TMB Stage 6: Guide from Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly

Introduction

Welcome to Day 6 of our 11-day Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) adventure! Today, we’ll be following the official route from Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly, crossing the border between Italy and Switzerland at Col Grand Ferret.

The weather was perfect, with beautiful sunshine accompanying us throughout the day, making for a stunning trek along the Val Ferret Valley. It was a day filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable landscapes as we made our way towards Switzerland.

You can get our Tour du Mont Blanc Map with all trails, paths, variations, huts, camping spots, water points and so much more.

Stage 6 Hiking Stats:

• Distance: 19,3 km
• Highest point: 2,538m
• Lowest point: 1,600m
• Elevation gain: 1,133m
• Elevation loss: -1,557m

Read: The Ultimate 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide

TMB Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly

Leaving Bonatti

After a restful night at Rifugio Bonatti, we woke up around 5:45 am, got ready, and headed down for breakfast at 6:30 am. Breakfast is served from 6:15 am to 7:45 am, giving you ample time to fuel up for the day ahead.

The beds were comfortable, and the room was warm despite the lack of a heater. The only downside was the thin walls, which made it easy to hear people walking around or using the bathroom. But overall, it was a cozy and peaceful stay, and we were ready to begin the next leg of our TMB adventure.

Tip: We used this MSR tent — super reliable, easy to set up, and held up perfectly in all weather conditions.

Rifugio Bonatti to Refuge Val Ferret

We left Rifugio Bonatti at 7:10 am and, once again, were greeted by stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. After walking for a few hundred meters, we even spotted two deer (though they could have also been chamois or ibex, but we couldn’t be sure).

The first part of the trail was relatively flat, making it a very enjoyable stretch. Towards the end, we began our descent into the Val Ferret valley, marking the transition to a new mountain range as we continued on our journey.

Tip: We use Black Diamond walking poles for Men and Women — sturdy, lightweight, and perfect for both easy trails and tougher hikes.

Val Ferret to Elena

Once we reached the valley floor, we followed the trail toward the next mountain range. We took a slight detour at the start, but eventually found our way back to the main path. From there, the trail steadily ascended toward Elena.

When we reached Elena, we took our first break to rest and soak in the breathtaking views of the Val Ferret Valley. The landscape was absolutely stunning, making the climb well worth it.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Elena to Grand Col Ferret

Now the real hike began. While the previous sections involved gradual ascents, this part was a more challenging climb with no breaks. Along the way, we passed a group of friendly cows grazing on the trail.

By 11:15am, we reached Grand Col Ferret. The walk to the top was rewarding, and with the sun on our backs, it felt incredible.

It was time for a well-deserved break, so we took a 30-minute lunch to recharge before continuing our journey.

Tip: We hike with Osprey backpacks and can’t recommend them enough — the Talon 44 and Tempest 40 are comfortable, durable, and great for any adventure.

Grand Col Ferret to La Fouly

Finally, it was time to head back down to the valley to reach La Fouly. The initial part of the descent offered stunning views of the wild landscape, and as we continued, we passed through several charming villages. The trail then led us through a forested area, where we followed a river adorned with sculptures.

We arrived in La Fouly around 2:20pm. After picking up some groceries at the local supermarket, we made our way to the camping area to set up for the night.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Camping des Glaciers

We didn’t make a reservation, but it wasn’t an issue since we were among the first to arrive. Our tent was initially alone, but by the end of the day, three other tents had set up around us.

The campsite cost 28 CHF (around 27€), and for that price, we had access to hot showers, clean toilets, and a large hut where we could sit and eat. The hut had a microwave and a kettle for free use. The campsite’s reception also sold a few essential items.

It was a comfortable spot to relax after a long day of hiking!

After setting up, we took a refreshing hot shower to unwind, followed by some yoga to stretch our muscles. We then enjoyed a drink and a nice dinner before heading to bed early to rest for the next day.

Tip: We used this MSR tent — super reliable, easy to set up, and held up perfectly in all weather conditions.