Mont Blanc Family Adventure
7 Days Starting in Courmayeur, Italy and ending in Le Tour, France
Visiting: Courmayeur, Mont-Blanc, La Fouly, Valais, Martigny, Chamonix Valley, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MBF
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 16
Age range:
7-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Mont Blanc Family Adventure, a thrilling trek through the breathtaking alpine scenery of France, Italy, and Switzerland. This guided tour offers an exhilarating experience as you traverse the European Alps, enjoying stunning views of glaciers, wildflowers, and iconic peaks like the Grand Col Ferret. Delight in regional culinary specialties such as Raclette, and share your journey with other families and friendly donkeys. Stay in cozy mountain refuges and gîte hostels, savoring picnic-style lunches and hearty dinners. With luggage transfers by donkey and the support of an experienced mountain guide, this adventure promises unforgettable memories for active families.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Courmayeur And Walk To Berthone Refuge (4Hrs)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Berthone refuge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will meet your group and your guide in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur where you can sample the excellent ice creams. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin walking. The route climbs steadily through birch forest and the tree line before arriving at the refuge. In good weather the views are superb. Overnight refuge with shower.
4.5km/2.8mi, +800m/2625ft
Day 2 : Walk To Refuge Elena (4.5Hrs)
Location: Mont-Blanc
Accommodation Name: Elena refuge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We walk to the road head and transfer to the next section of the trail. There are great views over the 'Grandes Jorasses' and we can see the southern face of Mont-Blanc which is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower.
10km/6mi, +704m, -631m/+2310ft, -2070ft
Day 3 : Walk To Switzerland (5Hrs)
Location: La Fouly
Accommodation Name: Refuge near La Fouly
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today views of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), are with us all the way as we make our way towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), which marks the border of Switzerland and Italy. The day starts with a steep climb to the pass and the view back to the Italian Val Ferret is superb, as is the view to the Grand Combin to the east. The descent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and your refuge just before the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight refuge with shower.
11km/7mi, +624m, -700m/+2047ft, -2297ft
Day 4 : To The Valais Des Hommes (5Hrs)
Location: Valais
Accommodation Name: Gîte
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Half an hour in to this mornings walk you arrive in the pretty village of La Fouly. Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des Hommes”. Overnight gîte with shower.
17km/10.5mi, +600m, -700m/+1968ft, -2297ft
Day 5 : To The High Mountain Pasture Of Bovine And Forclaz Pass (4.5Hrs)
Location: Martigny
Accommodation Name: Refuge at Col de la Forclaz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s walk takes you on a gentle ascent through the Bovine mountain pastures which overlook the Rhône valley and the village of Martigny. In the distance are the Bernese Alps. On a good weather day there are extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier during the days walk. The high point of the day is at around 2049m before we descend to the Col de la Forclaz. Overnight Refuge with shower.
16km/10mi, +7000m, -700m/+2297ft, -2297ft
Day 6 : Walk To The Balme Pass (5Hrs)
Location: Chamonix Valley
Accommodation Name: Refuge at Chamonix Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we make our way to the Balme mountain passage. Weather permitting we will be afforded wonderful views over the Mont Blanc chain. We spend the night in the refuge at the head of the Chamonix Valley.
6km/7.5mi, +910m, -200m/+2985ft, -656ft
Day Walk To Discover The Nature Reserve Aiguilles Rouges (4Hrs), Trip Concludes
Location: Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today takes you up to the Col des Montets (1481m) and through the nature reserve of Aiguilles Rouges (red needles) to view glaciers tumbling from across the valley. Within the nature reserve view wildflowers and drink in impressive views from a different perspective. Continue to Le Tour where the walk concludes at 2pm.
+100m, -600m/+328ft, -1968ft
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties.
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Accommodation
6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer by donkey – 1 piece maximum 7kgs (excesses are refused so please test the weight of your luggage before meeting the group, allowing 200g for the kit bag). It is possible early or late in the season that you may need to carry your overnight gear.
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Experienced Mountain Guide
An experienced mountain guide will accompany you throughout the trek.
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Travel to and from the Trail Head
Travel to and from the trail head is included.
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Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
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Storage of Luggage
Storage of luggage is provided.
What's Not Included
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Drinks
Drinks are not included in the package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.
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Transfers
Transfers to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Grading
MODERATE– GRADE 3
The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for active children from 7 years of age. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions.
As with all our moderate programs, we expect participants to be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sport around two to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels. Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. You need to bring a sleeping sheet/liner and towel. Blankets are provided.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. Except if snow conditions require you to carry overnight gear for one or two days.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from the trail head, luggage transfer by donkey (1 piece maximum 7kgs), and transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the Mont Blanc Family Adventure?
You will stay in mountain refuges or gîte hostels, which are dormitory-style accommodations. Some refuges can accommodate up to 40 people in one room, but typically there are around 10-12 people per room. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, and you need to bring a sleeping sheet/liner and towel. Blankets are provided.
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What meals are included in the Mont Blanc Family Adventure?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic style, and dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.
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What should I carry during the daily walks?
You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone. In some cases, if snow conditions require, you may need to carry overnight gear for one or two days.
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What is the difficulty level of the Mont Blanc Family Adventure?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). Daily guided walks are around 3-6 hours, with some demanding stages involving steep uphills, descents, and sections requiring care. A good level of fitness is required, and the tour is suitable for active children from 7 years of age. Weather conditions can vary, and participants should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided by donkey, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 7kgs. Excess luggage will be refused, so it's important to test the weight of your luggage before meeting the group. Early or late in the season, you may need to carry your overnight gear.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the trail?
Transfers by taxi or public transport are provided if you need to skip a stage of the trail.
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What kind of views and natural features can I expect to see during the tour?
You will experience stunning alpine scenery, views of the Prè de Bar glacier, the Grand Col Ferret marking the border of Switzerland and Italy, and the nature reserve of Aiguilles Rouges with its glaciers and wildflowers. You will also have views over the 'Grandes Jorasses' and the southern face of Mont-Blanc.
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What is the starting and ending location of the Mont Blanc Family Adventure?
The tour starts in Courmayeur, Italy, and ends in Le Tour, France.
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Is there any special equipment I need to bring for the tour?
You need to bring a sleeping sheet/liner and towel for the dormitory-style accommodations. Good quality walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended, as runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
Yes, drinks, travel insurance, transfers to and from the starting and ending locations, and items of a personal nature are not included in the package.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.