10 Things to Know About our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

“Marmots, chamois and ibex are just some of the wild animals that we’re very likely to see on the trails not to mention the wide variety of bird species.”

It’s been a staple of our schedule since the very first year of our LHO community and for very good reasons. Between the incredible landscapes, superb food and epic accommodation, it’s literally the perfect adventure holiday and it’s made even more attractive because of its proximity being only a 55-minute drive from Geneva airport.

WE DON’T SLUM IT
Most nights on the trail are spent in comfortable hotel accommodation in remote alpine villages. On 4 nights we use mountain lodges that are shared dorm-style accommodation and are actually a fun experience. The lodges have shower facilities and a restaurant.

BE PREPARED TO EAT
This one is a culinary experience as much as it is a trekking adventure. The first two dinners in France are all about the local cuisine. Think cheesy mountain delights! Once we cross the border into Switzerland, fondue is on the menu and you can imagine what the Italian side of the mountain brings to the table! We’ll be giving out packed lunches for picnics on the trail. Luckily bread is the specialty of all three countries.

THREE UNIQUE COUNTRIES
If you’re wondering why we just mentioned three national cuisines it’s because this trail leads across three borders. Although looking at the town and villages on the map makes them feel super close, they couldn’t be more different. The Swiss Val des Bagnes is culturally very different from the French Chamonix valley and the Italian Val d’Aosta making this feel like three experiences in one.

YOUR EXPERIENCE STARTS AT GENEVA AIRPORT
With us, it’s the full package. We don’t expect you to navigate the trains and buses to get to Chamonix. We’re picking you up from Geneva airport and taking you straight up to the mountain, giving you the grand tour as we approach the highest peaks in the alps.

YOU’LL LEARN HOW LITTLE YOU ACTUALLY NEED
On this experience we’ll be carrying our own backpack which will include everything we need for 7 days. That may sound heavy at first but we cap the bag weight to 5 KGs without water.

“This one is a culinary experience as much as it is a trekking adventure.”

That means we’ll be teaching you how to minimize your gear and learning to use only exactly what you need. You’ll be surprised how little you actually need and still be as comfortable as you would have been had you taken everything you wanted minus the backache that comes with an overweighted pack.

BERRIES
You read that right! We run our trip during the best season for ripe berries in the alps and the trail literally passes through giant fields of blueberries. Imagine sitting on the grass with your packed lunch, freshly picked berries and a view of the Mont Blanc glaciers.

ANIMALS ON THE TRAIL
Marmots, chamois and ibex are just some of the wild animals that we’re very likely to see on the trails not to mention the wide variety of bird species. Over the past 3 trips we’ve come very close to a number of the bigger animals of the region.

THE SCENERY
From the deep forests above Argentiere to the glacial planes of Le Tour across the lakes and rivers of Val d’Entreves and over the high pass of Col d’Arpette. Every single day on this trail puts your sensory perception into overdrive. It’s beauty as far as the eye can see starting from the drive up from Geneva airport right until we drive you back down at the end of our adventure together.

WE’RE TREKKING TOGETHER
On this experience you’re led directly by us. Your LHO team leaders and mountain guide aren’t outsourced. We’re full timers who do what we do because we love it and we want to share it with you. Trust us, you’ll feel a difference when you’re up there with people who’re sharing a passion and not just doing a job.

OUR ACCOMMODATION IN CHAMONIX
We don’t want to ruin it with too many details but the place we stay in on the first and last nights together in Chamonix is epic! You’ll just have to join us to see it for yourself.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc trip is a moderately challenging entry level experience suitable for first timers and experienced trekkers alike. We run an annual trek in September each year. For information on our upcoming trek reach out to us on info@lifehappensoutdoors.com.