Val Ferret ‘balcon’ day hike - Italian Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) TMB stage out of Courmayeur

Equivalent to clockwise stages 2-3 in Kev Reynolds’ TMB (Tour Mont Blanc) guidebook. This stage can be walked independently, not as part of the whole 10 day trek. Features a moderate 300m/500m elevation gain/loss, and spectacular and continuous views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif (Monte Bianco). Total walking time of the full day hike as marked: 4-5 hours. Generally recommended from June to September, but check weather forecast and avoid in bad weather.

1. Get to Arnouva (1800m) at the top of the Val Ferret valley road. Either drive all the way up the valley, or take the Val Ferret bus from Courmayeur to the last stop (every 2 hours). Savda bus schedule: http://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/index.cfm/public-transport.html
2. Ascend around 250m along the TMB, zigzagging up on the south-east bank of the valley.
3. Walk south-west along a relatively level TMB (hence the ‘balcon’) at about 2000-2100m elevation. Rifugio Bonatti is approximately in the middle of the level section.
4. Multiple trails descend back into Val Ferret valley (1600-1700m), where the aforementioned bus has multiple stops along the road. Use the bus to go up the valley to get your car, or down the valley into Courmayeur.

There are a couple of Rifugios along the walk (see way marks), where you can get drinks and food or spend the night. Check availability by phone or email (beds must be booked way ahead in July and August). Rifugio Bonatti is the best known of them, with great views. Rifugio Elena requires an extra hour each way and a 250m ascent/descent.