Mont Blanc Hiking
The majestic Mont Blanc massif, Western Europe's tallest mountain at 15,771 feet, towers in the rarefied alpine air. Circumnavigating the peak - the Tour de Mont Blanc - is one of the continent’s most exhilarating hiking routes. Backroads’ challenging trip covers much of this classic journey and showcases some of its most spectacular scenery. Evenings, we experience the hospitality of three different cultures during our stays in cozy French and Italian chalets, and rustic, quintessentially Swiss hotels.
Day 1 Chamonix, France
Meet in Geneva 
Embark on a warm-up hike through the Chamonix Valley with incredible views of the Aguilles de Chamonix Stroll through Chamonix, the famed mountaineering center nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Day 2 Les Contamines, France
Hike over two mountain passes, including the impressive Col de Tricot along Mont Blanc’s western flank Admire vistas of the snow-covered Dômes de Miage ridge and the Miage Glacier during lunch at a hiker’s refuge.
Day 3 Les Chapieux, France
Follow an ancient Roman trading path alongside the Bon Nant River and into a natural reserve Tackle the incredibly scenic (but steep!) route over the Bonhomme Pass.
Days 4-5 Courmayeur, Italy
Walk from France through the Valley of Glaciers to the chic mountain resort town of Courmayeur, Italy Hike through the Veny Valley along Lac Combal and savor your first view of Mont Blanc from the Italian side Spend a well-deserved day relaxing in town.
Day 6 Champex-Lac, Switzerland
Make your way from the Italian to the Swiss side of the Ferret Valley Enjoy a traditional Swiss mountain lunch of raclette 
Take in views of the Pres de Bard Glacier and Mont Dolent, where Swiss, French and Italian borders converge.
Day 7 Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland
Ascend to the Col de la Forclaz and follow a verdant undulating trail past waterfalls and through mountain pasture Stop at a charming family-run alpine dairy for lunch.
Days 8-9 Chamonix, France
Hike to the Col de Balme, a techincal climb tracing an ancient trade route from Switzerland back to France Take the cog train up to a historic hotel and hike to a spectacular view point over the Mer de Glace Return to Chamonix by cable car.
ALPINE WARMTH: Casual Inns
Park Hotel Suisse (1 night): Located in the heart of famed mountaineering center, Chamonix.
Hotel le Christiania (1 night): This cozy mountainside lodge sits just steps from the town center.
Auberge de la Nova (1 night): Featuring hearty dinners, this traditional alpine refuge is a hiker’s haven.
Hotel Berthod (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 (1 night): A family-run hotel with a billiards lounge, a large terrace and spa facilities.
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz (1 night): This rustic inn is perfectly situated next to the hiking path joining the Swiss and French borders.
Auberge du Bois Prin (1 night): A traditional Chamonix chalet perched on a hill overlooking the town, with magnificent views of the massif.
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.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/2-10Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1370 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/13-21Price: $4598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1370 for sgl. occ.)
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Guest Trip Reviews
The trip was fantastic!!! Our guides were the BEST guides.Their knowledge, ability to lead the trip and take care of EVERYTHING we needed was incredible. I have had - and have heard of good guides before - but everyone on our trip agreed that we have never had guides that were this incredible. They made sure everything was taken care of and then they ensured they spent time with all of us individually, got to know us. The trip itself was incredible...the hikes, the scenery, the experience, our group was really wonderful. We had so much fun! A trip I am telling everyone about. My husband is so blown away by my pictures he is already signing us up for a trip next year.- Flat Rock, NC
The Alps trip is a one-of-a-kind truly remarkable experience. For the knowledgeable hiker seeking a more challenging vacation, this is it.- Chicago, IL
The hiking was excellent, with many breathtaking views. Both leaders were superb on the trails and allowed us all to go at our own pace, while at the same time keeping track of where everyone was.- Charlottesville, VA
Excellent tripthe leaders were fantastic and shared detailed knowledge of the Mont Blanc area. The hiking was truly amazing!- Brooklyn, NY
The best Backroads trip we've ever taken (and we've taken a bunch of them.) The weather was fantastic, the leaders were superb and the other hikers helped form a great group.- Vestal, NY
This trip was my 16th with Backroads, and it surpassed my expectations. The hiking and vistas were extraordinary, of course, and the sunny weather almost the entire week enhanced each day's hike. But our two leaders were particularly remarkable: professional, reliable, well prepared, warm, thoughtful and creative. Also, I had not expected such culinary delights. At least once a day, I was thrilled with some gourmet experience: fresh gravlax at breakfast; polenta with wild mushrooms at Rifugio Elisabetta or a 40-egg omelette with potatoes in the middle of a hike at Refuge de Miage. And that raclette? And the glorious presenations at L'O a la Bouche restaurant. Hats off to you Backroads. You keep getting better and better. I'm hooked forever! And I'm appreciative.- San Francisco, CA