Tour du Mont Blanc (Italian side)

The Italian section of the Tour du Mont Blanc sweeps along the dramatic southern face of the Mont Blanc massif, linking the Swiss frontier at Grand Col Ferret with the French border at Col de la Seigne, with the lively mountain town of Courmayeur sitting at its heart. The route passes through the luminous Val Ferret, where glaciers descend almost to the valley floor and the walls of the Grandes Jorasses and Dent du Géant dominate the skyline without interruption. This is the section where the full scale of the range reveals itself — a continuous procession of ice, granite, and open alpine pasture. The terrain shifts between well-maintained valley paths and rocky, sometimes loose trail on the approaches to the passes, making ankle-supporting mountain boots essential rather than optional. Both Grand Col Ferret and Col de la Seigne can hold snow well into July; the reliable window for safe crossings runs from mid-July through early September, and late-season snowfall can close them again from October onward. Courmayeur is the strongest resupply point on the entire Italian leg — groceries, gear, and medical supplies are all available — while a chain of rifugios along Val Ferret provides meals and beds so there is no need to carry camping equipment. Water is plentiful from streams throughout the valley but becomes scarce as you gain elevation toward the passes. Afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly over the massif in summer; an early start each day is the most effective way to be off exposed ridgelines before they arrive.

Distances, elevation and times are approximate; follow waymarks and local conditions on the trail.