Mont Blanc Family Guided Hike From Italy

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 (usually 11.15am). 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, +900m/2952ft

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/+2310ft, -631m/2070ft

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. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend into the charming Swiss countryside, where flower-filled chalets and uttering Swiss flags will captivate your children. The idyllic setting of La Peule awaits, offering a peaceful and restful end to the day. Overnight refuge with shower. 11km/7mi, +624m+2047ft, -700m/2297ft

A shorter day today allows more time to view Mont Dolent, the meeting point of France, Switzerland, and Italy. You’ll have the chance to discover the secrets of making raclette, a delicious Swiss cheese. Along the way, keep an eye out for marmots and maybe even catch a glimpse of chamois before arriving at La Léchère Lodge for a convivial evening. Overnight with shower. 6km/3.7mi, +200m, -300m/+656ft, -984ft

Half an hour in to this mornings walk you arrive in the pretty village of La Fouly. This is a day 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. You’ll pass through quaint villages and enjoy a refreshing break at natural cold-water pools before reaching Champex, known as the "Little Pearl of the Alps. Overnight gîte with shower. 16km/10mi, +600m/+1968ft, -850m/2788ft

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. 13km/8mi, +773m/+2536ft, -620m/2034ft

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 around 2pm. 10km/6.2mi, +910m, -600m/+2985ft, -1968ft