Genève to Mont Blanc & Chamonix Hiking

Megève

Our first hike is along forested trails through alpine meadows to a mountain refuge, where lunch awaits. Afterwards, we will hike down passing rustic ancient timber chalets peppering alpine pastures, to the charming village of Megève. We stay at the 5-star Les Fermes de Marie, a rustic-chic collection of chalets with spa, pool and restaurant. We’ll host a welcome wine reception and then have dinner at Flocons Village, 3-star Michelin chef Emmanuel Renaut’s original bistro.

Hike distance: 9.7km, gain +465/-574m (6mi, +1400’/-1720’).

Chamonix

Today, we’ll transfer to the village of St-Gervais-les-Bains to take the Mont Blanc tramway. This cog railway winds its way up through meadows, pastures and small mountain lakes, via Les Houches to Col de Voza. We will hike a trail past mountain auberges, across suspension bridges and down to the valley, enjoying views of the Bionnassay Glacier and Mont Blanc. After a sumptuous lunch at an alpine auberge, we will hike to Bellevue station. If you wish to extend the hike and enjoy another fantastic view we will climb Mont Lachat before leaving the alpine. Back on the tramway, you can return to St. Gervais & Megève. We then transfer to one of the most celebrated villages in France, Chamonix. Popular with climbers, skiers, hikers, adrenalin seekers, this village also boasts luxurious lodgings – we stay at the historic 5-star Hotel Mont-Blanc. We’ll be joined by a local climber/mountain guide who will talk about the history of climbing here before dinner.

Hike distance: 8.8km, +1050/-350m (5.4mi, +3150’/-1050’).
Afternoon option: 1.4km, +220m (0.8mi, +660’).

Chamonix

We will take the La Flégère gondola and hike to Lac Blanc, one of the highlights of the “Tour de Mont Blanc”. The trail leads through a nature reserve where ibex and marmots are often spotted. The view from La Blanc of the Mont Blanc Massif is one of the most impressive in Europe. Continue to Lacs des Chéserys for an optional add-on if you wish.
This will be a free night for dinner and you can choose from the many recommended restaurants in town.

Hike distance: 8.8km, +540/-540m (5.4mi, +1620’/-1620’).

Montenvers

We start the day by taking the famed cable car up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi where you can browse exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the geology of the Mont Blanc massif. A glass-floored exhibit dangles over a 3,000-foot drop! After catching our breath, we’ll cable car half-way down the mountain to Plan d’Aiguille where our hike starts. We will follow a trail to the Signal de Forbes viewpoint and bask in the view of the Mer de Glace, France’s longest and largest glacier. Arrive to Montenvers, where we overnight at the rustic and charming Refuge de Montenvers. You can visit one of the world’s most famous ice caves, the Grotte de Glace. We will enjoy dinner in the hotel’s superb restaurant and bask in the view.
Note – on some departures, we return to Chamonix in lieu of staying at Montenvers.

Hike distance: 6.8km, +120/-500m (4.2mi, +360’/-1500’); or 14km, +222/-1475m (8.6mi, +660’/-4425’).

Courmayeur

Awake in the splendor of the mountains. If you would like to hike down to Chamonix, this is an option after an early breakfast. Or, relax over a leisurely breakfast, and take the cog train back down to Chamonix. From here we’ll transfer 20min to the mountain village of Courmayeur in Italy.
You’ll have three options today: for those who might enjoy a leisurely hike, this is an option to climb up to the Refugio Bertone for lunch and locally produced wines; it’s a moderate hike with views of glaciers rolling down from the high peaks near Mont Blanc. Or if you would like to try via ferrata ‘iron road’ in Italian, a method of climbing while attached to a cable, this is an option. Another option is to take the newly built Skyway Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) cable car up to the glacial snowfield. Professional mountain guides will provide a lesson using crampons and then after roping up with guides, partake in a glacier walk (availability depends on weather). Afterward, descend to the village of Courmayeur and L’Auberge de La Maison.

Hike distance: 10.4km, +750/-500m (6.5mi, +2250’/-1500’).
Morning optional hike: 7.5km, +100/-950m (4.6mi, +300’/-2850’).

Courmayeur

Today, we’ll hike the famed Mont Blanc ridge trail. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Walter Bonatti refugio. Named after the famed mountain climber, explorer and journalist, this quaint mountain refuge is an ideal place to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, continue along the ridge trail, descending to the Val Ferret valley and Courmayeur. We will host a final night wine reception and then dinner at the hotel’s fine restaurant.

Hike distance: 11.7km, +450/-645m (7.2mi, +1350’/-1935’).

Departure Day

We will provide a group transfer at 9am to Genève. If you wish to linger and depart at your leisure, this is an option.