770 million years ago the earth’s crust lifted up schist, gneiss and limestone to form what would become the Mont Blanc massif. And though today its grandeur attracts swarms of people yearly, you’ll get away from them and take the less-trodden paths—all the while staying at a luxury 5-star residence, tasting delectable dishes and unwinding in spa facilities. Created by a National Geographic guide, this exclusive trip will have you witnessing a 360 tour through history, geology, and culture, allowing you to take in the best views and understand the heritage of Mont Blanc. One day you’re stepping along 240-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, next you’re learning about the history of mountaineering, and then you’re soaking it all in over an Aperol Spritz with a view of Grandes Jorasses. Walk away with a full gallery of photos, memories for life, and a new appreciation for the Alps.
A five-star residence with wellness facilities and the charming Chamonix are your home for the week
Experience the Mont Blanc massif through time with day hikes strewn across France, Italy, and Switzerland
Try out Italian gelato, revel in the delicious fondue, and savor Alpenglow cocktails
Indulge your wanderlust by going on a guided, 8-day hiking tour of Mont Blanc! This is an all-inclusive trip where you’ll come for the views, but stay for the incredible history, vibrant community, and delicious food. Based from a five-star residence in the world-famous Chamonix, you’ll be going out to French, Italian, and Swiss trails every single day with the food, transport, accommodation, and a fantastic guide settled. The only thing you've got to worry about is soaking in all the views.
Day 1 of your hiking tour in Mont Blanc is reserved for arriving and settling in. There are two transfers today (included in the price) from Geneva Airport to Chamonix—one at 11 am, the other one at 4 pm. Make sure to catch one of these shuttles. Once you’ve all gathered in Chamonix, in Le Cristal de Jade, have a welcome dinner at 7 pm. Get a good night’s sleep—the adventure begins!
Meals: Dinner at Le Monchu
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
Kick off the trip by stepping through history—hike the geological trail of old Émosson, a trail with panoramic views and two high dams featuring traces of dinosaurs dating from 240 million years ago. Departing from the VerticAlp funicular, continue onto Lake Émosson and walk along it for about 1.5 km (1 mile). After the lake, go towards Gorge de la Veudale, where spectacular views await and very soon you’ll reach the famous traces of the dinosaurs. The return is via Vieux Émosson Lake to return to the same path to finish the hike at the top of the Émosson dam. Learn about the environmental context and the melting of glaciers. Return to Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa and lunch package or Barrage d’Émosson restaurant
Distance: 12,4 km / 7.7 miles
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 833 m / 2,733 ft
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
Today you’re doing a beautiful, 10.5-kilometer (6.5 miles) loop hike near Cordon in Haute-Savoie. You’ll appreciate the whole massif from afar and move into the pre-Alps area. Listen to your guide talk about the valley, the times of settlement, and how it grew popular. You’re going to avoid the crowds by going on this moderately challenging route, but still get those otherworldly views. Retreat back to Chamonix for the night.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa and lunch package or Le Refuge, Cordon
Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 819 m / 2,687 ft
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
Today you’re going to Lake Pormenaz surrounded by pastures and a mountain overlooking Servoz and Passy near the Moëde-Anterne Refuge. From a fountain, take the Route de la Côte until the first bend. Continue walking towards Gorges de la Diosaz and cross the Souay torrent. Go up, leaving the paths of the Tête de la Fontaine and the Bajulaz on the right. Follow a long, steep slope to a pyramid-marker to reach the Chalets des Alpages de Pormenaz. Cross on over towards the Chalets de Chavanne-Neuve towards the peak Pointe Noire de Pormenaz—where you’ll find geological curiosities— and then towards the Lac de Pormenaz.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa and lunch package
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Elevation: +1,061 m / +3,481 ft | -839 m / -2,753 ft
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
Today you will start in Val Ferret and end up in Courmayeur. Stop along the way at the Bonatti hut, where you’ll have an Aperol Spritz with a view of Grand Jorasses! The hut was named after a legendary Italian mountaineer who helped set it up. You’ll have a leisure afternoon in Courmayeur’s downtown—don’t miss out on the local Focaccia and gelato! After a banger panorama of the whole Chamonix, it’s time to return to your accommodation in Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa and lunch at Refuge Bonatti
Distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 545 m / 1,788 ft
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
Starting from Col de la Fenêtre, today you’re touring around Les Contamines-Montjoie—the only Nature Reserve in the whole Mont Blanc! Apart from strolling along quintessential Alpine scenery, you’re also visiting the charming village of Les Contamines-Montjoie. Set at the heart of a Nature Reserve, the village has preserved its historic appearance, its Baroque churches, and traditional architecture. More than 70% of old farmhouses have been renovated to honor the typical Savoyard style. Return to Chamonix.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa and lunch at Refuge de Pres
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 423 m / 1,388 ft
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
The last hiking day takes you in front of the massive Bossons Glacier, Needles of Chamonix, Vallée Blanche, Les Drus, going towards the seracs of the Argentière Glacier and ending in Montroc. You’ll constantly be moving in nature reserves—their historical significance of being gaming reserves—and learning about their protection. Return back with a Planpraz telecabine and then a train from Montroc to Chamonix. Enjoy your last evening in this charming town.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa and lunch at Refuge du Lac Blanc
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 520 m / 1,706 ft
Accommodation: 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade
It’s time to say goodbye to Mont Blanc and the Chamonix area. If you’d like to stay longer, your guide will be happy to give you recommendations! If you’re ready to fly back home, there are two shuttles taking you to the Geneva Airport today—one is at 7 am, the other one at noon.
Meals: Breakfast at Heliopic Hotel & Spa
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
While hiking the hidden gems of Mont Blanc doesn’t require any special skills, you still need to be fit enough for hiking 10 km (6 miles) per day on average for 6 days in a row, while carrying a daypack filled with things you’ll need throughout the day. You can expect the elevation gain to be between 500 and 800 m (1,640-2,625 ft). Your guide can always make the day hikes easier or harder depending on the group.
If you’d like to take on one of Europe’s most iconic routes, check out our guided Tour du Mont Blanc trek or Haute Route trek. The Alps are also world-renowned for trail running, so maybe you’d be interested in this Tour du Mont Blanc trail running adventure or women’s trail running camp in Chamonix.
More of a winter type? Go off piste skiing in Mont Blanc or if you’re up for a real challenge, check out ski touring in Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc or alpine climbing the Mont Blanc massif.
Here’s a list of personal items you need to bring:
Here’s a list of clothing we suggest you bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
Due to many factors, the price isn’t final.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. There will be two shuttles (included in the price) on the first and on the last day of the tour that will take you to Chamonix.
On Day 1, shuttles will depart at 11 am and 4 pm towards Chamonix. On Day 8, shuttles taking you to the Geneva Airport will depart at 7 am and noon.
Once you get to Chamonix, you will meet your guide and your team at the 5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade at 6 pm on Day 1.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in France and Italy, please refer to France Diplomacy’s advice for travelers and foreign nationals, Italy’s COVID-19 travel regulations, and COVID-19 information by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
