This September 2027, we’ll take on one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance hiking adventures: the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Over ten days, we’ll journey around the mighty Mont Blanc massif, hiking through France, Switzerland and Italy as we follow a spectacular circuit of high mountain trails, glacial valleys, alpine meadows and dramatic peaks. From panoramic ridgelines above Chamonix to the towering Grandes Jorasses, tranquil mountain lakes and high passes marking our route between countries, every day will bring a new landscape to discover.
This is a true mountain adventure, with long days on the trail, challenging climbs and plenty of elevation to tackle. But with an experienced local guide leading the way and a dedicated support crew taking care of our camp, luggage and meals, we’ll be able to focus on the hiking, the scenery and the experience of travelling together.
Rather than simply passing through the Alps, we’ll spend nine days immersed in them. We’ll wake beneath the mountains, cross borders on foot, share stories around camp after a day on the trail and gradually make our way around one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world.
This trip is for women who want to challenge themselves, spend time in wild places and experience the satisfaction that comes from putting one foot in front of the other and discovering just how far they can go.
Trip Classification
Trip Style: Trek
Activity Level: 5/5
Hiking Stats
Day 1: Arrival, no hiking
Day 2: 10km, +500m, -980m, 8 hours
Day 3: 15km, +1,190m, -1,060m, 8.5 hours
Day 4: 14km, +680m, -720m, 7.5 hours
Day 5: 14km, +970m, -800m, 8.5 hours
Day 6: REST DAY
Day 7: 14km, +500m, -900m, 8 hours
Day 8: 24km, +900m, -970m, 8.5 hours
Day 9: 17km, +930m, -1,375m, 8 hours
Day 10: Departure, no hiking
Please note: On hiking days there is a strict deadline of arrival at camp by 5pm latest each day.
Hike the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy
Follow spectacular trails through glacial valleys, alpine meadows and high mountain passes
Take in breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses and surrounding peaks
Cross the Swiss-Italian border on foot at the spectacular Grand Col Ferret
Experience the camaraderie of supported mountain camping with a group of adventurous, like-minded women
Challenge yourself on long days in the mountains and discover what you're capable of
Share an unforgettable ten-day adventure immersed in some of Europe's most spectacular mountain landscapes
Liz is a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Nutrition and Fitness Coach, Hiking Guide, and Outdoor Enthusiast based in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She’s dedicated to empowering women to embark on confident, adventurous journeys in the great outdoors, no matter their experience level.
Throughout her career in health and wellness, Liz has worked in gyms, rec centers, retreats, yoga studios, and out in the wild. From one-on-one coaching to group fitness classes, yoga sessions, and hiking retreats, she has guided countless women toward happier, healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Liz is passionate about fostering an inclusive, welcoming space where every body is celebrated, regardless of shape, size, or background.
When she’s not in the yoga studio or leading outdoor adventures, you can find Liz exploring new hiking trails, dabbling in snowboarding, dancing at live music events, or indulging her love of breakfast burritos.
For this adventure, we'll swap traditional hotels for something a little more immersive: supported mountain camping.
Our camp crew will travel with us throughout the trek, setting up our camp each evening so that when we arrive after a day on the trail, our tents are ready and waiting. This means you'll only need to carry a day pack with you, because the camp gear will be transported to camp for you. We'll stay in modern, three-person pop-up style tents, shared between two people. If you'd prefer your own space, a single-tent supplement is also available.
The campsites themselves are comfortable and well set up for trekkers, with good shower facilities and unlimited hot water at most locations. Most also have Wi-Fi and a bar, giving us somewhere to relax, grab a drink and swap stories from the day.
One campsite, on our eighth day, is more basic, reflecting its beautiful and remote mountain setting. We'll have a toilet block and paid showers there, and we'll head to a local restaurant for dinner that evening.
Camping also gives us something that hotels and refuges can't quite replicate: time together. We'll spend our evenings around camp, sharing meals and getting to know the women we're travelling with, creating the camaraderie that makes a challenging trek even more rewarding.
Eating well on the trail
Breakfast will be served buffet-style at camp each morning, giving us plenty of opportunity to fuel up before heading out for the day.
On hiking days, we’ll be provided with a simple lunch to enjoy along the trail.
In the evenings, we'll eat together as a group. Dinner is a set group meal, with vegetarian options and allowances made for allergies and dietary requirements. Because we're camping and working with relatively simple facilities, we're not able to offer an à la carte menu or lots of different meal choices, but the food is well regarded by previous groups.
On our free day in Courmayeur, breakfast will be provided at camp, but lunch and dinner will be at our own leisure and expense, giving us the flexibility and freedom to explore the town and choose where we’d like to eat.
On three evenings, we'll have the chance to experience the local food scene instead. On 5 September in Les Bossons, 10 September in Val Veny and 11 September in Les Chapieux, we'll head out to a local restaurant for dinner as a group, giving us a chance to enjoy a relaxed meal together away from camp. The cost of these meals are all included.
The little bit of camp life
This is supported camping, so we're not expected to do everything ourselves. The crew takes care of most of the hard work, including setting up camp and preparing our meals.
There are a few small jobs we'll share as a group. We'll wash our own breakfast dishes, take turns with the evening washing-up, and pack away our own tents each morning before bringing our bags to the support vehicle.
We'll also provide the sleeping equipment you'll need for camp, including a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow and liner, so there's no need to buy or bring your own camping sleep system.
Arrive into Geneva airport, where you'll join a shared transfer to our basecamp in Les Bossons, just outside Chamonix town. Here we'll get our first glimpse of the dramatic Mont Blanc massif and the jagged, crevassed ice of the Bossons Glacier.
We'll have time to settle in and get to know each other and our support crew, to go through the route, talk through what to expect over the week ahead and make sure we're all prepared for the journey.
Then we'll sit down together for our first group dinner before settling into camp for the night.
Twin share in tents at Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Dinner
Our first day of hiking begins with a short bus journey into Chamonix, followed by the cable car up to La Flégère, at 1,860m. From here, we'll step straight into some of the most spectacular scenery of the week.
The Grand Balcon Sud follows the mountainside high above the Chamonix Valley, with uninterrupted views across to the towering peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. We'll climb towards Lac Blanc, reaching 2,352m, where the setting is quintessentially Alpine: turquoise water, rugged peaks and glaciers stretching across the horizon.
From the lake, we'll follow the trail along the upper slopes before beginning our descent towards the hamlet of Les Frasserands. There is a short steep section involving steps and ladders on the way down, adding a little extra adventure to our first day.
We'll take the valley train back to Les Bossons, giving us time to relax at camp before heading out together for dinner at a local restaurant.
Distance: 10km
Elevation gain/loss: +500m / -980m
Hiking time: Approx. 8 hours
Twin share in tents at Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We'll return to Les Frasserands by bus and begin climbing through the forest towards the Aiguillette de Posettes, at 2,201m.
After a brief descent, we'll continue upwards towards Col de Balme, reaching 2,191m and crossing the border from France into Switzerland on foot.
As we gain height, the views open out across the mountains, with the Aiguille d'Argentière, Aiguille du Tour and surrounding glaciers providing a spectacular backdrop. We'll stop for lunch before beginning our descent towards Trient, a small Swiss hamlet sitting beneath the Trient Glacier.
There's one final challenge waiting for us: a steep climb to our campsite at the Col de la Forclaz, where we'll settle in for the evening.
Distance: 15km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,190m / -1,060m
Hiking time: 8.5 hours
Twin share in tents at Hotel du Col de la Forclaz campsite
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we'll follow the historic Bovine Route, an old trail once used to move cattle into the high alpine pastures.
The path climbs steadily through woodland before opening out into grazing meadows, where we'll gain our highest point of the day. From here, the trail turns downhill, taking us through alpine meadows and forest towards Champex-Lac.
Set beside a beautiful high-altitude lake, Champex is one of those places that feels quintessentially Swiss. We'll have some time to enjoy the surroundings before an afternoon transfer takes us further along the route to La Fouly, where we'll spend the night.
Distance: 14km
Elevation gain/loss: +680m / -720m
Hiking time: Approx. 7.5 hours
Twin share in tents at Camping Les Glaciers, La Fouly
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today brings one of the defining moments of our TMB journey as we climb towards Grand Col Ferret, at 2,537m, the highest point of the trip.
We'll follow the Drance River valley upwards, gradually gaining height as the surrounding peaks become more dramatic. The climb to the col is a rewarding one, and when we reach the top we'll cross from Switzerland into Italy, with an entirely new landscape waiting on the other side.
Below us lies the beautiful Val Ferret, framed by the enormous Grandes Jorasses. We'll descend into the valley beneath these imposing peaks, with the option of taking a local bus onwards to Planpincieux depending on the group and conditions.
Tonight we'll camp surrounded by the mountains of the Italian Alps.
Distance: 14km
Elevation gain/loss: +970m / -800m
Hiking time: Approx. 7.5 hours
Twin share in tents at Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After four days of hiking, today is all about slowing the pace and giving our legs a chance to recover. We'll have a free day to explore the nearby charming mountain town of Courmayeur, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, browse the shops or settle into one of the cafés for an Aperol spritz and, of course, some excellent Italian gelato!
If you fancy making the most of the spectacular mountain setting, you could take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car from La Palud to Punta Helbronner at 3,461m for incredible close-up views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
For something more relaxing, head to the thermal spa at Pré Saint Didier, just a short bus ride from Courmayeur. Alternatively, there are options for some gentler local trails or even horse riding if you still want to get out and enjoy the mountains without taking on another full day of hiking.
However you choose to spend it, today is your chance to rest, recharge and enjoy a slower-paced day in the Italian Alps before we get back on the trail tomorrow.
Twin share in tents at Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret
Breakfast
We'll take a short morning bus connection before rejoining the main TMB route and climbing towards Rifugio Bonatti, at 2,025m.
From the refuge, we'll traverse high along Mont de la Saxe, following the mountainside with sweeping views across the southern face of Mont Blanc and the glaciers hanging above the northern Val Ferret.
The trail eventually begins its long, steep descent towards Courmayeur, where we'll have time to explore this atmospheric Italian mountain town and take a well-earned break.
We'll then transfer by bus to Val Veny and our campsite for the night.
This evening we'll leave camp behind once more and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, making the most of our final night in Italy.
Distance: 14km
Elevation gain/loss: +500m / -900m
Hiking time: Approx. 8 hours
Twin share in tents at Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is our longest day on the trail, and one of the great stages of the entire circuit.
We'll begin by ascending through Val Veny, hiking beneath the vast lateral moraine of the Glacier du Miage. As we pass Lac Combal, the trail steepens and we'll climb the ancient Roman path towards Col de la Seigne, at 2,516m.
At the top, we'll cross back into France, marking another border crossed on foot and another major milestone on our journey around Mont Blanc.
From the col, we'll begin a long descent through the spectacular mountain landscape, passing the summer hamlet of La Ville des Glaciers before continuing towards Les Chapieux.
It's a big day, both physically and scenically, but one that captures exactly what makes the TMB such a special adventure.
We'll spend the night at a simple campsite in a beautiful setting in Les Chapieux. Tonight we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Distance: 24km
Elevation gain/loss: +900m / -970m
Hiking time: Approx. 8.5 hours
Twin share in tents at Camping Les Chapieux (basic camp)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Our final full day on the trail takes us around the southwestern corner of the TMB.
We'll leave Les Chapieux behind and begin a sustained climb towards Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, reaching 2,478m. From here, we'll traverse across to Col du Bonhomme, at 2,328m, before beginning our long descent towards the valley.
We'll follow a historic Roman road down towards Les Contamines, gradually leaving the high mountains behind as we reach the valley floor.
After eight days of hiking our way around Mont Blanc, this final descent will bring with it a pretty satisfying realisation: we've nearly done it.
We'll spend our final evening together at camp, with time to relax, reflect on the week and celebrate what we've achieved.
Distance: 17km
Elevation gain/loss: +930m / -1,375m
Hiking time: Approx. 8 hours
Twin share in tents at Camping Le Pontet, Les Contamines
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a final breakfast together, we'll say goodbye to the mountains and transfer from Les Contamines to Geneva airport for our journey home.
Nine days after arriving in the Alps, we'll leave having hiked through three countries, crossed high mountain passes, hiked beneath glaciers and completed an unforgettable adventure around Mont Blanc.
Breakfast
Shared minibus shuttle transfer from Geneva airport to campsite near Chamonix on arrival
Private group transfer back to Geneva airport from Les Contamines on departure
All transport and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All meals daily as stated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily) with the exception of our rest day on day 6 (where just breakfast is included to allow for flexibility on our free day)
All accommodation - supporting mountain camping at selected campsites (twin share in modern three-person tents)
Single supplement upgrade available on request ($195pp)
Sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow and liner provided
Experienced, qualified local mountain guide throughout the trek
Dedicated support crew to set up camp and transport luggage between campsites
Pre-departure information and support
24 hour support during the trip
International flights
Visas
Tipping (not compulsory but appreciated)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary and drinks
Travel insurance (compulsory)
The most convenient airport for our Tour du Mont Blanc adventure is Geneva (GVA), which has excellent international and European connections and is around 1.5 hours from our starting point in the Chamonix Valley and about one hour from the end point in Les Contamines.
When the trip has reached minimum numbers and is confirmed, we’ll send out more information on flights and set arrival and departure times. If you are unable to arrive on the correct day and at a suitable time, you can arrive a day early and we can help you arrange additional airport transfers and an extra night of accommodation in Chamonix before the rest of the group arrive.
Return airport transfers between Geneva Airport and the trip are included in the trip cost.
On arrival, we'll arrange an individual shared minibus transfer from Geneva Airport to the campsite near Chamonix, based on your flight arrival time. As the minibus is shared with other passengers, there may be some waiting time at the airport while other passengers arrive.
At the end of the trip, we'll have a private group transfer by minibus from Les Contamines back to Geneva Airport. The transfer will leave at a set time, so if you have a later flight, you can either wait at the airport or there is also the option to leave your luggage at Geneva Airport and take the train into Geneva for the day. The train journey takes around six minutes and there are frequent services between the airport and city.
Challenging, but achievable
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging trek, and it's important to come prepared. You don't need to be an elite athlete or an experienced mountaineer, but you do need a good level of fitness and to be comfortable spending long back-to-back days hiking in the mountains.
The distances on paper can sometimes look deceptively manageable. The challenge comes from the combination of long days, significant climbs and descents, and rough and uneven mountain paths. On many days, we'll spend around four hours climbing followed by several hours descending, with plenty of elevation to gain and lose along the way.
Previous trekking or long-distance hiking experience will make the terrain and sustained days much easier to manage, but you don't need to have completed a trek like the TMB before. The important thing is having built up the fitness and confidence to keep moving for several hours at a time, including on steep and uneven ground.
We'll be hiking as a group with experienced local guides, who will help us find a sustainable pace and support us throughout the trek. We will also have a strict cut-off time each day; needing to arrive at camp by 5pm, giving everyone enough time to shower, relax and enjoy the evening before dinner.
The final two days are particularly demanding, so it's important that everyone joining the trip feels confident about their ability to tackle the full route.
How to prepare
The best preparation is to build your way up to hiking long days back-to-back. Build your hiking tolerance up to be able to hike 15-20km multiple days in a row, and you'll be in good shape for this trek. You don't need to be an expert trekker, but you do need to arrive ready for a full week of proper mountain hiking.
If you're unsure whether your current fitness level is right for the trip, you need to make sure you train for it consistently. Do not wait until a few months before the trip to start training; start now. The host of this trip, Liz, helps women train, prepare and feel confident for outdoor adventures just like the TMB. She's available for 1:1 coaching and customized training plans for anyone looking for extra guidance, support, and accountability as you plan, prep and gear up for the trail. If you're interested in working with Liz, reach out to her to learn more: hello@geminihiker.com
Please contact us if you have any doubts, questions or concerns about your ability to take part in the trip.
Travel insurance is essential as soon as you book your trip because it protects you from unexpected issues both before and during your travels.
- Before your trip: If you need to cancel due to illness, a family emergency, or unforeseen events, insurance can reimburse non-refundable costs.
- During your trip: It covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, or stolen passports, saving you from significant expenses and stress. For this specific trip, your insurance will also need to cover helicopter rescue and trekking in the mountains up to 2,600 meters.
Booking travel insurance early ensures you're protected from the start, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.
Please click the following link to view the terms and conditions for booking this trip. These will also be presented to you for signing upon placing your booking.