We take a newly-cut path up to Ville des Glaciers (in previous years, the TMB took the tarmac road). There is usually the option to have a minibus transfer from Les Chapieux if you prefer (included). The leader will let you know about this. At Ville des Glaciers, if the farmer is on hand, you might have the opportunity to see how the Beaufort cheese is made. After passing Refuge des Mottets, we start to climb more steeply up to our goal, the Col de La Seigne, at 2516m the 2nd highest pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc. We’ve reached the border with Italy!
From here, we descend past the Elisabetta hut (we may divert here for lunch or coffee, depending on how we’re doing for time) and the Lac de Combal to La Visaille, where we take a bus to the vibrant mountain town of Courmayeur.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 13 miles / 21 km, 6 hours
Ascent: +3,295 ft (+1,004 m)
Descent: -2,790 ft (-850 m)
Luggage access: Yes