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You've heard about it many times. Friends have told you about it, filling your head with images.
You've dreamed about it... This time, it's for real.
Auberge Nordique has prepared a unique trip for you, led by your favourite mountain guides, so you can experience this classic route in complete peace of mind, but always in the spirit of Auberge Nordique.
This legendary route does not present any major difficulties: wide paths, no vertiginous passages. The Col des Fours, the only slightly rockier section, offers a beautiful alpine variation on the Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB).
The mountain atmosphere changes with each stage: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Italy... The habitat, geology, vegetation and even the cows change with the regions you pass through. The view of the peaks and glaciers changes throughout the journey, at the pace of your walk and your breaks. The high-altitude refuges allow you to enjoy the mountains at sunset and when they wake up: a real pleasure.
We offer you the opportunity to complete the entire tour on foot, but over two years:
× 2026: from Chamonix to Courmayeur, returning to France via the Mont Blanc Tunnel (southern section).
× 2027: from Courmayeur to Chamonix, via the Swiss section (northern section).
Two years, one common thread: the Mont Blanc Massif.
Included
Full board catering
Trek supervision
Accommodation : Trek
Level
Age
From 18 years old
Program
Day 1 – Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Cable car ride from Les Houches to Bellevue (1,800 m) – Bionnassay footbridge (1,700 m) – Col du Tricot (2,120 m) – Miage (1,559 m) – Auberge du Truc (1,750 m)
Meet at 8:30 a.m. in Les Houches. Final preparations and weighing of packs.
The show begins immediately from the cable car cabin as it lifts us above the long valley of Chamonix.
Then we pass through the Bionnassay valley at the foot of the north face of the peak of the same name. A glacier is there, very close by. The royal route up Mont Blanc unfolds before us. We imagine, we understand...
After the footbridge over the torrent, the climb up the Tricot valley is steady.
We settle into a rhythm, the TMB is really underway.
At the pass of the same name, yet another high-mountain landscape awaits us: the famous Dômes de Miages, which will turn pink in the setting sun above our refuge.
Elevation gain: 650m - elevation loss: 700m - 5 hours of walking.
Day 2 – Wednesday 5 August 2026
Alpage du Truc – La Frasse (1,350 m) – Combe d’Armancette – Tré la Tête mountain refuge (1,970 m) – Val Montjoie – Combe Noire waterfall (1,450 m) – Nant Borrant mountain refuge (1,450m)
On Tuesday, the highlight of the stage will be the magnificent balcony path created by geologist Claudius Bernard, connecting Combe d'Armancette to the Tré la Tête refuge above the Contamines Montjoie valley. Sometimes in the larch and spruce forest, sometimes in the open, the atmospheres are varied and interesting. The view is expansive, facing Mont Joli.
Elevation gain: 550m - elevation loss: 850m - 5.5 hours of walking.
Day 3 – Thursday 6 August 2026
La Balme (1,700m) – Tumulus (2,043m) – Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m) – Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,433m)
The morning climb is gentle, in the cool air.
We are in a nature reserve, a protected site, which we cross as we climb to the Col du Bonhomme. From Haute Savoie we pass into Savoie, more precisely the green Beaufortain. Via an ascending traverse, we then reach the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. The refuge is just behind, in the middle of a short lawn, much loved by ibex.
As the stage is short, depending on how we feel, we can walk around the refuge and take photos of the ibex at our leisure.
Elevation gain: 1050m - elevation loss: 50m - 4 hours of walking.
Day 4 – Friday, 7 August 2026
Col des Fours (2,660 m) – La Ville des Glaciers (1,789 m) – Les Mottets (1,870 m) Col de la Seigne (2,513 m) – Italian border crossing – Vallon de la Lée Blanche – Elisabetta Refuge (2185m)
Early in the morning, we cross the Col des Fours, which is sometimes still covered in snow. From there, a direct and less frequented descent leads us to the Glaciers Valley, steeped in history. This valley embodies authentic mountain life: herds of Tarine sheep grazing outdoors in all weathers, demanding and proud agriculture, and the origin of the famous Beaufort d'alpage cheese, renowned throughout France.
Then, a two-hour climb without difficulty takes us to the land of spaghetti and gelato!
At the pass, the wild Val Veni appears before us and, further on, the splendid Val Ferret. The entire southern face of the Mont Blanc massif is laid out before us. What a view!
Ascent: 900m - Descent: 1300m - 6 hours of walking.
Day 5 – Saturday, 8 August 2026
Lac Combal (1,950 m) – L’Arp Vieille (2,303 m) – Balcon – Col Chécroui (1,956 m) – Courmayeur (1,200 m) – Bus to Courmayeur
This stage offers exceptional views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Glaciers, peaks, towers, summits, nestled refuges... what a sight! How wonderful it is to be on the Balcon trail!
The summit of Mont Blanc is closer than ever as the crow flies: it's impressive. Along the way, we encounter the melodious Italian accent and the warning whistles of marmots: a beautiful final stage that will make us want to come back!
Visit the pedestrian town of Courmayeur, if the bus timetable allows, and return to Chamonix by the regular Courmayeur/Chamonix bus, then the Chamonix/Les Houches bus.
Departure around 5.30pm.
Elevation gain: 400m - elevation loss: 1250m - 5 hours of walking.
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Important: The programme is given as a guide only. Situations beyond our control may also lead us to modify the itineraries and activities of the day (weather, level of participants, safety, etc.).
The programmes have been drawn up based on the latest information available at the time of writing: unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may affect the course of events. Once on site, our guides are the best judges and may need to modify the itinerary depending on the weather, physical abilities, availability of accommodation or if the safety of the group requires it.
NB: If you wish to stay in Chamonix the night before departure and on your return, we can recommend convenient accommodation in Les Houches: Le Gite Fagot. However, you will need to book quickly.
Important
PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL LEVEL
For average hikers who are trained to walk for several days in a row - Stages of 4 to 6 hours of walking per day. This trek is designed for a gentle introduction to mountain hiking, so it is suitable even for first-time hikers.
450 to 900 metres of elevation gain per day.
MEETING POINT
Tuesday: 8:30 am in Les Houches
Saturday: departure around 5:30 pm in Les Houches
CARRYING
Personal belongings and lunch.
Bag weighing approximately 7-8 kg maximum, including picnic and water. Your guide will advise you on what to pack.
The bag itself should weigh approximately 1 kg max when empty. Capacity approximately 32-35 litres.
ITINERARY
The itinerary may be modified by the guide depending on weather conditions, snow conditions and the level of the participants, or for reasons of accommodation availability.
Times are given as a guide only and do not include stops.
GROUP AND SUPERVISION
Number of participants: 8 to 12 people. Supervision is provided by a mountain guide with a State Mountaineering Certificate. You will be under his responsibility and he may modify the organisation depending on weather or technical constraints. Technical information is available from Jean-Marc Thomet: jmthomet@gmail.com or via Instagram: jm-explorelesmontagnes, who has prepared and will supervise this trek.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
In mountain huts, lodges or inns. Picnics prepared by the mountain huts except for Day 1 (bring your own sandwich).
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER THE TREK
Depending on your plans and logistics, we can recommend the Gite Fagot in Les Houches (€75 half board). For parking during the trek, there is a long-stay car park in Les Houches.
Les Houches and the gite are very well served by train.
The price includes:
o Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
o Full board accommodation and meals (picnic lunch) from dinner on day 1 to picnic on day 5, excluding picnic on day 1.
o Bellevue cable car.
o Regular bus transport from Courmayeur to Les Houches and passage through the Mont Blanc tunnel on the last day.
The price does not include:
o Transport to and from the meeting point.
o Picnic lunch on Day 1.
o Drinks, snacks and personal expenses. Bring your own cereal bars and other snacks (the mountain huts provide some in the packed lunch).
o Membership card for the Auberge Nordique (€6).
o Mountain insurance: we recommend that you take out insurance covering you for civil liability for the activity practised and covering you in the event of an accident: rescue costs, repatriation to your home and reimbursement of additional medical expenses.
o Anything not listed under ‘the price includes’.
o Accommodation before and after the trek.
INSURANCE
We cannot assume responsibility for anyone's civil liability.
To participate in our trips and excursions, you must have civil liability insurance and be covered for assistance, search and rescue, repatriation, and mountain accidents.
We can offer the ‘Passeport Montagne’ card at a preferential rate - find out more about the cover by clicking here.
FORMALITIES
o Passport (for trips abroad) or valid identity card.
o Civil liability: each participant must have civil liability cover (for recreational hiking activities).
o Repatriation insurance is compulsory and cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. If you do not have this cover, L'Auberge Nordique can offer you solutions through Passeport Montagne (ANCEF) and their insurer Gritchen.
o Remember to apply for your European Health Insurance Card.
CONDITIONS TO BE MET
o Minimum age: 18 years old.
o Medical certificate of fitness for hiking to be submitted before departure.
o Be well rested and in good physical condition.
NOTE
The trek may be cancelled no later than 15 days before departure if there are too few participants.
Accomodation
More about ...
The Auberge Nordique
The Auberge Nordique, located in the Aravis mountains in the resort of Le Grand-Bornand, is a premium holiday village.
We offer all-inclusive holidays to suit all tastes and levels.
Full board, don't worry about anything, we organise your holiday!
Take advantage of professional quality supervision, tasty local cuisine, quality accommodation to enjoy sporting moments and moments of relaxation and well-being.
Friendliness, sharing and environmental and territorial commitments are our watchwords.
Confort or Premium ?
Our rooms
Have you chosen an activity? Now choose your room to make the most of your full-board stay in the mountains!
Our century-old chalet, typical of Le Grand-Bornand, has been completely renovated and we now offer top of the range rooms. Choose between Comfort and Premium roomq.
Alone? You can also choose to share your room to reduce costs, just like in a real Auberge!
Would you like to visit the hostel?
This way to the virtual visit!
Equipement
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
o Backpack (approx. 35 litres).
o Hiking poles recommended.
o Head torch or mini torch.
o 1 litre stainless steel water bottle or 2 x ½ litre bottles.
o Folding knife, small rigid plastic fork and spoon, cup.
o Hiking boots with good tread and in good condition.
o Silk or very thin sleeping bag liner for the refuge (blankets or duvets provided).
o Transparent plastic bags to protect clothes in your bag.
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
o Thin wind-stopper gloves, such as cross-country skiing gloves, depending on the weather forecast.
o Hat, cap.
o 2 breathable T-shirts and 1 breathable undershirt.
o 1 warm down jacket or softshell jacket, fleece, etc.
o 1 Gore-Tex jacket for protection against rain and wind.
o 1 pair of breathable, stretchy hiking trousers and 1 pair of shorts.
o 1 pair of long or ¾ length breathable thermal underwear (Odlo, Patagonia, etc.) for the night or to wear under your walking trousers if it is cold, or as a change of clothes when you arrive at the lodge if necessary.
o 2 pairs of mid-calf hiking socks made of anti-blister terry cloth.
PERSONAL
o Small toiletries bag and earplugs.
o Small first aid kit (with prescription): medication, arnica, paracetamol, etc., elastoplast, blister plasters.
o Sunglasses with UV4 protection (contact lenses not recommended), sun cream.
o Identity and insurance documents, family telephone numbers in case of emergency, money, etc. in a zip-lock freezer bag. European Health Insurance Card (free on request from your health insurance provider).
MOBILE PHONES AND CAMERA BATTERY CHARGING
Access to mobile phone networks is unreliable in the mountains. Mountain huts have solar power or a generator and often no sockets available (sometimes for a fee). The hut's telephone is reserved for hut use and emergencies. A phone battery can last a week if you only turn it on occasionally.
Book
Booking
Booking dates
- August
-
from 4 August 2026 to 8 August 2026available from690 € /pers (room of 2)5 days, 4 nightsselect