Hard
65 km
5200 m
5 days
+/- 7h a day
Max 8 hikers
Just a stone’s throw from Mont Blanc, the Fiz range offers jaw-dropping alpine views without the crowds. This five-day trek leads you through dramatic mountain landscapes, with countless panoramas of Mont Blanc—and far from the busy, touristy trails. As a highlight, we’ll summit Mont Buet (3096 m), one of the region’s most iconic peaks. It’s a tough but unforgettable adventure.
The Haute Route des Fiz kicks off in Plaine Joux, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc right from the start. We descend gently before climbing 650 m to the wild and rocky Désert de Platé—one of Europe’s largest limestone plateaus, shaped by glaciers and meltwater. After a short break at the refuge, we continue up to Col de Portette for panoramic views of the Fiz, then descend to our destination: Refuge de Sales.
After a cosy night in the mountains, we descend into the Giffre valley. Along the way, the waterfalls of Sales offer a refreshing break—and just before reaching the village of Salvagny, we’re greeted by the roaring Cascade du Rouget, also known as the “Queen of the Alps”. Impressive and elegant at 24 metres high!
After a well-deserved lunch in Salvagny, we take on a long but rewarding climb of over 1000 m to Refuge de Grenairon, where stunning views over the Fiz await us.
Today is Mont Buet day: the 3000m peak of the tour—and the toughest day of the entire route! We kick things off on “La Cathédrale”, a rocky ridge that sets the tone. After a short breather on flatter ground, we climb to Col du Génévrier—then tackle the final, cable-secured ridge to the summit of Mont Buet (3096 m), the highest point of our trek! If the weather’s kind, we’ll enjoy lunch with views to remember. From there, a long descent awaits us, leading all the way down to the village of Mont Buet. We’ll spend the night in a hotel, which means a touch of well-earned luxury at the end of this demanding day.
We start day 4 in the village of Le Buet and begin with a long but steady climb out of the valley.
From Vallon de Bérard, we hike up to Col de Salenton—a rewarding ascent that opens up new views. From here, it’s smooth sailing, with a gentle descent and scenic traverse to Refuge de Moëde Anterne. This beautifully located mountain hut offers stunning views and is the perfect spot to unwind for the last night.
The final day—let’s ease out in style! If we’re feeling fit and up for it, we can extend today’s hike with a detour to Lac d’Anterne or even up to Pointe Noire de Pormenaz for one last panoramic reward.
Otherwise, a short walk brings us to the peaceful Lac de Pormenaz, a hidden gem loved by wildcampers. From there, we descend a more technical trail with a few ladders, down to Chalet du Souay.
An easy, wide path then leads us back to Plaine Joux—but not before one last Fiz surprise: the magical Lac Vert, with colours so vibrant you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Canada.
Practical information
When
This hike will take place from 12th to 16th September 2025.
Please note: these are the hiking days. To ensure you arrive on time and have enough time to travel home, we recommend adding an extra day before and after the trip for travel.
Price
The price for this trek is €839,00.
This includes:
-> Professional guidance by a mountain leader
-> 3 overnight stays in mountain huts
-> 1 overnight stay in a hotel
-> Tourist tax
-> 4 breakfast meals in the huts
-> 4 dinners in the huts
-> 4 picnic lunches
-> Informational booklet with extensive information about the trail to be fully prepared for this adventure
…and does not include:
-> Transportation to and from the start and end point
-> Snacks for the trail
-> Overnight stays at the start and end points
-> Travel insurance (including repatriation)
-> Personal expenses
-> Lunch for day 1
Accommodation
During the trek, we’ll spend our nights in cosy mountain huts along the way. These are small, welcoming refuges with shared dorms — usually one big room where about 20 hikers bunk down together. No need to bring a full sleeping bag: mattresses, blankets and pillows are provided. But to keep things clean and comfy for everyone, it’s mandatory to bring a sleeping bag liner and a pillowcase (a clean T-shirt works too in a pinch).
And: no stress about bookings — we’ve already reserved all the huts, so your bed in the mountains is waiting for you!
Transport
Transportation to and from the start and end point is not included in the price. You can drive to Plaine Joux by car, take a bus there, or meet up with us at Plan B in Saint-Gervais, where we’ll be leaving to the starting point of the trail!
Food along the way
No need to stress about meals — the mountain huts we’ll stay at take care of everything. Each one provides a hearty dinner, a solid breakfast, and even a packed lunch (pique-nique) for the next day’s hike.
The only things you’ll need to bring yourself are snacks for the full trek — since we won’t pass any shops or resupply points — and your lunch for day one. That’s it! Everything else is sorted, so you can just focus on walking, eating, and enjoying the mountain magic.
FAQ
This trip is for experienced hikers who love exploring lesser-known trails and occasionally enjoy the challenge of more technical paths. With around 1000 m of elevation gain per day, a basic fitness level is required.
The loop starts in Plaine Joux, a ski area in the Mont Blanc valley. There’s free parking and a bus stop for local buses running through Saint-Gervais, Sallanches et Passy.
Aha, gear! Probably the most important thing when you head out in the mountains. Here’s a list of the things you’ll need:
Clothes
-Hiking shoes (boots or trail runners, depending on your preference)
-Cap*
-Warm hat
-Category 3 sunglasses
-Breathable long/short-sleeved T-shirts
-Fleece and/or down jacket
-Waterproof jacket
-Hiking trousers/leggings and/or hiking shorts
-Waterproof trousers
-Pair of (light) gloves
-Hiking socks (+liner socks*)
-Flip flops (for in the huts)
-Spare clothes as per your preference*
Food
-2L water bottle
-Pocketknife*
-Snacks for each day (not available in mountain huts)
-Lunch for day 1
General gear
-Pack (40-50L) + rain cover
-Hiking poles
-Headlamp
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-Sleeping bag liner + kussensloop
-Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs*, toilet paper
-Minimal personal pharmacy: blister plasters, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies
-ID, money for personal expenses
Items indicated with a ‘*’ are optional, take them if you prefer taking these!
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Fiz mountain range.
If you have a severe fear of heights, this tour may not be ideal, as there’s a technical section near the summit of Mont Buet with a high ridge. A safety cable is provided, but it can be a bit exposed here.
The mountain huts provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, you’ll need to bring your own snacks for the trail and lunch for the first day.
Our tour will be led by Thomas Debray, a mountain leader from Passy, France. He’ll guide us safely, share fascinating facts about the flora and fauna, and ensure an enjoyable experience for all. I (Floor Denil) will also join. While I’m not a certified guide, I’ve gained plenty of mountain experience and will share some hiking tips along the way.
There’s no luggage transport available for this tour, so you’ll need to carry all your personal gear yourself.
This is a group hike: we’ll stick together as a team, leaving and arriving at the huts as one.