Discover the thrill of hiking around Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) from the Italian side! The highest mountain in Western Europe (4,808 meters), Mont Blanc straddles Italy, France, and Switzerland. This ultimate guide focuses on the best Mont Blanc hikes in Italy, offering breathtaking alpine views, glaciers, and authentic mountain culture. Whether you want a day hike or a section of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), this guide has everything you need.
🗓️ What to Know Before You Go
Hiking Mont Blanc from the Italian side offers stunning views, fewer crowds compared to Chamonix, and charming villages like Courmayeur. Be prepared for alpine weather, varying trail conditions, and plenty of elevation changes!
📍 Orientation
Italy’s Mont Blanc region centers around Courmayeur in Valle d’Aosta. From here, you can access the best trails, including the Italian section of the Tour du Mont Blanc and amazing day hikes like Val Ferret and Val Veny.
🌎 Language
Italian is the main language, but many people also speak French and some English in tourist areas.
💳 Currency and Payment
Italy uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in Courmayeur, but carry cash for mountain huts (rifugi) and remote areas.
🎒 What to Pack
- Proper hiking boots
- Lightweight but warm layers
- Rain and wind jacket
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera or smartphone
❄️ When to Go
- Summer (late June–early September): Best hiking season. Trails are open, weather is stable.
- Late Spring/Early Fall: Beautiful but risk of snow on higher trails.
⏱️ How Long to Stay
Stay 3–5 days to enjoy multiple hikes and relax in Courmayeur’s spas, restaurants, and alpine ambiance.
✈️ How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Geneva (1.5 hours), Turin (1.5 hours), or Milan (2.5 hours).
- By Car: Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Courmayeur.
- By Bus/Train: Trains to Aosta, then buses to Courmayeur.
🌏 Best Hikes Around Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) in Italy
- Val Ferret Hike: Stunning valley with glaciers and classic alpine scenery.
- Val Veny Hike: Dramatic views of Mont Blanc’s southern face.
- Rifugio Bonatti Hike: One of the most scenic rifugios on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
- Bertone to Bonatti Traverse: A spectacular mid-mountain traverse with sweeping views.
- Section of the Tour du Mont Blanc: From Courmayeur to Rifugio Elisabetta — epic scenery without needing to hike the full TMB.
🌺 Best Tours
- Guided day hikes from Courmayeur
- Multi-day guided sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc
- Photography hikes focusing on glaciers and wildflowers
🍽 What to Eat and Drink
Traditional Dishes to Try:
- Valdostana fondue (cheese heaven!)
- Polenta with wild boar ragu
- Seuppa Valpellinentze (savory cabbage soup)
- Fontina cheese plates
- Local wines like Torrette and Blanc de Morgex
🍔 Where to Eat
- Cadran Solaire (Courmayeur) — cozy traditional meals
- Ristorante La Terrazza (Courmayeur) — delicious regional cuisine
- Mountain rifugios like Bonatti or Elisabetta for hearty alpine food
🍻 Where to Drink
- Cafe della Posta (Courmayeur)
- Pan per Focaccia (Courmayeur) — aperitivo heaven
- Rifugio Drinks: Nothing beats a cold beer or espresso at a rifugio after a tough hike!
🏨 Where to Stay
- Hotel Berthod (Courmayeur) — comfortable and central
- Auberge de la Maison (Entrèves) — charming luxury
- Mountain Rifugios — for an authentic high-altitude experience
🚗 Getting Around
Walking
Many trails are accessible directly from Courmayeur.
Public Transport
Local buses run to Val Ferret and Val Veny in high season.
Taxi
Available but pricey. Better for off-hour transport.
Rent a Car
Ideal if you’re exploring valleys outside of Courmayeur.
Bike
Mountain biking is allowed on certain trails.
🏫 What to Buy
- Fontina cheese
- Handwoven wool from Valle d’Aosta
- Alpine herbal liqueurs
- Mont Blanc souvenirs
📸 Best Photo Spots
- Val Ferret near Rifugio Bonatti
- Lac Combal in Val Veny
- Mont Blanc from Rifugio Bertone
- Sunset views from Courmayeur
- Rifugio Elena with glacier backdrop
💃 Trip Types
Adventure Seekers
Epic multi-day hikes and alpine challenges.
Couples Getaways
Charming villages, spas, and mountain lodges.
Family Trips
Easy walks in Val Ferret, gondola rides, nature spotting.
💸 How Much Does a Trip Cost?
Getting There
- Flights to Geneva or Milan: $100–400 USD
- Car rental: $60–90 USD/day
Accommodation
- Mountain huts: $30–60 USD/night
- Mid-range hotel: $100–200 USD/night
Activities
- Guided hike: $50–100 USD/day
- Cable car ride (Skyway Monte Bianco): ~$50 USD
Food & Drink
- Meal at restaurant: $20–40 USD
- Coffee and pastry: $5–8 USD
✨ Why You Should Hike Mont Blanc in Italy
Hiking Mont Blanc from Italy offers breathtaking alpine views, fewer crowds, authentic mountain culture, incredible food, and unforgettable trails. It’s the perfect mix of rugged adventure and Italian charm.
🤔 FAQs for Hiking Mont Blanc in Italy
1. What is the best hike on Mont Blanc from Italy?
The hike from Rifugio Bertone to Rifugio Bonatti offers some of the best views without needing technical skills.
2. Do you need a guide for Mont Blanc hikes?
For day hikes, no guide is necessary. For glacier crossings or high alpine sections, a guide is highly recommended.
3. When is the best time to hike Mont Blanc?
Late June to early September is the ideal season for clear trails and stable weather.
4. Are Mont Blanc hikes difficult?
There are options for all levels! From easy valley walks to challenging high-altitude trails.
5. Can you hike Mont Blanc with kids?
Yes! Valleys like Val Ferret and Val Veny offer family-friendly options.
📄 Useful Links for Planning Your Mont Blanc Adventure
- Courmayeur Mont Blanc Official Site
- Valle d’Aosta Tourism
- Tour du Mont Blanc Info
- Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car
- Trenitalia — Italian Railways