TMB Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
In this series of posts, we will tell our story of our Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) day by day.
This post is the day 4 where we will hike the official route from Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur. But will make a small detour from the regular trek to see the Cabane du Combal and the Miage lake.
If you are looking for a complete guide, you can read our full 1/2 TMB guide. Or Our complete packing guide
We hiked it, end of June.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
TMB Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
Rifugio Elisabetta to intersection
We woke up around 6:30am to pack and get breakfast at 7am in the refuge. It was a simple breakfast but good. We then left the Rifugio Elisabetta around 8am and arrive one hour later at the intersection between the official trail to Veille Arps Supérieur or Cabane du Combal/Miage Lake or down the valley of Val Veny.
The trail was a bit downhill from Rifugio Elisabetta but then became a flat route. It was an enjoyable walk and great warm up.
Cabane du Combal and Miage lake
The left the official route and headed toward the Cabane du Combal where we dropped our bags and headed to the Miage lake. A lake formed from the melting ice of the Miage glacier. To make it there it took us 25min.
Once past the refuge, it is a small hike uphill to reach the viewpoint. Count 10min to reach the refuge and another 15 for the lake.
We chilled a bit around and headed back to the refuge where we refill our water. (Ask the people working there)
Intersection to Vieille Arps Supérieur
We were back at the intersection around 10am. From this point forward the trek goes uphill. After a while there are some beautiful ruins with an amazing landscape toward Val Veny.
The trail was not too harsh and progressive. We made some stops at various point to admire the view. You can see up to 4 glaciers togethers.
Descent to Courmayeur
This part of the trail was most probably one of our least favorite. The trail is really downhill for 1h30 to 2h. Mostly through the forest without much to admire anymore.
The route is from 1686m to 1210 in less than 2/3km.
In high season you can shortcut this part by taking the cable car.
At night, we had planned on going to Camping Grande Jorasses but it started raining and as we were tired, we opted to stay in a hotel for the night. We first checked the bus schedule in case and then headed to the hotel.
We found it on booking but popped there and ask for a room. The price there was the same as booking (with genius discount) plus 1€ each for the local fees.
It is a cozy hotel, nicely decorated. The room was comfortable with double a bed, a little desk, a wardrobe, TV, mirrors, bathroom with towel and soaps…
We received welcome teas and cookies and breakfast was included. We even asked to have it at 7am instead of 7:30am and they accepted. In addition, the service was really friendly.
 “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
