ITINERARY DAY 1: CHAMONIX  Arrive and transfer to Chamonix, France located at the base of Western Europe’s tallest peak, Mont Blanc (15,781 feet). DAY 2: CHAMONIX TO CONTAMINES  Start with a journey beneath the Bionassay Glacier on the western flanks of the Mont Blanc Massif. Hike past old ruins and settlements and then over the Col de Tricot while the glaciers glisten and sparkle above. Descend through a splendid forest to Les Contamines. Distance 8 miles. Elevation gain 2000 ft. DAY 3: CONTAMINES TO VILLE DES GLACIERS  Ascend past waterfalls on an ancient Roman road to the dramatically situated Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. A delightful descent through high alpine meadows offers the opportunity to spy the elusive Steinbock. Distance 12 miles. Elevation gain up to 4300 ft. / loss 2950 ft. DAY 4: VILLE DES GLACIERS TO COURMAYEUR   The greetings change to Italian today as we cross the border to Italy at the Col de la Seigne. We’ll enjoy staggering views of the glaciated peaks on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Distance 11 miles. Elevation gain 2400 ft. Option to hike 13 miles with total elevation gain 3250 ft. / loss 2870 ft. DAY 5: COURMAYEUR TO LAVACHEY  We are treated to ever-improving views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc, its most impressive and imposing aspect on our remote, rarely traveled variation. Distance 10 miles. Elevation gain 3300 ft. / loss 2100 ft. DAY 6: LAVACHEY TO CHAMPEX  The language changes to French as we ascend the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland. Stunning views of the Grand Combin make this a spectacular hike. Descend through pristine meadows to the Swiss Val Ferret. Transfer to the idyllic lakeside town, Champex, and our Swiss chalet. Distance 11 miles. Elevation gain 2800 ft. / loss 4600 ft. DAY 7: CHAMPEX TO TRIENT  Today’s hike takes us from the hotel through the town of Champex and up to one of our favorite lunch spots, the Bovine, a lovely family run farm serving up fantastic food and beverages. Following lunch it is a short climb to the days highpoint and down to the Col de la Forclaz. From the Forclaz it is a quick descent down into the sleepy hamlet of Trient with it’s signature Iglesia Rosada, or pink church. Distance 9 miles. Elevation gain 4500 ft. / loss 4450 ft. Alternate hike distance 10 miles. Elevation gain 2400 ft. DAY 8: TRIENT TO ARGENTIERE   Hike out of the tiny hamlet of Trient before climbing back into France on a pleasant variant of the TMB. Overnight at a traditional chalet style hotel in Argentiere. Distance 9 miles. Elevation gain 2500 ft. loss 2700 ft. DAY 9: ARGENTIÈRE TO CHAMONIX  Our hike along the Grand Balcon Sud offers some of the best and most spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles, or rock needles, of Chamonix. Distance up to 7 miles. Elevation gain 2500 ft. DAY 10: DEPART 55 "Oh Wow!! I pretty much loved everything! First, and most importantly, Dave and Eileen were amazing guides! Cheerful, generous, knowledgeable, helpful, wise and FUN!" – Darcy P. Mont Blanc Chamonix Champex Lavachey Courmayeur Contamines Mer de Glace Aiguille du Midi Col de la Seigne Grand Col Ferret ITALY FRANCE SWITZERLAND Aiguilles Rouges Trient Argentière Ville des Glaciers *All ground transportation beginning in Chamonix included during tour. Luggage transfer daily except one night. NOTE: Daily itineraries on all our guided treks are subject to change. Your guide(s) will make route decisions based on weather and terrain conditions as well as hiker's abilities. **Some ground transportation included. Breakfast and dinner daily except in Chamonix where it is breakfast only. Luggage transfers daily except one night. TRIP RATINGS Moderate to challenging hiking up to 13 miles and ascents up to 4,500 feet. (Trip rating descriptions found on page 8.) EFFORT 3+ / 4 COMFORT 2+ / 4 3/ 4 TERRAIN MODERATE TO CHALLENGING HIKING