Chamonix hikes & treks with IML Mountain Leader

Grand Balcon Sud & Lac Blanc

From Chamonix centre we can either hike up or take the gondola lift to Planpraz at 2000m. Heading north along an undulating trail known as the Grand Balcon Sud, we begin hiking towards La Flégère. The trail takes us through idyllic mountain pastures, past rocky slopes where we often spot marmottes, through alpine forest and finally up to the Flégère ski area. From here we follow a winding trail up to a stunning plateau where we find Lac Blanc, a magnificent crystal-clear lake, named for the snowy peaks that are reflected in its surface. There is a small mountain restaurant here with a lovely terrace, or there are plenty of picnic spots surrounding the lake. We’ll relax and admire the magnificent view of the Mont Blanc Massif on the opposite side of the valley, before hiking back down to La Flégère and taking the cable car down to the little village of Les Praz; from where it is a twenty minute stroll or a short bus ride back to Chamonix.

Lac Brévent & Aiguillette des Houches

From Chamonix centre we can either hike up or take the lift to Le Brévent at 2525m. From here we head south and scramble down a rocky trail to find a secluded mountain lake with stunning views into the neighbouring valley. Continuing along the trail we pass the Bel-Lachat mountain refuge, a charming wooden hut that serves excellent homemade blueberry tart! The trail continues south, winding its way along the vertiginous ridge of the Aiguillettes des Houches, the landscape dropping away in all directions to give breathtaking 360° views far into the distance. We descend via fragrant pine forests and beautiful alpine meadows, passing by the ruins of old stone shepherds huts and the Chalets de Chailloux, to reach Parc Merlet, from where it is a steep but short descent down a forest trail back to Chamonix. We finish at Lac des Gaillands, from where it is an easy ten minute walk or short bus ride back to Chamonix centre.

Mont Buet

This hike culminates in summiting Mont Buet, an imposing peak of over 3000m. Starting from the little village of Le Buet, we hike up through a delightful hamlet of stone chalets towards a crashing waterfall, which is worth the small diversion to go and see. Continuing steadily uphill we enter the Berard valley, an incredibly beautiful haven for all sorts of alpine flora and fauna – and an abundance of wild berries that you can snack on along the way! Tucked away at the end of the valley is a mountain refuge, built into the rock and completely buried beneath the snow in winter. The route to Mont Buet climbs sharply up beyond the refuge towards the Col de Salenton, a sharp ridge that drops down into the neighbouring valley. Bearing right, we follow a series of steep and tight switchbacks before the terrain opens out and we find ourselves on the summit of Mont Buet at 3096m. The views from this altitude are quite spectacular and if it is not too windy then there is no better place to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch – otherwise we can head back down to the refuge and treat ourselves to their homemade “plat du jour”. We return via the same route. This hike can easily be turned into a multiday trek by traversing across from Mont Buet to Loriaz, where we can stay overnight in the traditional mountain huts and go to see the dinosaur footprints at Col de la Terrasse on the following day.

We can tailor any hike to suit your level of fitness, but be aware that even the lowest parts of the Chamonix valley are at over 1000m of altitude and this will make any effort feel that bit harder. A basic level of fitness and some experience of hiking or rambling will be of benefit.