Self-Guided Mont Blanc West Hiking Tour

Arrival

The tour starts in Martigny, which is easily accessible by several transport options. The nearest international gateway is Geneva Airport (IATA: GVA). From Geneva, Martigny can be reached by direct train in about 1.5 hours. Travellers coming from Zurich can reach Martigny by train in approximately 2.5–3 hours via Visp. Those arriving by car will find a limited number of parking spaces near the Martigny railway station available for about CHF 10 per day.

Departure

The tour ends in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From here, travellers usually take a regional bus operated by Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes Regional Bus Network to nearby railway stations before continuing by train. The journey back to Martigny takes approximately 8 hours with several transfers. From Martigny, convenient train connections are available to major Swiss cities and to Geneva Airport for onward international flights.

The Tour du Mont Blanc, which circles the Mont Blanc Massif, experiences a typical alpine climate with cool summers and snowy winters. Weather conditions can change quickly due to high altitudes, with valleys such as Chamonix generally warmer than the mountain passes.

The best season for hiking is July and August, when trails are mostly snow-free and daytime temperatures range around 15–22 °C (59–72 °F) in the valleys and 8–14 °C (46–57 °F) at higher elevations.

June and September are considered a good season, offering pleasant conditions with temperatures around 10–18 °C (50–64 °F) in the valleys and 5–12 °C (41–54 °F) on high passes, although some snow patches may still remain.

May and October fall into a mixed season, when weather becomes more unpredictable and temperatures usually range between 5–12 °C (41–54 °F), sometimes dropping close to 0 °C (32 °F) at higher altitudes.

The off-season runs from November to April, when the route is largely covered with snow and temperatures can fall between -10 and 5 °C (14–41 °F), making regular trekking difficult.

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

• Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
• Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
• Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
• Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
• Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
• Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Hiking poles if you prefer extra support on uneven terrain.
• Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
• Headlamp or small flashlight.
• Light gloves and a beanie for early mornings or higher altitudes.

Clothing

• Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
• Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
• Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
• Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
• Extra socks, preferably synthetic or wool.

Other Necessities

• Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
• Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
• Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

• Pack light. You'll appreciate it on the trail.
• Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
• Keep rain gear easy to access in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

• UK Residents: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice.
• US Residents: US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Australian Residents: Smartraveller.
• Canadian Residents: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories.
• New Zealand Residents: SafeTravel.
• Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.