TOUR DU MONT BLANC
A Circular Trek of the Mont Blanc Massif through 3 Countries
Day 1: LA FOULY - COL FERRET - REFUGIO BONATTI
The route begins in the idyllic Val Ferret in Switzerland, and climbs to the Grand Col Ferret 2537m, your high point for the day and the border with Italy. Descend to Italy for Lunch at Refugio Elena, and finish the day at the Refugio Walter Bonatti, your home for the night.
Day 2: REFUGIO BONATTI - VAL VENY - COL DE LA SEIGNE - CHALET DE MOTTETS
Today’s hike passes directly under the south face of Mont Blanc, from the Val Ferret to the Val Veny (near Courmayeur), climbing to the Col de la Seigne and down to the Vallée des Glaciers and the Refuge des Mottets (Bourg-Saint-Maurice).
Day 3: CHALET DES MOTTETS - TÊTE SUD DES FOURS - VAL MONTJOIE
From the Isere Valley to the Haute Savoie, passing alpine farms and French Alpine Club huts, before descending to the small village of les Contamines in the Val Montjoie. Overnight La Ferme de Bon Papa, les Contamines
Day 4: LES CONTAMINES - LES HOUCHES
Today's stage crosses 3 cols and passes through several authentic Alpine hamlets with excellent views of Mont Blanc, the Dôme du Gouter, the Aiguille de Bionnassay and the impressive glacier between them. Overnight Les Campanules 2*, les Houches
Day 5: LES HOUCHES - BREVENT - CHAMONIX
The climb to Brevent commences with an impressive vertical climb from les Houches and through steep woods and past the Parc Merlet, a mountain Zoo, topping out at the summit of Brevent 2475m. Here you have the choice of descending to Chamonix by cable car or on foot (1475m⬇︎).
Overnight Hotel Mont Blanc 5*, Chamonix
Day 6: PLANPRAZ - LAC BLANC - TRELECHAMPS
Commonly referred to as “one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps”. Commence the circular route from Planpraz (2067m), past small glacial lakes to Lac Blanc 2352m, with its postcard views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Descent to Tréléchamps. Overnight at “La Boerne”.
Day 7: TRÉLECHAMPS - COL DE BALME - TRIENT - FORCLAZ
Departing Trélechamps, traverse the sunny south facing slope of les Possettes towards the Col de Balme 2204m, the eastern end of the Chamonix Valley and the border with Switzerland. On the Swiss side descend to the village of Trient, and climb to the Col de la Forclaz. Overnight Hotel de la Forclaz.
Day 8: FORCLAZ - FENETRE D’ARPETTE - CHAMPEX
This morning enjoy an easy traverse of the Bisse du Forclaz, an ancient irrigation way, before starting the challenging portion of the hike to the Fenetre d’Arpettre 2665m. From the top of the pass, the rest of the hike descends towards the little resort of Champex. Overnight Hotel Mont Lac, Champex.
DAY 9: CHAMPEX - LA FOULY
Complete the circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc with one final push up the Swiss Val Ferret, the quietest and least developed valley of the Mont Blanc Massif. The route follows la Drance de Ferret, a wild blue river flowing from the hanging glaciers overhead, before arriving in the small village of la Fouly.
Highlights
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WHAT WE DO
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.
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
PROCESS
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