Where will you find this route?

• Walker’s Haute Route (alternative trail)

• Tour du Mont Blanc (alternative route)

Trail Description: Did you know there are 70 glaciers on the Mont Blanc massif? Most of them are high up and difficult to reach without mountaineering equipment and skills, however, Le Tour glacier is within reach of hikers. This route leaves the main trail at Charamillon within Le Tour ski area, by branching right/south and heading toward the Mont Blanc massif. After crossing an alpine plateau, a balcony trail then leads you higher and back towards Chamonix, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and Aiguilles Rouges from the high mountain vantage point. Some exposed and cable/ladder-assisted sections need to be crossed and the final 0.6km / 0.4mi ascent is steep but well marked along a rocky path that zig zags its way up to the edge of Glacier du Tour and Albert Premier (1er) refuge. The descending route follows mostly the same path. It is possible to bivouac/wild camp above the refuge.

*Please note that the description is written from an

• Eastward hiking perspective for the Walker’s Haute Route

• Clockwise hiking perspective for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Difficulty: Mountain Trail.

Are there any other route options? Yes, there are two;

1. Via Le Tour ski area that diverts at Charamillon and rejoins at Col de Balme

2. Posettes trail that diverts at Argentiere / Tre le Champ and rejoins at Col de Balme

Transport Shortcuts:

• Gondola to reach Charamillon from Le Tour

Considerations: Choosing this option may add 1 day to your overall itinerary if you decide to stay overnight.