Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc in a Weekend: The Hut-to-Hut Edition
Hike a mini version of this world famous long-distance trek. Three countries, four days, one epic adventure
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with experienced, English-speaking IML-certified guidesMountain hut
3 nights staying in alpine mountain refugesMeals
Breakfast and dinner will be served up with picnic lunches on the trailTransfers
Transfers to and from Geneva airportEquipment
Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for hire.Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 15 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Trek through Italy, Switzerland and France in a long weekend, bedding down in Alpine mountain huts along the way
Hike the twin valleys of Val Ferret with its vantage point over Mont Blanc, Dent du Géants and the Grandes Jorasses
Ascend the Col de Balme (2190m) and traverse to L'Aiguillettes des Posettes for inspiring views of Mont Blanc
Key Information
Day 1
Hike up Val Ferret
Hiking
After meeting your hosts at either Geneva Airport or Les Houches, you'll be driven through the tunnel to Plampincieux, just outside of Courmayeur on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. From there you’ll ascend into the Val Ferret heading towards the Italian-Swiss border, the trail providing inspiring views of Mont Blanc, Dent du Géants, and the Grandes Jorasses massif. You’ll reach your mountain refuge high up in valley in time for a hearty dinner with your fellow hikers.
Day 2
Into Switzerland
Hiking
Start the morning with an invigorating ascent up to Grand Col Ferret (2536m), crossing from Italy into Switzerland. This is one of the most challenging passes on the TMB route, a long steady climb with incredible views of Val Ferret, Mont Dolent and the Swiss side of the valley. From the top of the pass you'll take the more gradual, long descent down to La Fouly village, stopping at a traditional dairy farm along the way with the chance to sample some of the local produce. From La Fouly you’ll be driven to Champex for the night.
Day 3
Hike to Trient
Hiking
Today you’ll hike up and over the mountains via the classic Bovine route to Trient. This winding forest trail leads you up past mountain streams to the Bovine Refuge and the high alpages, where you are rewarded with spectacular views of the Rhone Valley. Make sure to stop for a slice of the best cake the region has to offer! From the top of Bovine you'll descend down the wooded trail to the Col de la Forclaz. Shortly after you'll be able to enjoy deep valley views from a boardwalk, looking down on Trient and it's famous pink church. From there it's a short section down to the village and your well earned rest for the night.
Day 4
Trient to Tré-le-Champ and departure
Hiking
In the morning you’ll ascend Col de Balme (2190m), your last long ascent of this route, to be rewarded with an expansive vista down the Chamonix Valley towards Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi. You’ll then traverse round to another excellent view point, L'Aiguillettes des Posettes, and descend through peaceful glades and forests to Tré-le-Champ.
Usually the hike is finished around 15:30 and you arrive back in central Chamonix via the valley bus. There is just time for a quick celebration drink with the group before your shared bus transfer departs at around 17:00 for Geneva Airport, for those heading off that day.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
Catch any flight arriving by 10:30 on Day 1
Ends
Geneva International Airport, Switzerland
Catch any flight departing 20:30 onwards on Day 4
Transfers
To take advantage of the airport transfers included at the start of the trip, you'll need to arrive into Geneva Airport no later than 10:30 on Day 1 – your transfer will depart for Chamonix at 11:30 sharp. It takes around one hour to get from Geneva to Chamonix. Your return transfer will arrive at Geneva Airport at around 18:30 on Day 4, so you'll need to book flights departing from 20:30 onwards.
If making your own way to Chamonix, you will need to be at Les Houches Marie, by the TMB Archway next to the tourism office, at 12:15 on Day 1*. The group transfer will stop at Les Houches on the way from Geneva Airport to the Mont Blanc Tunnel and do a pick up there for those already in the Chamonix area. Les Houches is easily reachable from central Chamonix using the local bus network, there is also a local train service which links the valley.
*Please note the Les Houches pick-up option is not available in September due to the Mont Blanc Tunnel being closed for planned maintenance. During September the group transfer from Geneva Airport will take a different route to Courmayeur, via Martigny and the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard, on roads which do not pass through the Chamonix Valley. The journey time from GVA to where you start your hike in Val Ferret is expected to be similar (approx 3.5-4hrs depending on traffic), as even though the driving distance is longer this route avoids the usual waiting time at the Mont Blanc Tunnel (often 1.5hrs or longer during peak times in the summer). The diversion is not expected to impact the planned hike on Day 1.
Travel options
The latest possible joining time for this trip is either 11:30 at Geneva Airport or 12:15 at Les Houches Tourism Office*, even in the event of a flight delay (*See above note on September arrivals). If you arrive beyond these times, it will not be possible to catch up with the group on Day 1. Therefore, you may wish to arrive a day early and overnight at an airport hotel or spend some time in Chamonix before your trip gets underway (Geneva Airport (GVA) is approximately one hour from Chamonix).
For those who wish to avoid flying, Chamonix is also accessible by train via the St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet) station at the base of the valley which connects to Chamonix Mont Blanc train station. For example, take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then connect to a number of direct lines or an overnight sleeper train from Paris to St. Gervais-les-Bains, then on to Chamonix Mont Blanc station. You can also travel to Geneva by various train routes from other parts of Europe and travel on to Chamonix from there by bus. Geneva bus station is a five-minute walk or short taxi ride from the central train station. There are various bus services from Geneva bus station to Chamonix, the quickest option taking 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the refuges. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jam and butter. Depending on the refuge, they may also include orange juice, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, cheese and meats. Dinners are hearty and served in large portions – just what a hungry hiker needs! Typical meals include a soup starter, a main course of meat and veggies with a side of grains or pasta, and a dessert like vanilla pudding or creme brûlée. Picnic lunches will be provided each day, featuring a large main item like a sandwich or wrap, a salad, and a selection of fruit, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.
Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements (including gluten-free) can be catered for with advanced notice. Just let your host know when booking. Whilst dietary needs are sent to each refuge with the group reservations, please consider that the mountain refuges will have a limited range of choice to offer guests due to their remote locations. People with very specific dietary requirements typically choose to also bring some of their own snacks with them to ensure they have sufficient fuel for hiking up and down the beautiful mountain trails.
What is the accommodation like?
On the trek
You’ll be staying at authentic mountain refuges. The accommodation is simple, clean and comfortable, and there is a variety of accommodation options used throughout the hiking season. Groups typically sleep in mixed dormitory rooms of up to 20 persons, usually in bunk or single beds. They feature hot showers, running water, pillows and blankets, and a bar serving cold drinks. Most refuges also have outlets for charging your electronics, and some even have WiFi. Some refuges are more modern in style, others have a more traditional heritage, most are busy throughout the hiking season; it's the refuge's location and its remoteness that largely decides what comforts and conveniences are available. It's best to keep your expectations simple and enjoy the time on the trail to unplug from everyday life.
Groups will usually stay at the following accommodation:
- Day 1: Refugio Walter Bonatti or Refugio Elena (Val Ferret)
- Day 2: Gite Bon Abri (Champex)
- Day 3: Hotel La Grande Ourse (Trient)
Upgrades
Upgrades are not available within the mountain refuges used on this trip. However, if you'd like a little more comfort between hikes, check out our adventure Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc in a Long Weekend: The Hotels Edition.
Hotel La Grande Ourse
Your final night of the trek (Day 6) is spent at the Hotel La Grande Ourse in the picturesque village of Trient at the foot of two glaciers and the Col de la Forclaz. You'll stay in mixed dorms, with shared bathrooms and single-sex showers to use. There is a bar and a lovely garden to grab a drink and toast the last stage of your trek.
Upgrades
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trip is suitable for experienced hikers in good shape. You'll need to be able to hike 15–20km on mountain trails, with as much as 1000m+ of elevation gain and descent, each day. You will be carrying your own overnight pack between the refuges, so should be confident hiking with a 30-50L pack for multiple days. Doing some practice hikes before the trip with your pack and boots is strongly recommended to help you prepare for this adventure!
What will I need to carry?
You will be carrying your own 30-50L pack between the refuges, with everything you need for the four day trek. A luggage transport service is unavailable on this trip as not all accommodation is accessible by road. So don't over pack, a lighter pack will be more enjoyable, but also don't skip the essentials and risk getting caught out in bad weather. It's a good idea to do some hiking before the trip so you are comfortable with the gear you plan to bring on the trek. Check out our kit list section for the basics to consider putting in your pack.
The Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season is from June to September. Summer around Mont Blanc is generally warm and fair, but the weather can change very quickly in the high mountains, bringing cold rain and wind. Average temperatures range from 6 to 26 °C. It rains roughly half of the days each month, but storms generally pass through quickly. There can be snow on the mountain passes at the start of the season. Even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes above 2000m. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our kit list is intended to guide you on what to pack for this trip.
A perfect break
This is a great trip. If you need a circuit breaker from life/work/the city, and you're reasonably fit, this is a great option. The hiking has its challenging bits but with respite never too far away. Our guide Dave did a great job figuring out how to manage a mixed ability group. We had some wild weather at times but this was easily still a positive part of the experience for me. The refuges varied in standard but were comfortable and warm (and delivered the best fondue I've had!). The mountains were beautiful even with the mist. And lovely people to spend the time with. I'd do it again.
Wonderful trip
Our guide Dave was knowledgeable & witty. He gave us space to build friendships & admire the beauty of the alps but was more prescriptive when necessary. The hiking was tough but rewarding. The hostels were comfy. A hot shower every night was a treat. The food was plentiful, varied & delicious. MBA were responsive & friendly. All in all a really fabulous trip.
This trip is life changing!!!
The most amazing trip...with the most amazing, knowledgeable guide (Loic). One of the toughest things I've ever done..but worth every second!!! If you're thinking about booking this trip...definitely do it!!!
Fantastic weekend adventure!
I joined a 15 person group for the last mini TMB of the season. We were blessed with exceptional weather and the views were out of this world! The 4 days were well organised and offered a good variety of challenge and terrain. The refuges were basic but comfortable and the food was plentiful. Our group enjoyed a well earned beer at the end of each days hiking! The hikes were definitely challenging and you need a good level of cardio fitness to get up those ascents. Our guide Alessandra was excellent.
Truly Amazing Adventure
Fab four days trekking the Tour Du Mont Blanc with a great group of people. Both accommodation & food was good, the scenery was breathtaking, our guide was amazing & his knowledge was vast, he gave us the best advice on how to complete the trek from layering to pacing ourselves. A thoroughly enjoyable experience I'll never forget. Thank you.
Brilliant
Brilliant trip, great guide, spot on kit list (used everything) had a blast despite the weather.
Amazing Trip
A fantastic 4 days in the mountains. We encountered every type of weather which enhanced the whole experience.
Our guide Loic was outstanding, his advice and support are something I will take away with me forever.
First night I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle the sleeping arrangements but you just have to embrace it.
Unforgettable
Wow. What an adventure with the best guide ever, Loic. Challenging but so worth it. Extraordinary views, literally being and feeling on top of the world. An amazing group with an amazing leader. Thank you 🤩
The Most Excellent Adventure
I had the most wonderful experience trekking part of the TMB. The views are absolutely stunning wherever you look, the huts were decent and so was the food. We had Cecilia as our guide who was excellent - good company, knowledgeable and took great care of us from start to finish. A fabulous adventure to get a taste of the mountains, challenging and rewarding, you will not be disappointed.