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2022 will be our inaugural trip!

Tour du Mont Blanc

Only once you are standing on the “Rooftop of Western Europe”, admiring the towering mountains ahead of you and the lush valleys below, can you fully appreciate why National Geographic Magazine ranks the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) as one of the top 10 hiking trails that will “blow your mind!

 

Our journey on the TMB is by no means new. In fact, it dates back several centuries when Roman soldiers and Celtic tribes used these trails as a trade route. Today, it is a hiker’s dream that crosses through 3 countries (France, Italy and Switzerland), 7 valleys, 168km in distance and 10,600m of total ascents and descents (we have taken the liberty of including a few shortcuts here & there). True, it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you are willing to undertake this journey with us, the rewards are nothing short of spectacular!

 

We begin (and conclude) our tour in Chamonix, a town world-famous for its mountaineering history and dramatic scenery. Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. From this starting point, the TMB loops in a counter-clockwise direction around the Mont Blanc massif. It is one of the top long-distance hikes in Europe, and in fact the world. It delivers superlative, pristine mountain scenery day after day - from rugged cols, high alpine meadows and conifer forests. You are likely to see plenty of flowers in addition to marmots, chamois, ibex and birds of prey. Of course, the star attraction will always be the incredible mountain ranges and glaciers, seen from different angles and perspectives, with the famed Mont Blanc itself (the highest in Western Europe at 4810m) taking centre stage!

 

The TMB also has a chain of mountain huts along the way, which provide the perfect opportunity for a WC break, a cappuccino or cold beer and, in one case – homemade tarte de myrtilles (which you MUST try). We will be staying in comfortable hotels, lodges and simple inns combining ideal locations and local alpine charm. Your luggage will be transferred for you from hotel to hotel, so that all you need to carry is your daypack.

 

Ready for a trip of a lifetime? Then hit those hills and prepare for what promises to be a journey you will wear as a badge of honour forever.

 

Note:  In order to provide comfort and flexibility, we will be keeping the groups on the smaller side, so we will be running 2 groups of 10 simultaneously. Each group will have their own IML certified hike leader. On most evenings, the two groups will meet up at dinner and be staying at the same hotel, so we can trade stories. When you register for the trip, it doesn’t matter which group you fall in to, and this doesn’t have to be decided until we are actually in France, so you can choose which group you wish to be in AND you can switch groups as the trip progresses. It’s quite a flexible program, so it gives everyone a better chance to hike at their preferred pace.

Dates

August 2 to 16, 2022

Grade

Challenging

What's Included

- 14 nights' accommodations (no dorms)
- 14 breakfasts & 10 dinners
- 10 guided hikes led by IML certified guide
- Daily luggage transfers
- All entry fees for attractions per itinerary
- Ground transportation and transfers (transfers resulting from opting out of hikes are not included)

Cost

$6150 CAD land

Send $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve - balance is payable June 2, 2022.

My Own Room

If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay.

If you would like to have your own room (or if a roommate is not available), then the single supplement would apply.

The cost of the single supplement for this holiday is $1330 CAD.

Meeting Times/Places

We shall endeavour to have the group travel together, if possible and if the participants want to.


Regardless of whether the group travels together or not, we strongly recommend booking flights through us because should anything go awry, we have 24-hour back-up assistance to help us out (which was invaluable last year when the pandemic hit). Should you book your own flights (which you can), we would not be able to assist you should anything need to be changed or cancelled. It does not cost any more to book through us and there are no service fees; the prices are all the same as if you were to book your own, but it comes with the distinct advantage of having us around to help if it's needed. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers.


Should you decide to book your own flights, we will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip's itinerary so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

Status

Get your name on the Interested List NOW for 2023!

  • Daily Synopsis

  • Map

  • Photo Gallery

  • Accolades

  • Waitlist

  • Terms & Conditions

Daily Synopsis

Day 1

ARRIVAL INTO CHAMONIX
We shall meet at the Geneva airport and transfer to our hotel in Chamonix, France.

Day 2

DAY OF LEISURE IN CHAMONIX
You are going to love Chamonix! It is a vibrant town known as both a world-class ski resort and a mountaineering destination. Located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, it is dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix chain of mountains peaking atop Mont Blanc (4810m).

Day 3

LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) begins!

Transfer from Chamonix to Les Houches for a cable ride up the Bellevue Telepherique. After crossing the suspension bridge, begin ascent to the Col de Tricot, which forms the partition between the Bionnassay & Miage valleys. Numerous zigzags descend steeply to the Refuge Miage. Then it's back up we go, to the Col du Truc before beginning our final descent to Les Contamines. (18km, Challenging)

Les Houches: 1007m by cable car to Bellevue plateau: 1800m
Col de Tricot: 2120m
Refuge de Miage: 1560m
Col du Truc: 1750m
Les Contamines: 1167m

Day 4

LES CONTAMINES TO LES CHAPIEUX
This is one of the longest days on the TMB. Walk straight out of the hotel and follow the river to reach the chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge to start the ascent. Continue past the Chalet de Balme and up to the Col de Bonhomme for a well-earned lunch break. Next is a climbing traverse, often with snowy patches, to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme from where there are great view towards the Vanoise National Park. Finally, a downhill walk to Les Chapieux. (18km, Very challenging)

Les Contamines: 1167m
Col de Bonhomme: 2329m
Col de la Croix de Bonhomme: 2483m
Les Chapieux: 1554m

Day 5

LES CHAPIEUX TO LA VISAILLE
Depart Chapieux, first passing the memorial to the Resistance fighters who fought in the World War II. Then at Ville des Glaciers, the ascent begins in earnest as we set our sights on the Col de la Seigne, the mountain pass that signals the border between France and Italy - a real WOW moment!! Begin the descent, stopping first at Casermetta, and then at Rifugio Elisabetta, reputed to have THE best mountain terrace on the TMB. The descent from Elisabetta to La Visaille flattens out through Val Veni, first with the river alongside and later cascading its way to town right alongside us. (21km, Challenging)

Les Chapieux: 1554m
Ville des Glaciers: 1789m
Col de la Seigne: 2516m
Rifugio Elisabetta: 2195m
La Visaille: 1956m

Day 6

DAY OF LEISURE IN COURMAYEUR
Visit the outdoor swimming pool above Dolonne (half-way up the mountain) or take the famous revolving SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car for outstanding views of Mont Blanc and the Vallee Blanche from the Italian side. Or simply enjoy the shops, gelato and atmosphere of Courmayeur.

Day 7

COURMAYEUR TO ARNOUVA
The TMB zig-zags its way up to the Rifugio Bertone. From Rifugio Bertone, begin one of the most spectacular balcony walks you will ever do. Undulating but not overly difficult, the trail goes through Val Ferret with the whole Mont Blanc massif on the left, eventually reaching the Rifugio Bonatti, renown for its views and its cafe. Eventually descend to Chalet Val Ferret/Arnouva. (18km, Challenging)

Courmayeur: 1226m
Rifugio Bertone: 1989m
Rifugio Bonatti: 2025m
Arnouva: 1784m

Day 8

ARNOUVA TO LA FOULY
With little preamble, begin the climb to Rifugio Elena for a great view of the Glacier de Pre de Bar sweeping down from Mont Dolent. A further push uphill to the Grand Col Ferret, the highest mountain pass on the TMB and the border with Switzerland. Head down onto the green hillsides, past an old dairy farm cum chalet and then old farm roads to the hamlet of Ferret. A riverside trail then goes to La Fouly. (16km, Challenging)

Arnouva: 1784m
Rifugio Elena: 2062m
Grand Col Ferret: 2537m
La Peule: 2071m
La Fouly: 1610m

Day 9

LA FOULY TO CHAMPEX
The "easiest" day on the TMB - winding through beautiful Swiss alpine meadows, tiny rural villages and finally up to the lovely alpine resort of Champex, nestled alongside the lake that gives it its name. (16km, Moderate-Challenging)

La Fouly: 1610m
Issert: 1055m
Champex: 1466m

Day 10

DAY OF LEISURE IN CHAMPEX
Known by nature lovers as 'little Canada', this picturesque village is coiled around a breathtaking alpine lake high in the Swiss Alps.

Day 11

CHAMPEX TO COL DE LA FORCLAZ
Begin with a gentle descent on forested trail through the "suburbs" of Champex. Then the uphill begins; this part of the TMB can be challenging, but just before arriving at the Alp Bovine, the trail levels out for beautiful panoramic views of the entire Rhone Valley down below. After lunch tackle the last little bit of uphill to the Collet Portalo before the descent to Col de La Forclaz. Col de Forclaz is the northern extent of the TMB and the furthest point from the summit of Mont Blanc. (16km, Challenging)

Champex: 1466m
Alp Bovine: 1987m
Collet Portalo: 2040m
Col de La Forclaz: 1527m

Day 12

TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE
Begin in Trient, cutting across the meadows at the mouth of the Vallon de Nant Noir. The TMB then becomes a footpath climbing steeply in zig-zags to the Cole de Balme - the border between Switzerland and France and where the views are magical! A short descent to the Col de Posettes saddle before going up a grassy slope, making for the crown of the Aiguillette de Posettes. The panoramic views here are among the best of the walk! Then descend to the hamlet of Tre-le-Champ, eventually arriving in Argentiere. (15km, Challenging)

Col de La Forclaz: 1527m
Refuge Le Peuty: 1328m
Col de Balme: 2191m
Col des Posettes: 1997m
L'Aiguillette des Posettes: 2201m
Argentiere: 1252m

Day 13

ARGENTIERE TO FLEGERE VIA LAC BLANC
These last 2 days of the TMB take in the highly acclaimed Grand Balcon Sud, one of the most scenic of all alpine walks with almost uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Return to Tre-le-Champ to begin the ascent to Lac Blanc. Eventually rise above the tree line, passing the impressive rock feature Aiguillette d'Argentiere. It is here that the first of the metal ladders begins. A series of metal ladders, rungs, platforms and wooden steps have been installed to assist in getting over steep rock walls, and you must be comfortable with heights. At the top of the ladder section, arrive at the highest point so far, Tete au Vents with a view of the whole north flank of the Mont Blanc massif! Continuing to Lac Blanc, one final ladder before arriving at the spectacularly set Refuge du Lac Blanc! Then start the descent along various trails to the Flegere cable car station. (10km, Challenging)

Argentiere: 1252m
Tete au Vents: 2132m
Refuge du Lac Blanc: 2352m
Flegere: 1875m

Day 14

FLEGERE TO BREVENT SUMMIT
From the top of the Flegere cable car to Plan Praz, the TMB contours the mountainside making for a delightful balcony walk, with all of the Chamonix valley on stunning display below. From Plan Praz, it's a steady climb to the Col du Brevent where the views change yet again. Here, the trails snakes around the back revealing a more rugged, boulder-strewn terrain. Then, one last push to the Brevent summit, reaching our goal and celebrating the end of our Tour du Mont Blanc! A final treat - a cable car ride from the summit right down to Chamonix! (8km, Challenging)

Flegere: 1875m
Plan Praz: 1999m
Col du Brevent: 2368m
Brevent summit: 2526m

Day 15

AU REVOIR
The local shops in Chamonix sell TMB patches; make sure to get one before we head back to Geneva for flights home.

 

Interactive Trip Map

 

Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.

 

Select satellite view to get even more detail.

 

Photo Gallery

We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.

 

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What an experience!

 

2022 will be our inaugural trip!

 

Make a Reservation

We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.

Please fill out the registration form below.

It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.

Note that this trip is currently full but you can complete the registration form to get your name on the waitlist.

Destination

Tour du Mont Blanc

Dates

August 2 to 16, 2022

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Dietary Notes:


Insurance

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all our tours and can be arranged through our offices. We work with Allianz Global Assistance.


I understand that by not purchasing Allianz Global Assistance offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays, I may be exposed to financial losses ranging from the full price of my trip to the unknown costs of trip interruption/cancellation or out of province medical care. I waive any liability against Comfortable Hiking Holidays or Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. for any costs I incur as a result of my choice not to purchase this travel insurance.
I hereby decline any Allianz Global Assistance coverage offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

Travel Waiver and Release

On this date, I requested that Comfortable Hiking Holidays, an independent contractor (the 'IC') with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., make one or more travel arrangements (booking of flights; lodging; car rental; etc.) on my behalf as well as on behalf of my family/travel companions. Direct Travel Inc., its officers, directors, employees, advisors and contractors, including Independent Contractors, are hereinafter called 'Agency'.

I acknowledge that travel plans made for me/us by the Agency may be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled by service providers (airlines, cruise lines, lodging, etc.). I also acknowledge travel plans may be delayed, interrupted or cancelled by acts of God, by actions of government entities or by other third-party entities over which the Agency has no control. I further acknowledge that the service provider’s own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable current and future laws, will govern my rights and remedies, including my right to receive a refund, in such an event.

Moreover, I understand that should I elect to purchase travel protection plan, the terms of the individual policy I have chosen will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under these circumstances.

By agreeing to these terms, I hereby agree to hold the Agency harmless and release it from any and all liability for any damages, including but not limited to monetary losses, I may incur as a result of such interruption or cancellation of these travel arrangements.

I agree to these terms.

 

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No space will be held until deposit is paid.

Terms & Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.

 

Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:

 

Maddalena Molino

Comfortable Hiking Holidays

251 Consumers Road, 7th floor

Toronto, ON  M2J 4R3  Canada

 

6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.

 

 

DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.

 

After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

 

If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.

 

AIRFARE

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package. 

 

Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

 

Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.

 

Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

 

TAXES

H.S.T.

The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.

 

INSURANCE

Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Should a participant fall ill with Covid while on the tour, the participant will be expected to isolate themselves until they have recovered or have a negative Covid test. This may require a change of hotels or even hospitalization. Such additional costs associated with care, isolation, and repatriation if necessary will be borne by the participant him/herself and/or his/her travel insurance. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed.

 

It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

 

It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.

 

In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged  when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.

 

SMOKING

As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).

 

CHILDREN

All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

 

SITE ACCURACY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.

 

HIKE LEADERS

All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.

 

OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.

 

TRAVEL WAIVER

Participants are required to sign a “Travel Waiver” form, which acknowledges that your travel plans may be interrupted or cancelled through no fault of ours, and as such you may or may not be eligible for a refund should things go awry as they did in 2020.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.

 

Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.

 

Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.