Mountain walls block the Northern horizon at Courmayer
Our route
so the initial ascent from the town is quite daunting. It is 1000m of ascent up to Rifugio Bertone. The TMB climbs steeply through forest with a few open patches. In places it is very steep with zig-zags.
Steep and wearisome climb with stone age cardiac bench
The path although steep is well made and we took it at a steady pace with frequent stops to look at the ever distant view of Courmayer.
Courmayer, now far below us
After about an hour we arrived at Rifugio Bertone where we stopped for a coffee break.
Rifugio Bertone
The TMB now follows a balcony route above Val Ferret. It is well signed and on this sunny Sunday was well trodden by local Italians.
On the balcony walk from Rifugio Bertone
The views across the Val Ferret of the Grand Jorasses were constantly magnificent. We were able to look behind us to where we came from to the Col de la Seigne and right through Val Veni
View back to the Col de Seigne
and down to the entrance to the Mont Blanc tunnel far below.
View down to the Mont Blanc tunnel entrance
It was a splendid balcony path with lovely flowers and great views across to the Grandes Jorasses.
The Grandes Jorasses
We enjoyed this pleasant walk through the alpine meadows with wonderful views all round. We had a great view up to Grand Col Ferret which we would walk over the following day.
A splendid balcony walk
We arrived at a very busy Rifugio Bonatti
Rifugio Bonatti
but later in the afternoon the day visitors left and it was much quieter.
Rifugio Bonatti
Old Bat On A Bike. 