Tour du Mont Blanc, Stage 4: From Refuge Elisabetta to Courmayeur

After a night facing the glaciers, the fourth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a day of striking contrasts. It takes us from the high-altitude atmosphere of the Elisabetta Refuge down gradually to the alpine elegance of Courmayeur, the Italian mountaineering capital. This is a balcony day, a panoramic walk along the southern slope of the massif, providing continuous views of the sharp ridges and threatening seracs of Mont Blanc. For us at Grand Angle, this stage is a true immersion in the alpine dolce vita. It combines the effort of high-altitude hiking with the pleasure of returning to the buzz of a small mountain town with authentic charm. A perfect balance that we love to share with our travelers, whether on a guided group trek or a self-guided trek.

• Main route: a balcony over Val Vény
• Mont-Fortin variant: for elevation enthusiasts
• Geology and glaciers: the spectacle of the south face
• Arrival in Courmayeur: Aosta Valley atmosphere
• Preparing your TMB with Grand Angle

Main route: a balcony over Val Vény

Today’s stage is about 18 kilometers long but mostly downhill or gentle descents. The elevation gain is moderate, around 460 meters, while the descent is more significant, nearly 1000 meters to Courmayeur. Expect approximately 5 hours of walking.

From the refuge to Lake Combal

The day begins with a gentle descent from the Elisabetta Refuge, along the impressive moraine of the Miage Glacier. You quickly reach Lake Combal, a milky-colored glacial lake nestled in a former natural basin. The trail then crosses a wetland area of great ecological richness before the only real ascent of the day.

The Arp Vieille balcony

The climb leads to the Arp Vieille pastures. From there, the path becomes a spectacular balcony trail. For several kilometers, it winds along the mountainside, offering a steep view of Val Vény and a direct panorama of iconic peaks: the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey, the Grand Pilier d’Angle, and Mont Blanc itself. This is one of the most photogenic sections of the TMB. The final descent to Courmayeur passes through the forest, near the Col Chécrouit chalet, a former passage point to France.

Mont-Fortin variant: for elevation enthusiasts

A more challenging alternative exists for those who want even more altitude. Instead of following the valley floor after Lake Combal, you can ascend towards the Mont-Fortin ridges (2758 m). This variant adds significant elevation gain but rewards hikers with 360-degree views, encompassing not only the Mont Blanc massif but also the peaks of Gran Paradiso and Ruitor. This more alpine and less frequented route is an attractive option for trekkers on our more athletic itineraries, such as the 10-day complete TMB.

Geology and glaciers: the spectacle of the south face

This stage is a masterclass on the power of glaciers. The Miage Glacier, one of the longest in Italy, and the Brenva Glacier, known for its serac falls, are the main actors in the landscape. Their lateral and frontal moraines, true walls of rock and ice, testify to their past advance. You can clearly see how these rivers of ice have sculpted the rock, leaving behind U-shaped valleys and polished rocks. A permanent spectacle that makes this trek in Italy so special.

Arrival in Courmayeur: Aosta Valley atmosphere

Arrival in Courmayeur (1224 m) marks a return to civilization. This elegant small town, with its cobbled streets, chic shops, and lively cafés, is the Italian counterpart to Chamonix. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample Aosta Valley specialties, rest, and recharge before continuing the trek. For many of our hikers, this gentle transition day is a welcome break amid the demanding Tour du Mont Blanc.

Continue your TMB exploration 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 TMB with Grand Angle

This fourth stage, with its mostly downhill profile and breathtaking views, is a highlight of our programs. Whether you have chosen the tranquility of a 12-day self-guided trek or the expertise of our guides on the 10-day complete trek, we ensure your experience is smooth. Resting in Courmayeur is essential before heading out for the fifth stage into Switzerland. To discuss your trekking project in the Alps and find the option that suits you best, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts.