Your Travel Experience with ARRIVAL
Day 1
ARRIVAL
Start strong with a ride up the Plan-Praz cable car, straight into the beating heart of the Alps. Today’s hike takes you across the Brévent Pass with sweeping views of Mont Blanc that hit you like a shot of espresso to the soul. A descent through forest and past the curious creatures of Merlet Animal Park adds a surreal, almost cinematic calm before you land in Les Houches.
Plan-Praz Cable Car & Brévent Pass Hike
Ride the cable car from Chamonix to Plan-Praz and hike to Brévent Pass, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Descent includes Bellachat refuge and Merlet Animal Park.
Day 1 - 2
Hotel Campanules or similar
Traditional alpine hotel with access to Chamonix amenities
Day 2
Bellevue Cable Car & Bionnassay Suspension Bridge
Ascend via the Bellevue lift and hike across the Bionnassay suspension bridge–an exposed crossing near glacial terrain–before descending to Les Contamines.
Day 2 - 3
Refuge Nant Borrant or similar
Remote hut, classic French alpine lodging
Day 3
Col du Bonhomme Trek
Challenging hike over the Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, reaching elevations above 2400m. Descend into the Chapieux Valley.
Day 3 - 4
Auberge de la Nova or similar
Authentic, rustic mountain inn
Day 4
Col de la Seigne Border Crossing
Ascend from Ville des Glaciers to the Col de la Seigne (2,516m) to cross from France into Italy. Sweeping views of the Glacier de la Lée Blanche.
Day 4 - 5
Refuge Elisabetta or similar
Panoramic location beneath glacier
Day 5
Arp Vieille Traverse
High traverse past Lake Combal and up to Arp Vieille. Offers expansive balcony views of Courmayeur and iconic peaks like the Dent du Géant.
Day 5 - 6
Hotel Croux or similar
Central Courmayeur with mountain charm
Day 6
Bonatti Ridge Hike
Start from Refuge Bertone and follow a high ridgeline path to Refuge Bonatti–renowned for its dramatic placement and views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Day 6 - 7
Refuge Bonatti or similar
Legendary TMB refuge, balcony views
Day 7
Grand Col Ferret
Cross into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), descending into the green meadows of the Swiss Val Ferret and arriving in La Fouly.
Day 7 - 8
Refuge Maya Joie or similar
Swiss alpine charm, simple refuge
Day 8
Bovine Pasture Trek
Begin at Champex-Lac, climbing through alpine farmland and pine forest. The Bovine route overlooks the Rhône Valley and Oberland Alps.
Day 8 - 9
Refuge le Peuty or Hotel Col de la Forclaz
Access to Forclaz Pass, vineyard views
Day 9
Col des Posettes
Ascend to Col des Posettes (2,199m), a natural border offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges.
Day 9 - 10
Gîte le Moulin or similar
French hamlet stay, rustic alpine
Day 10
Grand Balcon Sud & Chéserys Lakes
Final day includes a climb to Lac des Chéserys via the Grand Balcon Sud, where Mont Blanc reflects off still alpine waters before descending into Les Praz.