Stage 1 Les Houches – Les Contamines

start-of-TMB

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Quick Facts

Country: France

Distance: 18km
Passes: Col De Tricot 2120m
Altitude gain: 1478m
Altitude loss: 1318m

Accommodation options: Les Houches (Hotels) , Chalet de Miage (Refuge),  Truc (Refuge), Les Contamines (Hotels)

Alternate route: Col de Voza – Les Contamines via Bionnassay

Stage-1

Stage description:

Leaving the very pleasant village of Les Houches will mark the start of a fairly straightforward stage, but certainly demanding enough for the first day. There is the recommended option to take the cablecar to Bellevue which makes for an easier first day, cutting out the first ascent. The TMB path contours through the forest high above the Bionnassay Valley while passing through pretty Alpine hamlets with excellent views of Mont Blanc and across the foothills of the Alps. The Dôme du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnassay dominate the views with the impressive glacier between them. Then the climb up the Col de Tricot starts and the descent follows a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. Following a riverside path at the end of the day will make for a very pleasing approach into Les Contamines.

Highlights – click to see in Image Gallery

Bionassay Glacier view & meadows

Col de Tricot 

Refuge de Miage

Refuge Du Truc