top quality hiking boots
-A pair of telescopic poles
-A hat or cap
-A warm hat
-Category 3 sunglasses
-Breathable long and short-sleeved T-shirts
-A polar fleece
-A warm down jacket
-A Gore-Tex waterproof jacket
-A rain poncho
-A hiking trouser
-A Gore-Tex waterproof trouser
-A short
-A pair of gloves
-Hiking-appropriate socks
-A minimum 2L water bottle
-A pocketknife and a spork
-A flashlight or headlamp
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-A sleeping bag liner
-Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs, and toilet paper
-Minimal personal pharmacy: blister pads like Compeed, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies
ID, money for personal expenses
-Spare shoes
-Spare clothes as per your preference

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Millet, Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : MilletDynastarJulboGrivel & Monnet

Itinerary

Day 1

Italian Val Ferret
Our half TMB north starts from the hamlet of Villair Superior to the Bertone refuge, from where we move onto an impressive balcony offering exceptional views of the most beautiful peaks of the Mont-Blanc Massif. We will sleep at the Bonatti refuge, in the heart of the Italian Val Ferret. No access to luggage.
Elevation gain: 3,300 feet - loss: 700 feet - Distance : 7 miles

Day 2

Swiss Val Ferret
Starting from Arnuva, the trail takes us to the Grand Col Ferret (8,170ft), marking the border between Italy and Switzerland. We are greeted by relaxing alpine meadows, overlooked by distant snow-capped peaks like Dolent or A Neuve and their glaciers. We descend into the Swiss Val Ferret, reaching La Fouly, where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 2,900 feet - loss: 4,300 feet - Distance : 11 miles

Day 3

Trient Valley
The day begins with a transfer to the village of Champex-Lac. As we hike towards the Bovine alpine pasture, we can admire the Rhône Valley with its vineyards, the high mountains of the Bernese Oberland, and the dizzying peaks of the Combins Massif. We descend to the Col de la Forclaz, a key passage between the Rhône Valley and the Trient Valley. Overnight in Trient.
Elevation gain: 2,400 feet - loss: 2,200 feet - Distance : 9 miles

Day 4

Trélechamps
Our trail leads us to the Col des Posettes (6,550ft), a famous border between Switzerland and France. From the pass, the view of Mont-Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges is breathtaking. This fantastic scenery accompanies us to the classified hamlet of Trélechamps, where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 3,500 feet - loss: 4,000 feet - Distance : 9 miles

Day 5

Chamonix Valley
From Trélechamps, we ascend via the Grand Balcon Sud trail to the Chéserys Lakes, where the Mont-Blanc massif is reflected, creating a magical spot for a final picnic. We pass by La Flégère and descend to the village of Les Praz. Return to Chamonix in the afternoon.
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet - loss: 1,500 feet - Distance : 5 miles

 

Booking

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CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 71 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

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