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Full 10 day Tour Mont Blanc 2024
12 days holiday, classic 10 day TMB trek, bag transfers
Trekking towards the Chapieu valley on the TMB
Course overview

This is the complete full classic Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), trekking the route in the classic anti-clockwise direction. You complete the whole TMB, staying in a selection of popular gites, lodges and mountain huts. You can travel light as you get your bag transported every night. This trip will appeal to those who want the trekking experience, but to take it a bit easier, and with a bit more comfort.
The treks are guaranteed to be led by an English speaking qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader. The trekking guides will ensure your safety and provide the highest levels of mountain leadership throughout your holiday, and are trained to teach you about the history, flora and fauna of each region.
On the way around, your leader will discuss any variations of the route that you could undertake each day, to make it easier or even more challenging with summits for you. That's one of the delights of the TMB, in that it has so many options and variations for you to trek along each day.
Our scheduled dates are guaranteed to run, once just 4 people have booked, for your peace of mind. We cap numbers at 8 people in a group, so you have great access to your leader. This is a high standard, as other operators have up to 16 clients per leader. Extra dates can be run on demand for groups of four or more people for exactly the same price as our scheduled dates.
There is so much history and information about the local area that our leaders have to share with you, as well as showing you the amazing scenery. The guide is also there to help and lead you over any tricky ridges so you need no previous multi-day trekking experience to join and enjoy this trip.
During the week you pass through France, Italy and Switzerland, so can enjoy the different cultures, language, architecture, and the food of each country cooked and prepared for you during the trek.
This trek has daily vehicle support for baggage collections and drops, and it tackles all the key passes on the classic TMB route; Cols de Voza, Tricot, Bonhomme, Seigne, Ferret, Forclaz, Balme and Brevent.
Dates: these are listed in the column on the right, and they show the live availability from our secure online booking system. When you book online, you receive immediate confirmation, your Alpine Information Booklet, course specific kit list and invoice.
Col de la Seigne, the border of France and Italy on the TMB

Brief Course Itinerary
The itinerary below is designed to give you a flavour of exactly where you will trek to each day, but one of the great things about the Tour du Mont Blanc, is that there are many variations on certain sections, so you can select more challenging routes or even some summits. These options could even affect where you stay each night, but do mean that you can tailor the route a little on most days to suit how you are feeling, the weather and conditions. Your guide will have a massive local knowledge and experience, and will discuss the options with you en-route.
Sunday
Travel to Chamonix to arrive for the 17:00 check-in followed by a course safety and itinerary briefing. These are really useful, as you discuss the exact current weather and conditions, and get tips on what to carry in your pack. You will meet your guide, and be able to ask them any queries, and are shown the route on a map, to talk through the plans for the week. There is time for kit checks and to pick up any last minute supplies. Briefings are over by 18:00 to allow you time to get any last minute supplies before the shops close at 19:00. The group usually goes out for dinner and drinks. Night in Chamonix on B&B basis.
Monday
Les Houches - Col du Tricot - Les Contamines

From Les Houches, you trek up the rocky track to the Col du Voza (1652m), or ascend using the Bellevue cable car. A short wooded descent brings you to the spectacular suspension bridge over the river with fantastic views of the Bionassay glacier. From there you take the steep zig-zag path up to the Col de Tricot (2119m), where there are great views of the snowy Domes du Miages and Aiguille du Bionassay. The route descends past the peaceful huts at Chalets de Miage (1560m) and Chalets du Truc, then down to Les Contamines village. Night in Les Contamines.
Tuesday
Les Contamines - Col du Bonhomme - Les Chapieux

After breakfast you trek along the river to pass the Baroque church of 'Notre Dame de la Gorge' with its famous carved wooden pillars, before following the Roman road over the ancient Roman bridge and steep sided river gorge. The route winds slowly upwards through woods and alpages with stunning mountain views up to the high Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m), the high point of today. There are plenty of options for drink and rest stops along the route. A steep descent brings you to the sleepy village of Les Chapieux (1553m). Night in Les Chapieux / Les Mottets.
Wednesday
Les Chapieux - Col de la Seigne - Courmayeur

A short trek takes you to Ville des Glaciers where you can look round the Beaufortain cheese dairy and even buy some. Then a steady ascent takes you up past the mountain hut of Le Mottets, then up to the Col de la Seigne (2513m), and into Italy. This is the Val Veni, a beautiful region, with great views of the huge Brenva face of Mont Blanc. There is a short descent to the Elizabetta Soldini hut, which is famous for its cakes. After passing Lac Combal you take the bus to reach Courmayeur, and discover it's labyrinth of cobbled streets and shops. Night in Courmayeur / Palud.
Thursday
Courmayeur - Mont de la Saxe - Arnouva

After a short ascent along wooded trails past the Bertone hut you continue the track up the ridge then the summit of Mont de la Saxe (2346m). There are a few steeper sections on the ascent, but your guide is there to help, and the views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc and the Grand Jorasses are amazing. Once over the summit, you traverse round past the Bonatti hut - famous for its fantastic food and home made biscuits. For the photographers amongst you, this day is an absolute treat! An easy trek to finish in Anouva beside a river. Night in Arnouva / Courmayeur / Palud.
Friday
Arnouva - Col du Grand Ferret - La Fouly

A short trek up to the Refugio Elena, then a steady climb up to reach the Grand Col Ferret (2530m), where you pass into Switzerland. You stop for a lunch break at the top to enjoy the view and take some well earned photos. There are great views of the summit of Mont Dolant which is the only peak in the Alps to have the border of three countries at its summit (France, Italy and Switzerland). Over the pass, the route winds through peaceful alpages and wooded glades to reach La Fouly which is a picture postcard village and 'chocolate box' chalets. Night in La Fouly.
Saturday
La Fouly - Sentier des Champignons - Champex

Today is a little easier as you trek along the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret, then the track winds up the ' Sentier des Champignons' or route of mushrooms where there are many carvings and wooden sculptures. Champex is beautiful, and is nestled alongside the lake that gives the village its name. The village cafes enable you to try local specialities, and there is a shop so you can stock up on supplies. This slightly easier day is a welcome break, and lets you get your energy back in time for the route choices of the next day, as you make your way towards Trient. Night in Champex.

Sunday
Champex - Fenetre d'Arpette - Trient

Today there are two choices of route depending on the weather and how the group is feeling. The first option is the steep and rocky challenge of the famous 'Fenetre d'Arpette' (2670m). This option involves nearly 1200m of ascent, but gains fantastic views of the towering seracs of the Trient Glacier. A poor weather or easier alternative is the peaceful Bovine trail through meadows above the treeline, overlooking Martigny and the Rhone valley with its vineyards covering the lower slopes. You descend to the peaceful Swiss village of Trient. Ni
ght in Trient.

Monday
Trient - Col du Balme - Argentiere

From the village of Trient (1296m) you gain a little height on a wooded trail to reach the Col du Balme (1526m), where you cross from Switzerland into France. At the col to your right are striking views of the Glacier de Tour and the surrounding peaks of the snowy Aiguille Verte and Mont Blanc. From here we can also see the long stretch of the Chamonix valley, the end of the trek. Descending the steep ridge of the Aiguillette des Posettes, there are a few short sections of steps before gaining the easy track through the beautiful hamlet of Tre le Champ. Night in Argentiere / Montroc.

Tuesday
Argentiere - Col du Montets - La Flegere - Chamonix valley

From Argentiere, you trek up to the Col du Montets (1461m), then a take a steep track to the Lac Blanc via the Aiguillette d'Argentiere. There are a series of easy short ladders and some cables, but there are handrails and chains to help, and don't worry, your guide will help if you are unsure. You trek the Grand Balcon across to reach Lac Blanc (2352m), which is a shimmering glacial lake and provides stunning views across to the Mont Blanc massif. After time for a break and photos there is a track down through the woods to return to the valley. Night in Chamonix.

Wednesday
La Flegere - Brevent - Les Houches - Chamonix

A short
bus or train ride to start the trek up (or you can opt to catch the cable car up) to La Flégère (1900m). You trek across first to Planpraz (2000m) and can watch the paragliders take off, then up to the summit of Brevent (2525m). The views are amazing of glaciers, Mont Blanc and the long Chamonix valley. After time for photos and lunch you descend the rocky track to Les Houches and the Chamonix valley. You have now completed the full circuit of the TMB! The group usually meets in the evening for celebratory drinks and a social, maybe with dinner. Night in Chamonix.
Thursday
Breakfast from 08:00, then accommodation check out by 10:00. You are free to depart at any time, but airport transfers leave the resort approximately three hours before your flight takes off.

ITINERARY NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain adventures are weather and conditions dependant, so occasionaly we are forced to alter the plans. If this is the case, suitable alternatives are offered. Please use this outline itinerary as a guide to the types of route / activity that you
will attempt.
Elisabetta Soldini Refuge in the Italian Val Veni

Course Prices
Standard course
10 full days UIMLA guiding, 1:8 max ratio
12 days holiday in total, Sunday-Thursday
£1999
Live availability
Click on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
Latest Availability
Secure online booking system
Inclusions: 1) UIMLA english speaking guide for ten days, 2) Chamonix course hosts for logistics, bag storage, support and briefings, 3) Pre course detailed kit list and information booklet, 4) Equipment discount voucher for UK shop, 5) 2 nights self-catered accommodation in Chamonix, one at either end of the trek (inc. bedding, linen & towels), 6) 9 nights hut / gite / lodge on a half board basis whilst on the trek (breakfast and dinner each day), 7) Free 36 page technical Course Instruction Booklet, 8) Road / rail transport as per itinerary, 9) Services of a support vehicle for baggage transfers, 10) Icicle discounts privilege card for reductions in local shops and restaurants in Chamonix.
Exclusions: 1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Personal laundry, kit hire, telephone calls, lunches, evening meals in Chamonix, & any purchases in lodges / mountain huts / gites / restaurants, 3) Cable cars (as suggested by guide, if required, budget up to c.£20pp), 4) Sunday pre-dinner drinks & final evening celebratory meal & drinks, 5) Activities insurance, & excess baggage charges.
Group sizes: 4 - 8 people per UIMLA mountain guide. For group sizes of over 8 people, there are multiple guides, and the teams travel independently of each other.
Current course availability

Course Dates
Full Classic TMB trek
  • No Dates Available
Spaces are indicated by the
number in square brackets
before each course date.
NOTE: This trip has scheduled
dates, but if you prefer to have
a private group who are booking
together, it can be operated on
any date
, though a supplement
or discount may apply*
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Price: £1999 Book online

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See all TMB trek options...
click here to view page
Client feedback


The accommodation was great, and each evening we enjoyed eating local dishes to fuel us for the next days trekking

Steve T , Classic Full TMB

I'd like to complement your whole team on the organisation, pre-holiday correspondance, guiding on the trip, and logistics. A perfect holiday for us, and we'll recommend you to friends

Siobhan T , Classic Full TMB


Awesome views and great food in the huts - a memorable trek that has inspired me to try the summit of Mont Blanc next year. Thanks guys.

Mark B , Classic Full TMB

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Location data for this trip
The trips all start in Chamonix valley in the French Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is easily accessed via a 90 minute transfer from Geneva airport.
Time Difference
GMT +1hr
Local Currency
€ & CHF
Travel from UK
1hr flight
View TMB Google Earth
Icicle Google Earth TMB Map

We have developed a Google Earth file with all the key features and places of interest marked on it. Click here for Google Earth file. If you do not already have Google Earth installed on your computer, click here. This is a totally free download, and the satellite images are constantly uploaded. You can alter the viewing angles to 'see' the TMB in 3D, and to explore the route.
Latest news from Icicle
Suggested reading and kit
View full course equipment list, with examples of kit, click here
So why choose us?
We are true specialists in the Alps. See our blog, by clicking on the logo.
Icicle Blog
Itinerary flexibility to allow you to take full advantage of the weather and conditions each day, so that you maximise the amount you can achieve each day.
Our prices are fixed in £ pounds sterling, to protect you from euro currency fluctuations, so that you can budget accurately.
We have a team of over 30 guides, and a resort support team, who all want you to have the best time possible! For more details on the guiding team and qualifications, please click here.
Any further questions?
A key part of choosing a company is being able to come and talk about your plans with an experienced course advisor face to face. In an increasingly virtual world, we know our clients value speaking to real people, getting open and honest advice. The vast majority of our clients are British, and our office and outdoor store is based in Windermere in the English Lake District.



Get in contact to arrange a meeting, and come in for a coffee to discuss your course in person with a trip advisor. Many people opt for this service, and it is an integral part of what we offer, as we are keen to ensure that you are prepared as possible, and that you select a course that is suitable for you. It makes it easier and more enjoyable for you and us, if you are on the right trip.
NEW Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook and map


A brand NEW guidebook for the Tour du Mont Blanc, and an accompanying waterproof map, has recently been launched by Vertebrate Publishing. It's unique and innovative, in several ways; timings for trip planning for all trail users from steady walkers to faster trail runners, 1:40,000 scale custom mapping provided on the description pages of the guidebook, and full appendices and kit lists to help you plan a trip and learn all about the route. The book is a nice size format of 175mm x 120mm, and it's detailed yet compact at 140 pages long, weighing only 300g. It's been designed by a TMB expert
.

That expert is none other than multi award-winning author, and veteran of over 50 laps of the TMB, Kingsley Jones from our guiding team. All of that experience of the route, timings, where to eat or stay, and customised itinerary planning, comes from him spending over a year of his life on the route. We are going to supply a FREE copy of the guidebook (RRP £16.95) and map (RRP £14.95) to each group on our self-guided TMB trips. If you'd like extra copies, or are on a guided trip, you can get them in advance of your trip for reading and planning. Order them from us; TMB guidebook and TMB waterproof map.


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