What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day hiking tour of hidden gems of Mont Blanc Accommodation (7 nights in 5-star residence Le Cristal de Jade ) Meals as listed in the itinerary Private transportation during the tour What’s not included: Transportation to France Meals not listed in the itinerary Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

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 .

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Week’s worth hiking clothing Leisure clothing if you’d like Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this hiking tour in Mont Blanc, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. The maximum group size is 12. The minimum number of people needed for this tour to operate is 5. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. If you’re joining a group tour, you’ll be placed in a 5-star residence Le Cristal de Jade. If you’re going on a private tour, it’s also possible to rent a chalet. Hiking in Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Deposits and cancellation policy

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. If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your adventure is Chamonix in France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport , about 1.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a train or bus. Meet your guide and your team at your accommodation at 6 pm on day 1.

Covid measures in France, Italy, and Switzerland

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!

Streets of Chamonix with flowers and surrounding Alpine peaks covered in conifer woods.

Chamonix | France

Deluxe Mont Blanc Hiking Tour

Season

June through September

Nearest city

Your tour starts in Chamonix, France

Duration

8 days

Skill level

Intermediate

Accommodation

5-star Résidence Le Cristal de Jade

Guide

Bine Žalohar

From $3,500 / 8 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Guides
Things to know

770 million years ago the earth’s crust lifted up schist, gneiss and limestone to form what would become the Mont Blanc massif. On this 8-day tour around the Chamonix Valley, #funfacts meets day hikes for a 360-tour through history, geology, and culture, which is exactly what most people miss when they visit—they’re both too close to the action to get the best views and not close enough to understand the heritage of this place. That’s what inspired this National Geographic guide to create an exclusive trip based from a 5-star residence to showcase what the massif is really about. 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.

Experience the Mont Blanc massif through time with day hikes strewn across France, Italy, and Switzerland
The charming Chamonix and a five-star residence with wellness facilities are your home for the week
Try out Italian gelato, revel in the delicious fondue, and savor Alpenglow cocktails

Itinerary

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. Make sure to reach Chamonix by 6 pm, because that’s when you’re meeting your guide and your group at your accommodation. Once you’ve all gathered, have a welcome dinner at 7 pm. Get a good night’s sleep—the adventure begins!

Meals: Dinner
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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!

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Meet your guide

5.00

Bine Žalohar

Born in the Slovenian mountains, Bine Žalohar has traveled the world skiing and hiking. He is a passionate extreme sports enthusiast; freestyle skier, surfer, mountain biker, climber, and underwater fisherman. Having obtained a sports degree, Bine continued training and went on to become a licensed skiing and mountain guide. His passion lies in sharing the wonders of the beloved Alps as well as destinations in Japan, Croatia, France, Austria, and many more with fellow adventure junkies.

Watch our webinar

June 28 , 2023 at 12:00PM EDT

Starting in

Mont Blanc Deluxe Hiking Tours: Q&A with Bine Žalohar

Bine Žalohar

UIMLA-Certified National Geographic Guide

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day hiking tour of hidden gems of Mont Blanc
  - Accommodation (7 nights in 5-star residence Le Cristal de Jade)
  - Meals as listed in the itinerary
  - Private transportation during the tour
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to France
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary
  - Guide gratuities — optional
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 the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Week’s worth hiking clothing
  - Leisure clothing if you’d like
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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:
- For this hiking tour in Mont Blanc, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. The maximum group size is 12.
- The minimum number of people needed for this tour to operate is 5. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
- If you’re joining a group tour, you’ll be placed in a 5-star residence Le Cristal de Jade. If you’re going on a private tour, it’s also possible to rent a chalet.
Hiking in Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
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.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
The starting point of your adventure is Chamonix in France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport, about 1.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a train or bus. Meet your guide and your team at your accommodation 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!