Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland.

You will be transported by vehicle to Courmayeur, Italy which offers everything you may need before we set out—from boutique outdoor shops and local markets to cafés, pharmacies, and, of course, authentic Italian gelato.

As evening falls, we'll gather for a welcome dinner in town, sharing our first meal together while savoring the flavors and traditions of the Italian Alps. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers, meet your guides, and begin the journey in true Wandering Sole fashion.

Into the Heart of the Alps

Our first day on the trail begins in the storybook streets of Courmayeur, where centuries of alpine history meet the towering presence of Mont Blanc. Leaving the village behind, we make our way through quiet mountain hamlets before ascending into the high country along forested shaded trails.

As we gain elevation, the landscape opens dramatically. Flowing alpine paths trace the mountainside, revealing sweeping panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif at nearly every turn. Along the way, we'll pause to take in the scenery, savor the experience, and move in rhythm with the mountains.

Midway through the journey, we arrive at the celebrated Rifugio Walter Bonatti, a beloved mountain refuge named in honor of legendary alpinist and photographer Walter Bonatti. From here, the trail winds through vibrant alpine meadows before descending into the beautiful Val Ferret, where a welcoming alpine chalet and breathtaking valley views await.

This opening stage offers a remarkable introduction to the Western Alps—an unforgettable blend of mountain culture, panoramic landscapes, and the freedom found only on the trail.

Distance: Approximately 16 miles (26.6 km)
Time on Trail: Approximately 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 6,171 ft (1,881 m)
Elevation Loss: 4,363 ft (1,330 m)

Daily routes may be adjusted by your guide based on weather, trail conditions, and the needs of the group to ensure the best possible experience. goes here

Across the Borderlands

We rejoin the trail from Arnuva, where the mountains immediately ask for steady effort. A long, gradual climb carries us upward toward the Swiss frontier at the Grand Col Ferret, where the landscape begins to shift—subtle at first, then unmistakably so.

From the pass, the route opens into flowing, runnable terrain that traces the mountainside before descending toward the elegant alpine village of La Fouly. Nestled at 1,600 meters, it offers a welcome pause with a small café and local provisions—an ideal moment to rest, refuel, and take in the surroundings.

The trail continues deeper into the valley, following the course of a river through landscapes that feel distinctly Swiss in character—immaculately kept chalets, green lawns, and window boxes bursting with seasonal color. We pass through traditional hamlets such as Praz-de-Fort, where time seems to slow among some of the region’s oldest wooden farmhouses and alpine homes.

As the valley narrows, the trail invites a final ascent through quiet pine forest, steadily climbing toward the lakeside village of Champex, Switzerland. Set beside jade-green waters, Champex offers a peaceful place to settle after a full day on the trail. With its small shops, bakery, and cafés, it becomes an ideal setting to rest, restore, and enjoy the stillness of the mountains.

Distance: Approximately 17.5 miles (28.1 km)
Time on Trail: Approximately 5:00–5:30 hours
Elevation Gain: 4,560 ft (1,390 m)
Elevation Loss: 5,544 ft (1,690 m)

Between Forest, Pass & Glacier

Leaving Champex, we step into a day shaped by contrast—two distinct climbs linking forest, alpine pasture, and high mountain pass.

The trail first winds into shaded larch forest and through open alpine meadows, where summer pastures are home to grazing cattle and wide mountain views begin to unfold. As we gain elevation, the landscape opens toward the distant sweep of the Rhône Valley, revealing a broad expanse of peaks and light.

A welcome pause arrives at the high alpine meadow of Alpage Bovine, where refreshments and quiet views invite us to slow down and take in the setting. From here, a steady descent leads to the historic Col de la Forclaz, a mountain pass marking our entry into the Trient Valley at 1,527 meters.

Nestled below, the valley offers a brief moment of ease—an opportunity to restock and regroup before the second ascent begins. The trail climbs again through dense forest, gradually revealing the alpine clearing of Les Tseppes, where views open toward the dramatic Trient Glacier.

Continuing along the ridge, we cross back into France near the alpage of Catogne before descending into the peaceful Vallorcine valley. Known historically as the “valley of the bears,” this quiet corner of the Alps carries a rich and unusual past, now softened by time and mountain life.

From Vallorcine, a final short climb brings us to Le Buet, where we connect with the train to reach the village of Argentière for the evening—our base for rest and recovery before the next stage of the journey.

Distance: Approximately 17.8 miles (28.6 km)
Time on Trail: Approximately 5:30–6:30 hours
Elevation Gain: 5,971 ft (1,820 m)
Elevation Loss: 6,430 ft (1,960 m)

The Final Ascent to Chamonix, France

Our final stage of the journey completes the crossing of three countries as we return by train into the Vallorcine valley, stepping once more into the rhythm of the high Alps. From here, we begin the climb toward the Col des Montets at 1,461 meters, where the landscape opens and the Mont Blanc massif begins to reveal itself in full from the French side.

The trail rises steeply through a series of zig-zags toward the high point of Tête aux Vents at 2,127 meters. With every step upward, the views expand—glacial peaks, sharp spires, and vast alpine walls framing the horizon. This marks the final official high point of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

For those who wish, and conditions allowing, there is an optional extension to one of the nearby high alpine lakes—Lac Blanc or Lac de Chéserys—offering one last moment of stillness above the valleys below.

From here, the journey turns downward. The descent into Chamonix unfolds gradually, with panoramic views of the entire Mont Blanc massif accompanying each step. The trail weaves past mountain cafés and the Refuge de la Flégère before slipping into pine forest and passing Chalet La Floria on its final approach into town.

Arriving in Chamonix, the journey comes to a close. Time is given to rest, recover, and celebrate—whether through a quiet walk, a spa visit, or a well-earned massage in the heart of the Alps.

Distance: Approximately 11.4 miles (18.4 km)
Time on Trail: Approximately 4:30–5:00 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,484 ft (1,062 m)
Elevation Loss: 4,278 ft (1,304 m)

Until We Wander Again

After breakfast, our time together comes to a close. The journey concludes here, with the morning offering a final moment to rest, reflect, and take in the stillness of the Alps one last time. You will be transported back to the airport with an afterglow of memories.