Tour du Mont Blanc 2024 - August
Tour du Mont Blanc 2024 - August
16 days/15 nights. 100+ miles. 3 countries. 1 EPIC Adventure.
A trek of a lifetime in Europe’s awe-inspiring Alps region.
Experience the cultures and cuisines of France, Switzerland and Italy while circling the spectacular Mont Blanc massif on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail system. It’s a challenging route that rewards us with some of the most exquisite mountain scenery in the world. It’s a classic and popular European adventure…. even better when we’re doing it our way:
Two stages with 7 days each and a rest day in the middle. Choose the first or second stage, or do both.
6 - 7 hours trekking per day, at a comfortable pace.
A lodge-to-lodge excursion: dinner, breakfast, a bed and a shower provided at each stop.
TRIP DATES:
Full Trip: August 23 - September 7, 2024
1st Half: August 23 - September 1, 2024 (10 days, 9 nights; Chamonix to Courmayeur)
2nd Half: August 30 - September 7, 2024 (9 days, 8 nights; Courmayeur to Chamonix)
TRIP PRICE:
$4,799 (per person) — Full Trip
$3,119 (per person) — Half Trip
Not Included: Airfare, private rooms/upgrades*, hiking gear, meals not mentioned above (lunches/snacks on the trail), tips for F4A guides, personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol, etc.).
(*- Some of our accommodations are European-style trekking lodges- 'private' rooms are not always available.)
Trip Highlights
- Trek begins and ends in the high-style resort town of Chamonix, France
- Hike 6-12 miles per day, crossing international borders (France, Italy and Switzerland) on foot
- 100 miles +/- total hiking, with an accumulated elevation gain/loss of about 32,800’
- Follow historic routes through the Alps once used for hunting and trading
- Discover quaint villages and valleys in the shadow of enormous glaciers and peaks
- Take a rest day in the lovely medieval town of Courmayeur, Italy
- Ride a sky gondola up to near 13,000’ for close-up views of Mont Blanc’s summit and glaciers
- Enjoy fresh, local and hearty meals- regional cuisine that changes as we cross borders
- Meet locals and other trekkers at mountain lodges (refuges, inns and chalets) along the way
- Comfortable lodging and no camping; a reduced load each day on the trail
- Luggage stored safely in Chamonix during the trek
- Shuttles between Geneva Airport and Chamonix included
FLIGHTS
When booking your flight from the U.S. to Geneva (GVA), be aware that it is typically an overnight flight with arrival in Geneva the next day. Check your arrival date carefully so that you arrive on or before August 23 (Week 1 and Full Trip) or August 3 (Week 2 ONLY). Plan to arrive at GVA by NOON for shuttles to Chamonix. For departures, please book flights that depart out of GVA midday or later on/after September 7 (Full Trip/Week 2) or September 1 (Week 1 ONLY).
DEPOSIT
A $500 deposit (per person) is due at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
PAYMENTS
The first payment (50% of remaining balance) will be due May 15, 2024. Final payment will be due July 15, 2024. You will receive a reminder email when this payment is due. Once made, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
CANCELLATIONS
By Client: If you need to cancel before the trip, the cancellation fee is your initial deposit plus any additional payments made. Any payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your reservation will automatically cancel if final payment is not received by the due date. Travel Insurance is highly recommended (see below).
By Fit 4 Adventure: In the event that we must cancel a trip for commercial reasons beyond our control, including if the minimum number of trip participants is not met, you will be able to transfer any amount paid toward any F4A trip in the next 24 months. You may also opt for a full refund.
By Force Majeure: In the event that a trip is cancelled due (but not limited) to natural disasters, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism, or political instability, F4A will offer you a future trip credit valid for 24 months from the original trip date.
F4A is not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as result of your booking, including (but not limited to) visas, vaccinations, clothing, equipment, testing, travel insurance, or non-refundable flights.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The cancellation policy will be strictly adhered to. To avoid loss of payments due to unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is highly recommended. We recommend booking through our partners Allianz Travel or World Nomads. Alternatively, travel insurance can often be purchased along with your flight.
If you have any questions about this trip, please feel free to reach out to Nick@Fit4Adventure.com
Trip & Route Details
1st Half (trekking clockwise route out of Chamonix) – 10 days/ 9 nights
DAY 1 (Arrival Day): Arrive at Geneva airport (GVA) by NOON and shuttle to Chamonix, France. Trip Orientation and Welcome Dinner in Chamonix (included in trip).
DAY 2: Acclimatization Day - This day will be spent exploring Chamonix to adjust to the time/altitude change and buy any last minute supplies for the trek. Dinner in Chamonix (DIY- we'll recommend some of our favorite spots).
DAY 3: Chamonix to Argentiere - There are a few options for our first day on the trail- your guides will assess the weather and other factors before deciding on the days route. The hike to Argentiere is mild-to-moderate, depending on the route, but a shorter a distance.
DAY 4: Argentière to Trient, Switzerland – Our first big climb starts right out of Argentière as we make our way to the Col de Balme, a high mountain pass at the border of France and Switzerland, before descending into Trient. Very Difficult / 10.7 Miles / 3,100’ Elevation Gain / 2,950’ Elevation Loss
DAY 5: Trient to Champex, Switzerland – With a symphony of Swiss cowbells to motivate us, we tackle a steep climb in the morning up to high mountain pastures. The route moderates in the afternoon, ending at a mountain chalet nestled in the hills outside of Champex. Difficult / 11.6 Miles / 3,100’ Elevation Gain / 1,950’ Elevation Loss
DAY 6: Champex to Ferret, Switzerland – We follow a downhill route into the beautiful town of Champex and stop for photos at the scenic Lac Champex before starting a long, relatively gentle climb up the Swiss side of Val Ferret. Moderately Difficult / 11.4 Miles / 2,100’ Elevation Gain / 1,800’ Elevation Loss
DAY 7: Ferret to Rifugio Bonatti – Crossing from Switzerland into Italy over the Grand Col Ferret we enjoy a terrific view down the full length of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. The route then descends through the Italian Val Ferret before mounting a higher balcony trail that leads to our mountain refuge. Very Difficult / 11.7 Miles / 4,100’ Elevation Gain / 2,700’ Elevation Loss
DAY 8: Rifugio Bonatti to Courmayeur, Italy. We come off the high routes down into the ancient and charming village of Courmayeur, with stunning views along the way of Mont Blanc and the grand Aosta Valley. A big Italian celebration dinner awaits. Moderate / 8.4 Miles / 400’ Elevation Gain / 2,800’ Elevation Loss
Arrival Day, Week 2: While those on Week 1 hike into Courmayeur, those joining for Week 2 will be shuttling from Geneva to Courmayeur to join the group for a celebratory dinner in town (dinner included in trip)
2nd Half – (clockwise route from Courmayeur) - 9 days/ 8 nights
DAY 2/9: Rest/Acclimatization Day in Courmayeur- a spectacular gondola ride to view Mont Blanc; explore town, spa options, etc.
DAY 3/10: Resuming the TMB: Courmayeur to Lac Combal – We resume our trek, and it is one of the most demanding days of the entire route, starting with a steep climb out of Courmayeur. We will take it slow and steady all morning until stopping to enjoy a well-deserved break and picnic lunch. Our preferred spot is a high viewpoint looking across Val Veny and Lac Combal to the towering Aiguille des Glaciers. From lunch on, we follow a mostly downhill track towards our mountain refuge. Very Difficult / 8.9 Miles / 3,950’ Elevation Gain / 1,650’ Elevation Loss
(Those departing after Week 1 will catch morning shuttles from Courmayeur to Geneva Airport for midday departures.)
DAY 4/11: Lac Combal to Les Chapieux, France – A relatively short and easy climb to the Col de la Seigne starts the day well. It is here, the high point for the day, that we cross from Italy into France. A long, steady descent through the Vallée des Glaciers brings us to our delightful guesthouse in the tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux. Moderate / 10.8 Miles / 1,800’ Elevation Gain / 3,100’ Elevation Loss
DAY 5/12: Les Chapieux to Les Contamines, France – Two things make this one of the more difficult days of the journey. First, is the steep ascent to the Col de la Croix. Second, is navigating - and sometimes scrambling - over long stretches of very rocky terrain. The demanding downhill track eventually eases - and the views are spectacular - as we approach our destination hotel in the town of Les Contamines. Very Difficult / 12.5 Miles / 3,150’ Elevation Gain / 4,400’ Elevation Loss
DAY 6/13: Les Contamines to Les Houches, France – This long-distance day includes a couple of good uphill climbs, but we stop in the middle for a leisurely lunch break in the hamlet of Bionnassay. By afternoon, we are descending across ski slopes and past elegant chalets sitting above the town of Les Houches. Moderately Difficult / 10.1 Miles / 1,650’ Elevation Gain / 2,100’ Elevation Loss
DAY 7/14: Les Houches to Chamonix. A shorter, more moderate day of hiking up to and along a balcony trail completes the route back to Chamonix, where a private chalet and catered dinner await. Congratulations on completing the TMB journey! Moderate / 7 Miles / 1,650’ Elevation Gain / 1,650’ Elevation Loss
DAY 8/15: A day to recover. Take time to discover all that makes Chamonix the ultimate resort town in Europe. Visit the glacier and ice cave, book a paragliding trip, ride the sky-high gondolas, take a day hike, or just spend the day resting and exploring the shops in town.
DAY 9/16 (Departure Day): Morning shuttles from Chamonix to Geneva for midday departures.
Note: Alternate routes, destinations and activities may be incorporated into itinerary at the discretion of guides.
As one of the most iconic treks in the world, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a bucket list adventure for many people. It is an amazing, beautiful, authentic European experience that you will remember for a lifetime. We are in our 9th year of offering this opportunity to our clients, and we are pleased to have so many satisfied finishers. Truth be told, it is challenging (we’re in the Alps) and also extremely rewarding (WE’RE IN THE ALPS!!).
Long before the trip starts, we are doing everything we can to ensure your success. We have selected comfortable, reliable accommodations throughout the route so you can rest well. We make training and gear recommendations that will enhance your comfort and endurance. We provide good hearty meals to keep you going. We have a support crew along the route to move your duffles along, so all you carry on the trail is a day bag. We are familiar with alternate routes and modes of travel so that we can be adaptive as conditions change. And then, as the trek gets underway, we foster close bonds and work together as a team to support every trekker throughout the trip. No hiker is left behind!
Here’s what you can do: Know what you are getting into. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Accept that some moments will be glorious, and others will be grueling. Do the training and come prepared with strong legs and healthy lungs. In the end, be honest with yourself. Try a half trip if you are doubting yourself on the full. Take a different tour if you think this may be too much. We are happy to talk with you and help you make your decisions. Truth be told- it really is the trip of a lifetime, and we want to ensure that you (and the rest of the group) enjoy it as such!
I just got back from Tour de Mont Blanc and had a fabulous time! My second Fit4Adventure trip with Diane. You can count on having a great experience!! She also keeps the group sizes manageable. Joe the Tour Leader is a kind and caring person, super organized and professional, and an expert at keeping everyone safe and happy! They did a fantastic job at making this a wonderful experience -absolutely gorgeous hiking, great food, and super company. I'm looking forward to my next Fit4Adventure trip and hope to see you all again!
You each inspired me so much, I came back a different person, a few lbs heavier (due to the amazing food) but so much lighter in heart!!! Thank you all
Thank you for your patience, kindness, humor and thoughtfulness as Fit 4 Adventure guided me (and a group of other women) through the mountains of Mont Blanc. This was a great way to end my 60th year and begin the first year of my 60s and opened my eyes to the other side of the world..
I have done at least 4 Fit4adventure trips and they have all been awesome. This is because of the activities, the wonderful guides, the folks that you meet on the trip and all of the neat unexpected extras and special touches on the trips. We are looking forward to several more trips over the next several years. I can not recommend them highly enough!
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