July 21 - 28, 2026
Join us in 8 Days: Exploring Mont Blanc with CGA & Pride on
8 Days: Exploring Mont Blanc with CGA & Pride
Join us for an 8-day alpine adventure through the stunning Mont Blanc region from July 21 to 28, 2026, hosted by Pride Adventures.
From the dramatic glaciers of Chamonix to the charming streets of Courmayeur, this immersive experience blends Europe’s wild mountain beauty with cozy alpine culture and breathtaking panoramic views.
Mont Blanc - Experience the Awe!
Experience the untamed beauty and tranquil charm of the Mont Blanc region on this unforgettable journey. From the glacier-carved valleys of Chamonix and the wildflower meadows of alpine trails to the cozy streets of Courmayeur, this curated adventure blends breathtaking hikes, cultural delights, and moments of peaceful relaxation. Marvel at panoramic mountain vistas, unwind in soothing thermal spas, and explore picturesque villages steeped in alpine heritage. Perfectly paced for adventure and downtime, this experience offers a harmonious balance of exploration and comfort — all set against the stunning backdrop of Europe’s highest peaks. Join us and discover a side of the Alps most travelers never see.
TRIP HOST
Chris Smith
Chris is the Chief Adventure Officer at Pride Adventures and has been leading group trips for 25 years. He loves building community and sharing epic journeys, from Southeast Asia to African safaris.
Chris Smith Bio
Hello! I’m Chris, Chief Adventure Officer at Pride Adventures. I’ve been leading group trips for 25 years, starting in Arizona and then moving to California in 2014, where I founded California Gay Adventures in 2017 and, more recently, Pride Adventures. My passion is community building, traveling the world, and sharing outdoor adventures and experiences with others. My favorite journeys include Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand) in 2023 with 23 guys, and our most recent trip to Africa, where we visited five countries from South Africa to Zimbabwe—the people and safaris were spectacular. Feel free to reach out anytime at chris@darkslategray-ibis-451317.hostingersite.com.
Trip Itinerary
Discover the stunning alpine landscapes and breathtaking trails of the Mont Blanc region on this immersive 8-day journey. From hiking through the glacier-carved valleys of Chamonix to exploring the charming streets of Courmayeur and soaking in soothing thermal spas, this adventure blends cultural experiences, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable moments in Europe’s majestic mountains.
Days 1–3: Chamonix & the Mont Blanc Valley
Arrive in Geneva and transfer to Chamonix, the iconic mountain town nestled beneath Mont Blanc. Explore the vibrant town, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for jaw-dropping views, and enjoy hikes like L’Aiguillette des Posettes, offering panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Relax at leisure or unwind at Chamonix’s renowned spas.
Stay: Pointe Isabelle Hotel (or similar)
Days 4–5: Courmayeur & Val Veny
Cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel into Italy and discover the alpine beauty of Courmayeur. Hike through Val Veny, surrounded by dramatic peaks and glacier views, then enjoy free time in town. Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, browse local shops, or soak in the famous thermal waters of Pré Saint Didier Spa.
Stay: Hotel Cristallo (or similar)
Day 6: Val Ferret & Italian Alps
Embark on a stunning hike into Val Ferret, with trails winding through wildflower meadows and offering expansive views of Mont Blanc’s south face. Stop at Rifugio Bertone for refreshments, and savor the peaceful alpine atmosphere.
Stay: Hotel Cristallo (or similar)
Days 7–8: Return to Chamonix & Glacier Views
Return to Chamonix for one final day of exploration. Hike trails overlooking the Glacier d’Argentière and the iconic peaks of the Mont Blanc massif, then toast to your adventure at a memorable Farewell Dinner with your Pride Adventures group.
Stay: Pointe Isabelle Hotel (or similar)
Booking Options
Your Mont Blanc adventure features thoughtfully chosen accommodations that blend alpine charm with modern comfort. From cozy mountain hotels in Chamonix to welcoming alpine lodges in Courmayeur, each location is selected to provide a balance of comfort, local character, and spectacular mountain views. Our expected accommodations include the Pointe Isabelle Hotel (or similar) in Chamonix and Hotel Cristallo (or similar) in Courmayeur.
Shared Room
$2899
Share the journey with a fellow traveler in cozy twin accommodations — perfect for connection, comfort, and camaraderie. Pointe Isabelle Hotel in Chamonix pictured.
Private Room
$3798
Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room — ideal for solo travelers or those seeking extra space to unwind. Hotel Cristallo in Courmayeur pictured.
Adventure Activities:
Get ready for an adventure! Below is just a sampling of the exciting activities we’ll be experiencing throughout the trip. Since this journey is divided into two segments, please note that not all activities will be available to every traveler. Be sure to check the full itinerary to see which adventures are included in your selected segment.
Hike Panoramic Alpine Trails
Trek along breathtaking mountain paths with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif, lush valleys, and wildflower meadows.
Ride the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
Ascend nearly 12,600 feet for jaw-dropping vistas of glaciers, jagged peaks, and the legendary summit of Mont Blanc.
Explore Chamonix’s Cozy Streets
Wander through charming alpine lanes filled with cafés, shops, and vibrant mountain-town atmosphere at the foot of Europe’s highest peak.
Cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel into Italy
Travel beneath the towering Alps and emerge into Italy’s stunning Aosta Valley, where cultures and landscapes blend seamlessly.
Soak in Pré Saint Didier Thermal Spa
Relax in soothing outdoor pools and bubbling hot springs surrounded by mountain views at one of Europe’s most famous alpine spas.
Savor Alpine Cuisine & Local Wines
Indulge in hearty mountain dishes, regional cheeses, and delicious local wines in welcoming alpine lodges and cozy trattorias.
Inclusions:
What's Included:
✔ 7 nights accommodations in comfortable alpine hotels (Chamonix & Courmayeur)
✔ 7 breakfasts, plus Welcome & Farewell Dinners hosted by Pride Adventures
✔ All private ground transportation between destinations and hikes
✔ Four guided mountain hikes led by certified International Mountain Leader (IML)
✔ Aiguille du Midi Cable Car available as an optional excursion (extra cost)
✔ Free time for optional activities like spas, cable cars, and local exploration
✔ Expert Chief Experience Officer (CEO) from G Adventures throughout the trip
✔ Full-time Pride Adventures host (Chris Smith) throughout the trip
✔ Basic tipping included for drivers, daily local guides, and included group meals
✔ Small group experience (Max 12 travelers)
What's Not Included:
✖ International flights to/from Geneva (GVA)
✖ Shared shuttle transfer between Geneva Airport and Chamonix (approx. €35–€50 each way)
✖ Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g. lunches, some dinners)
✖ Optional activities (e.g. Pré Saint Didier Spa, Pointe Helbronner cable car, rafting, Aosta visit)
✖ Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional drinks, snacks)
✖ Mandatory travel insurance (minimum $200,000 coverage)
✖ Gratuities for the G Adventures CEO at your discretion (€30–€50 suggested for the week)
✖ Additional tips for personal services, hotel staff, or optional activities
Physical Rating, Comfort, and Adventure:
Physical Rating: 4 – Moderate to Difficult
This trip is best for travelers with good fitness who enjoy alpine hiking. Expect daily hikes of 5–10 miles with elevation gains up to 2,800 feet over rocky or uneven trails. While some hikes are challenging, all are optional, and you can always choose to explore mountain towns, visit spas, or relax instead.
Service Level: Upgraded
Stay in comfortable, well-located alpine hotels that blend rustic charm with modern amenities. Though not luxury resorts, these properties offer clean, inviting spaces and cozy atmospheres — the perfect retreat after a day of mountain adventure, with warm hospitality and stunning views.
Travel Style: Active Adventure
This itinerary suits travelers seeking active days, gorgeous scenery, and flexibility. Enjoy a mix of guided mountain hikes and free time to relax or explore charming towns. It’s perfect for those who want adventure in nature without sacrificing comfort or the fun of a small group experience.
Important Documents & Links:
JoinCGA.com – California Gay Adventures
Documents containing personal information will be delivered privately to attendees via email and/or text as the trip dates approach. For any questions, please contact chris@prideat.com.
Important Documents & Links:
Trip Documents & Links:
Adventure Updates
We’ll post adventure-specific updates for our Mont Blanc trip right here. Bookmark this page and check back. If you have questions, contact us at chris@darkslategray-ibis-451317.hostingersite.com. Thanks!
Updates
None Posted – Stay Tuned.
Flights
Arrivals – Geneva (GVA)
Arrival Airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Recommended Arrival Date: July 21, 2026
Our Welcome Meeting and Dinner usually takes place around 6:00 PM on July 21 in Chamonix. There’s no need to rush, but we recommend planning your arrival so you have enough time to:
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Clear customs and baggage claim in Geneva
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Catch a shuttle transfer to Chamonix (approx. 1.5 hours)
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Check in at your hotel and relax a bit before joining the group
Pre-trip accommodations are available upon request for those arriving early in Geneva.
Airport transfers from Geneva to Chamonix are not included but can be arranged via shared shuttle for approximately €35–€50 each way. We’ll help coordinate details closer to departure.
Departures – Geneva (GVA)
Departure Airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Recommended Departure Date: July 28, 2026
Recommended Departure Time: Afternoon or later
The tour officially ends on the morning of July 28. There’s no need to rush, so we suggest scheduling your departure for the afternoon or later to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, time for packing, and a smooth return transfer to Geneva.
If you’re staying for the optional Amsterdam World Pride extension, we’ll help coordinate travel from Chamonix to Amsterdam and provide suggested activities and hotel options.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory to join this trip. Pride Adventures will help you purchase the right travel insurance plan to meet your needs after you book your spot. If you already have coverage or prefer to arrange your own policy, that’s absolutely fine — just make sure your plan meets the required coverage levels below.
Minimum required coverage:
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Medical coverage for emergencies and accidents
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At least USD $200,000 in coverage for repatriation and emergency rescue
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Strongly recommended: coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and loss of luggage or personal effects
Most insurance companies require you to purchase coverage within 15 days of your initial trip payment to receive full benefits, including cancellation protection. Once you’ve purchased your insurance, please send proof to chris@darkslategray-ibis-451317.hostingersite.com so we can save it with your departure details.
Deposits & Payments
To reserve your spot, we require a $500 deposit.
We offer a standard 4-month payment plan, which begins four months prior to the final payment deadline (90 days before departure) for those booking far enough in advance. This allows you to spread out your payments comfortably.
Payment plans are completely flexible — some travelers prefer fewer payments, while others choose smaller, more frequent installments to help with budgeting.
Reach out any time to chris@darkslategray-ibis-451317.hostingersite.com to discuss a payment schedule that works best for you!
Travel Health
We recommend reviewing PassportHealth to check any travel vaccination requirements and suggestions for France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Questions? Need Help?
Please email chris@darkslategray-ibis-451317.hostingersite.com with any questions. You can also view the full trip dossier or visit the Mont Blanc event page for more details.
