Tour du Mont Blanc, Stage 7: From Champex to Col de la Forclaz via the bovine alpine pastures

The seventh stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a pivotal day, one of choice. Departing from the peaceful Champex Lake, hikers face two paths, two radically different mountain philosophies. One, pastoral and forested, winds through the Bovine alpine meadows. The other, alpine and demanding, ascends to the stark Fenêtre d'Arpette. It’s one of the few TMB stages where routes differ so sharply, both in scenery and difficulty. At Grand Angle, with our on-the-ground experience since 1983, we place great importance on advising our travelers for this section. It perfectly embodies our vision of trekking: an adventure tailored to each person’s desires and level.

• Classic itinerary via Bovine: the pastoral route
• Variant via the Fenêtre d'Arpette: the Alpine challenge
• Two paths, two worlds: contrasting landscapes
• Arrival at Col de la Forclaz or Trient
• Making the right choice for your TMB with Grand Angle

Classic itinerary via Bovine: the pastoral route

The classic itinerary is the most accessible and frequented. It offers a mid-mountain hike of about 16 kilometers, with 750 meters of ascent and 650 meters of descent. Expect 4 to 5 hours of walking to reach Col de la Forclaz.

A balcony traverse

After leaving Champex-Lac, the trail enters the forest. It climbs gently before turning into a stunning balcony path overlooking the Rhône Valley. This route passes through several clearings and alpine pastures, the most famous being Bovine (1987 m), where a welcoming alpine hut provides a break with sweeping views of Martigny. It’s a path without technical difficulties, ideal for a contemplative hiking day, often chosen for our easier TMB programs.

Variant via the Fenêtre d'Arpette: the Alpine challenge

In complete contrast, the Fenêtre d'Arpette variant is considered the most difficult stage of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc. It is reserved for highly experienced hikers and should only be attempted in perfectly stable weather.

A technical and rocky ascent

The challenge is significant: nearly 1,200 meters of ascent and 1,180 meters of descent over a shorter distance of 14 kilometers. The trail enters the Val d'Arpette before tackling a final extremely steep climb through boulders and scree to reach the Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665 m). Crossing this narrow pass is intense, rewarded by a direct and spectacular view of the Trient Glacier, seemingly within reach. The following descent is equally demanding, requiring constant focus. We recommend this route only to our seasoned clients on sportive treks.

Two paths, two worlds: contrasting landscapes

The choice of route completely shapes the day’s experience. The Bovine path immerses you in pastoral Switzerland: the sound of cowbells, the scent of firs, flower-filled meadows, and open views of the Rhône Valley. In contrast, the Fenêtre d'Arpette confronts you with high mountains: mineral silence, the breath of effort, and direct contact with the ice of the glacier. You move from a human-shaped landscape to a raw environment dictated by geology and glacial erosion.

Arrival at Col de la Forclaz or Trient

Both routes converge at the end of the day. The Bovine path descends directly to Col de la Forclaz (1,527 m), a road pass with a viewpoint and a stopover spot. The Fenêtre d'Arpette variant drops steeply toward Chalet du Glacier before reaching the small village of Trient, recognizable by its iconic pink church, nestled at the foot of the glacier. Col de la Forclaz is then just a short climb away.

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 ➜

Making the right choice for your TMB with Grand Angle

This stage perfectly illustrates the need for sound advice. Depending on your current fitness, the weather, and your preferences, the choice will vary. That’s where our expertise comes in. Whether you travel on our 10-day guided TMB, where the guide makes the best decision for the group, or independently with our self-guided programs with detailed technical notes on both options, we give you all the keys for a successful experience. This intense or contemplative day marks the last stage fully in Swiss territory before moving back into France for the eighth stage. To build your tailor-made adventure, contact our specialists.