Hiking out of Chamonix for a few days

I do not mean to be insulting here, but, being an active walker in flat terrain is not the same
thing as being able to hike trails/terrain in the mountains at altitude. I only say that you
should not overestimate your ability to handle the terrain.

There are many videos on youtube that shows parts of day hikes around Chamonix. Google
Maps actually has a full routing for the Grand Balcon Nord hike from Aiguille du Midi midpoint
to the Mer de Glace station. If those day hikes seem reasonable, then you might consider
parts of the TMB.

Note that the last weekend of August/early September is the big ultra trail race week, and
I suspect trails and lodging will be very very crowded. I seem to recall it is the busiest week
of the summer in Chamonix.

I believe that most of the trams/gondolas will be open, so if you are willing to spring for a lift
ticket, a lot of the initial ascent can be assisted.

I'd pursue a guide service and see what they can tell you about sections of the route that
you can pursue. Also note that since parts of the route are in Italy and Switzerland, you do
not necessarily need to start in Chamonix.

Thanks, Shoeflyer. Your desire not to sound insulting is why I ask the question. We do not want steep ups and downs. The Rick Steves video we saw that was a two-plus day out of Chamonix seemed doable, but we need a bit more information. A YouTube video of the hike from the east side of Mount Blanc made it clear we were not interested in that section. Do you know of the conditions immediately out of Chamonix or how we would find out about that? Even if it is simply the first hut circling counter clockwise out of Chamonix, that would be a memorable experience, I would hope.

I remember seeing a bit of that video on one of the shows. I suppose that if Rick can do it...

I have not done the TMB, but I think it would not be that difficult to see what gondolas get
you out of Chamonix and in what direction(s).

Note that the train goes up and down the valley and may offer alternate options for catching
a tram up to start the hike.

I would search on companies that support the full TMB options and see if they offer options
for shorter sections with support. I mean, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, best to allow
for professional help. You will be in the mountains and it's not that big a distance from a
bucolic stroll to a life-threatening situation.

Again, thanks. Your comments are not far from our own thoughts and concerns. We have talked about a professional guide out of Chamonix.

The TMB is steep, but there are some less steep hikes north of Chamonix, in / around the Aiguilles Rouges. North of the Brevent, basically. A local guide will be more specific than I can be.

Thanks. That's helpful info.

Having done the TMB a few years ago, I would not recommend doing this unless you both have had extensive time to train. There is no getting away from steep and sometimes technical terrain. If you wife is not comfortable with this, then she will be miserable, guide or not.

I am sure any guide would give the option of taking a lift or gondola uphill and walking downhill. Do not think this will be “easy”. We have done a couple of trips like this in the Dolomites and can tell you downhill walking is just as taxing as going uphill on your feet and thighs.

There are plenty of other options for easier walks throughout Europe. Since you are open to multi stage walking, I would highly recommend looking at Mac’s Adventures offerings both guided and self-guided.

Thanks, Jasonindenver. We have hiked in the Dolomites and experienced the steep downhill as well. We changed directions and found flatter trails to follow. What entices me about a day or two out of Chamonix is the Rick Steves video that emphasizes that you don't have to be intimidated by the hike. He goes two days out from Chamonix with a personal guide and visits two huts then returns to Chamonix. That shorter trip seemed doable without doing the entire TMB. Even a one-night stop at a hut out of Chamonix sounds wonderful. Do you recall if that portion of TMB is reasonable?

I went to Chamonix and stayed in an Air BnB. It's a beautiful town with great restaurants. The first day, I went to the tourist office and inquired about hiking trails and access. I was able to get maps and local bus routes. I didn't do the hike you are thinking of but it was incredibly beautiful and satisfying. I didn't take the best notes but I mention taking the bus to Vallorcine and hiking to the refuge Pierre a Berard. The next day I walked to the tramway and went to the Aiguille du Midi midstation and then hiked to Montnevers. I returned to Chamonix via a train (I believe it was one of those cog trains). The third day I went up the Plan Praz lift. I then hiked to Flegere and Lac Du Noir. I remember taking a bus back to Chamonix. This was in 2017 when I was sixty-six. These hikes were tiring but not exhausting. The tramways are a huge help as they get you above the trees and save a lot of climbing.

You might want to check out the self-guided hiking tours Natural Adventures and MacAdventures offers. It sounds like you don't have a full week or more though. I used MacAdventures for hiking in the Aosta Valley and can recommend them.

I am 74 and hike a lot. I am finding I prefer to limit myself to climbs that are less than 2,000 feet in elevation gain. It's helpful to know what you can handle or choose trails where you can always turn around if it seems too much.

Lauri, thank you for your helpful review of your 2017 trip and your recommendations. I will look into this. Did you stay in a refuge or simply visit it on a day's hike? I can imagine doing similar day hikes, but staying overnight in a hikers' lodge/refuge sounds pretty great.

Hey David:

I recall the first day out we started in Les Contamines - the next town from Chamonix on the route going counter-clockwise. It was a brutal day hiking to the hut even with taking a lift to eliminate the first part of the climb. As we were doing a shortened version of the route, this may have eliminated the first day of the full route so I am not sure about the track from Chamonix to Les Contamines.

Cicerone Press has a book covering the TMB route that may be worth picking up.

As another poster stated, there are plenty of hikes around Chamonix that may be well worth the visit regardless since you are familiar with Alps style hiking. After completing the route, both my wife and I intend to return for at least a week of hiking based out of Chamonix.

Thanks, Jason.

I am leaning toward the idea of enjoying hikes out of Chamonix without doing an overnight refuge. Our one prior trip to Chamonix was limited because two of the gondolas were not working, one for maintenance and one because of a fire. There is so much to enjoy in the area, even if we don't start on the TMB. I find your thoughts very encouraging and helpful. Thanks.