Backroads

ALPINE WARMTH: Casual Inns

Park Hotel Suisse

Chamonix, France (1 night): This charming, family-run hotel is nestled slope-side in the heart of Chamonix. 

Hotel le Grizzli

Les Contamines, France (1 night): This small centrally located hotel reflects the Alps with balconies that open onto the exquisite town and mountains.

Auberge de la Nova

Les Chapieux, France (1 night): Featuring hearty dinners, this simple family-run alpine refuge is a hiker's haven.

Hotel Berthod

Courmayeur, Italy (2 nights): Located in the heart of town with panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

Hotel du Glacier

Champex-Lac, Switzerland (1 night): A family-run hotel with a billiards lounge, sauna and hot tub.

Hotel du Col de la Forclaz

Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland (1 night): This rustic inn is perfectly situated next to the hiking path joining the Swiss and French borders.

Auberge du Bois Prin

Chamonix, France (1 night): A traditional Chamonix chalet perched on a hill overlooking the town, with magnificent views of the massif.

Route Rating

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

• Level 1 1 Route Option Available
• 3.2 miles
• 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
• 1033 feet elevation loss (2.5 hours)

Day 2

• Level 3 1 Route Option Available
• 7.3 miles
• 2000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
• 4324 feet elevation loss (6-7 hours)

Day 3

• Level 4 1 Route Option Available
• 10.3 miles
• 4000 - 4500 feet elevation gain
• 3098 feet elevation loss (7-9 hours)

Day 4

• Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
• 10.6, 13.7 miles
• 2500 - 4500 feet elevation gain
• 3000 feet elevation loss (7-8 hours)

Day 5

• Optional Activities

Day 6

• Level 4 1 Route Option Available
• 9.4 miles
• 2808 feet elevation gain
• 3117 feet elevation loss (6-7 hours)

Day 7

• Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
• 8.7, 11 miles
• 2000 - 4000 feet elevation gain
• 2238 feet elevation loss (5-6 hours)

Day 8

• Level 2 1 Route Option Available
• 6.5 miles
• 2434 feet elevation gain
• 200 feet elevation loss (5-6 hours)

Day 9

• Level 1 1 Route Option Available
• 3.1 miles
• 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain

Please note that the terrain on this trip varies from access roads, mountain hiking paths, uneven boulders and exposed single-track trails and suspension bridges with sections of our hikes covered with snow, ice and mud. Most days, we climb one to two mountain passes and then descend them, often at a steep grade.