Tour du Mont Blanc 

Whilst other companies Tour du Mont Blanc treks may be slightly cheaper, Imp Adventures TMB differs in that clients get their bags delivered each evening to their accommodation instead of just the normal 3 drop-offs. We use twin rooms not dorms where possible and in Chamonix, Courmayeur and Les Contamines we use quality centrally located hotels which allow you more time to explore during your free time. This along with all in-country transportation, most meals, experienced guiding and a sensible and scenic daily routine means that Imp Adventures TMB is head and shoulders above the competition. 

Imp Adventures Tour du Mont Blanc traverses the complete Mont Blanc massive in 8 days of unforgettable walking. The trek utilises a couple of cable cars and short valley bus rides to enable us to make the most of our time, but otherwise sees us trekking between 6-8 hours daily climbing over 5 major alpine passes, including almost 150km's of walking through France, Italy and Switzerland and affording us some of the most scenic views in the whole of the Alps. 

Our trek starts in Chamonix and follows a clock-wise direction around the mountains along well-maintained trails through small villages and over stunning Alpine passes. We spend the night in a mixture of hotels and Auberges, and get to sample a variety of the local delicacies. The views are always breathtaking with towering summits, flower filled meadows and dramatic glaciers. You will see magnificent Alpine flowers, birds of prey and many local animals whilst trekking through picture postcard villages with a group of like minded trekkers and a knowledgeable guide. 

Our trek will use hotels and auberges on a twin room basis, although at the villages of Champex and Chapieux you will be in a mixed dormitory in bunk bed accommodation. All breakfasts and suppers are included on the trek except in Les Houches and Courmayeur where it is easier to chose your own lunch and evening meal from a number of local venues. (breakfasts still included). Each morning your main baggage will be collected and this will be delivered to the following nights accommodation ready for your arrival. This will allow you to travel with a light rucksack each day. 

The walking will be mostly on well-maintained trails, though it is likely that we will encounter some rougher ground. Some ascents will be tough and you should be confident of climbing and then descending over 1000m in a day. This walk is suitable for regular trekkers who are capable of walking between 15 - 20 km each day, with a number of ascents and descents. This is a challenging trek and you should be confident of your fitness. We trek in a clockwise direction as the days are less strenuous at the beginning and this allows you to build your fitness and have a day off in Courmayeur before the last three big days.

The trip will be led by a qualified guide.

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £1500
Grading: b (more info)
No of People: 10-14

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Geneva; transfer to Chamonix

Meet at Geneva airport in the afternoon where you will then transfer you to Chamonix, the trip takes just over an hour. Chamonix is a fantastic summer and winter destination and has hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops. In the evening you will be briefed on the trip by your trek leader before dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 2 Chamonix – Lac Blanc – Argentiere

After breakfast we take a local bus through Chamonix to Les Praz (1065m) and then take the Flegere cable car up to 1900m. We then hike through open countryside to Lac Blanc (2352m). There are incredible views of the whole Mont Blanc range, including Les Grandes Jorasses, Aiguille Vert and Les Drus. We then descend via the photogenic Lacs des Cheserys stopping for lunch before descending through the forest to Argentiere (1244m). Hiking time is approximately 5hrs. 
Ascent 450m, Descent 1100m

Day 3 Argentiere – Col de Balme – Col de la Forlcaz (Switzerland)

From our hotel we hike up to the Col des Posettes (1997m) for superb views Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. We then traverse to the Col de Balme (2191m) and look directly into Switzerland. We descend through open countryside with views of glaciers to Trient (1297m) before the short climb to the Col de la Forclaz 1526m and our overnight accommodation. Hiking time is approximately 7hrs 30. 
Ascent 1180m, Descent 894m

Day 4 Trient – Bovine Route – Champex

From Forclaz we hike along the ‘Bovine Route’ to Champex d’en haut (1444m). The route ascends through meadows, forests and open countryside with stunning views of the mountains of Verbier and the great Sion Valley. After our mornings initial climb we pass 2 remote auberges where we will stop for a brief drink stop and lunch before arriving at our auberge set amongst the charming forests of Champex d’en haut. Hiking time is approximately 6hrs. 
Ascent 461m, Descent 543m

Day 5 Champex – La Fouly

From our Auberge we have an easy trek to La Fouly (1600m) along the Val Ferret. We start our walk from the auberge continuing to Champex Lac and then descend to the valley floor and follow the river through forests and meadows. After lunch we will have wonderful views of Mt Dolent and the South Face of the Mont Blanc range. Hiking time is approximately 5-6 hours.
Ascent 550m, Descent 440m

Day 6 La Fouly – Grand Col Ferret – La Palud, Courmayeur (Italy)

From La Fouly we trek for a short distance along the Val Ferret before climbing up the easy slopes of the Tete De Ferret and the treks highest point the impressive Grand Col Ferret (2537). From here, the descent into Italy is slightly steeper but rewards us with outstanding views of Les Grandes Jorasses and Mont Blanc. Our hotel is in La Palud (1350m), 3km from Courmayeur (45mins walk / 10mins bus ride). Hiking time is approximately 7- 8 hours.
Ascent 970m, Descent 1170m

Day 7 Rest day in La Palud, Courmayeur

Courmayeur is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts and is a smaller version of Chamonix, it is full of cafés and restaurants. Close by there is the Helbonner cable car for those who wish to enjoy the views from its 3470m viewing point. 

Day 8 Courmayeur – Val Veny – Col de la Seigne – Les Chapieux 

Today we take either a cable car or bus depending on the weather to travel to Val Veny under the spectacular South Face and ridges of Mont Blanc. We trek along a wide glacial valley surrounded by glaciers and high peaks to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) which marks the border between France and Italy. We then descend to Les Chapieux (1549m). Hiking time is approximately 7 hours. 
Ascent 860m, Descent 967m

Day 9 Les Chapieux – Col du Bonhomme - Les Contamines

We make a steep ascent above Les Chapieux through open meadows. We cross 2 cols (2479m and 2329m) with fabulous Alpine Flowers, animals and stunning views. After lunch at the Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. We then head down over the Col du Bonhomme to our destination in Les Contamines (1167m) – Our hotel is located 1km outside of the centre of Les Contamines. (Swimming pool may be available). Hiking time is approximately 7-8 hours. Ascent 930m, Descent 1320m

Day 10 Les Contamines – Chamonix

Today is our final days trekking. We initially descend through valley of Les Contamines before ascending thought pretty forests and meadows to the the plateau of the Col de Voza. This is a fitting end to our trek with the most outstanding views of the Chamonix Valley, the Chamonix Aiguilles and the Mont Blanc massif. We descend quickly by cable car and then take a short bus ride back to our hotel where we can relax before enjoying a celebratory meal in one of the local restaurants. Hiking time is approximately 6-7 hours. 
Ascent 1170m, Descent 650m

Day 11 Chamonix – Geneva

Free at leisure until your transfer to the airport. We will depart Chamonix at approx 12:00hrs and arrive at the airport by 13:30hrs. 

Those wishing to extend their stay in Chamonix should let us know so that we can assist in the booking of hotels and return accommodation etc. 

While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed above, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintains the integrity of the original itinerary.

What's Included

• Accommodation on a twin-share basis and in a dormitory at Les Chapieux and Champex.
• Transfers to and from the airport (specified times only) 
• All transfers and cable cars throughout when part of the organised trek.
• 10 breakfasts and 6 suppers.
  (Lunches can be either packed lunches which can be brought locally each morning - fresh bread, cheese, ham, salad etc, or on most days can be purchased from Refuges or Auberges on route) 
• Luggage transfers every day. 
• Qualified Mountain Leader who is 1st aid qualified. 
• Support driver / baggage transfers 
• Certificate of completion. 

What's not included

• Dinner in Chamonix and Courmayeur.
• Lunches
• Beverages
• Clothing and Equipment
• Travel to and from Geneva from place of residence. 

Accommodation and meals

We use a mix of hotels and auberges. Rooms are on a twin-share basis: some have attached bathrooms, others have bathrooms along the corridor. For the nights at Champex and Les Chapieux, you will be in a dormitory. 

Bedding is provided at each night stop, so there is no need to carry sleeping bags. For the nights at the auberges at Champex and Les Chapieux, duvets and/or blankets are provided, but you may like to take your own sheet sleeping bag. Towels are provided at all night stops except Champex and Les Chapieux. 
Please note that we do not use mountain refuges or huts for any of the night stops. 

Meals included are normally 3 courses and are eaten in the hotel’s restaurant area. Tea and coffee at dinner and all other drinks are not included.

Typical meals on trek

Breakfast:
tea, coffee, juice, cereals, bread, butter, jam.

Supper:
soup, lasagne or meat and veg or salad followed by a tart or fruit. (vegetarians can be catered for).

The hotels and auberges also sell soft drinks, beer, wine, mineral water, cakes and a variety of chocolate bars. If you chose not to take or eat any of the meals provided throughout this trip, there is no refund.

Luggage transfers

When you are trekking, we provide baggage drops every night and collections every morning. 

Please restrict the weight of your main luggage to 15kg and use a soft sports bag / kit bag. This helps us with the luggage transfers.

Airport transfers

We arrange an airport pick-up from Geneva International Airport on Day 1. We meet in the Arrivals Hall near the Information Desk at approx 1500 hrs. where a representative will be holding a sign with Imp Adventures. Our minibus will leave Geneva Airport at 15:30hrs so that we arrive at the hotel in Chamonix by 17:00hrs. Many clients arrive in Geneva on different airlines and at different times of the day so we leave the transfer until 15:30hrs so that most people can take it. If you arrive at Geneva airport early in the day you can take a short train ride into the city and spend the day sightseeing or shopping. You can leave your baggage at ‘Left Luggage’ at the airport train station.

Clients arriving after the minibus has departed at 15:30hrs should call us for special arrangements which may involve hiring a taxi and any costs incurred will be the responsibility of the client.
For the ‘drop-off’ at the end of the holiday (Day 11), we ensure that you are at Geneva International Airport by 13:30hrs. If clients need to be at the airport earlier, we will organise a taxi that must be paid for by the client.

You are of course welcome to arrange your own transport to the hotel in Les Houches, but at your own expense.

Clothing and equipment

• Good walking boots - leather or preferably fabric with a waterproof membrane
• Sandals for evening and rest periods 
• Full set of good-quality waterproofs. Gore-Tex or e-Vent recommended (not pac-a-mac) 
• 2 x pre of trekking Trousers and 2 x trekking shorts. 
• 8 x wicking T-shirts if you would like a clean one each day, although 1 every 2 days is adequate. 
• Underwear (fresh hiking socks every other day)
• Fleece mid layer
• Windstopper type fleece walking jacket if weather gets bad
• Rucsac that will give you enough room to carry a few clothes plus other items (30ltr+)
• Sun hat, sun cream, sunglasses, water bottles (2 ltrs), warm fleece hat and gloves.
• Head Torch, blister kit, any personal medicine.
• For the nights at Champex and Les Chapieux, duvets and/or blankets are provided, but you may like to take your own 'sheet' sleeping bag. Remember to take a small easi-dry towel for these two nights.
• Although it may be cold outside at night, it will be very warm inside so down jackets are not needed.
• Extra expenses & money (€200) 
• Casual lightweight summer clothes for rest periods etc
• Official Papers
• Valid passport
• Airline tickets 
• Rain cover for daypack, waterproof
• Luggage tags and luggage locks
• Swimsuit (for use at some hotels)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• toilet tissue (handy hankies) Ziploc bags, hand sanitizer and Wet Ones
• Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
• Battery charger, converter, plug adapter
• Reading and writing materials
• Ear plugs

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, hiking boots and a change of clothing in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Merino Wool or dryflo etc. 
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring Compeed or blister remedies for foot treatment.
• Women should include any necessary feminine hygiene products. 
• There is an ATM in Champex and La Fouly and many in Chamonix and Courmayeur.
• On the trek, Euros are accepted everywhere.
• You will need extra money for lunches and drinks and evening meals not included. In addition souvenirs, snacks you might buy at mountain refuges or cafés and any optional activities. Chamonix and Courmayeur have many cafés, map shops and outdoor stores with a huge range of equipment.

Typical costs

These are approximate costs: you can spend more or less than indicated.
Dinners Allow €25 per meal for 4 nights:
Chamonix Valley & Courmayeur. Misc Wine (€10-15), beer (€3-5), soft drinks (€2-3), 

Passports, visas and insurance

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa if one is necessary in accordance with the regulations of the country you are visiting. Visas are not currently required by nationals of the following countries: Britain and other EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada. Other nationalities should check with relevant authorities.

All people who come on this holiday must have adequate travel insurance that includes repatriation. You must check with your insurer that you are covered for trekking in the Alps up to 2600 metres, helicopter rescue, all the activities mentioned in this dossier and any optional activities you may take part in. Anyone who does not have insurance will not be allowed to take part in the holiday until cover is arranged. This is part of our booking conditions.