Three countries. Four alpine passes. One loop around the highest peak in Western Europe. The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world's great hiking routes and a must for mountain lovers (like you)! We've handpicked the best sections so you get the most spectacular scenery, day after day, while staying in charming historic refuges and auberges along the way. France, Italy, Switzerland, local wine, mountain cuisine, and an amazing group of women along for every step of it.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most famous and beloved long distance hikes, and for good reason! We perfectly planned this Tour du Mont Blanc highlights trek so you can enjoy the most spectacular views all day, every day, and spend the evenings enjoying local cuisine and wine and resting in rustic and charming refuges, auberges and inns. Your hiking gear will be transported along the way, so you only need to focus on hiking with your daypack, taking in the views (this trek has VIEWS), and having a heck of a lot of fun! It’s a great match for mountain lovers who are looking for a multi day trek with a side of that cozy Alpine culture! Be sure to thoroughly read the Daily Breakdown and make sure you’re fully prepared for the distances and elevation gains on this circuit.

The highest elevation we’ll reach on this trek is at Grand Col Ferret (8,320 ft), so while it’s unlikely you’ll feel the effects of altitude, it’s very likely you’ll feel the effects of the many rocky ups and downs in your legs!

The Tour du Mont Blanc hiking season is during the summer, even so, it’s not uncommon to encounter some snow on the higher sections of the trail. Bottom line, mountain climates are unpredictable, so be ready to embrace what Mother Nature throws our way, and put on a layer and dance when it gets cold. Remember, the difference between an adventure and an ordeal is your attitude!

As with all WHOA Adventures, the better trained you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be. While training, make sure you are breaking in your boots and daypack too. With a cumulative elevation gain of over 16,400 ft in 45 mi over 6 back-to-back days, the Tour du Mont Blanc requires leg strength, stamina, and grit!

Bottom line, stay active, break in your gear, and start conditioning your legs now for steep and steady uphills AND downhills. Prep yourself as much as possible - your future self will thank you! If you’re looking for more tips check out our expert 6 step training guide.

Make your way to Chamonix, one of the most celebrated mountain towns in the world, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc in the heart of a dramatic alpine valley. If you're flying, Geneva is the closest airport and an easy shuttle or train ride away. We’ll have the evening to settle in, recover from our travels, and start soaking up the charm of this iconic alpine town!

Included Meals: Dinner
Stay: Hotel Refuge des Aiglons or similar

The morning is ours to take a short hike to warm up our legs, ride the cable car up to Mont Blanc for sweeping views of the mastiff, or simply wander the town. In the evening, we’ll gather to meet our guides for a trip briefing and WHOA Welcome Dinner!

Included Meals: Dinner
Stay: Hotel Refuge des Aiglons or similar

The day begins with a transfer to Les Cugnon where we start our hike in a forest, and continue along the Solelieu path until we reach the Chalet Nant Barrant. We will cross a valley climbing up to the pastures of les Prés where we will spend our first night on the trail in one of the only women-owned and run mountain huts along the Tour du Mont Blanc. The hut prides itself on sustainability and providing delicious, locally sourced cuisine. Not to mention, ziggity, zaggity, zoon…there’ll be a full moon!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Approx. Distance: ~6 mi / 9.5 km
Hike Time: 6+ hours
Elevation: ↗ 3,000 ft ↘ 600 ft / ↗ 926 m ↘ 190 m
Stay: Refuge des Prés or similar

NOTE: On nights when we stay in a Refuge, there will be no access to your luggage.

This morning we’ll start our morning as we continue hiking through mountain pastures until we reach the Chalets de Jovet, where we will make a small detour to see the beautiful Lacs Jovet before continuing onto to our lunch spot, the Col du Bonhomme (7,641 ft). In the afternoon we’ll descend a steep grassy trail leading to the remote hamlet of Les Chapieux (3,786 ft) where we’ll overnight in a charming auberge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Approx. Distance: ~7.5 mi / 12 km
Hike Time: 7+ hours
Elevation: ↗ 3,000 ft ↘ 3,300 ft / ↗ 886 m ↘ 1030 m
Stays: Les Chambres du Soleil, Autantic or similar

Today we’ll go from bonjour to buon giorno as our path leads us out of France and into Italy! We’ll transfer from Les Chapieux to the trailhead at the Vallée des Glaciers, climb east over the Col de la Seigne (8,251 ft) and finally descend into Italy to reflective Lac Combal. If the weather cooperates, the views along our route will take your breath away! The dramatic southern face of the Mont Blanc range is fully exposed above us as we hike down to La Visaille, from where we transfer to Courmayeur.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Approx. Distance: ~10 mi / 16 km
Hike Time: 7+ hours
Elevation: ↗ 2,800 ft ↘ 3,000 ft / ↗ 856 m ↘ 941 m
Stay: Hôtel Berthod or similar

We begin our highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek this morning along a river as we head out of Italy towards Switzerland. Alpine meadows, rushing streams and stunning views of the Val Veny serve as our backdrop as we hike to Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (8,320 ft)! Mont Dolent towers above and its summit is the meeting point of the borders with France, Italy and Switzerland. You'll continue to be amazed by fabulous close-up views of rocky spires and sparkling glaciers. Our grassy path ultimately leads us to the quiet but scenic village of La Fouly (5,282 ft), and a transfer will bring us to our accommodations for the night in the charming Alpine village of Champex, Switzerland.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Approx. Distance: ~8 mi / 13 km
Hike Time: 7+ hours
Elevation: ↗ 4,300 ft ↘ 3,000 ft / ↗ 1310 m ↘ 910 m
Stay: Hotel Glacier, Hôtel Sunways or similar

In the morning, we’ll transfer to Trient where our path follows an old smuggler's route back into France. We’ll hike to Col de Balme (7,185 ft), the border between Switzerland and France, and eat our picnic lunch while gazing down at the Swiss countryside behind us and the Chamonix Valley ahead. The views of Mont Blanc are absolutely phenomenal! From the Col des Montets, we take a transfer to our hotel, just north of Chamonix.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Approx. Distance: ~8.5 mi / 13.5 km
Hike Time: 6+ hours
Elevation: ↗ 2,900 ft ↘ 2,400 ft / ↗ 896 m ↘ 732 m
Stay: Hotel Le Jeu de Paume or similar

In the morning, we’ll take a short drive to the Col des Montets where we begin our hike along the Grand Balcon to the spectacularly situated Lac des Cheserys with the many glaciers and peaks of the entire range in view. Finally, we’ll close the loop of our Tour du Mont Blanc adventure at La Flégère (6,151 ft), and the cable car will carry us down into the valley over Alpine pastures to Les Praz. In the evening, we’ll all gather together to raise a toast to an excellent adventure and enjoy a farewell fondue dinner in Chamonix!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Farewell Fondue Dinner
Approx. Distance: ~6.5 mi / 10.5 km
Hike Time: 6+ hours
Elevation: ↗ 2,400 ft ↘ 1,100 ft / ↗ 752 m ↘ 335 m
Stay: Refuge des Aiglons, Alpina Eclectic, or similar

NOTE: The La Flégère cable car may cease operations if high winds are present. In such conditions, we’ll hike down to Les Praz, adding an additional 2,600 ft of descent.

After a final breakfast together (and probably a group vote on where we're hiking next), we'll say our goodbyes and head back to our respective corners of the world. Feel free to book your departure from Geneva anytime after 1 PM.

Included Meals: Breakfast

NOTE: All distances and times are approximate! This is a special highlights itinerary, so the exact route, itinerary and accommodation is subject to change based on trail conditions, weather, availability and unforeseen conditions, and that's part of the adventure! Even when things change, trust you'll be well taken care of with WHOA quality, professionalism, and TLC!