Tour du Mont Blanc, Stage 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie via Col de Voza

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a legendary adventure winding through three countries, offering exceptional views of the roof of Europe. Since 1983, the Grand Angle teams have been part of this great Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.

This first article in our TMB stage-by-stage series guides you through the initial section, from Les Houches to the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie. We are therefore taking the counterclockwise direction of the TMB.

It is an introduction that sets the tone, with lush alpine meadows, glacier views, and mountain architecture. In this article, we take you step by step through this first day of hiking.

• The classic route via Col de Voza
• The Col du Tricot variant: the panoramic option
• Geology and landscapes: understanding the terrain
• Wildlife and flora: possible encounters
• All TMB stages
• Preparing your stage with Grand Angle

The classic route via Col de Voza

The official TMB departure usually takes place from Les Houches town center, its train station, or the TMB parking lot on the heights of Les Houches. This first stage, along the so-called "classic" route, leads you to the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie. The total route is 17 kilometers with an estimated walking time of 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace. The positive elevation gain is around 640 meters if you take the Bellevue cable car, otherwise 880 meters. The negative elevation, more significant, is 1275 meters.

From Les Houches to Col de Voza (1653 m)

The warm-up begins with a steady ascent to Col de Voza. For those who want to save energy for the rest of the hike, it is possible to take the Bellevue cable car from Les Houches. At the col, the trail runs alongside the Tramway du Mont-Blanc railway, the cogwheel train bravely climbing towards the Nid d'Aigle.

In our 10-day self-guided TMB, we chose the cable car option, which makes this first stage more manageable for intermediate hikers and allows bypassing part of the ascent and the ski resort to arrive directly on the Bellevue plateau (1800 m), in the heart of alpine landscapes and facing the first spectacular views of the Chamonix peaks and the Bionnassay Glacier.

From Col de Voza to Les Contamines-Montjoie (1167 m)

Beyond the col, the path descends through forests and alpine meadows, passing through the hamlet of Bionnassay. The trail offers beautiful views of the Aiguille de Bionnassay and its hanging glacier. The descent continues to the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, nestled in the heart of the Val Montjoie. It is a relatively gentle stage if you take the cable car, ideal for a first day and for acclimatizing to mountain effort.

The Col du Tricot variant: the panoramic option

For hikers seeking a more alpine route with spectacular views, the Col du Tricot variant is an excellent alternative. More demanding, it rewards the effort with memorable landscapes.

This option slightly extends the route and significantly increases the elevation gain. Expect around 19 km, with a positive elevation gain of nearly 1500 meters and a negative gain of 1400 meters. The highest point of the day is Col du Tricot, at 2120 meters. The difficulty is therefore higher and suited to hikers with good physical condition, a hallmark of our sporty treks.

A glacial spectacle: the Himalayan bridge over the Bionnassay torrent

From the Bellevue plateau, the route diverges to cross a Himalayan-style suspension bridge over the Bionnassay torrent, with the glacier as a backdrop. The steep climb that follows is a pure visual delight. At Col du Tricot, the panorama opens onto the Dômes de Miage, a breathtaking sight. The descent then leads to the Miage chalets (1559 m), a perfect spot for a contemplative break before slightly ascending to the Truc chalets (1720 m) and finally descending to Les Contamines.

Geology and landscapes: understanding the terrain around Col de Voza

This first TMB stage is an excellent introduction to the geology of the Mont-Blanc massif. As you ascend towards Col de Voza, you gradually leave the Chamonix glacial valley to enter the Val Montjoie. The view of the Bionnassay Glacier is direct evidence of glacial erosion shaping these landscapes. The Col du Tricot variant allows a closer approach to the massif’s crystalline rocks and to observe the moraines left by retreating glaciers. On the descent, you cross alpine meadows, high-altitude pastures shaped by centuries of pastoral activity. The name "Truc," of Celtic origin, refers to a rounded summit, reflecting the ancient history of the area.

Wildlife and flora: possible encounters between Les Houches and Les Contamines

Along the hike, vegetation changes with altitude. The conifer forests (spruce, larch) on the first slopes give way to alpine meadows dotted with rhododendrons and blueberry bushes. With patience and discretion, it is not uncommon to spot marmots whistling at approaching hikers, or agile chamois on rocky ledges. The alpine sky is home to the golden eagle and the bearded vulture, two emblematic raptors of the Alps.

Continue exploring the TMB stage by stage

• TMB - Stage 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie
• TMB - Stage 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux
• TMB - Stage 3: Les Chapieux to Elisabetta Refuge
• TMB - Stage 4: Elisabetta Refuge to Courmayeur
• TMB - Stage 5: Courmayeur to La Fouly
• TMB - Stage 6: La Fouly to Champex
• TMB - Stage 7: Champex to Col de la Forclaz
• TMB - Stage 8: Col de la Forclaz to Argentière
• TMB - Stage 9: Argentière to Chamonix
• TMB - Stage 10: Chamonix to Les Houches

See all TMB stages ➜

Preparing your first TMB stage with Grand Angle

Starting the Tour du Mont Blanc requires careful preparation. At Grand Angle, with our experience since 1983, we have designed several options to meet your needs. Whether you prefer the camaraderie of a 10-day guided trip or the autonomy of our self-guided 8-day option, we handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters most: walking and enjoying the scenery. For those with more time, our 12-day self-guided options allow full immersion.

The choice of route, classic or via Col du Tricot, depends on your level and expectations. Feel free to consult our dedicated articles to learn when to go and discover the most beautiful TMB passes. This first stage is only the beginning of the adventure, and the