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.
If travelling in September, please note the itinerary covers different sections of the TMB trail, due to the Mont Blanc Tunnel being closed for scheduled maintenance. See the FAQs section for more details.
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 its 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'll arrive back in central Chamonix via the local 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 confirm your pick-up location in advance with your host, via the passenger information form in your booking.
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. 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.
From June to August, 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)
In September, groups will stay at the following accommodation:
- Day 1: Gite Bon Abri (Champex)
- Day 2: Hotel La Grande Ourse (Trient)
- Day 3: Gite Mermoud (Vallorcine)
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.
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.
Awesome Marmot Time
A fantastic adventure through Mont Blanc, only made better by our amazing guide Ninot, and our group of fellow travelers. Left the experience having gained a bunch of new friends and an appreciation for the mountains, and marmots.
This trek was amazing, from
This trek was amazing, from day 1 to the end. Guide Ben did a great job, and it was so nice to hike with a group with people from so many different countries. Perfect group size, a plus that the guide was flexible regarding how fast/slowly we wanted to hike. And nice huts along the route. I will recommend this trip to everyone - as long as they are able to hike up to 7-8 hours a day :)
The Trek was a trip
The Trek was a trip of a lifetime for me. I traveled with my 2 adult daughters and we had an unforgettable time. Thank you and very grateful.
An unforgettable experience! The views
An unforgettable experience! The views were absolutely stunning, and our professional guide made sure we always knew what to expect. I’d only rate the hike as challenging because of the summer heat – there are some steep climbs, but no technical sections or scrambling. If you’re wondering about footwear, B-grade hiking boots are enough, and trail runners work too (you’ll actually get passed by runners on the way!). The group was the best I could have asked for – great energy and dynamics throughout. Huge thanks to Much Better Adventures for organising such a fantastic trip!
Amazing Adventure
This was truly an unforgettable experience with some of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. It was challenging yet doable, and Pavel did a fantastic job guiding us for four days. For those used to hotels, the Refugios are a change, but they offer a communal atmosphere that adds to the unique experience. Trekkers are a close knit community and I felt like I was with so many positive and like minded people. Thank you to MBA for a fantastic trip.
Fantastic trip
This trip exceeded my expectations and was smoothly planned and executed flawlessly. Anna the guide did a brilliant job keeping a group of 15 happy and together at all times. The scenery along the route was phenomenal and the whole trip very enjoyable.
TMB
Wonderful, well organized trip our guide Anna was excellent.
Had the best time! Valentin
Had the best time! Valentin was awesome! Couldn’t have been more friendly or organized. Was a great experience.
Best Guide in the TMB
Grateful for much better adventures for connecting our group with such a great local guide, Astrid! We all had a blast thanks to her! The trip was overall well organized and the pace was great for everyone in our group. Sleeping accommodations were pretty basic (and often close quarters with your group —and others) so definitely prepare for that! And the physical strain of this trek was no joke — hiking experience is a must!!! But if you’re physically and mentally prepared, the trip cannot be missed!! Would definitely recommend :)
Wonderful weekend with stunning views
Wonderful weekend with stunning views and friendly likeminded and fun people. The trip was very well organised and Val, our guide was taking care of us All very well and even organised a nice little candle for my birthday.
Giving 4 stars as I find some description of this trip somehow misleading. Firstly, we have stayed in mountain refuge only once. The other nights were booked in the guesthouses in the valley. The transfer to Geneva on last day is on public transport, this has not been really spelled out and we all implied it would be a private transfer same as on day one. Finally, there is no need for swim suit to be on the packing list and some extra space could be saved in the bag.
Still an amazing way to spend a long weekend! 🥳
Hike review
Had an amazing time. It’s the best hike iv had. Defo recommend it anyone who’s interested in hiking.
Epic Adventure
The most spectacular hiking trip. Everything was well organised nd our guide Val was great! He was so knowledgable about the area and also ensured everyone was encouraged and supported throughout the 4 days!
Incredible Trip
What an absolutely incredible few days. From our guide (Fernando) and group, to the views and experiences, I loved every minute. Would highly recommend this trip!
Amazing time!
Incredible time!! The views, hikes and huts all managed my expectations. The days were full on, but with plenty of stops and so many laughs along the way. Our guide Fernando was amazing too as was the group and the rain didn’t stop us! Will be back to do the full tour one day!
Great trip - guiding less than optimal
I am writing formally to you and to your local partner Happy Tracks about issues related to our trip.
Amazing Experience
This was a great way to see hike specific portions of The Mont Blanc. Incredible
The whole experience from start
The whole experience from start to finish was absolutely amazing!
Fantastic
An incredible few days on the TMB. Lovely group, great guide and incredible views. It was a bit tougher than expected as a regularly active person, but all well worth it.
Trip of a lifetime!
What an amazing trip! Our guide, Cecelia (Cheche) was outstanding; kind, patient , knowledgeable, gave clear instructions on refuges and plan for day ( or next section of hike) and kept us all safe (guiding us safely around an ice bridge for one thing). Our group was fantastic and got on well. The hike itself- there are no words sufficient! Happy Tracks and MBA complete professionals. Thank you for everything!
Fabulous
Great trip, returning back to work after a surreal trip. The group we hiked with were lovely and the guide knew everything about the local area. 100% reccomend you do that hiking trip your thinking about!! You will not regret it …. I cannot wait to book another muchbetter adventure
Mont Blanc Hut to hut edition 4 days
The trek was well organised with a perfect and experienced guide Anna to take us through all terrains and explore the place like a local
Wow views and wonderful people
When I signed up it was a bit of an impulse moment. I just wanted to do something different, and this was definitely outside of my comfort zone. I was a solo traveller, and wasn't sure what to expect when meeting up with a group of random strangers. I convinced myself I would be at the back in awkward silence. Instead I found myself with a group of kind, interesting and funny people. We shared stories, snacks, played games, and laughed our way up the hills. The trails weren't as technically challenging as I was expecting. But the ascents were long at times and I definitely worked on my lung capacity. Our guide Anna was really good at pacing the group. Stops to distract us by pointing out something pretty or tell us a story, while we had a snack, were well timed. And the views were worth all the climbs. Food wise, I can be a little fussy. But I never went hungry and went home with most of the snacks that I packed. It was very cheese based, which I loved! I packed according to the kit list and it was accurate. I used everything I packed. The accommodation was basic and the first night was a little cosy, but the rooms got increasing more comfortable, while I got increasingly more tired, so sleep became easier. I took my snoozeband headphones and was very glad I did! 10/10 would recommend, but maybe start the hill repeats and squats now!
Tough But Rewarding
Even though my partner booked this 4 day hike in the alps with me, and we did not properly prep, the experience was surprisingly super positive in the end.
The communication on what to bring and the logistics were already planned, making the experience of transfers and lodging extremely smooth.
Speaking of lodging, even though this was my first time staying in refuges and hostels, the expectations from the tour guide were clear even though I didn’t really know what I signed up for. Turned out to be really fun to roll with the punches and come out the other end
The hike itself was a bit steeper than I expected and while I knew the backpacking would be different than how I hiked similar distances and elevation differences in the past with the extra weight, the tour guide is really good at sensing when and where to take a break.
Overall, I was luckily in a very diverse but polite, generous, supportive hiking group and loved learning about mt blanc and the way of life of the Swiss people. Would recommend this to everyone!
Excellent itinerary in a an
Excellent itinerary in a an exceptionally beautiful area of the world. Saw the highlights of Mont Blanc with informational tidbits sprinkled along the way about the culture of hiking, culture of Switzerland Italy and France, and delicious cafe stops. Hikers were prepared with the suggested kit list.
Well organised trip with a lovely group
Fantastic trip in an epic location. It was very well organised and we had a really good group of people. Anna our guide had boundless energy and made everyone feel welcome and included.
Wonderful hike
The TMB was well put together and I would highly recommend - the route was a good but doable challenge that offered up stunning landscapes. Our guide Ninon was fantastic, taking everyone's abilities into account, providing useful tips, and her general friendly attitude made for a wonderful time.
Transformative
The trip was everything I hoped it would be. I booked it for my son who had had a difficult time at college and needed a unique and life-changing experience like this to reset. He spoke fondly of the entire group, who all sound fantastic including their guide. It seems that he loved every minute of the trip and has infact returned a more confident, happier and positive person.
A feast for the eyes!!!
Mountains, wildflower meadows, cows, what more could you want!? I was a little bit apprehensive about the trip as a solo traveller, but I had absolutely no need to be. The trip was so well organised and all logistics were taken care of, so all we had to do was just enjoy every minute! The people in my group were brilliant and it felt like we'd known each other forever by the end. Our guide Pav was perfect, great pace setter, nice and chilled, very well informed, we all loved him and he made the trip what it was. Thank you Pav! I'll definitely be booking another one, hopefully the 10 day tour!
Wonderful FIVE STARS
This was my 6th adventure with MBA but my first CHALLENGING and as previously I was blown away. The Alps of Switzerland, France and Italy all in the space of 4 days, 3 nights. Great group of people and Ninon, our guide, was fantastic. You do need a good level of fitness to enjoy this but the big elevations are absolutely worth it because the views are out of this world.
TMB weekend edition
What an epic adventure! Communication was fantastic, everything was well organized, and the local guide Ninon did an amazing job explaining things, helping the group work cohesively, and also being aware of participants individual needs. Can't wait for my next MBA trip!
Guides
Professional, experienced and friendly English-speaking IML certified guides (1:15 guide to customer ratio)
Accommodation
3 nights staying in alpine mountain refuges
Meals
Breakfast and dinner will be served up with picnic lunches on the trail
Transfers
Transfers to and from Geneva airport
Equipment
Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for hire.
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
What's available to hire?
- Trekking poles (see Optional Extras for prices)
What do I need to bring?
You'll be carrying all you need for the four day trip on your back, so don't over pack but also don't skip the essentials. Hiking in the Alps even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, both hot and cold, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes.
KIT
- 30-50L backpack with waist belt (plus a rain cover)
- A pack liner or dry bag is also good protection in case of rain
- Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk). This is very important as it's a mandatory requirement at the mountain refuges. Pillows and blankets are provided by the refuges.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended due to altitude)
- Preferred snacks for the trail
- Hydration/electrolyte tablets
- 2L water bottle(s)
- Hand sanitiser gel
- Toiletries and personal first aid items
- Towel
- Swim suit
- Earplugs and eye mask (recommended)
- Cash (EUR) for drinks, snacks along the trail, tips etc.
- Plug adaptor and/or battery pack to charge electrical devices (note Switzerland uses a different standard to the rest of Europe)
- Headlamp
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket (with hood) and trousers
- Synthetic (e.g. Primaloft) or down puffy jacket
- Fleece or merino pullover or sweater
- Synthetic or merino wool base layers
- Warm hat and gloves (really important in mixed weather conditions)
- Sunhat or cap
- Synthetic shirts/T-shirts and trousers (zip-off preferable) or shorts for hiking
- Comfortable clothes to wear post-hike in the refuges
- 2+ pairs of hiking socks, wool or synthetic (not cotton)
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes (worn in)
- Comfortable light shoes for around the refuge
Trekking Poles
Payable In Resort
Trekking Poles
… Per person
Luggage Storage in Chamonix (4 Days)
Payable In Resort
Luggage Storage in Chamonix (4 Days)
… Per person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 56kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
If you are unable to join the included transfer from Geneva Airport at 11:30 on Day 1 due to flight delays, contact your host as soon as possible. Whilst it may not be possible to catch up with the group on the first day, with an overnight stay in either Chamonix or Courmayeur it may be possible to connect with the on the morning of Day 2 in Val Ferret before they ascend over the pass into Switzerland. Your host will be best placed to advise you in this situation. Note that in September the first night's stay is in Champex which is accessible by bus/taxi from Geneva or Chamonix.
Yes, of course! If you decide to make your own way to Chamonix or spend a few days there beforehand you are more than welcome to do this, just make sure you let your host know in advance.
The meeting point is at Les Houches by the TMB Archway next to the tourism office, at 12:15 on Day 1. This is a short local bus journey from central Chamonix. See the "Getting There" section for more details.
Yes, any excess luggage that you don't need during the trek can be stored securely for the entire trip at the host's office. Please make sure your excess luggage can be securely closed/zipped shut to prevent anything from falling out while in storage. There is a storage fee of €20 per bag; this can be paid in cash locally when you meet your host. Please let your host know in advance if you have excess luggage so that they can plan the logistics accordingly.
For the next several years the Mont Blanc Tunnel will be closed from September to December for scheduled maintenance works. This makes the journey from Chamonix to Courmayeur impractical for a short 4-day itinerary, as the alternate driving route would require a very long road detour around Mont Blanc via Martigny and over the Great St. Bernard Pass. For the month of September groups will instead hike the sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail from Champex Lac in Switzerland all the way to the end in Chamonix, thereby avoiding the long drive to the Italian side of Mont Blanc, whilst still including some of the major highlights and a full TMB hiking experience. A significant benefit of this alternate route is September groups will be able to visit the beautiful Lac Blanc on day 4, high up on the Aiguilles Rouges, with some of the finest panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif found anywhere on the entire TMB circuit.
Day 1 - Orsieres to Champex After meeting your hosts at either Geneva Airport or Les Houches, you'll be driven to Orsieres on the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc massif. From there you’ll hike up the trail up to the lakeside village of Champex, where you’ll join up with the main TMB trail. A short walk further and you’ll arrive at your first mountain refuge of the trip, Gite Bon Abri, in time for a hearty dinner with your fellow hikers. The Gite Bon Abri is located on the edge of Champex, in a quiet spot right off the trail, and is popular with cheese-lovers for its signature fondue. Hiking: 3hrs - 6.5km - 480m up - 92m down
Day 2 - Champex to Trient 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 its famous pink church. From there it's a short section down to the village and your well earned rest for the night at La Grande Ourse, a larger property than the night before with hostel style rooms, boot/drying room and wifi. Hiking: 6-7hrs - 16km - 780m up - 890m down
Day 3 - Trient to Vallorcine It’s time to hike across the border into France, and get your first views of the Chamonix Valley. Hiking up out of Trient you’ll ascend switchback trails through pine forest, past clear mountain streams and up into the high alpine. Reaching the Col de Balme (2190m), you’ll 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 take the long descent down to Vallorcine. Tonight you’ll stay at Le Gite Mermoud, with its friendly local owner and traditional Savoyan-style offering the typical Mont-Blanc experience. Hiking: 6-7hrs - 14km - 950m up - 920m down
Day 4 - Vallorcine to Chamonix Today begins with gentle climb out of Vallorcine up to the Col des Montets, you’ll then turn right and ascend the trail to Tete aux Vents and onto the Grand Balcon Sud, perhaps the most scenic of all the high alpine paths with panoramic mountain views not surpassed anywhere in the world. From Aiguille du Tour at the eastern end, to the Aiguille du Chardonnet, L’Aiguille Verte and Les Drus, to the towering Aiguille du Midi and the white summit of Mont Blanc in the west, with all their mighty glaciers in between, the full expanse of the Mont Blanc massif is on show. A short detour from the main TMB trail will take you up past Lac des Cheserys to Lac Blanc, where the jagged mountain skyline is reflected in the cold waters of this alpine lake. From there your hike is almost complete, head down the trail to La Flegere Station, rest your legs and enjoy the views from the cable car as you glide back down to the valley floor, finishing off with a stroll into the centre of Chamonix. Usually the hike is finished around 16:00 in central Chamonix. 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. Hiking: 6hrs - 12km - 1050m up - 500m down
For this itinerary there is 1 guide to 15 hikers. The guides this host works with are all International Mountain Leader certified (as a minimum), First Aid trained and are highly experienced and leading groups in the Alps.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details
Flexible payments
Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details
Happiness Guarantee
We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday 28th August 2025
to Sunday 31st August 2025
Fully Booked
