The classic and complete itinerary, Courmayeur-Chamonix-Courmayeur, consists of almost 170 km and can be hiked in 10/12 days. This proposal choose the most spectacular and interesting part that goes from Courmayeur to Chamonix via Switzerland: a seven day hiking tour, perfect enough to absorb the spirit of the Giant.

DAILY PROGRAM

Day1- Meeting in Malpensa airport and transfer to Aosta Valley. Along the way we stop to visit one of the famous castles of this valley. In the afternoon we reach Curmayeur, the stony village under the italian walls of the Giant. Night in Hotel.

Day 2 – From Courmayeur, our trek start with a middle-soft ascends to the hut set in a really scenic place, where we stay for the first night (3-4 hrs hike with 700 mtrs up). The hut is located in a highly panoramic position on the towering east and south slopes of Mont Blanc and the valley of Courmayeur. It is an excellent opportunity to begin to get familiar with the top of Europe and it’s magnificent mountainous surroundings. FB

Day 3 – The second trekking day does not present any important rises but has a considerable development and therefore allows you to train your legs without losing your breath. We undertake the so-called “balcony”, in other words, the path running along the entire Italian Ferret Valley that stays along the hillside facing the Mont Blanc range thus getting magnificent views of the most beautiful 4000 of the Alps. We pass in front of Bonatti Hut and continue until Elena Hut (5 hrs hike with 300 meters up), located at the head of the Italian valley in an excellent panoramic position as well. FB

D4 – In the third trekking day we climb the Grand Ferret hill on the border between Italy and Switzerland (beautiful panoramic views on the mountain range, on the Grand Combin and on the Monte Rosa, the eastern massif among the 4000 meters hight mountains. Then we enter Switzerland to descend in the Swiss Val Ferret, passing through the pretty village of Ferret to reach La Fouly where we stop for the third accommodation (5 hrs with 500 meters up). FB

D5 – The fourth trekking day continues in the Swiss Val Ferret and brings us to the village of Champex, situated on the banks of a lake. This leg does not present any significant gradients as well (4 hrs. 300 mtrs up). At this point of the hike, you will be physically well prepared to face the next two more challenging days

D6 – Today we cross the Swiss-France border at the highest point of our hike, the Fenêtre d’Arpette 2.665 meters high, where we leave Switzerland to descend in France. Here you will admire beautiful views of the Trient Ice fall descending from the big mountain towards the village of Trient (6 hrs 900 meters up). FB

D7 – In the sixth trekking day, we reach one of the historical hills of the Tour, the Balme Pass, with a magnificent view over the valley of Chamonix and on the French side of the Monte Bianco range, totally different from the italian side !  It seems like a dream for the first time after having left Italy to see all this magnificent long ice falls (5-6 hrs and 500 mtrs up).  The descent to Chamonix can also be done on foot but the path from the cable car station does not provide anything interesting. Night in Chamonix and time to taste the typical french mountain kitchen with a “raclette” and a good french wine. BB

D8 – Chamonix to Courmayeur crossing the majestic central glaciers with the SKY WAY. It will be something unforgetable to be surrounded by majestic peaks over looking till the top of 4810 meters. The cable-car stops at Rifugio Torino, at the border with Italy, a really impressive balcony over Curmayeur and the whole Aosta Valley. Night in Curmayeur.

D9 – Return to Malpensa by bus. If time it is enough we can stop to Aosta for a walk in the Antic Roman Centre.

DEPARTURES

 10/06/2018

17/06/2018

19/08/2018

26/08/2018

PRICE PER PERSON

€   1.500/person  (for 8 to 12 People group)

Included: the Guide, italian mountain guide, English speaking, who leads the group for the whole period; all transfer from/to Milano Airport; visit of the castle, 3 nights in hotel in double room (2 in Curmayeur (Italy) and 1 in Chamonix -France) with breakfast in double rooms, 5 nights in mountain hotels (rooms for 2-3-4), with dinner breakfast and packet lunch. Sky Way cable-car from Chamonix to Curmayeur.

The cost does not include: drinks except water, dinner in Curmayeur and Chamonix.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Difficulties: E (Moderate), daily legs of medium physical effort, an average of 5 hours per day. No mountaineering difficulties.

Groups: from 8 to 12.

Guide:  English speaking Guide, geologist, expert in the area

Gear: we recommend using a 40 litre backpack. Hiking sticks are highly recommended. Summer mountain hiking clothing, with at least one fleece sweater, a pair of long pants, fleece hat and gloves, sunglasses, high protection sunscreen (not less than 30), cotton hat, waterproof jacket, headlamp, a 2 litre water pouch to keep inside your backpack.