Women-Only Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Adventure

Our adventure starts in the world-famous mountain town of Chamonix, France. Chamonix has been a hub for climbers and hikers for centuries, attracting mountain lovers with its incredible views of glaciers and towering peaks. Dominating the skyline is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4,810 m (15,777 ft). Since its first ascent in 1786, Mont Blanc has inspired countless adventurers.

Hotel check-in is available from around 4pm, but if you arrive earlier, you can store your bags and explore the town. We’ll meet our guide in the evening at approx. 6pm at the hotel for a briefing on our upcoming journey.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Chamonix

We’re in for a spectacular first day with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range! After a short transfer to Les Houches, we take the Bellevue Cable Car for a quick ascent to Col de la Voza. From here, we descend through a forest, cross the Bionassay torrent via a suspension bridge, and enjoy views of the Bionassay Glacier and Aiguille de Bionassay. A steady climb brings us to Col de Tricot at 2,120 m (6,954 ft), with panoramic views of the valley below.

We descend to the pastoral valley of Miage, where we stop for lunch (not included) at a historic mountain refuge. After another brief ascent, we make our way down to the charming alpine village of Les Contamines, where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +680 m (+2,230 ft), -1,300 m (-4,264 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Les Contamines

Our day starts with an easy riverside walk to the historic Notre Dame de la Gorge chapel. From here, the trail climbs steeply along an ancient Roman road before easing into alpine meadows. We stop for coffee at Refuge de la Balme before a long ascent to Col du Bonhomme at 2,469 m (8,098 ft). This high pass offers incredible views of distant peaks. Then, a short traverse brings us to Croix du Bonhomme before we descend into a remote valley, following a well-marked trail to our refuge for the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 17.6 km (11 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +1,330 m (+4,362 ft), -940 m (-3,083 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain refuge

We start with a steady climb from Ville des Glaciers, a tiny farming community famous for its Tarine cows, which produce the renowned Beaufort cheese. The trail gradually ascends to Col de la Seigne at 2,516 m (8,252 ft), where we cross into Italy. From here, breathtaking views stretch from the Brenva face of Mont Blanc to the Grand Combin in Switzerland.

A descent past Refuge Elisabetta leads us into Val Veny. Depending on the season, we may take a bus from La Visaille to Courmayeur, or continue on foot via Col Checrouit to reach the town.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 25 km (15.6 miles)
Hiking option with bus: 17 km (10.6 miles), 8-9 hours
Elevation: +1,276 m (+4,185 ft), -1,857 m (-6,090 ft) / Bus option: +867 m (+2,843 ft), -1,015 m (-3,329 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Courmayeur

We leave Courmayeur, passing ancient chalets before climbing to Rifugio Bertone. A high-level alpine trail rewards us with views of the Grandes Jorasses and Dent du Géant. After lunch (not included), we descend to the Armina Valley, then climb over Col Entre Deux Sauts before reaching the famous Rifugio Bonatti. We enjoy afternoon tea with stunning Mont Blanc views before descending to the road for a bus back to Courmayeur.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 16 km (10 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +1,611 m (+5,284 ft), -1,140 m (-3,739 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Courmayeur

Today, we leave Italy and enter Switzerland. We start with a short transfer to Arnuva before beginning our ascent to Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m / 8,323 ft), the highest pass of the Tour du Mont Blanc. From here, we say goodbye to Italy and cross into Switzerland, enjoying breathtaking views of the Glacier de Pré de Bar and the Grand Combin (4,314 m / 14,154 ft).

A long descent through alpine pastures brings us to the charming Swiss valley of Ferret, passing traditional wooden chalets and grazing cows. A gentle trail follows the river into the picturesque village of La Fouly, where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 20 km (12.4 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +967 m (+3,172 ft), -1,077 m (-3,533 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in La Fouly

Today is a more relaxed day, giving our legs a bit of a break. We follow an easy valley trail through small Swiss hamlets, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Val Ferret. The route passes through lush green meadows and dense forests, offering a contrast to the high mountain passes of the previous days.

A final climb through pine forests leads us to the stunning alpine lake Champex-Lac (1,470 m / 4,823 ft), often called the “Little Canadian Rockies” due to its reflective waters and tranquil scenery. We settle in for the night in this charming Swiss lakeside town.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 miles), 5-6 hours
Elevation: +440 m (+1,444 ft), -565 m (-1,854 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Champex-Lac

We begin with a gentle descent before starting the ascent to Alp Bovine (1,987 m / 6,519 ft), a working Swiss farm with stunning views over the Rhône Valley. Along the way, we pass waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and grazing cows wearing their iconic Swiss bells.

After a scenic lunch stop at a rustic mountain refuge (not included), we descend through forests to the small village of Trient (1,280 m / 4,199 ft), marked by its famous pink church. This remote valley provides a peaceful setting for the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 16 km (10 miles), 6-7 hours
Elevation: +730 m (+2,395 ft), -1,000 m (-3,281 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain refuge in Trient

Today, we cross back into France via the Col de Balme (2,191 m / 7,188 ft), a historic pass offering spectacular views of the entire Mont Blanc range. The descent takes us through alpine meadows with views of the Aiguille Verte (4,122 m / 13,524 ft) and the towering Drus. We continue down into the Chamonix Valley, passing charming farms and forests before reaching the lively mountain town of Argentière (1,252 m / 4,108 ft), where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 miles), 6-7 hours
Elevation: +911 m (+2,989 ft), -940 m (-3,083 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Argentière

Our final big mountain day is one of the most spectacular! We start by ascending to Col des Montets, then take a high-level trail towards the Lac Blanc (2,352 m / 7,717 ft). This iconic alpine lake offers postcard-perfect views of Mont Blanc reflected in its still waters.

After a break at the refuge, we descend via the Grand Balcon Sud, a stunning traverse overlooking the Chamonix Valley. We take a final descent to the valley floor and celebrate our last full night in Chamonix.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 17 km (10.6 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +1,100 m (+3,609 ft), -1,210 m (-3,970 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Chamonix

For those who want one final adventure, today is a free day to explore Chamonix at your own pace. You can take the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car (3,842 m / 12,605 ft) for breathtaking views, hike to Mer de Glace, or simply enjoy a relaxing day in town. In the evening, we have a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey and reflect on the incredible 170 km (106 miles) we’ve covered on foot!

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Chamonix

After breakfast, our adventure officially ends. If you’d like to extend your stay in Chamonix, feel free to ask your guides for some advice!

Meals: Breakfast