Walking from Courmayeur: Italy's Side of the Mont Blanc Massif
When you base yourself in Courmayeur for a three‑night hiking escape, you place yourself at the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in the Italian Alps. The moment you step onto the trails, you sense the shift in atmosphere. Compared with the French side of Mont Blanc, everything feels calmer, warmer, and more intimate. The mountains rise just as dramatically, but the valleys feel broader, the light softer, and the rhythm of life slower. Rock towers, hanging glaciers, and steep forested slopes surround you, creating a landscape that feels both powerful and welcoming.
Day 1 - Val Ferret
Your first day begins in the open pastures of Lavachey, where the trail rises gently through meadows brushed by the morning sun. As you climb toward Rifugio Bonatti, the jagged skyline of the Grandes Jorasses emerges, and the full sweep of the Italian Val Ferret opens at your feet. Bonatti’s terrace is a natural balcony, perfectly positioned to showcase the Mont Blanc massif in all its grandeur. From here, glaciers spill down the mountainsides in dramatic, frozen cascades, their blue crevasses catching the light as you walk.
Leaving the hut, you follow the Mont de la Saxe balcony trail, a high traverse that keeps the peaks in constant view. The path contours above the valley, offering uninterrupted panoramas of tumbling ice and towering summits. As you approach Rifugio Bertone, the landscape softens into rolling alpine meadows, where the grass ripples in the breeze and the mountains feel close enough to touch. A final descent through fragrant larch forests brings you back to Courmayeur, pleasantly tired and filled with the day’s mountain drama.
Day 2 - Val Veny
The next day offers a different rhythm. You wander through Dolonne and climb steadily toward Plan Chécrouit, where the views widen with every step. At the Col Chécrouit, the vast Miage Glacier dominates the skyline, a massive river of ice flowing down the valley. After a pause at Maison Vieille, you traverse the wide, sunlit pastures of Arp Vieille, then descend toward the turquoise waters of Lac Combal, set in a broad glacial basin. The final stretch through the quiet lower valley leads you to La Visaille, completing a day rich in contrasts—high ridges, open meadows, and deep glacial landscapes.
Two Valleys, One Unforgettable Weekend
By the end of the weekend, you’ve explored two valleys with completely different personalities. Val Ferret is open and pastoral, defined by its sweeping long-distance views and the drama of the Grandes Jorasses overhead. Val Veny is wilder, shaped by the ice that still presses through it. Together, they give you a perfect snapshot of the Italian side of Mont Blanc—peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable.
If you'd like to experience the French side of the route, or take on the full circuit at your own pace, we offer a range of holiday, both guided and self-guided for you to explore as well.
Is This Tour du Mont Blanc Italy Holiday Right for Me?
This is a Challenging grade holiday, suited to walkers who are comfortable with full days on the trail, significant ascent and descent, and some rough or uneven terrain at altitude. Good walking boots, a solid level of fitness, and a head for heights are all important. If you're unsure whether this is the right grade for you, our Reservations Team is happy to help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Italian and French sides of the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Italian side, based in Courmayeur, tends to feel quieter, warmer, and more intimate than the busier French trails around Chamonix. Val Ferret and Val Veny offer a distinctly Aosta Valley character, with broader pastures and a more relaxed tempo. Both sides deliver outstanding alpine scenery; they simply feel quite different on the ground.
Do I need specialist equipment for walking in the Italian Alps?
Sturdy, broken-in walking boots with good ankle support and a grippy sole are essential. Trekking poles are strongly recommended, particularly for the descents. Layers, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection are all important on a full day in the mountains.
When is the best time to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc Italy section?
Late June through to September is generally the best window, when paths are clear of snow and the rifugi are open. June and September tend to be quieter than the peak summer months of July and August, and both offer their own rewards: wildflowers in early summer, golden larch forests in early autumn.
Can I combine this with the French side of the TMB?
Yes. We offer a guided walking weekend based in Chamonix covering the French stages, and a self-guided Chamonix to Chamonix itinerary for those who want to walk the full circuit. Get in touch with our Reservations Team to discuss combining itineraries or extending your stay.
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