Trekking in Chamonix No Tents
6 days of radial routes in the heart of the Alps from Lac Blanc to Plan de l'Aiguille, with an overnight stay at 2,310 m. No backpacks and maximum comfort.
Available dates:
August 15 - August 20
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Distance:
Chamonix is not just a city in the French Alps. This is the cradle of mountain sports, the place where Mont Blanc was first conquered in 1786, and a city that has been attracting travelers from all over the world for more than two centuries. Everything here breathes mountains: from equipment shops to old stone houses in the center, where every second person is either a guide or a climber.
We’re based in an apartment in the center of Chamonix, and every morning we set out in a new direction. In the evening, we return to our own kitchen, a hot shower, and a decent bed. No backpack for the entire week—just the day’s itinerary.
On our fifth night, we spend the night at 2,310 meters, in a hut above the Bossons Glacier. On the morning of our sixth day, we board the first lift and head to the Aiguille du Midi ahead of all the other tourists. It’s worth the trip.
Chamonix trekking route without tents:
Chamonix → Mer de Glace → Chamonix → La Flégère → Lac Blanc → Index → La Flégère → Le Tour → Aiguillette des Posettes → Vallorcine → Chamonix → Montenvers (train) → Mer de Glace → Plan de l’Aiguille (2310 m) → Aiguille du Midi (3842 m) → Chamonix
Route Trekking in Chamonix without tents by day
day
We check in, get acquainted, and unpack our backpacks. After lunch, we go to see Mont Blanc. In the evening, we eat our first tartiflette in the city and gaze at the mountains we’ll be living with for a week.
Accommodation: Apartment in Chamonix.
Distance: ↔ 8 km.
Elevation gain: ↑ 400 m.
day
We go up the cable car and head to Lac Blanc. When you emerge from behind the ridge and see the lake with Mont Blanc reflected in it—that’s the moment people come to Chamonix for. We’ll have lunch at the hut, and if you want, we can go even higher to Index.
Accommodation: Apartments in Chamonix.
Distance: ↔ 12 km.
Elevation gain: ↑ 650 m.
day
We go to where the Tour du Mont Blanc ends. On the ridge, Switzerland is literally under our feet, the Trient glacier and silence. We descend to Vallorcine and return by train along the entire valley.
Overnight stay: Apartment in Chamonix.
Distance: ↔ 14 km.
Elevation gain: ↑ 780 m.
day
We leave Les Contamines and climb up – it’s long and steep, but worth it. At the pass, Mont Blanc opens up from a side rarely seen. On the descent, there’s the Chalets de Miage farm with shepherds, a flask, and a mug of milk straight from the cow. We return by bus, our legs aching, but our spirits high.
Accommodation: Apartments in Chamonix.
Distance: ↔ 12 km.
Elevation gain: ↑ 750 m.
day
The Montenvers cogwheel railway brings you to the first view of the Mer de Glace glacier up close: a glacial cave, schrunds, and blue ice. Then, hike along the glacier and climb a path to the Plan de l’Aiguille refuge (2,310 m). Dinner at the refuge, sunset over the Bossons glacier, and a starry sky.
Overnight: Refuge Plan de l’Aiguille
Distance: ↔ 12 km.
Elevation gain: ↑ 800 m.
day
We rise early and board the first lift. In 8 minutes – 3,842 meters. There are no tourists yet, only morning light and silence. Mont Blanc – right there, close by. We stand on the glass floor above the abyss and realize the week hasn’t been wasted. Then the descent, lunch in town, and the journey home.
Elevation gain: ↑ 2,800 m (cable car)
Why is it profitable to go hiking with Extremeguide?
- The most beautiful trekking routes in the Alps: Lac Blanc, Col de Tricot, Mer de Glace, Aiguille du Midi – every day here is worth a separate trip. And there are six of them.
- Apartment accommodation: Not a hostel or a daily backpacking trip. Your own accommodation in the center of Chamonix – kitchen, shower, and proper rest after the trek.
- Overnight in a mountain hut: One night at Plan de l’Aiguille (2310 m) – among the stars, glaciers, and silence. You can’t buy such an experience at any hotel.
- No technical equipment required: This tour doesn’t require crampons, ice axes, or ropes. Just trekking boots, poles, and a willingness to walk.
- Flexible itinerary: Mountain weather is unpredictable. The guide knows the valley inside and out and will always find something to show you, even if clouds spoil your plans.
- Three countries, one valley: On the crest of the Aiguillette des Posettes, you stand between three countries – France, Switzerland, and Italy. No passport control, just rock and landscape.
Cost and conditions for trekking in Chamonix without tents
Is this trip right for you?
The tour doesn’t require any mountaineering experience, but it’s no walk in the park—the routes involve significant elevation gain and last 5-8 hours. Experience with one-day mountain hikes is a plus.
Preparation test: If you can walk comfortably in the mountains all day without having to lie down under a bush after a climb, you’ll be fine.
The price includes:
- ExtremeGuide services for all 6 days;
- Accommodation: 4 nights in apartments in Chamonix and 1 night in the Plan de l’Aiguille mountain hut (half-board);
- Chamonix Multi-Pass for 6 days;
- Organizational support and booking;
- Group first aid kit (available with the guide).
Not included in the price:
- Airfare: Travel from your place of stay to/from Geneva Airport;
- Schengen visa;
- HAV insurance is required;
- Cable car to Aiguille du Midi (~€65);
- Cable car to La Flégère (~€25);
- Meals (except for the hut – half-board);
- Personal equipment (boots, poles);
- Personal expenses, souvenirs;
- Additional activities (paragliding, etc.);
- Tips for the guide (optional).
Cost depends on the number of participants
| Number of participants | Cost per 1 participant |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1090 EUR |
| 7 | 1100 EUR |
| 6 | 1250 EUR |
| 5 | 1300 EUR |
| 4 | 1350 EUR |
| 3 | 1400 EUR |
| 2 | 1400 EUR |
Best price guarantee!
- We have included in the price all possible basic expenses for the program and guarantee that there are no hidden additional costs, while we have retained the best service at a low price: transfers, hotel accommodation, guides and staff!
We have a flexible discount system
Find out the details right now:
Necessary equipment
Important: Since we’ll be staying in apartments (4 nights) and a hut (1 night, half-board), there’s no need to bring a tent or sleeping mat. Your backpack should be comfortable (up to 10 kg with water).
Basics:
- The backpack is lightweight and comfortable, 20-30 liters (a large expedition backpack is not needed for this tour) (Learn more about choosing a backpack.);
- Trekking poles are highly recommended! They take the strain off your knees on long descents and ascents (the total elevation change is significant).
Shoes:
- Hiking boots are your basic footwear. They should be broken in (not new!), comfortable, and preferably have a membrane (Gore-Tex) and ankle support. Order 1-1.5 sizes larger than your normal size (feet swell, and your toes shouldn’t dig in on descents). (Read more about choosing clothing and boots).
- A change of shoes – lightweight sandals, Crocs, or sneakers. These are needed for showering, relaxing at the shelter, and walking around the city.
Clothing (three layers principle):
- Storm Jacket (membrane): Waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood;
- Trousers: Lightweight synthetic trekking trousers (quick-drying);
- Storm Trousers (self-shedding): Waterproof trousers (preferably membrane) for severe weather;
- Down Jacket or Warm Jacket:
Lightweight down or synthetic jacket (Primaloft) for evenings and high-altitude areas; - Fleece Jacket (Fleece): Mid-layer insulation;
- Thermal Underwear: Set (top and bottoms) for sleeping or in cold weather;
- T-shirt: 2-3 pieces (preferably synthetic trekking ones, they wick away moisture better than cotton);
- Shorts: For trekking in warm weather (it can get very hot in the valleys below);
- Trekking Socks: 3-4 pairs (medium-weight);
- Linen: Replaceable quantity.
Accessories:
- Sun protection: a cap, Panama hat, or buff (required!);
- Hat and gloves: A thin, warm hat and fleece gloves (at altitudes of 2,500m+, it can be cold and windy even in summer);
- Buff: A versatile scarf to wear around your neck;
Miscellaneous and personal:
- Sunglasses: Protection category 3-4 (mountains);
- Water container: Hydration pack or 1.5-2 liter bottle;
- Personal hygiene kit: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo (in small jars up to 50-100 ml);
- Towel: Microfiber (lightweight, takes up little space, dries quickly);
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ (essential!);
- Chapstick: With sun protection;
- Personal first aid kit: Bandages (lots of different ones!), medication for any chronic illnesses, stomach upsets, painkillers (the guide has a large group first aid kit);
- Documents: Passport, travel insurance (in a sealed bag).
- Money (cash in euros in small denominations);
- Power bank: For charging your phone.
- Lip balm*;
- Camera*;
- Seatpad.
Additional Information
Program flexibility. The program can be made easier by using ski lifts on difficult sections and bus transfers (where available). If you would like to stay in Chamonix after the program, please let us know in advance – we will help you book accommodation.
Climbing Mont Blanc. If you have some energy and time left after the trek, you can book a Mont Blanc ascent. After this week of acclimatization and physical activity, climbing the highest peak in the Alps will be significantly easier and safer.
Geneva Airport (GVA), day 1 until 2:00 PM. Transfer to Chamonix – approx. 1 year 30 min.
- Documents:
Schengen visa (France). A valid passport (for Ukrainian citizens, a biometric passport or visa) and HAV medical insurance with mountain evacuation coverage. We will advise you on choosing the right insurance. - Money: Euro (€).
- Important: Cards are accepted everywhere in Chamonix. Cash is available for the hut and cafes along the route.
- Health: Absence of any medical conditions incompatible with active tourism and high altitude (cardiovascular disease, asthma, etc.).
- How to train: We recommend starting training at least a month in advance. Ideally, run 2-3 times a week.
Absence of diseases incompatible with active tourism: List of diseases.
Features of acclimatization in high mountains
Physical and mental preparation before climbing and hiking in the mountains
4 nights in apartments in the center of Chamonix (2-4 people). 1 night at Refuge Plan de l’Aiguille with half-board.
Apartments:
Modern apartment with views of Mont Blanc, Les Houches
This spacious 85 m² apartment features three bedrooms and a large 50 m² terrace-balcony with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the spires of Chamonix. It features a fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, oven, coffee maker), a living room with a dining area and access to the balcony, 3 bedrooms (2 double beds + 2 single beds), and 2 bathrooms. Bed linen and towels are included. The Prarion ski lift is 300 m away, and the bus stop is 50 m away. Professional cleaning after each stay is available at an additional cost.
Mountain Refuge:
Breakfasts are on your own in the apartment. Lunches are on route. Dinners are in restaurants or at home. Day 5: Half-board at the Plan de l’Aiguille hut.
Mobile phone coverage (4G/LTE) covers most of the route, fizzling out only at high passes and in remote gorges. We recommend checking your carrier’s roaming terms.
Chamonix Multi-Pass: valley buses and Mont Blanc Express. Cable cars are available separately.
Valley: +20–26°C. At an altitude of 2000+ m: +10–15°C. A windbreaker and raincoat are a must every day.
The table shows the basic cost for a group and may change depending on the number of people in the group. For the calculation of the cost of the tour for a smaller number of people and individual groups, see the «Price» block for more details.
We guarantee that on the dates indicated in the table, even if there is a minimum number of people allowed in the group, the tour will take place 100% with a minimum change in cost.
Pleasant bonuses, which everyone receives when ordering a tour with us
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