The Italian Taster

Courmayeur to Val Ferret (Rifugio Bonatti)

The Journey

The adventure begins immediately with one of the TMB's signature stages. From Courmayeur, the trail climbs steeply for nearly 800 m to Rifugio Bertone, a strenuous start that quickly rewards with incredible views. From the refuge, the trail levels out onto a spectacular high-level balcony path. For the rest of the day, you will traverse high above the Italian Val Ferret, with constant, awe-inspiring views of the Grandes Jorasses massif and the southern face of Mont Blanc. The day's hike ends at the beautifully positioned Rifugio Bonatti.

Val Ferret to La Fouly & Transfer to Champex-Lac

The Journey

Today's goal is the crossing into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m). From Rifugio Bonatti, the trail descends to the valley floor before beginning the long, steady ascent to the high pass. The views looking back down the Italian valley are magnificent. Once over the col and into Switzerland, the landscape softens into green pastures. A long descent leads to the village of Ferret and continues to La Fouly. To position for the next stage and maximize the scenic value of this short trip, this itinerary utilizes a short public bus transfer from La Fouly to the lakeside town of Champex-Lac for the overnight stay.

Champex-Lac to Trient

The Journey

From the serene shores of Champex-Lac, you have two distinct options for reaching the village of Trient. The standard TMB choice is the "Bovine Route," a scenic and moderately difficult path that climbs over alpine pastures with wonderful views of the Rhône Valley before descending to the Col de la Forclaz and then down to Trient. For very fit hikers in excellent weather, the more challenging Fenêtre d'Arpette variant offers a wilder, more rugged high-mountain experience with dramatic views of the Trient Glacier. Both routes end in the small Swiss village of Trient.

Trient to Chamonix & Return to Courmayeur

The Journey

The final day involves the crossing back into France. An early start from Trient begins with a steep climb, mostly in the morning shade, up to the Col de Balme. Reaching the col is a climatic moment, revealing the entire Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc massif in a stunning panorama. From the pass, a long descent leads to the village of Le Tour or Montroc at the top of the Chamonix Valley. Here, you will take the local train or bus into Chamonix town center to end the hiking portion of the trip. After a celebratory lunch in Chamonix, complete the loop by taking one of the regular cross-border buses (e.g., FlixBus, SAVDA) back through the Mont Blanc tunnel to your starting point in Courmayeur.