Originally a walkers route, the Tour du Mont Blanc has become popular with mountain bikers with many tracks in each valley and several variations possible; half on road - half on track - fully on road - fully on track. Epic Europe has designed for you a special itinerary, taking you on the best trails and stopping at the best restaurant and mountain huts of the 3 different countries. Savor the endless trails below the Mt. Blanc massif, explore the amazing variety of culture, language, food and wine out the back door.
Proposed itinerary
Day 1 - Chamonix
Morning: Transfer from GVA-airport to Chamonix
Afternoon: Explore the city of Chamonix
Dinner and overnight in Chamonix
Day 2 - Chamonix to Nova Hut
Take the Balcon Sud in the direction of Les Houches then cross town to the Bellevue lift station. Take the lift to the top and then come down the Col de Voza; from there descend into the Bionnassay valley and zig-zag the hairpins down into the Contamines valley. Once there, continue south towards the Col du Bonhomme. This trail is not rideable at the summit and the descent is highly technical; so take the walking path on the left hand side or go right down in to the valley until you get to the road that goes to the Rosental lake. At the Rosental lake go by road in the direction of Chapieux. This road will take you to a really steep pass (La Culaz) which, by this point at the end of the day, will take a fair effort. Spend the night in the Nova hut.
Day 3 - Nova Hut to Elena Hut
Set off again from the Nova hut heading east in the direction of the valley of the Col de la Seigne (2516m). This trail is pretty harsh and ends up being not cyclable for 200 or 300 metres from the summit of the pass. You'll get an extraordinary view from the top. From the Col de la Seigne come down the footpath; it's difficult but do-able and finally ends up as a forest trail that flanks the side of the Val Veni. You'll pass the huge Miage and Brenva glaciers. The trail ends in Courmayeur. Take the road that goes up to Val Ferret. The road becomes a 4x4 track and snakes up to the Elena hut at 2062m. Night at Elena Hut.
Day 4 - Elena Hut to Champex
Behind the Elena refuge there is a hiking trail that leads to the Grand Col Ferret (2537 m). This section is not bike-able. You have to walk your bike about 90m. From the top of the pass, the trail heads down a very steep and challenging trail towards Switzerland. Then becomes a forested trail near the village of Ferret. From there, take the trail on the left hand side of the river that leads towards Martigny. Stop in the village of Champex. Night in Champex.
Day 5 - Champex to Chamonix
From Champex continue on the Mont Blanc track towards the Col de la Forclaz. After the pass it is possible to get to "Les Jeurs" by road. For this itinerary, that leads to the border, take the only possible road on the left. In "Les Jeurs" the road becomes a 4x4 road that is easily rideable to the Col des Posettes - this marks your return to the Chamonix valley. From the top of the pass go down the forestry trail to the village of Le Tour and return to Chamonix by the Balcon Nord. Night in Chamonix.
Day 6 - Chamonix
Relax day and departure
Highlights
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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