Internationale groepsreis Mont Blanc Highlights

Your holiday begins at your comfortable alpine chalet. Those making their own way to the chalet should aim to arrive early afternoon for introductions. There is plenty of time to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader.

Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc as well as into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc (1380m – 4400ft) we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin out, the views get even better and by late morning we reach Aiguillette des Possettes (2200m – 7220 ft). This is a peak from where we are rewarded with a panoramic view over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguille Rouge national park, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Possettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour. (1450m – 4750ft). 6 hours of walking. 820m - 2700ft up, 730m – 2400ft down

Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park (1500m – 4920ft)  up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Nature Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m – 7500ft) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière (1370m – 4500ft). 7 hours of walking. 900m – 2950ft up, 930m – 3050ft down

Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley, where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier a few 100 meters higher up. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (1653m – 5360ft) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) for those with tired legs. 7 hours of walking, 11km – 7 miles, 560m –1840ft up, 610m – 2000ft down

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several cablecar excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m - 12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem Paragliding flight. 

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva (1770m – 5805ft) we climb up and along to the Bonatti Refuge. At just over 2000m – 6560ft, the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved gelato. 7 hours of walking. 450m – 1500ft up, 550m – 1804ft down

From our Chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère (1,860m – 6100ft). From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft) that affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After spending plenty of time soaking up the panorama, we will then descend to Lacs des Chéserys (1998m - 6555ft) where, on a still day, we will see photogenic views of the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is short ladder section to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden.7 hours walking. 540 m – 1770ft up, 540m – 1770ft down - Distance covered: 9 km / 6 miles. Added to this is the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few km’s depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport. Spring and Autumn departures - La Flégère gondola is open for trips starting between 11th June and 10th Sep. Outside of this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is no longer included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, then the cable cost will be paid locally. Approx 20 euros. Alternatively, we will follow a Spring and Autumn itinerary. From Argentiere (1250m – 4100ft) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breath-taking. From La Flégère we descend via the charming Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added decent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning.8 hours walking. 740 m – 2430ft up, 950m – 3120ft down - Distance covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet.

Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes.