My wife and I will be in Chamonix June 4-11. We have lodging at an Airbnb near the center of town. We will be 76 and 74 at the time. We were in Chamonix about seven years ago and loved it, but two gondolas were down, one for maintenance and one because of a fire. We were never able to go up to the base of Mt. Blanc or over into Italy. This time we would like to do both those things and do some day hikes. I would like to do an overnight hike to a hiking lodge then return to Chamonix the next day. My wife will remain in Chamonix while I spend the night away. I am wondering if it is possible to connect with a group of hikers also going to the closest hiking lodge. So, what recommendations do you have for our week in Chamonix, including favorite hikes and restaurants. Also, is there someone or group to connect with to join a small group of hikers for an overnight hike?
Posted by
Chicago
1529 posts
You might reach out to one of the guiding companies to see what they offer.
Here's one....
It's not clear from your post whether you are an experienced hiker, accustomed
to altitude, and more expert vs intermediate. But I would consider going with
a guided hike. Chamonix is not for the faint of heart and not having someone
who knows the terrain would be a concern if you ran into bad weather or
something like that.
In June, the Panoramique should be open and I would definitely plan to take
that route into Italy/Coumayeur.
Posted by
OP
St. Paul, MN
55 posts
Thanks, shoeflyer. We are active walkers and have enjoyed hikes in the Lauterbrunnen area. Your recommendations are helpful. I will contact the guide service.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32767 posts
David,
I would highly recommend having a chat with your doctor regarding altitude sickness, especially given your ages. I was there a few years ago and made the trip to the Italian side on the Panoramic lift, but shortly after returning to the Aguille du Midi, I had significant problems with the altitude and had to make a quick descent. Also, be sure to check the elevation of the overnight hiking lodge that you plan to stay at.
Posted by
Annecy
32 posts
maybe check with Steph from Run the alps, she is a pro organizing hike in Mont Blanc, a few people I know used her services and were delighted!!!
Posted by
Moncton NB
1584 posts
In June, the Panoramique should be open and I would definitely plan to take
that route into Italy/Coumayeur.
Ditto Shoeflyer: this cable car trip was one of the highlights of our many European adventures. We did it one way. From Aosta, we took the coach to Courmayeur and then a local bus to the cable car station in La Palud. From there it was one cable car up to Hellbronner (the French/Italian border), another across the Mer de Glace glacier to l'Aiguille du Midi, and a third down into Chamonix. If I were you, starting in Chamonix, I would make it an overnight and stay in Courmayeur, Italy; but you could do it as a day-return trip. Its amazing up there!