Col de Balme

Easy-Moderate  - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

This lovely hike to Col de Balme is ideal for beginners and anyone wanting to explore the beauty of the valley.
The trail provides spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif, the wide valley below, and the distant Swiss Alps.

Start in Le Tour, a charming alpine village at the eastern end of the Chamonix Valley. From here, take the Le Tour gondola up to Domaine de Balme, where the hiking trail begins. From the lift station, follow a wide, gentle path toward Col de Balme, enjoying panoramic mountain views and alpine landscapes along the way. The trail reaches Col de Balme,
scenic mountain pass marking the French/Swiss border.
 

At Refuge Col de Balme, hikers can stop for food and drinks while taking in breathtaking Mont Blanc views. Note that credit cards may not be accepted, so bringing cash is recommended. Return the same way, or for a longer hike, skip the gondola at Domaine de Balme and hike downhill to Le Tour in about 1 hour.

Return - a trail that starts and ends at the same place, where you walk back along the same route you used to go up

By car

By bus

Radar map (France)

Summer season: 

Open: June – September
Refuge du Col de Balme
Les Écuries de Charamillon
L’Alpage de Balme

Do not forget to check the opening hours on the official websites before your hike!