Itinerary

This itinerary is only given as a guide and will be followed as closely as possible. Your guide will assess weather conditions and possibly alter the route to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Day 0.

Arrive Geneva airport and transfer to our base hotel in the Chamonix Valley. O/N Argentiere.

Day 1.

The start of the grand tour of Mont Blanc. Riding on superb single track right from the very door of the hotel. We pass through Chamonix and continue to Les Houches, where we can take the only optional Gondola ride which can save us a very steep climb. We pratice our VTT (MTB) skills here on the pratice park. The fast descent brings us down double track into to Les Contamines valley and a steady climb on footpath/ track and road to our first over night stop in the local alpine club refuge. There will be plenty of time to relax as this is an easy day today to save energy ready for the big day tomorrow. 1450m descent 450m ascent (lift 600m) O/N in Les Contamines.

Day 2.

After yesterday’s descent, the laws of physics determine that today is mostly climbing and we cross our first major pass. We climb on easy tracks at first to warm up, before a short very steep section of stony jeep track to Nant Borrant and steady climbing thereafter. Finally we will have a steep push up to Col de Bonhomme where we take plenty of time to rest and admire the stunning scenery as we have provided a packed lunch today. This day is one of most spectacular and we cross a high point of 2,460m where there is a refuge for refreshments to refuel before an awesome 5km singletrack descent which is steep and technical in places. The single track brings us directly into Chapieux where we spend the night. The support vehicle has a long drive around and should be there for us as we arrive. 1550m ascent 1000m descent. O/N Refuge La Nova, Chapieux.

Day 3.

A steady road climb warms us up as we leave Chapieux and head for a higher but thankfully easier pass today. At the end of the road/track there’s a short steep section before it levels off and we see a fabulous view of the Mt Blanc arêtes as we are at 2,516m now. A great descent now drops for miles into Italy below us and there are a few tricky sections before the trail widens out to open fast track. Stopping for a packed lunch that’s provided on the way, before more fast trails down hill. We could go the easy way down the road if you wish but there is the option of another steep climb to follow the official TMB route up the side of the valley for a short section. There are great views from this path before a long grassy single track traverse and a steep but fantastic switch back descent brings us to a small refuge selling refreshments. Then there is still more sweeping descent through forest now and back to the road along a short cut to La Palud. Time to relax in our overnight hotel at the half way point. 1500m ascent 1500m descent O/N La Palud Astoria hotel.

Day 4.

The last pass today and a relatively short day in distance, but we attain our highest altitude. We begin with a road climb at first, steep in places, for 11km to the road end. From here we follow a dirt track along the valley bottom before we start the climb up a gravel track to refuge Elena and the start of the last big push over the pass. This is the highest point of the trip as we tackle the Grand Col Ferret 2540m. At the Col we will enjoy a packed lunch we take from the hotel as we are once again rewarded with stunning views back into Italy. The views forward into Switzerland are equally breathtaking as the fantastic single track descent unrolls underneath our wheels and we ride down along smooth well graded trails to the road head at Ferret (Switzerland). From here it’s only a short free-wheel on track and road to our overnight rest stop in the quiet picturesque town of La Fouly. 1250m ascent 1000m descent O/N here in Refuge Des Glaciers.

Day 5.

A hearty breakfast sets us up for another pleasurable day full of great mountain biking. We start with a gentle descent on easy track parallel to the road, it’s superb mountain biking; narrow paths and some switchbacks in the woods are tight but fun, then a great descent to the road. After a fast descent we take the road up and climb on smooth tarmac along multiple switchbacks to the lovely idyllic lake side ski resort of Champex. The true TMB path is very narrow and steep so the road is the best option here. Champex is a lovely spot to linger at so we take an early lunch at any of the small restaurants of your choice by the lake and if it is hot you can jump in for a swim. We leave Champex on the road for a bit and then descending until we are back on he official TMB path. This takes us on a steady climb on road/track at first then footpath and a final push with sections of trail so steep we have to shoulder our bikes today! A hard effort but it’s for the last time this trip and the down hill and views are again worth it. There is a great forest track descent now all the way to our hotel with some technical sections but great smooth runs and wonderful views. We come out with a wide grin across our faces at the Col de la Forclaz. 1200m ascent 1400m descent O/N in hotel Col du Forclaz on top of the pass.

Day 6.

The last day of our tour as we wake up to panoramic views before a short descent into Trient which gets the blood moving ready for the climb out on road above the Swiss/French border. Depending on the energy levels in our legs we can climb steeply up a bigger climb on tracks to Col des Posettes and a final exhilarating descent to La Tour where we can take a final lunch or go direct to Yeti lodge. Or the alternative which is via tracks or technical singletrack down to Vallorcine and the best creperie in France! If we take the latter option we can climb easy tracks following a picturesque stream over the Col de Montes and drop back into Argentiere via single track which flanks the road to finish our classic Tour de Mont Blanc. Time now to relax, celebrate and bask in your achievement. We will definitely be back into Argentiere for afternoon tea and cakes and a quick pack up of the bikes (depending on your departure time tomorrow). 650m ascent 700m descent O/N Argentiere.

Day 7.

Tired limbs and maybe a sore head but you’ll need to pack your bike (if you haven’t already) in time for your transfer to the airport and international departures from Geneva.