At the foot of Mont Blanc – a trek around Courmayeur

Fancy an adventure on the wonderful trails at the foot of Mont Blanc? This 108-kilometre (67 mi) loop begins and ends in the town of Courmayeur, in northwest Italy’s Aosta Valley. With 6,500 metres (21,000 ft) of elevation gain, this eight-stage Collection immerses you in the beautiful landscapes of Val Veny and Val Ferret.

Due to the elevation gain, number of exposed sections, and the possible presence of snowfields, this is a challenging route. You’ll need good mountain skills and fitness to take on this adventure. That said, the trails are classified for hiking, making the route technically accessible. For the most part, the route avoids roads and only briefly passes through public streets near villages.

Courmayeur is located at the foot of Mont Blanc and, being located at an altitude of 1,224 metres (4,000ft), has the honour of being the highest town in Italy. The town became famous in 1786 when two mountaineers from Chamonix, France, conquered the famous Mont Blanc. Since then, Courmayeur has been considered the Italian capital of mountaineering, becoming a favourite destination for mountain lovers. It was also the first Italian town to have a guide company, setting a precedent for its famous hospitality.

Highlights of the route include the traverse between the Col de Youlaz and the Col Chavanne; the descent from the Col de la Seigne to the Elisabetta Refuge and Lake Combal; the panoramic view of Val Ferret between Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Bonatti; and the beautiful view of Courmayeur from La Suche.

To tackle this walk, I recommend bringing clothing suitable for low temperatures, sturdy shoes and a first aid kit. Since much of the adventure takes place high in the mountains, the climate can change suddenly. Also, remember to bring some light snacks, such as energy bars, for the longer stages. Along the route, you'll find many water fountains where you can fill your water bottle.

The best time to undertake the walk is from mid-June to mid-September when the refuges are open. It’s essential to book overnight stays in advance, as places are limited. Alternatively, you can wild camp, but remember it’s only permitted from dusk to dawn.

The walk starts and ends at the main roundabout in Courmayeur, where the buses arrive. If you’re coming from Italy, you can take a train to Pré-Saint-Didier and then a bus to Courmayeur. If you’re coming from France, you’ll need to go to Chamonix, from where you can take a bus to Courmayeur. If you’re travelling by car, be aware that the historical centre of Courmayeur is a ZTL, controlled by automatic cameras, but there are several car parks nearby.

An important tip is to take cash with you, as many refuges along the route don't accept credit cards.

Enjoy the mountains and have a good walk!