Tour du Mont Blanc Comfort 2026 - 11 Day Fastpacker

The trail begins with zigzags up the mountainside through alpine meadows to Col de Voza (1,653m), passing restaurants and the rustic Refuge de Fioux, where refreshments and local products are available. It then descends through pine forests, crossing wooden bridges over mountain streams before reaching the village of Bionnassay. Here, the Glacier de Bionnassay and its dramatic icefall come into view, while Mont Blanc (4,809m) increasingly dominates the skyline. Refreshments are available at the Auberge de Bionnassay.

Beyond Bionnassay, the path drops to a suspension bridge crossing the Bionnassay torrent, then continues downhill through woodland to the hamlet of Le Champel. The trail winds on through beautiful meadows and forests, passing traditional hamlets such as La Gruvaz and La Tresse. From Tresse Le Quy, it crosses the Bon-Nant river and traverses the valley flank with fine views of the Dômes de Miage (3,673m), before reaching Les Contamines-Montjoie, a charming alpine village with excellent facilities for hikers.

From Les Contamines-Montjoie, the trail follows a tranquil riverside path to Notre Dame de la Gorge, a striking 17th-century baroque chapel with a painted interior and potable water outside. Entering the forest, the route crosses the historic Pont Romain over the Bon-Nant river and climbs an ancient paved Roman road through coniferous woodland to Refuge de Nant Borrant, a welcoming stop with refreshments and valley views.

The ascent continues on a gravel track through alpine meadows, passing bell-wearing cattle and following the Bon-Nant river to Refuge de la Balme (1,700m), the last refreshment point before the high passes. Beyond, the trail climbs steadily toward the Aiguilles de la Pennaz, crossing streams to reach the Plan des Dames cairn (2,043m), then steepens to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m). A scenic traverse leads to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,483m) and its refuge. From here, the path descends steeply into the Vallée des Glaciers, passing Chalets de Raja before reaching the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1,549m).

At the end of this day you will take a bus or taxi from Les Chapieux to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, taking approximately 35 minutes, for your accommodation.

After taking a bus or taxi back to Les Chapieux, you will begin your day with a gentle ascent through the Vallée des Glaciers, passing alpine pastures and the hamlet of La Ville des Glaciers before reaching Refuge des Mottets (1,864m), a renovated dairy farm beneath Col de la Seigne. From here, well-graded switchbacks climb to Col de la Seigne (2,516m), marking the border between France and Italy and offering superb panoramic views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.

The path descends into the broad Vallon de la Lée Blanche, where marmots are often spotted among the rocky slopes. An old Italian customs house now serves as a small mountain information centre. The trail follows a flat Roman road across the valley before a short climb to Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini, perched above Val Veny. A steep descent leads to Lac Combal, with onward options: follow the valley floor to La Visaille for buses to Courmayeur, or climb onto a celebrated balcony trail above Val Veny with outstanding Mont Blanc views. The route undulates through meadows and larch forests to Rifugio Maison Vieille, then descends to Courmayeur, a lively Italian mountain town.

From Courmayeur, the trail climbs through residential streets into a pine forest, zigzagging upward over 800 m via numerous switchbacks. The shaded forest provides relief on hot days before opening to spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Brenva Glacier, arriving at Rifugio Bertone (1,989 m), perched with panoramic views of Courmayeur and surrounding peaks.

From Bertone, the route turns east along a high, level balcony trail crossing alpine meadows, larch forests, and grasslands blooming with wildflowers. Views extend across Val Ferret to the jagged north faces of Mont Blanc and Les Grandes Jorasses (4,208 m), with the Glacier de Freboudze cascading below. The path passes pastures at Leuchey, Leche, and Arminaz before reaching Rifugio Bonatti.

Continuing east, the trail traverses meadows before making a sharp left onto a steep descent. Zigzagging through alpine meadows and streams, it finally reaches the valley floor at Chalet Val Ferret, where refreshments are available. You will then take a bus back to Courmayeur for your night's accommodation.

After taking the bus back from Courmayeur to Nouvaz 29 Bus Stop at Chalet Val Ferret, you will begin the day by following the trail crossing the Dora de Ferret river and climbs through alpine meadows along the valley flank, passing small streams and offering expanding views of Val Ferret. After steady ascent, Rifugio Elena appears beneath the Pre de Bard Glacier.

The route continues upward toward Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), the Italy–Switzerland border. Well-graded switchbacks lead through meadows that gradually turn rocky, with panoramic views of the Italian Val Ferret behind and Swiss peaks ahead. A stone marker and Swiss flag mark the col.

Descending the Swiss side, the trail crosses alpine pastures and reaches Alpage de la Peule (1,970 m), a traditional dairy farm and refuge where visitors can sample local cheeses. The path continues into the valley, ending at La Fouly (1,600 m), a charming village with pine forests, wooden chalets, and refreshment options. There is limited accommodation in La Fouly, so we may book your hotel in Orsières which will require a bus or taxi journey, which takes around 30 minutes.

Returning to La Fouly by bus or taxi, if your hotel is in Orsières, the day will being with descending gently from La Fouly, through the Swiss Val Ferret, following the La Dranse de Ferret river through pine forest and open alpine meadows dotted with traditional wooden chalets. Passing the hamlet of Praz de Fort, the route continues through peaceful farmland with glimpses of surrounding peaks. After crossing the river on a wooden footbridge, the path leads through the picturesque hamlet of Les Arlaches, known for its historic timber buildings and distinctive interlaced roofs.

The trail reaches Issert (1,055m), where a bus stop and the popular Café du Châtelet offer a convenient lunch break. From Issert, the route crosses the Torrent du Darbellay and begins a steady climb through pine and larch forest, gaining over 400m via shaded switchbacks. Along the way, whimsical wooden carvings appear among the trees. As the forest thins, the path emerges at Champex-Lac (1,470m), a charming lakeside resort village, often called “Little Canada,” with ample accommodation, dining, and services.

From Champex-Lac, the trail leaves the road and follows a forest path, winding through pine trees alongside a rushing mountain stream. After several kilometres of steady ascent, the path emerges at Plan de l’Au, a scenic plateau with sweeping mountain views.

The trail then climbs more steeply through alpine pastures to Alpage de Bovine, a working mountain farm renowned for its homemade chocolate cake and panoramic views across the Rhône Valley toward Martigny. Continuing gently upward, the route reaches Porte à l’O (2,049m), the highest point of this section.

From the col, the path begins a long, steady descent to Col de la Forclaz, where a small hotel provides refreshments. The final stretch drops steeply through forest to the village of Trient (1,280m), easily recognized by its distinctive pink church, completing a picturesque and varied alpine section of the trail.

With limited accommodation options in Trient, we may book your hotel in Martigny, which takes approximately 45 by bus or taxi.

Returning to Trient by bus or taxi, if your hotel is is Martigny, the day begins with the trail climbing steadily through pine forests with occasional views of Trient Glacier. Crossing several mountain streams via wooden bridges, it emerges above the treeline into alpine meadows with sweeping panoramas. The path steepens through rocky sections to Col de Balme (2,191 m), marking the French-Swiss border, with a refuge just below and potable water available. From the col, enjoy spectacular Mont Blanc and Chamonix Valley views..

The descent leads to Le Tour and Montroc-Le Planet, then climbs through forest to the base of Aiguillette d’Argentière, where a protected ladder section begins. After Tête aux Vents, additional ladders and rocky sections lead to Refuge du Lac Blanc, offering food, drinks, and lake views of the Mont Blanc massif.

The trail descends along rocky alpine terrain with small tarns, maintaining panoramic Mont Blanc vistas, eventually reaching Refuge de La Flégère (1,877 m). At the end of today's section you will take the gondola down for your accommodation, in either Les Praz-de-Chamonix or Chamonix.

First make your way back to Station La Flégère to take the gondola back to Refuge de La Flégère. From there, the trail heads southwest along the Grand Balcon Sud toward Le Brévent, climbing gradually through alpine terrain with dwarf vegetation and rocky outcrops, offering sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and Chamonix Valley. It passes behind the Altitude 2000 chalet-restaurant before a steeper ascent to Col du Brévent (2,368m) and continues to the summit of Le Brévent (2,525m), featuring a panoramic terrace and water point.

The route then descends through scree and a stark mineral landscape to Refuge de Bellachat (2,150m), a rustic hut with refreshments and terraces overlooking Mont Blanc. From there, the trail zigzags through forest, crossing streams including the Torrent des Lapaz, and follows well-maintained switchbacks down toward Les Houches. The path skirts a wildlife park and reaches a parking area before leading to the Christ-Roi statue. A final descent brings hikers into Les Houches, marking the completion of the remarkable Tour du Mont Blanc journey.