Col du Bonhomme via Tour du Mont Blanc
11.6 mi
Distance
5 hrs 18 min
Time
terrain
4,386 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail in Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie.
This trail goes by Parc de loisirs du Pontet, Notre Dame de la Gorge (32), 33, Pont Romain, La Rollaz, Aire de bivouac (TMB), Aire de bivouac, Refuge de la Balme, Plan Jovet, and Col du Bonhomme.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
TMB Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
The first 1/2 mile is flat hiking along a creek. After, it's straight uphill for about 1,300 vertical feet. It mellows out to a flat area for another mile or so. At this point, the terrain starts opening up and you get some nice views of the valley. After, it's pretty much uphill for another 2,400 vertical feet. You pass a restroom and refuge along the way, and it's mostly a single person trail. The top has gorgeous views of the valley, but unfortunately, this is a false summit as you still have another 600 feet to get to a total of 4,300 feet elevation gain for the day. However, you've already done the worst of it, and the last 600 is fairly easy.
There's a refuge at the pass with more epic views of the alps. We ate our lunch here and then headed back down the mountain. These peaks reminded us more of Ireland/Scotland. The peaks have green grass on them and they're wide open with not trees. The trek down was a thigh burner to say the least. It was never ending, but we finally made it to Les Chapieux. This town has a market, refuge, and cute restaurant. The campground is the same as yesterday (I think that's how all the campgrounds will be), but we were more strategic and picked a spot at the edge where less people could be around.
Les Contamines Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/24283495537
Les Contamines Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/23572149647
Les Contamines Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/19782586522
1-Gite le Pontet - Base Camp Lodge
1-Gite le Pontet - Base Camp Lodge
