Go Farther. Climb Higher.
An advanced women’s hiking retreat
Sept 12-18, 2027
Built for Bigger Days
This retreat is designed for experienced hikers who want longer days, more elevation, and a deeper experience in the Chamonix mountains. Expect a challenging mix of sustained climbs, technical terrain, high alpine routes, and big descents, balanced with shorter days that allow time to recover and enjoy the valley.
Highlights
5 days of guided hiking in the Chamonix Valley
Alternating longer 8–10 mile days with shorter 5–6 mile days
Approximately 3,000–5,000 ft of elevation gain on bigger days
More challenging terrain and less reliance on lifts
2 yoga sessions for recovery and relaxation
Small group of 8-10 experienced women hikers
Expert local mountain guides
Beautiful chalet accommodations
Breakfast and dinner prepared each day
Optional massage and facial treatments during the week
The Itinerary
Each day is designed to make the most of the mountains, with longer, more challenging hikes balanced by shorter days for recovery. Expect sustained climbs, technical terrain, big descents, and high-alpine routes that take you deeper into the Chamonix Valley.
This sample itinerary gives you an idea of what each day will be like but is subject to change.
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Arrive in Chamonix and settle into our chalet. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon yoga session to unwind after travel, followed by a welcome dinner with our team and fellow adventurers.
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Kick off our hiking adventure with a beautiful climb from Tré-le-Champ to Aiguillette des Posettes, where sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif await. Continue along the ridge toward Col de Balme on the French-Swiss border before descending toward Le Tour.
Distance: 6.1 mi / 9.8 km | Elevation: 3,400 ft / 1,036 m gain, 1,974 ft / 602 m descent
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A bigger mountain day with sustained climbing, dramatic views, and a rewarding traverse through Aiguillette des Houches and Col de Bellachat before reaching Le Brévent.
8.5 miles | 4,500 ft ascent | 2,500 ft descent
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We’ll start with a restorative morning yoga session, then take the cable car to the top of Aiguille du Midi for sightseeing and panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. From there, we’ll return to the mid-station and hike the Grand Balcon Nord toward Montenvers.
At Montenvers, we’ll take the gondola down toward the Mer de Glace to explore the glacier area before returning to Chamonix. This is a slightly shorter hiking day with more time built in for sightseeing and experiencing some of the valley’s most iconic landmarks.
4.7 miles | 1,000 ft ascent | 1,850 ft descent
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One of the biggest days of the week, with a long traverse through Tête aux Vents and La Flégère before continuing all the way back to Chamonix.
9.5 miles | 3,000 ft ascent | 4,500 ft descent
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We’ll finish the week with a classic alpine hike to Refuge Albert 1er, surrounded by glaciers and dramatic high-mountain scenery. After the climb, we’ll stop for lunch at the refuge and take time to enjoy the setting before making our way back down.
5 miles | 1,700 ft ascent & descent
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Checkout is at 10 am, so plan your departure accordingly (no breakfast is provided on the last day)
Please note that the daily itinerary may shift based on weather, trail conditions and what will provide the best experience for the group. Flexibility is an important part of traveling in the mountains, and we’ll adjust plans as needed while keeping the overall rhythm and intention of the retreat intact.
Difficulty: Challenging
This retreat is designed for experienced, fit hikers who are comfortable with long days in the mountains and significant elevation gain and loss. Expect hikes ranging from approximately 5–10 miles, with some days climbing 3,000–4,500 feet.
Trails can be steep, rocky, exposed, and uneven, with sustained climbs and long descents. We’ll rely less on lifts and spend more time moving through the mountains under our own power.
You should arrive prepared for consecutive days of challenging hiking and be comfortable maintaining a steady pace for several hours at a time. Shorter days are intentionally mixed in throughout the week to allow for recovery while still experiencing some of the most spectacular terrain in the Chamonix Valley.
Your Home in the Mountains
Where you stay is an important part of the experience. Our Chamonix retreats are hosted in beautiful, spacious chalets chosen for their comfort, character, and easy access to the valley.
Depending on the retreat dates, we stay at one of two carefully selected homes, each offering inviting communal spaces, comfortable bedrooms, and plenty of room to relax after a day in the mountains.
Chalet assignment varies by retreat date and is listed on each trip page.
Meet the Chamonix Team