3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided alpine walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1210GBP

Child£890GBP*

* See below for further details.

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MBF

Trip highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery around the highest peak in Western Europe
  • Experience the exhilaration of trekking through three countries in the European Alps
  • Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette
  • Sharing your walking day with other families and the donkeys which enrich your alpine experience

This specialised walk ensures that all members of the family experience the spectacular trails and wonderful alpine spirit of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Guided along mountain trails this relaxed itinerary provides awesome views of Mont Blanc with overnight stays in charming alpine villages and mountain huts. Carrying only a day pack, our donkeys transport our bags and supplies, and become part of the walking experience with the children taking turns leading their favourite donkey. We have plenty of time to enjoy the small villages we happen upon along the way, including the delightful La Fouly and enchanting Trient. Staying in local refuges we feast on French, Swiss and Italian cuisine. This itinerary, suitable for active children from age 7 and up, provides an exhilarating alpine walk with unforgettable vistas around every bend.

Countries:

France, Italy, Switzerland

Starting Point:

Courmayeur

Finishing Point:

Le Tour

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

This morning you will meet your group and your guide in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur where you can sample the excellent ice creams. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin walking. The route climbs steadily through birch forest and the tree line before arriving at the refuge. In good weather the views are superb. Overnight refuge with shower. 4.5km/2.8mi, +800m/2625ft

Meals:  L,D

We walk to the road head and transfer to the next section of the trail. There are great views over the 'Grandes Jorasses' and we can see the southern face of Mont-Blanc which is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower. 10km/6mi, +704m, -631m/+2310ft, -2070ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today views of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), are with us all the way as we make our way towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), which marks the border of Switzerland and Italy. The day starts with a steep climb to the pass and the view back to the Italian Val Ferret is superb, as is the view to the Grand Combin to the east. The descent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and your refuge just before the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight refuge with shower. 11km/7mi, +624m, -700m/+2047ft, -2297ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Half an hour in to this mornings walk you arrive in the pretty village of La Fouly. Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des Hommes”. Overnight gîte with shower. 17km/10.5mi, +600m, -700m/+1968ft, -2297ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s walk takes you on a gentle ascent through the Bovine mountain pastures which overlook the Rhône valley and the village of Martigny. In the distance are the Bernese Alps. On a good weather day there are extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier during the days walk. The high point of the day is at around 2049m before we descend to the Col de la Forclaz. Overnight Refuge with shower. 16km/10mi, +7000m, -700m/+2297ft, -2297ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we make our way to the Balme mountain passage. Weather permitting we will be afforded wonderful views over the Mont Blanc chain. We spend the night in the refuge at the head of the Chamonix Valley. 6km/7.5mi, +910m, -200m/+2985ft, -656ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today takes you up to the Col des Montets (1481m) and through the nature reserve of Aiguilles Rouges (red needles) to view glaciers tumbling from across the valley. Within the nature reserve view wildflowers and drink in impressive views from a different perspective. Continue to Le Tour where the walk concludes at 2pm. +100m, -600m/+328ft, -1968ft

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
  • 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis.
  • Luggage transfer by donkey – 1 piece maximum 7kgs (excesses are refused so please test the weight of your luggage before meeting the group, allowing 200g for the kit bag). It is possible early or late in the season that you may need to carry your overnight requirements for one or two days if the snow conditions on the trail are not suitable for donkeys.
  • Experienced mountain guide

  • Travel to and from the trail head
  • Drinks
  • Travel Insurance - mandatory
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Storage of luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Mountain Accommodation

Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gîte hostels. When staying in dorms, there can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10 to 12). We keep the group together in the dorm room.

Mountain Gite or Refuge: Dorms

Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.

Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE– GRADE 3 The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for active children from 7 years of age. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions. As with all our moderate programs, we expect participants to be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sport around two to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.

Priceper person from

Adult£1210GBP

Child£890GBP** See right for further details.

Options & Supplements*
  • Additional luggage storage - per 15kg bagGBP£60
  • Child (aged 7-13 years)GBP£950
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Mont Blanc Guided Walk with UTracks

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