The first ascent of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard in the summer of 1786 marked the birth of modern alpinism. Since then, the white mountain has been the go-to peak in Europe for hikers and climbers from across the world, eager to explore the history and sheer beauty of the region.
Our adventure specialist, Shaelene Chapman, is one of the most recent, having just returned from hiking the best trails in the area on our Mont Blanc Highlights trip. Still on a high, she shares why now is the best time to hike the incredible trails that surround this legendary massif.
There’s never been a better moment to disconnect
Now, more than ever, feels like the time to go offline – and this trip really offers the chance to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with nature and feel the joy of moving your body.
The grandeur of the Mont Blanc massif is incredible to witness – I was gobsmacked every step of the way – and the hiking was diverse, offering a fresh feel to each forest, peak and trail.
Coming back each day to the chalet for a slice of cake, glass of wine or tea, and chats about the day was a wonderful way to unwind and connect with the group. The pink glow on the mountains as the sun set each evening was a special sight… as were the gelato shops – very nice after a day of hiking!
The accommodation is incredible
For 2025, we’ve secured two beautiful Alpine chalets for our guests on the Mont Blanc Highlights trip. Chalet Bedière is in the heart of Chamonix, perfect for those who love being close to cafes, restaurants, spas and shops. Chalet Chalupa in Les Houches is a quieter retreat yet just a short stroll from the village restaurants and local charm. It’s also got a hot tub, outdoor firepit, and a peaceful vibe – ideal for unwinding after a day on the trail.
Whichever you choose, you’ll start each morning with a homemade breakfast and receive packed lunches for the trails. In the afternoon, you return to a freshly baked cake, followed by a delicious three-course dinner made with local ingredients. Then there’s apéritif hour, where you can unwind and share stories with the group in a cosy mountain setting.
The trails and wildflowers are at their prettiest
As we learned from our tour leader, there’s an incredible amount of effort that goes into maintaining the trails – and they couldn’t have been prettier. The trails were very well maintained; that being said, the terrain is also very natural and not overly groomed, you are still climbing up natural rock steps and watching for big roots – this really added to the aesthetic and natural feel.
Additionally, our guide was able to adjust the order of the itinerary days to ensure we were hiking in the optimum weather and conditions.
If you’re hiking in 2025, you should definitely consider visiting in August – prime time for alpine wildflowers. You’ll also get clear skies, warm days, and long daylight hours, which make for ideal hiking conditions and incredible visibility.
Aiguille du Midi is turning 70
On Day 3 of our Mont Blanc Highlights adventure, we had a free day to explore solo. Most of our group choose to take the cable car up Aiguille du Midi, a 12,600ft (3,842m) tall mountain peak, to take in the incredible views from the top. You can even step onto the glass skywalk box suspended over a 3,280ft (1,000m) drop. Adrenaline-inducing and photo-worthy!
But doing it this year is extra special, as it’s 70 years since the cable car first started operating. When it opened, it was the world’s highest cable car. To celebrate the amazing feat of engineering, there are photo exhibitions detailing the history of its construction, plus there’s an accurately restored cabin on the plaza.
Chamonix Guides Festival 2025
Our tour leader, Egle, really brought my adventure to life! Her knowledge and passion for the area was inspiring as she shared her incredible expertise in local plants and wildlife, even helping us spot an ibex, and her sense of humour really helped the group bond!
On 12-15 August this year (and many of the days leading up to it), the villages of the Chamonix Valley celebrate the amazing mountain guides who work there, putting on activities, parades and talks. It’s also a great time to pick up bargains in the sports shops!
If you wanted to join them, you could join the Mont Blanc Highlights trip starting on 2 August. That finishes on the 9 August, allowing you to extend your adventure for a few days to see the festival and celebrate with like-minded adventurers!
Inspired to walk in Shaelene’s footsteps? Check out the Mont Blanc Highlights tour or see our full collection of Mont Blanc trips.
