Backroads

ALPINE WARMTH: Casual Inns

Park Hotel Suisse

Chamonix, France (1 night): Located in the heart of famed mountaineering center, Chamonix.

Hotel le Christiania

Les Contamines, France (1 night): This cozy mountainside lodge sits just steps from the town center.

Auberge de la Nova

Les Chapieux, France (1 night): Featuring hearty dinners, this traditional alpine refuge is a hiker’s haven.

Hotel Berthod

Courmayeur, Italy (2 nights):

This charming inn is located just off the main pedestrian zone in chic Courmayeur, boasting panoramic views of Mont Blanc

Hotel Residence Glacier & Sporting

Champex-Lac, Switzerland (1 night): A family-run hotel with a billiards lounge, a large terrace and spa facilities.

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
• 850 feet elevation gain
• 1000 feet elevation loss (2.5 hours)

Day 2

• Level 4 1 Route Option Available
• 7.3 miles
• 2300 feet elevation gain
• 4300 feet elevation loss (6-7 hours)

Day 3

• Level 4 1 Route Option Available
• 10.6 miles
• 4200 feet elevation gain
• 3100 feet elevation loss (7-9 hours)

Day 4

• Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
• 10.6, 14 miles
• 2500 - 4100 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
• 2800 feet elevation gain
• 3100 feet elevation loss (6-7 hours)

Day 7

• Levels 4  1 Route Option Available
• 9.9 miles
• 2400 feet elevation gain
• 2200 feet elevation loss (5-6 hours)

Day 8

• Level 4 1 Route Option Available
• 6.5 miles
• 2400 feet elevation gain
• 200 feet elevation loss (5-6 hours)

Day 9

• Level 3 1 Route Option Available
• 3.1 miles
• 1600 feet elevation gain

The terrain on this trip varies from access roads, mountain hiking paths, uneven boulders, exposed single-track trails and suspension bridges to sections covered with snow, ice and mud. Most days we climb one to two mountain passes; expect hills with some strenuous climbs and steep descents.

The walking and hiking routes on this trip are not accessible by van. There is no van support on the hikes.