Mont Blanc vacations

Mont Blanc is a truly massive massif, straddling France, Italy and Switzerland, its summit shared by France and Italy. The famous ski resort town of Chamonix sits in its shadow, still a full 3.7km below the summit. Being so high, Mont Blanc, true to its name, is covered in snow all year round, and there are glaciers visible on its slopes, the most famous being the beautiful (but fast-retreating) Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier. Other famous features include the many aiguilles (sharp peaks) – like Aiguille de Midi and Aiguille Noire – and other massive mountains in the surrounds. In summer the lower slopes become fantastic for hikers, and you can use a chairlift system to avoid steep climbs. Incredibly, for decades Mont Blanc was not protected, in recent years a protected zone has been introduced to preserve its biodiversity.

Mont Blanc has a lot of infrastructure around it – there are cable cars, trains, and there are pretty ski villages, as well as modern mountain refuges – many owned by the Club Alpin Francais (CAF), set in startling positions very high on the mountain – plus Le 3842, a restaurant that’s at the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car at 3,842m. Chamonix has been a winter sports destination since the turn of the 20th century, and there are decades of history in the town. Mountain communities in the Alps have perfected the art of what to eat when you’re done on the mountain – dishes heavy in filling mountain cheese, plus potato, bacon – think fondue, tartiflette and raclette – which all involve various quantities of melted cheese. Just go easy on the beer when you’re at attitude, it goes to your head far sooner.

Is this the most dramatic walk in Europe? It’s certainly one of the most famous long-distance trails on the continent. The Tour de Mont Balance is a 170km loop through the seven valleys that surround the mountain. The trail requires very good fitness – you’ll be climbing to various high cols along the way, like Grand Col Ferret and Le Brevent, but rewards with stunning views throughout. Start in Chamonix, France or Courmayeur, Italy – both considered gateways for starting the tour. Our Tour de Mont Blanc vacations use qualified International Mountain Leaders. You’ll stay in the mountain huts that open in the summer to host hikers – or go camping (in established campsites), if you prefer a cheaper option. On our vacations you can also do shorter versions covering highlights of the route, or travel in a quieter direction – starting in Switzerland and walking anticlockwise.

You don’t have to do the Tour de Mont Blanc to have a walking tour on Mont Blanc. It’s very easy to reach pretty scenery even on day walks from Chamonix, for instance. Base yourself in Chamonix and choose a different section of the circuit to do each day, reaching the start by minibus. You can use cable cars to get up high to some of the walking trails. If you’re going to stay in one place for the week, make sure it’s somewhere cosy. Our vacations might use a fantastic chalet – with a Jacuzzi as a standout feature, perfect for relaxing those muscles after a hard day on the hill.