road trip tour du mont blanc

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The Foolproof Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary: 10-Days

10 days of hiking in the Alps – the ULTIMATE wellness trip if you ask me. This Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided itinerary follows the traditional TMB route, includes tips, daily trail specs, and accommodation suggestions, and addresses some of the most common questions you might be asking yourself as you begin planning your tour.

The Tour du Mont Blanc, or the TMB, is a 105-mile (170 km) trail that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. The TMB is often considered one of the most beautiful through-hikes in the world, introducing hikers from around the globe to the exquisite and dramatic scenery of the Alps.

👉 Don’t forget travel insurance for this trip! I always use SafetyWing !

Want to save yourself a lot of planning time? Check out Skyhook Adventures’ 10-day guided trek if you want all of your accommodations, food, and transportation taken care of!

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 10 Days

This itinerary does not include, but I recommend, staying in Chamonix for a couple of days before and after your tour, first to acclimate and then to relax.

The TMB is broken up into “stages”. Traditionally, there are 11 stages but depending on how many days you want to trek you can find different versions of the stages.

During your planning, and your trekking, take all distance, time, and elevation markers or estimations with a grain of salt. Mileage on GPS and in guidebooks and blogs rarely match up, and there are a lot of variables that affect the accuracy of the time estimations. The trail markers seem to allot 30 minutes for every mile, but depending on your age, the weather, and what shape you’re in, that will be different for every person. For your own sake, just always assume you’ll have an additional mile or 30 minutes 🙂

Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Specs:

• Distance: 105 miles / 170 kilometers
• Route Type:  Loop
• Starting Point: Les Houches (traditionally)
• Direction: Counter-clockwise (although it can also be hiked clockwise)
• Total Elevation Gain/Loss:   33,632ft / 10,251 m
• Maximum Altitude: 8,500 ft / 2600 m
• Days To Hike: 7-12 days
• Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
• Difficulty: Difficult (never flat, always up or down)

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary Disclaimers:

• Most stages have alternative route options, or “variants”, as they are called. This itinerary follows the traditional TMB route, except for day 10. Refer to the recommended guidebooks for variant options.
• Some stages have options to use public transport and lifts/gondolas to accelerate and shorten the path. This itinerary discloses any shortcuts by calling out *SHORTCUT*.
• There are many mountain huts/refuges along the TMB to choose from. This allows for total personalization of your trek. The huts recommended in this 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary are huts that I stayed in and will provide my honest opinion about.

Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines

Do not get off at the first stop in Les Houches – stay on until you see the Office de Tourismo (on your left). Here you will see the TMB starting point arch. Take a photo and walk onward for about 10 minutes until you see the “Telecabine Bellevue”. *SHORTCUT* This will cut off a 2600 ft / 800 m climb through the forest. Begin your trek at the top of this cable car.

You’ll pass through many towns and villages today, and you won’t feel very “out there”. The signage is decent, just make sure you pay attention and don’t pass any turnoffs. Use the guidebooks and GPS for support.

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km (if you take the cable car, 11 if you don’t)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~ 1000 ft / 300 m (if you take the cable car, 3550 ft if you don’t)

✔ Estimated hiking time: 5 hours (with cable car)

💤 Where to stay: Gai Soleil

Gai Soleil is a quaint and quiet hotel just off the main road in Les Contamines. There is a lovely yard to relax in after hiking all day. The rooms are basic but very comfortable with amazing views. Breakfast was great and there is wifi. I would recommend staying here.

Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

💪 This is one of the most challenging days of this 10-day tour du mont blanc itinerary.

Today you will climb over two Cols (mountain passes). You will see fewer towns and be pleasantly surprised by the beauty that is everywhere. Be prepared for lots of elevation gain and possible weather. It can get very cold (and wet!) at the top of the cols.

When you begin to descend from the second col, you’ll pass Croix du Bonhomme – a refuge. Stop here for hot chocolate or coffee but DO NOT stay here (outhouses, flies, no showers, etc).

BONUS: Look out and listen for lots of Marmots as you descend from Croix du Bonhomme!

✔ Mileage: 14 miles / 22.5 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 4500 ft /3000 ft down

✔ Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

💤 Where to stay: Auberge de la Nova

You will see the Auberge immediately as you descend into Les Chapieux (there isn’t much else here!). Try to get a private room if you can – unless you are fully comfortable sleeping in dorms. The dinner was one of the best dinners of the trek! Hot showers but no wifi or service.

ALSO READ: Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List 🥾 👚 👖 🧳

Day 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Cabane du Combal

🌀 One of the most beautiful days of the trek!

Today you will get your first view of Mont Blanc from the trail and cross over into Italy via Col de la Seigne. To begin, take a bus from Les Chapieux to Les Mottets (NOT Ville des Glaciers).  *SHORTCUT* This will cut about an hour and a half of walking on a skinny paved road which made sense to us (and most others).

There is a small wooden information center in Les Chapieux, just outside Auberge de la Nova. You can buy bus tickets here – try and buy them the night before in order to get the first bus, otherwise, you may have to wait until the 9 am bus (or just walk).

BONUS: When you get to Cabane du Combal, continue on another 10 minutes to see Lac Miage and the adjacent moraine – you’ll see the signs outside the rifugio. If you sit and listen at the top, you’ll hear small rockslides happen every few minutes as a result of the melting glacier.

The All Trails map linked below maps you to Rifugio Elisabetta. A lot of people like to stay here but I saw the sleeping area and would highly recommend continuing on to Cabane du Combal. It’s another 30 minutes and 1.5 miles on FLAT gravel road. Definitely stop at Elisabetta for a cappuccino though. You’ll have to climb up their long and steep driveway but it is worth it!

✔ Mileage: 10 miles / 16 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3400 ft / 1036 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 5.5 hours

💤 Where to stay: Cabane du Combal

Cabane du Combal is a very sweet rifugio with large, clean rooms and the dinner was really very good. They tend to get herds of ibex hanging around (hence their logo), so be on the lookout! We saw several here 🙂 Lastly, there is no wifi or service here.

ALSO READ: Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges: Everything You Need to Know

Day 4: Cabane du Combal to Rifugio Maison Vieille

🌀 One of the most beautiful days of this tour du mont blanc itinerary!

This was one of my absolute favorite days. It was a short day but SO beautiful. On several days you trek through villages and towns, but this day you are just in the mountains the entire time. You’ll be walking at eye level with glaciers and alongside grazing sheep and cows. Take your time and admire the beauty in every direction.

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY: As much as we loved Maison Vielle, I recommend continuing past Rifugio Maison Vielle and booking a hotel in Courmayeur. Courmayeur is the largest town you will go through and a great opportunity to stay somewhere nicer, and it will balance out the distances on days 4 and 5. The Alltrails map below goes to Courmayeur.

✔ Mileage: 6 miles / 9.6 km (to Maison Vieille)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1900 ft / 600 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

💤 Where to stay: Rifugio Maison Vieille

As I mentioned, I would continue on to Courmayeur. However, if you choose to stay at Maison Vieille you can spend the afternoon lounging in lawn chairs and sipping on cold beers. This is a popular lunch stop for day hikers so it’s very busy and fun. They only have dorms – no private rooms, FYI. But, they do have wifi.

Day 5: Rifugio Maison Vieille to Rifugio Walter Bonatti

Maison Vieille is situated at the top of a ski lift. When you depart on day 5 you can either sleep in and wait for the ski lift to open at 9 am to take you down to Dolonne or you can walk down the very steep descent which will take you about 2 hours. * This is another reason to stay in Courmayeur because you can take the ski lift down in the afternoon the day before.

*SHORTCUT* We chose to save our knees and took the ski lift as soon as it opened. You have to take a Gondola following the lift which drops you in Dolonne. You’ll walk about 10 minutes to Courmayeur. Build in some time to walk around and get some coffee if you can because it’s very cute here.

Next, begin your ascent through a paved neighborhood and then into a popular wooded hiking area. Stop at the top at Rifugio Bertone for a snack and beverage and then continue on. Today is another day of hiking eye to eye with massive glaciers… in fact, you’ll be sleeping directly across from one at Rifugio Bonatti!

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km (from Maison Vieille)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3600 ft / 1100 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 6 hours

💤 Where to stay: Rifugio Walter Bonatti

Rifugio Bonatti is situated directly across from a massive glacier – it is an unbelievable location. The rifugio is a little newer and offers dorms and private rooms that are quite comfortable and clean. The dinner was pretty good. You have to get a coin for the shower and only get 4 minutes. There is no wifi, but some service. Although, if you ask nicely the staff might share the wifi password.

Day 6: Rifugio Walter Bonatti to La Fouly

On day 6 of this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you’ll cross over into Switzerland. This is an absolutely stunning day of hiking, especially the climb to Grand Col Ferret (tough!). Prepare to see lots of rolling green hills, glaciers, cows, and sheep.

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3200 ft. / 975 m

⏳ Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

💤 Where to stay: Auberge des Glaciers

This Auberge is right in the center of town – as soon as you enter La Fouly you will see it. The rooms were cute (private) and the showers were hot! Dinner was delicious but it was an expensive auberge/refuge. Conveniently, there is a market right next door if you need to stock up on snacks.

Day 7: La Fouly to Champex

Day 7 is one of the easier days of this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. You will be in the forest most of the time. Look for wooden animal carvings along the whole trail. This day was very rainy for us – several people ended up taking the bus from La Fouly to Champex to avoid hiking in the rain. We were soaked by the time we got to La Fouly but ultimately we were glad we didn’t take the bus. You’ll pass through some really interesting and tiny Swiss towns today – not the most exciting day though.

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 2000 ft. / 609 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 4.5 hours

💤 Where to stay: Hotel Splendide

I had originally booked Hotel Belvedere, but when we arrived I was informed I accidentally booked it for the night before. They didn’t have room for us the night we needed it but it ended up being a BLESSING IN DISGUISE. Belvedere was very dark and dingy and the husband of the husband-wife combo was RUDE. We went next door to Hotel Splendide which happened to have a cancellation. It was such a treat to stay there. The rooms are sweet and gorgeous – amazing views and breakfast!!

Day 8: Champex to Trient

This day was challenging for us, mentally. Not incredibly tough but it felt very long. This was the easiest stage to get lost, in my opinion. When you leave Champex Lac, stay on the main road through town, following the TMB signs. If you turn off the road too soon you’ll find yourself in a maze of trails and the GPS is unreliable here. You’ll see a large boulder with “bovine TMB” painted on it. This is where you turn off.

When you reach Trient, continue on another km (15 minutes) to reach Le Peuty – it’s on the map.

BONUS: If you do the main route and not a variant, you’ll pass by Alp Bovine, a small unassuming rustic restaurant in the hills. The homemade tarts are AMAZING. The views and atmosphere are warm and authentic. A must-stop.

✔ Mileage: 12.5 miles / 20 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 2800 ft. / 853 m

💤 Where to stay: Le Peuty

I booked Le Peuty on a whim because it looked unique and fun and wow am I so glad I did. This was one of, if not the top place of all the places we stayed in this tour du mont blanc itinerary. The atmosphere and vibes here are unbeatable. There is a dorm above the kitchen, a huge field for camping, and one private yurt. I booked early enough that I was able to get the yurt and it was awesome. The BEST part of our stay though was hands down the food. Dinner was cooked fresh from scratch and could have come from a multi-star restaurant. Breakfast was equally as delicious. Best food and best vibes of the trip.

Day 9: Trient to Tre le Champ

This was one of our favorite days of the TMB. Our bodies felt conditioned to the daily grind and the weather and views were gorgeous. You’ll return to France today, via Col du Balme. It’s a steep ascent to the top so stop at the top for a coffee or beer (and photos!). As you reach the top you regain an unobstructed view of Mont Blanc and it remains in site the rest of the trek.

✔ Mileage: 10.5 miles / 17 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3400 ft. / 1036 m

💤 Where to stay: Auberge la Boerne

The location of this Auberge is great, it’s very cute and rustic, unique, and has a very cool history. However, the dorm we stayed in was literally the size of a closet (not joking see pictures). It was fine – just funny. The dinner was also not very good – maybe the worst of the whole trip. All part of the experience though! I’d probably choose to stay here again versus hiking down into Argentiere if that’s any consolation.

Day 10: Tre le Champ to Chamonix

The final stretch! Today you will go through the “ladder section” which you will hear about during your TMB planning. It is a little nerve-wracking, but totally doable so don’t be deterred. If you have an intense fear of heights, you can avoid the ladders by doing the Col Des Montets variant.

We decided to take our first variant today and go to Lac Blanc. It adds on another hour or so and a bit of elevation gain but the views are worth it in my opinion. And the hike out of Lac Blanc is very cool and different from much of the rest of the path.

When you reach the ski lift, take it down to La Flegere, then continue on the TMB path to the Plan Praz gondola. This will drop you in Chamonix! Below is the trail map to La Flegere. If you want to do the Lac Blanc variant, just follow the signs once you get to the top of the ladder section.

There are a number of options to descend into the Chamonix valley (i.e. at La Flegere, Plan Praz, or further along) so decide what is best for you. We felt strong when we reached La Felgere so we decided to continue to Plan Praz. You do NOT need to buy lift cable car tickets ahead of time. However, make sure you get there before they close (5 pm).

✔ Mileage: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3200 ft. / 990 m

💤 Where to stay: Grand Hotel des Alpes

Treat yourself! Stay at the Grand Hotel des Alpes , in the center of Chamonix. They have an amazing spa with a gorgeous sauna and hot tub area (this was the major selling point for me). The rooms are stunning and the beds are amazing just stay here!!

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary Planning Resources

Blog posts, facebook groups, the official TMB website, GPS and weather apps, and guidebooks are all of the resources you will need to plan and hike your tour du mont blanc itinerary.

This Facebook group is very active and super helpful. People share their experiences, share all sorts of tips, and provide a decently accurate picture of what the current conditions and situation is on the trail.

I carried Jim Manthorpe’s Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook (2nd edition) with me and while it is not always 100% accurate, the detailed maps and elevation and distance charts were really helpful. He also covers all of the different variants available to you.

The official TMB website is a somewhat helpful planning resource. It is also the only way to book some of the refuges so if you plan on staying in mountain huts you will need to utilize this site.

Meteoblue is a helpful weather app to have – again, not always accurate of course but it’s more detailed than weather.com.

Tour du Mont Blanc Alltrails

While not always accurate, alltrails was the best GPS app for us. There are a number of route options that are downloadable. This way, if you don’t have service (which you won’t) you can still use the map. Alltrails has all of the traditional stages mapped out, as well as variants, alternative stages, and the entire loop even.

You will need to create an AllTrails account. Search for your desired stage, crosscheck it with guidebooks to make sure it’s accurate, and then download it. While you are hiking you will be able to go into the app and click on the respective stage and the app’s GPS will follow along the route.

FAQs About the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

If you are just getting started with your TMB planning, I’m sure you have a LOT of questions. Don’t worry, everything will start to make sense and come together. It seems more daunting than it actually is. Hopefully, this FAQ gets you off to a good start!

What is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

August. I hiked this tour du mont blanc itinerary August 13th-22th and it rained two of those days. Earlier August you may see less rain, but I think generally anytime in August is a great time to hike the TMB. It was in the 80s in Chamonix, but higher up on the trail it was perfect hiking weather (60s and 70s).

If you go in June, you may encounter remnants of winter, in July it may be scorching hot, and in September it could snow. That being said, the trail will be busy June through September.

How much water should I carry on the TMB?

At least two liters. Although, you may need three liters during the hottest months or if you are planning on hiking longer distances than most people each day.

I carried two 1 liter Nalgene’s (I am not a fan of camelbacks) and never ran out of water. There are several water troughs along the route to refill if you are running low, although I recommend that you never begin the day with less than two liters just in case.

There are some occasions, particularly towards the end of summer, when the water is not flowing in all of the troughs along the trail. That being said, we found at least one water refill trough at every stage – and usually several.

How far in advance should I plan my Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary?

Approximately, 6 to 10 months. If you plan on staying in refuges/mountain huts along the trail, you’ll need to book them well in advance. I booked all of our accommodations about 7 months ahead of our trip. If you plan on camping you have some more freedom to start your planning later.

Do I have to start the TMB in Les Houches, Chamonix?

No, absolutely not! Les Houches is the “official” starting point, and made the most sense for us because we wanted to spend time in Chamonix before and after our trek. However, there are several other starting points – pretty much any main town along the path can be a starting point. The only other starting point I would consider, personally, is Courmayeur.

How do I book the refuges?

The refuges, also called mountain huts, rifugios, and auberges, depending on what country you’re in, can be somewhat challenging to reserve. They need to be booked early if you want a guaranteed spot, and they all have different booking processes. For more information on how to book the refuges, refer to my post Refuges: Everything You Need to Know .

What gear do I need for the TMB?

See my Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List .

What To Expect on The Trail

• A variety of weather! Make sure you pack for every condition.
• Wildlife! Specifically, marmots, ibex, chamois, vultures, deer, sheep, cows, and goats.
• Crowds. The TMB is one of the most famous treks in the world, you are going to be hiking with a lot of people. There are days when you may not see many people, but most days you will see a lot. One positive is that it makes the trek feel very safe and is a great option for solo female hikers.
• Wild berries! You will find wild blueberries along much of the route, and occasionally some wild raspberries.
• Water refill stations. As I mentioned earlier, there are several water refill troughs along each leg of the hike. Make sure to always pack enough water for the day in case they are dry. Check Facebook groups to know the status of the water before you go.

Wrap-Up: Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 10 Days

So, if you are on the fence about hiking the TMB, let me just give you a little push. Allow yourself to breathe in the freshest of air, to gravel at the massive glaciers all around you, to sleep in places so remote that the stars seem brighter and more abundant than any place you’ve ever been. Give yourself a screen break, clear your head, and meet amazing people from around the world. Eat fresh homemade food every day, and drink untouched mountain spring water.

Use this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary as a starting point – take what works for you and customize the rest to your needs.

Jade Gershen is the founder of Well and Good Travel. She has lived on three continents and explored more than 20 countries in the past 10 years. U.S. based, she also shares her favorite places to go and things to do in the States. Having experienced the impacts of chronic stress Jade has a particular interest in using travel and outdoor adventure to improve well-being and shares that with her readers.

11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary

Striking blue alpine lakes, snow-capped jagged peaks, grazing cattle, ancient glaciers, rugged landscapes, pretty meadows, rustic mountain refuges and jaw-dropping viewpoints. here is the ultimate 11-day tour du mont blanc itinerary..

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a magnificent multi-day hike encircling the Mont Blanc Massif usually in around 9-11 days and covers between 140 km and 170 km. It takes its name from the tallest mountain in the Alps,  Mont Blanc, standing proud at 4,809 metres.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is an incredibly rewarding and challenging trip of a lifetime and a real bucketlist experience for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as it passes through some of France, Italy and Switzerland’s most stunning mountain scenery!

Landscapes are noticeably different in each country and characterised by rugged ancient glaciers, pretty alpine flowers, jagged snow-capped peaks, quaint towns and villages, rolling green mountains, waterfalls, rivers and many more diverse sceneries.

Planning your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary can be quite daunting so this guide and this guide on everything you need to know before hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc will tell you everything you need to know.

The Tour du Mont Blanc Hike technically starts and ends in Les Houches although there are different options on where to finish. The entire route is 170 km but this will vary depending on your route, variants and where you finish.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary finishes in Flégère where we took the cable car to Les Praz and bus back to Chamonix. The last section is a gruelling 1500-metre rocky descent, so, we decided to skip this as none of us have great knees going downhill.

Traditionally, the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike is completed anti-clockwise, but you can hike clockwise if you’d like quieter trails in the mornings and afternoons. The views are spectacular in either direction.

For everything you need to know before hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc including how to book, accommodation types, the best time of year, tips for staying in refuges, what to pack, weather, food and ATM stops and so much more, head to the post below.

Read: Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Here, we’ll focus on our 11-day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. We’ll break each day into sections and share timings, distance and elevation gain and loss between various points so you know what to expect on each day.

We’ve detailed refuges, restaurants and water-fill-up points on our route. We’ve mentioned a couple we know about on the variations, however, there may be other ones we aren’t aware of.

The distances of refuges and restaurants in brackets are the distances from the day’s starting point.

The first section of this post will be the detailed Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary and then we’ll share everything else you need to know that’s relevant to the hike and not shared in the post above. Feel free to use the contents as required.

No time to read this 11-day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary now? No worries, save this post for later.

11 Day Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary

Day 1: les houches to les contamines-montjoie.

Day 1 of your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary starts in Les Houches at the starting point of the TMB Hike (950 metres).

The first section takes you to Col de Voza (1657 metres) from the Bellevue Cable Car covering 680 metres of elevation gain over 6.5 kilometres. It’s pretty gruelling. I actually found it one of the toughest parts of the entire TMB Hike.

Sections of the trail are under the shade of the trees; a nice respite from the heat and when the trees open up, you’re treated to beautiful views across the valley.

Our Top Tip: to save your energy, you can also take the Bellevue Cable Car which has incredible views of the Mont Blanc Massif and Aiguille du Midi. The cost is €17.50 one-way.

From Col de Voza, follow signs for Col de Tricot. You’ll traverse picturesque meadows with wonderful views of Bionnassay Glacier; the smallest of the great glaciers on the French side of Mont Blanc with a length of almost 5 km!

Cross the suspension bridge over the Torrent de Bionnassay; a thundering river fed by the Bionnassay Glacier.

From here, the path ascends through the trees then a meadow, before rising sharply to Col de Tricot (2120 metres); the highest point you’ll reach on day 1 of your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary.

Col de Tricot is the perfect spot for lunch with views into the valley with Refuge de Miage (1550 metres) at the base of Mont Truc.

Although Refuge de Miage doesn’t look far, the steep switchbacks took us just over an hour to get down. Stop at the refuge for a break, some refreshments if needed and a water refill. The outside tables have a breathtaking view of the Dômes de Miage.

The distance from Col de Voza to Refuge de Miage is 7.2 km and will take around 3 hours.

Follow signs to Les Contamines-Montjoie which should take around 2 hours. As you hike up the steep grassy hill through the forest to the Truc Plateau, you’ll be treated to more amazing views of the Dômes de Miage. You may also see grazing cattle.

The last section of today is on dirt roads and forest trails through La Frasse, a neighbourhood above and about 20 minutes away from the pretty town of Les Contamines-Montjoie (1164 metres).

• Distance: 17.9 km
• Elevation gain: 1410 metres
• Elevation loss: 1260 metres
• Approximate time: 7.5 hours
• Variations: Contamines Valley – reduces the ascent and it’s advised as a safe alternative to the Col de Tricot if the weather is bad. This route is 1.2 km shorter, 2 hours faster and passes through picturesque hamlets and farmland.
• Refuges and restaurants: – Col de Voza (5.9 km) – snack bar, water, toilets and accommodation – Refuge de Miage (13.1 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, refreshments, water and toilets – Auberge du Truc (14 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, refreshments, water and toilets.
• Water fill-up: Refuges above
• Where to stay:  Les Pierres Blanches – Les Contamines-Montjoie

Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie to Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

Day 2 of your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary begins on a gentle path along a river until you reach Notre-Dame de la Gorge. Here, the climb starts through the trees and then out into the open just before Refuge de Nant Borrant (1459 metres).

This section from Notre Dame will take about 30 minutes. This is a good spot to fill up on water, have a snack and admire the views sitting on the bean bags at the front of the refuge.

Approaching Refuge de la Balme was one of my favourite sections of our Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary . It’s relatively flat so you can enjoy the striking scenery ahead of the jagged peaks of Aiguille de la Pennaz towering above you.

After half an hour, you’ll reach Refuge de la Balme (1706 metres); a great spot for lunch with impressive views above the forest and into the valley.

From here, the incline really begins but the views are magnificent!

Ahead, lie the imposing spikes of Aiguille de la Pennaz making you feel incredibly small and behind the views keep getting better over the forest and into the valley as you make your way higher.

The steep ascent to Col du Bonhomme (2,329 metres) sees an elevation gain of just over 600 metres from Refuge de la Balme and will take you a couple of hours. 

Have a bit of a break at the Col and appreciate the stunning views over Val Montjoie as you see just how far you’ve come today.

Follow signs to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. The landscape here is wild and rugged and the path is loose rock and dirt. The views are striking, and, looking behind, you’ll see a tranquil alpine lake nestled peacefully amongst mountains.

From the Col du Bonhomme to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme should take about an hour. The elevation doesn’t change much but it’s a bit of an effort hiking over the rocks and boulders.

At the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, there’s a sign pointing to the refuge 5 minutes away. Descending slightly and sitting overlooking the valley below is Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,443 metres).

Our Top Tip:  treat yourself to a beer and watch the sunset light up the mountains with a fiery glow.

• Distance:  13.2 kilometres
• Elevation gain:  1300 metres
• Elevation loss: 10 metres
• Approximate time:  6.5 hours
• Variations: None
• Refuges and restaurants: – Refuge de Nant Borrant (5.4 km) – lunch restaurant, refreshments, accommodation, water and toilet. – Refuge de la Balme – (7.9 km) – facilities are as above
• Where to stay: Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

Our Top Tip: each refuge has a stamp so make sure you ask each one to stamp something for you.

Day 3: Refuge De La Croix Du Bonhomme to Refugio Elisabetta

Your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary will leave France today and cross into Italy. The main route is via Les Chapieux (detailed below), however, the more scenic and quieter route is over Col des Fours (2,665 metres).

We hiked this section on 11th July and weren’t sure whether we could due to snow. Col des Fours is the highest section of the Tour du Mont Blanc and the last to lose snow.

If we’d been here 2 days before, we wouldn’t have been able to cross without crampons. However, it had melted significantly, and although there was a lot of snow, it was very manageable with hiking poles.

Col des Fours has some of the most scenic and wild landscapes on the TMB Hike. It’s often also one of the quietest routes as people usually descend into Les Chapieux rather than taking this higher route. If the weather’s terrible, don’t attempt Col des Fours.

The climb to the saddle of Col des Fours isn’t too strenuous and should take around half an hour from Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. 

From here, it’s a steep descent on loose scree, crossing over multiple streams.

Our Top Tip: if you suffer from knee pain downhill, now is a good time to put on a brace.

The views as you descend are wonderful! Jagged snow-capped peaks soar high above you with streams weaving their way through the mountains.

Eventually, the path evens out and follows Les Tufs, a narrow stream, through the valley and becomes more compact dirt than loose rocks.

After a while, the path descends to the right where there’s a sign for Ville des Glaciers (1,855 metres). Head towards the steep sloping mountains that look like you’ve stepped into Jurassic Park.

The descent from the summit of Col des Fours to Ville des Glaciers is 810 metres of elevation loss and will take approximately 2.5 hours.

Please note

From Ville des Glaciers, Andy and I got a shuttle to Les Chapieux and a taxi to Courmayeur as Andy was suffering badly from altitude sickness so we had an extra rest day for him to recover.

This part of the TMB Hike is described through a lot of research and speaking to our friends who continued and we met them in Courmayeur the next day as planned.

From Ville des Glaciers, it’s around 30 minutes to Refuge des Mottets (1,864 metres). If you’ve gone down to Les Chapieux and back up, this is where the routes join up. You’re about 3 hours away from Rifugio Elisabetta.

Follow the trail from Ville des Glaciers through Vallée des Glaciers; a very fitting name as you have amazing views of Aiguille des Glaciers standing at 3815 metres.

Follow this until you reach Refuge des Mottets, a former dairy farm and now one of the most popular refuges on the TMB and a great spot for lunch.

Continue on to Col de la Seigne (2,516 metres) which will take around 2 hours to reach. It’s completely in the open with no shade so, make sure you refill your water at Refuge des Mottets.

Col de la Seigne marks the crossing into Italy and from here you’ll start the steep descent to Rifugio Elisabetta (2,195 metres) which will take about an hour. 

• Distance: 14.8 kilometres
• Elevation gain: 953 metres
• Elevation loss: 1305 metres
• Approximate time:  8 hours
• Variations: Col des Fours is the variant. The main route descends from Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme to Les Chapieux then to Ville des Glaciers where the routes meet. This is recommended when Col des Fours is impassable due to snow and if the weather’s bad. The elevation loss to Les Chapieux is 920 metres and the gain to Ville des Glaciers is 20 metres. The total route distance is 19.5 km. To save some energy and cut time, there are regular shuttle buses between Les Chapieux and Ville des Glaciers/Refuge des Mottets. The hiking route is along a road that the shuttle drives down so it’s not the most scenic. The bus costs €4 per person for a return journey.
• Refuges and restaurants: – Refuge des Mottets – (7.1/11.8 km) – lunch restaurant, accommodation, water and toilets. – Les Chapieux has a couple of options for food, water and toilets.
• Water fill-up: as above
• Where to stay: Rifugio Elisabetta

Day 4: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur

After leaving Rifugio Elisabetta, the trail starts quite a steep descent before flattening to a nice straight path.

After a couple of kilometres, you’ll reach a wetland area and then Lago Combal (1,951 metres); a striking alpine lake nestled beneath magnificent mountain peaks.

Use this flat path to recover as you’ll soon be heading up a steep ascent. Just after Lago Combal, the trail veers to the right and the ascent towards Col Checrouit begins up the grassy Val Veny.

The elevation gain today is only 500 metres, however, it’s done over a short distance so it’s very steep. This section will take around 1 hour before the path evens out for another hour and a half with little up and down bits.

In this flat stretch, you can soak up the stunning views of Val Veny and Mont Blanc as you pass pretty alpine lakes before reaching Rifugio Maison Vielle at Col Checrouit (1,956 metres). 

Lago Combal to Rifugio Maison Vielle is 7 km.

From here, follow the signs to Courmayeur (1,224 metres) which should take between 1.5 to 2 hours. Continue on the trail for 15 minutes, past a cluster of houses where you’ll reach Rifugio le Randonneur.

20 minutes on a gravel road will lead you to Dolonne Gondola Mountain Station where you can take a gondola to Courmayeur. Alternatively, descend into the residential streets of Dolonne Village, where you’ll see Courmayeur straight ahead.

This descent is really steep so again, if your knees suffer, brace up!

• Distance: 15.4 km
• Elevation gain: 500m 
• Elevation loss:  1430m 
• Approximate time:   7 hours
• Refuges and restaurants: – Rifugio Maison Vieille (10.4 km) – lunch restaurant, toilets, water and accommodation – Gite le Randonneur – (11.5 km) – as above and Wifi 
• Where to stay:   Chalet Blanc “Coeur Sapin”

Day 5: Rest Day in Courmayeur

Now on your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, it’s time for a well-deserved rest day!

We’d recommend staying somewhere you can wash your clothes. The link to the lovely apartment we stayed in is below and this was a great homely base for a couple of nights.

Courmayeur is a picturesque alpine resort town in Italy at the foot of Mont Blanc and surrounded by mountains on all sides. The town has narrow charming streets lined with cosy bars and restaurants and pretty terraces looking out to the surrounding mountains.

A lot of things to do in Courmayeur involve hiking, however, there’s a scenic alpine pool which is perfect for your rest day!

Sitting at 1,704 metres and surrounded by the mountains and ski fields of Courmayeur, the pool is incredibly relaxing and just what your muscles need after the first 4 days of your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary.

Although the pool is heated, it’s still fairly cold which is lovely and refreshing on a hot day. There’s also a sauna, solarium, changing rooms and a bar. Is there a better location for a recovery beer?!

To reach the alpine pool, take the cable car from Dolonne and it’s a short walk from the station. You can buy tickets for the cable car and pool together for €27 per adult or €20 to arrive after 1:45 pm. These can be booked at the gondola station in Dolonne.

Alternatively, you can walk 1.5 hours from Courmayeur, although, as it’s your rest day, we wouldn’t recommend this.

The pool is open in July and August and comes on a first-come-first-serve basis. During school holidays it can get extremely busy. Swimming caps are mandatory and can be bought at the pool for cheaper than in Courmayeur.

Courmayeur has some fantastic restaurants so treat yourself to a couple of meals out. We’d recommend La Boite which is a homely little pizzeria serving delicious pasta and pizza. 

• Where to stay:   Chalet Blanc Coeur Sapin

Day 6: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

Time to continue your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary and day 6 was my  favourite day of the hike!

Today’s route starts from the Church of Saint Pantaleon and through residential streets until you get to a small car park which will take around half an hour.

From here, continue up the path through the forest. Shortly before reaching Rifugio Bertone, there’s an amazing viewpoint over Courmayeur in one direction and Mont Blanc in the other.

The elevation gain between Courmayeur and Rifugio Bertone (1,970 metres) is 746 metres over approximately 5.5 km.

At the junction, head left and follow the sign that says Rifugio Bonatti (2h15). This is the variation route as Andy was still recovering. The main route is a lot tougher as you ascend and follow the crest of Mont de la Saxe (2,246 metres).

This section between Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Bonatti was my favourite section of our entire Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary! It was fairly gentle so you could actually take in the majesty of the views around you as you hike. This was a first!

For the first section of the trail, you have a great view of Mont Blanc and then Les Grandes Jorasses high above Val Ferret as you weave through the forest and meadows full of colourful alpine flowers.

This leisurely trail continues for just over 6 km until you reach a junction and Rifugio Bonatti (2,026 metres) is up on the right.

Some of the  best views of Mont Blanc are from this refuge. The clouds at sunset were particularly spectacular, made even better with a congratulatory beer at the end of the day.

• Distance: 12.1 km
• Elevation gain: 810 metres
• Elevation loss: 0
• Approximate time:  5.5 hours
• Variations: we hiked the variation as it’s quicker and easier than the main route and Andy was still recovering from altitude sickness. This route is also recommended on rainy days when you won’t be able to see the views. The main route follows the wide whaleback ridge crest of  Mont de la Saxe with a total distance of 14.6 km, elevation gain 1,580 metres and loss 760 metres. It’ll take approximately 7.5 hours. There’s another variation that turns off the route a while before Rifugio Bertone and ascends Col Sapin. This is a good alternative if the summits are shrouded in clouds as it saves a fair amount of unnecessary ascent. It’s also more sheltered from the wind. The total distance of this variation is 13.1 km, with an elevation gain of 1,350 metres and loss of 630 metres.
• Refuges and restaurants: – Rifugio Bertone (4.7 kilometres) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, water and toilets (after 10am)
• Water fill-up: Rifugio Bertone only
• Where to stay: Rifugio Bonatti

Day 7: Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly

Hike up behind Rifugio Bonatti then veer off to the left. Continue through meadows, crossing two streams until you reach two stone huts where the trail does a U-turn and descends towards the valley floor of Val Ferret (1,770 metres). This will take around 1.5 hours.

Continue along the valley road a little way until veering off right at the sign. From here it’s around an hour to Rifugio Elena (2,061 metres). The trail starts off quite steep with sections that level off giving you a little break.

Turn back occasionally to appreciate the gorgeous views over Val Ferret as you get higher.

Rifugio Elena sits at the bottom of the thousand-year-old Prè de Bard Glacier and is a good place to stop for water and the toilet before the big ascent up Grand Col Ferret (2,537 metres).

Grand Col Ferret is the highest point on today’s stage of the TMB Hike. It’s quite a gruelling incline but the views over Val Ferret are rewarding if you need a break.

From Rifugio Elena to the summit of Grand Col Ferret, it should take about an hour with an elevation gain of 476 metres.

Grand Col Ferret marks the crossing into your third country on the Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, Switzerland, and the scenery immediately changes. 

The rugged and dramatic landscapes and jagged mountains littered with glaciers make way for gentle grassy slopes and grazing cattle. 

The path to Gîte Alpage de la Peule follows an easy slope down from Grand Col Ferret and sits peacefully surrounded by towering mountains. This will take around 1 hour.

It’s 1.5 km to Les Ars down a mixture of roads and hiking paths. The last 4 km from Les Ars to La Fouly (1,600 metres) can either be done on the road which is the quickest, or, cross the river and follow the path along it before crossing back over in town.

• Distance: 19.2 km
• Elevation gain:  910 metres
• Elevation loss: 1310 metres
• Refuges and restaurants: – Chalet Val Ferret (4.9 km) – accommodation, lunch and dinner restaurant, toilet, WiFi and water – Rifugio Elena (7.3 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, all-day refreshments, toilet and water – Gîte Alpage de la Peule (13.3 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant water and toilets – Alpage des Ars (15.7 km) – restaurant and toilets. – Hotel du Col de Fenêtre  (16.8 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, all-day snacks and refreshments, water and toilets 
• Water: as above
• Where to stay: Hotel Edelweiss

Day 8: La Fouly to Champex-Lac

On today’s section of the Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you have the option of taking the bus from La Fouly to Issert to give your legs a rest. However, the TMB Hike is rather gentle between these two points.

Head out of La Fouly and cross over Dranse de Ferret; the river flowing through La Fouly. Join the trail that runs with the river on its right and follow the well-maintained flat path for a while.

It’ll start to gradually ascend into the trees and you’ll be able to look down on the river.

The trail through the forest continues for about 7.5 km which is nice on the legs.

Shortly before Praz-de-Fort, there’s a quaint cafe serving snacks and refreshments in a picturesque setting with views out to the Swiss Alps. A g reat stop to refuel!

You’ll soon reach Praz-de-Fort, a pretty Swiss village and although isn’t the dramatic mountain landscapes from Italy and France, is incredibly scenic. 

After Praz-de-Fort, the trail continues on and you reach another pretty little Swiss village, Issert. Cross over the river, follow the road a little way and veer left up through the forest. This is where the incline begins.

Today is the day on your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary with the least elevation gain at 510 metres, however, it’s all here. Issert to Champex-Lac is about 5.5 km. There isn’t much to see but occasionally the trees open up to reveal the villages below.

At the top of the hill, continue along the road to Champex-Lac (1,500 metres); one of the most scenic towns on your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. There are plenty of drinking and dining options and, if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the lake.

Our Top Tip: walk around the lake at sunset. It’s incredibly beautiful with the mountain backdrop reflecting in the peaceful water.

• Distance:  15.7 km
• Elevation gain: 510 metres
• Elevation loss: 610 metres
• Approximate time:  7 hours
• Variations:  None
• Refuges and restaurants: today’s route won’t pass any refuges but passes through a couple of villages with dining options: – Cafe La Kabana (7.5 km) – all-day snacks and refreshments and toilet – Cafe Restaurant Le Portalet (8.4 km) – lunch restaurant, refreshments and toilet – La Linaigrette (9.1 km)  – Café du Châtelet (10.1 km)
• Water fill-up:  we didn’t fill our water up this day as it was quite chilled and we didn’t need to, however, you can probably fill up at the cafes above if you buy some food or drinks. You’ll also pass a water trough on the side of the road in Issert.
• Where to stay: Hikers’ Rest and Rebalance

Day 9: Champex-Lac to Refuge Le Peuty

Today, you’ll be following signs most of the way to Col de la Forclaz.

The route starts off gently on the road through a little village before ascending into the forest. The path is quite rocky, there are a couple of streams to cross and there are some lovely views over the mountains when the trees open.

After about 8 km, you’ll be treated to beautiful views over Martigny nestled at the foot of imposing mountains before hearing the familiar cowbell just before Alpage de Bovine (1,975 metres) – our favourite place for lunch on our Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary!

This cosy little restaurant specialises in delicious homemade Swiss food , full of nutrients and known for its sweet treats. We had vegetable soup, bread and cheese.

Our Top Tip: try and get one of the tables at the front with the best views.

After lunch, continue the ascent a bit further before descending through meadows and forest towards Col de la Forclaz (1,527 metres) for just under 5 km.

The final descent from Col de la Forclaz will take you straight to Refuge le Peuty (1,328 metres) or, you can walk through the quaint village Trient which we did. Honestly, I wouldn’t bother. You get a lovely view from above and the town is a bit of an eerie ghost town.

From Trient, it’s 1.3 km up the road until you reach Refuge le Peuty in the shadows of the majestic Trient Glacier.

• Distance: 15.9 km
• Elevation gain: 844 metres
• Elevation loss: 901 metres
• Approximate time:   6.5 hours
• Variations: the variant from Champex-Lac to Refuge Le Peuty should only be considered in good weather. It’s one of the most challenging sections on the TMB. It’s a completely different route from Champex-Lac to Fenêtre d’Arpette, is a total of 14.8 km with an elevation gain of 1,199 metres, a loss of 1,139 metres, and an approximate time of 7 hours. It joins back up with the main route just before Trient.
• Refuges and restaurants:  – Auberge Gîte “Bon Abri” (2.3 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, water, toilet and free WiFi – Alpage de Bovine ( 8.5 km) – restaurant, water and toilet. Open 9am – 5pm every day except Tuesday – Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz (13 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, small groceries, refreshments, toilets, water and WiFi – Trient has a couple of dining and refreshment options
• Water fill-up: Refuges and restaurants above
• Where to stay:  Refuge le Peuty

Day 10: Refuge Le Peuty to Tré le Champ

Today was our  least favourite day on our Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary! We’d not had a good night’s sleep and the incline right at the start of the day was exhausting!

Begin up a gravel path before a steep ascent through the forest for approximately 6 km. It’s not very scenic as trees block the view for most of the way, but at least it’s shaded.

Above the tree line, you’ll see Trient peaking through the trees immersed by striking mountains.

Continue on the trail, aiming for the saddle and you’ll eventually reach Col de Balme (2,195 metres). This 6 km will see around 867 metres of elevation gain and take about 2 hours.

Col de Balme marks the entry back into France and is a great place to refuel after a tiring ascent. Soak up the views behind the refuge over Vallée de l’Arve at the base of Mont Blanc.

Between here and Tré le Champ, you’ll pass quite a few chairlifts and overhead cables which slightly detract from the incredible view which is a shame.

Descend to Col des Posettes (1,997 metres), which will take about an hour from Col de Balme.

For the rest of the Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, the trails will be a lot busier. As you’re getting closer to Chamonix and there are chairlifts and cable cars in the region, there are a lot of day hikers also enjoying these trails.

Hike up to the highest part of the day at Aiguillette des Posettes (2,201 metres), again about an hour. Continue and the trail becomes more rugged and wild. Follow signs to Tré le Champ and the trail will soon descend below the treeline and into the forest. 

This was probably the  worst part of our Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary . It’s a knee-crunching 2-hour descent through the forest over rocks, branches and trees and there aren’t any views to distract you.

When you reach the road, meander through the little town of Tré le Champ. Continue until you reach Gîte du Moulin (1,350 metres). You may need to use a navigation app to find this spot as it’s not obvious.

• Distance: 13.9 km
• Elevation gain: 1,100 metres
• Elevation loss: 1,000 metres
• Approximate time: 7 hours
• Variations: Col de Balme via Les Grands explores a wilder terrain and offers stunning views of glaciers. Only consider if you have a lot of energy as it ascends steeply and quickly. It adds on 1.4 km between Trient and Col de Balme but is around 20 minutes faster. A second variant is from Col de Balme direct to Montroc and is a direct and quicker route down the valley on bad weather days or when tired. It also passes next to chairlifts and cable cars which can be used if you wish. The Posettes Ridge on the main route is prone to lightning so use this variant when it’s stormy. This route is 1.4 km shorter and approximately 1 hour faster.
• Refuges and restaurants: – Refuge du Col de Balme (6 km) – accommodation, lunch restaurant, refreshments, snacks, toilet and water
• Where to stay: Gîte du Moulin

Day 11: Tré le Champ to La Flégère/Chamonix

The final day of your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary and some seriously epic mountain scenery awaits you!

Head back through  Tré le Champ and follow signs to Lac Blanc. For about an hour, ascend through the forest up an uneven and rocky path. This isn’t overly strenuous.

There are some amazing views over the surrounding mountains as you hike towards jagged peaks coming off a massive and rather daunting rock face.

After about 2.5 km, which will take about an hour, you’ll reach some ladders that’ll take you over this rock face. If, like me, you suffer from vertigo, this section may be quite scary.

There are quite a few ladders but huge amounts of people climb them every day so you’ll be absolutely fine!

Our Top Tip: if it’s raining, take the variation; do not attempt the ladders in the rain as it’s too dangerous.

There are multiple ladders with sections of trail in between. After approximately half a kilometre, you’ll reach Tête aux Vents (2,140 metres), marked by a large cairn with lots of signs.

You’re about 45 minutes away from Lac Blanc up rocky terrain. You’ll also pass a few beautiful alpine lakes named Lacs des Chéserys before reaching the last ladder which, luckily, isn’t quite as terrifying as the previous ones.

Follow the steps up to Refuge du Lac Blanc (2,352 metres) where you’ll be greeted by out-of-this-world scenery!!

A striking blue alpine lake nestled below jagged snow-capped mountains with magnificent views of Mont Blanc.

The trail will be extremely busy from this point as Lac Blanc is a popular day trip from Chamonix for day hikers and overnight hikers staying in the refuge.

To descend to Flégère, follow the signs. The descent is on uneven rocks but after about 20 minutes, the path is well-maintained and parts of the trail are on boardwalks. From Lac Blanc to the Flégère Gondola is about an hour.

From here, descend to Les Praz on the gondola and take the number 1 or 2 bus back to Rockypop where your adventure began.

Alternatively, if you have longer or you want to physically hike the entire Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you can stay in Refuge de la Flégère and hike to Les Houches the next day. 

This is about 18.5 km and has an elevation loss of 1,590 metres which isn’t how we fancied ending this incredible experience!

• Distance to La Flégère: 7.4 km
• Elevation gain: 950 metres
• Elevation loss: 510 metres
• Approximate time: 5 hours
• Variations:  La Tête aux Vents via Col des Montets avoids the sections of ladders on the main route to Lac Blanc. This route adds on 1.1 km and is 15 minutes slower. A second variant takes you directly to Montage de la Flégère along Grand Balcon Sud which skips Lac Blanc, is 1 km shorter and 1 hour faster.
• Refuges and restaurants: – Refuge du Lac Blanc (5 km) – accommodation, restaurant, all-day refreshments, toilet and water
• Where to stay: Rockypop Chamonix-Les Houches

Anything Else You Need to Know Before Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

How accurate are these distances and timings.

Distances and timings in this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary are all approximate. Even TMB guidebooks and maps all differ slightly.

The Cicerone Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc book and our paper map had different figures, though we found the map to be more in line with our smart watches, although these all also differed between the 3 of us who wore them. This guide is based on the map.

Timings will also vary by individual and group depending on your pace and number and length of breaks. The timings in the Cicerone book also don’t take breaks into account so bear this in mind. The timings in this guide are how long it took us with breaks.

Can I drink water from the streams and rivers?

There are a lot of cattle grazing on the TMB so we wouldn’t recommend drinking from the streams or rivers you’ll pass due to wildlife faeces. A stomach bug while you’re hiking is not what you need!

If you’re desperate as you’ve run out of water, make sure the water source is fast flowing and look upstream to see if there’s any wildlife currently grazing by or in the water and avoid drinking if so.

Can I leave my luggage anywhere while I hike the TMB?

If, like us, you plan on having a few chilled days somewhere after you’ve finished your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you’ll want some clean and fresh clothes and maybe some outfits that aren’t activewear.

At Rockypop , you can leave your luggage for €5 per bag for the entire time which is great! There are a few other luggage storage services in Chamonix but these charge a minimum of €5 per bag a day and some will base it on the weight and size of the luggage.

How do I get to the starting point of the TMB?

The starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc is in Les Houches and there’s even a sign marking the “official” starting line in front of the Tourism Office on the main street.

If you’re staying in Rockypop, jump on the number 1 bus in front of the hotel that’s going in the opposite direction of Chamonix and you’ll be there in a couple of minutes. 

If you stay in Chamonix, the number 1 bus goes from the centre of town and takes approximately 20 minutes.

Where can I relax for a few days after the TMB?

After you’ve completed your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you’ll no doubt be looking for somewhere to spend a few days to relax, let your muscles recover and take in the great achievement you’ve completed. 

Annecy is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days. It’s a gorgeous city that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a storybook located on France’s third-largest lake and you can be as chilled or active as you like.

Read: 12 Fantastic Things to do in Annecy and Complete Guide

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. Remember to head to our post on everything you need to know before hiking the TMB for everything else you’ll need to know.

As ever, if you have any questions, please leave us a comment or get in contact. 

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• Trip Styles
• Destinations

• Trip Destinations
• Alps Guided Treks

Tour Du Mont Blanc

Geneva, switzerland, trip highlights.

• World Famous Trek
• Wonderful Lodging
• Stunning Mountain Views
• Deep, Dramatic Valleys
• Unique Wildlife
• Delicious Regional Cuisine
• Guides Choice Trip

Description

This trip is a must-do for all mountain hiking enthusiasts! Faithful to the myth, Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive mountains in the world. This hiking tour will lead you from France to Italy to Switzerland in order to experience the towering Mont Blanc massif from a variety of perspectives. Our route takes us over high passes, through deep valleys, and in and out of quaint European mountain villages. The views are breath-taking with innumerable alpine peaks and stunning glaciers surrounding the impressive Mont Blanc massif constantly in the background. This hike is quite demanding, however guests only carry a light daypack each day. In the evenings, you will enjoy French and Italian cooking, paired with a hearty serving of Swiss hospitality in the traditional alpine villages we stay in!

Looking to stay longer in the Chamonix Valley and explore? We have you covered with a 2-night, Chamonix Add-on Package that includes admission to some the most iconic sights and attractions Chamonix has to offer. All activities can be done on your own schedule to allow you the freedom to relax and enjoy this portion of your trip however you desire. We also include a day pass to a luxurious spa for those looking to maximize their relaxation and recovery after their trek.

$4640 Per Person

From $837 single supplement.

The single supplement on this trip provides for single rooms at all hotels on this trip, except for Day 6 where there is a possibility of only shared rooms.

There is only capacity in the hotels for two guests per trip to secure single rooms so availability is limited on a first come first serve basis for guests requesting single supplement.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4

Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult

Hiking Distances:

Up to 10 mi

Backpack Weight:

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:

Heights Exposure:

Extreme Exposure

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP

• Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 7-9 hours
• Maintaining balance and footing on steep, variable and uneven terrain
• River and creek crossings
• Hiking with occasional extreme heights exposure

SOLITUDE LEVEL 2

1 least solitude, 5 most solitude

We rate this Alps hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking. June and September will feature more solitude than July and August.

•   Minimum Guests

We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If booking within 90 days of the trip date, we require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.

In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 60-65 days before the departure date.

Private Trips

Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!

Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.

Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations. 

Private Rates FOr This Trip

• 2 people: rate x 2.5
• 3 people: rate x 2
• 4-5 people: rate x 1.5
• 6-10 people: rate x 1.15
• 11-12 people: standard rate
• 13+ people: contact us for availability and pricing

*all rates are per person and single supplements apply

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Learn About Our Private Trips

• Accommodation: Lodge in Les Houches, France

On this  Alps hiking tour , we meet at our first accommodation of the trip in the charming village of Les Houches. You may check into the hotel anytime after 4pm and get settled in to your room surrounded by a wonderful nature preserve and the village’s traditional architecture from the Savoie region. We’ll meet at 6pm in the main lobby for a trip orientation meeting and full introduction of our group. Then we’ll have dinner at our hotel and get a good night’s rest in preparation for the next day’s hike.

• Hiking Distance: 8.4 mi (13.5 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2100 ft (640 m)
• Elevation Loss: 4200 ft (1275 m)
• Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge in Les Contamines, France

Departing from Les Houches, we will begin our adventurous trek through the Alps! After a small walk through town, we’ll board a classic Alps cable car and ride it high into the mountains to start our hike. We’ll traverse through deep conifer forests high above the Bionnassay Valley and hike through stunning alpine hamlets with amazing views of Mont Blanc and across the foothills of the Alps. The Dôme du Gouter, Aiguille de Bionnassay, and an impressive glacier beneath the two peaks dominate our views. After reaching our high point we’ll descend through a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. A riverside path leads us into Les Contamines, where we’ll get settled in a cozy, very comfortable hotel and enjoy some delicious French cuisine.

• Hiking Distance: 9 mi (14.5 km)
• Elevation Gain: 3937 ft (1200 m)
• Elevation Loss: 2952 ft (900 m)
• Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge in Bourg Saint Maurice, France

After a European breakfast buffet at our hotel we will begin with a short shuttle to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Today we’ll climb over two high mountain passes (Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme) with beautiful views into the surrounding summits and deep valleys, and eventually make our way down into the Chapieux Valley. Today’s biggest highlights are the outstanding views of Aiguille des Glaciers, a sheer, ice-draped peak of the Mont Blanc massif. Tonight’s accommodations are in Bourg Saint Maurice at a charming inn situated in a classic mountain hamlet.

• Hiking Distance: 9.3 mi (15 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2297 ft (700 m)
• Elevation Loss: 3280 ft (1000 m)
• Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge in Courmayeur, Italy

This morning we shuttle briefly from Bourg Saint Maurice to ville des Glaciers, where we begin our hike into Italy. We’ll hike up and over the Col de la Seigne to the Italian side of the border. On today’s trek, you can expect spectacular views and a fun descent into Val Ferret, a lush alpine valley with rustic homesteads, farms and rich history. We’ll take a bus from La Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur, where we check in to our accommodations, which feature incredible panoramic views of the Grandes Jorasses.

• Hiking Distance: 8 mi (13 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2788 ft (850 m)
• Accommodation: Lodge in Champex, Switzerland

Today starts with breakfast in Italy and ends with dinner in Switzerland! We cross the breathtaking mountain pass Grand Col Ferret and arrive in the quaint, beautiful village of La Fouly in Switzerland. We’ll absorb exceptional views over the massif of Combins in the East and on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. A short shuttle takes us to Champex, a picturesque Swiss village near a beautiful mountain lake.

• Hiking Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2434 ft (742 m)
• Elevation Loss: 2238 ft (682 m)
• Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge in Trient, Switzerland

We start today’s hike right from our lodging around the lake and start to climb over Bovine Pass (2,040 m, 6,693 ft.), where we’ll savor the awe-inspiring views across the Rhône Valley into the famous Bernese Alps of Switzerland. Today’s lunch is near a quaint mountain hut and local farm, before we head down though lush alpine forests and landscapes to our lodging at a mountain hut, where we’ll celebrate with a delicious dinner!

• Elevation Gain: 3280 ft (1000 m)
• Elevation Loss: 3444 ft (1050 m)
• Accommodation: Lodge in Argentières, France

Today takes us up over the Col de la Balme and back into France with fantastic views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte, and ends in the iconic French Alps village of Argentières. We’ll get settled in our rooms and then enjoy a walk around town to soak up views of the alpine country we just descended from. We’ll cap the day off with a return to French cuisine.

• Hiking Distance: 7 mi (11.2 km)
• Elevation Gain: 4290 ft (1308 m)
• Elevation Loss: 2420 ft (738 m)
• Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
• Accommodation: Lodge in Chamonix, France

Our final day of trekking! Today’s hike takes us up and over Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges (“Balcony over the Red Peaks”) before a climb to Lac Blanc. Lac Blanc is one of Chamonix’s most famous hikes, and features a high mountain panorama reflected on the turquoise waters of a beautiful alpine lake. This is also an excellent area to see ibex and marmots. We’ll soak up all the beautiful surrounding scenery: Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de glace, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter, and last but not least, Mont Blanc! We’ll finish with a descent towards Chamonix and a short gondola ride to the hamlet of Le Praz. Tonight’s accommodations are in a wonderful 4-star hotel with a sauna and spa, where we can surely relax after our hike. Tonight, we’ll have a celebratory dinner out on the town in Chamonix.

Today marks the end of our journey. We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together, where we’ll say our very fond good-byes, and start dreaming of our next adventure!

Chamonix Add-on Package

Looking to stay longer in the Chamonix Valley and explore? We got you covered with a 2-night, 4-star lodging package that includes admission to some the most iconic sights and attractions Chamonix has to offer. All activities can be done on your own schedule to allow you the freedom to relax and enjoy this portion of your trip however you desire. We also include day passes to a luxurious spa for those looking to maximize their relaxation and recovery after their hike. Click here to read more about our Chamonix Add-On Package!

Please Note : We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal  terms and conditions  apply to trips with itinerary changes.

Trip Dates & Booking

Trip dates & booking.

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

AVAILABLE TO BOOK

This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!

This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.

REQUEST A RESERVATION

This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.

Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.

Trip details, what's included.

• A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
• Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See  Guide Bios .
• Transportation during the trekking portion of the tour starting on Day 2 and ending on Day 8
• Lodging for the duration of the tour.
• Vehicle transport of luggage between inns (strict 33 lb./15 kg. weight limit applies)
• Use of a backpack and trekking poles
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9
• Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device

What's Not Included

• Transportation to Geneva, Switzerland
• Airport transportation to Les Houches, France (Day 1) and from Chamonix, France (Day 9)
• Beverages and personal expenses
• Trip insurance  that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in the Alps)
• Bar bills, drink bills,  telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
• All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
• Clothes, rain gear, and footwear ( see recommendations )
• Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
• Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
• Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.

Meals: What to Expect

This Alps hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. Most lunches are prepared on the trail by your guides. In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.

It is common in the Alps that restaurants do not allow groups to order from an a la carte menu; a set menu is created, and guests do not have the option of ordering differently from the set menu.

We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some destinations may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.

Lodging: What to Expect

Our trips in the Alps offer the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful lodges, inns, and chalets that European mountain villages are famous for. The historic, cultural lodging (and dining) experience of the Alps is a major highlight of these trips for many guests!

There are some unique elements to the accommodations that are important for guests to understand:

• Most beds are twin; no queen- or king-sized beds are available. Sometimes the twins are pushed together to form a double, but sometimes they must remain separated. If you would like to share a bed, it may not always be available.
• Occasionally, we have rooms that accommodate 3-5 people. Please understand you may be asked to share one of these rooms for 1-2 nights of your trip with other members of the group, and in some cases the arrangement will be mixed gender.
• Some hotels do not offer ensuite rooms so bathrooms may be either shared with other guests in the hallway, or you have a private bathroom down the hallway.

Please see the  Accommodations  section for more information.

Gear We Provide

We provide all group gear which includes the following:

• Trekking poles
• Company-issued first-aid kit
• Emergency Communication Device(s)

Guest Packing List

When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip ( click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.

Trip Logistics

How do i register.

Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can  click here  to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.

Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!

Where Do We Meet?

We will meet you at our first night’s hotel, Hotel Chalet Du Bois , in Les Houches, France (included, check-in available after 4pm), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 6 PM. Airport transportation is not included in the tour, but easily planned from the Geneva Airport with multiple convenient options. Please be sure to arrive no later than 5 PM in order to make our orientation meeting at 6PM.

Our Alps communications team will be in contact approximately  45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, airport transportation, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.

Travel to Geneva, Switzerland

Booking flights.

The closest airport to fly into for this trip is Geneva, Switzerland (GVA). Flights to and from Geneva are the guest’s responsibility.

Airport transportation is not included in the tour, but easily planned to/from the Geneva Airport with multiple economical and convenient options.

Day 1 starts in Les Houches, France. This is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from GVA. An orientation meeting, dinner, and accommodations are included in Les Houches on Day 1. You may check-in to the hotel by 4 pm and orientation begins at 6 pm. Please be sure to arrive no later than 5 pm.

Day 9 ends in Chamonix, France. Checkout is at 11 am from our last accommodation. This is approximately a 1.5-hour drive to GVA.

Pre and Post-trip Lodging

We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Chamonix as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly  to our team to check availability.

Check out our Chamonix-Add On Package for a pre or post option to you Tour du Mont Blanc.

Safety Precautions

Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.

In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the  Center for Disease Control website  for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”)  have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the  EEC  and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please  contact us  prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.

Check out our  Meet Our Team  page for staff bios.

Guide Working Parameters

Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time, etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted  for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

• 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
• 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis

Trip Insurance Requirements

Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is REQUIRED on all Alps trips as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).

We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all Alps requirements.

For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please  click here .

If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.

Weather in the Alps

The location of the Alps and their tremendous elevation variations lead to significant and sometimes unpredictable temperatures and weather patterns, both in different ranges and in a particular range itself. Due to the Alps’ location in central Europe, they are influenced by moist air off the Atlantic, cold polar air from northern Europe, fluctuating air masses, and warm Mediterranean air flows northward.

Due to these extraordinary forces acting on the Alps’ weather, we recommend following our clothing list closely (in your trip packet when you register), as guests are best served by being prepared for a broad range of possible temperatures and weather conditions.

The average temperatures and precipitation in Alps are:

• Accommodations

HÔTEL CHALET DU BOIS

This quaint lodge is almost as picturesque as its surroundings. It is just minutes from the famous Chamonix Valley. (heated pool, sauna)

HÔTEL LE CHRISTIANIA | HÔTEL La chemenaz

These are both traditional, family-run chalets in one of the most charming Alps villages with amazing home-cooked meals. (pool, sauna)

HÔTEL L’AUTANTIC | HÔTEL Arolla

Surrounded by major ski resorts and summer mountain destinations, these comfortable hotels offer cozy lodging that put us right in the action for Night 3 of our trek. Both offer wonderful breakfasts, comfortable beds and amazing views!

HÔTEL BOUTON D’OR | HÔTEL Crampon | HÔTEL Triolet | HÔTEL Croux

At the foot of Mont Blanc in the town of Courmayeur, these lodges are perfectly located for mountain views and relaxation on their amazing gardened terraces and balconies. Enjoy their lovely breakfast buffet or an evening drink with views of the surrounding peaks!

HÔTEL ALPINA IN CHAMPEX | HÔTEL Splendide | HÔTEL Du Glacier | HÔTEL Belvédère

These hotels are quintessential lodges perched high in the Swiss mountain town of Champex, on the shores of a gorgeous alpine lake (Lac de Champex). With Michelin star quality food, expansive views and lovely hosts, our night in Champex is sure to please.

**Groups are often split between two lodges in Champex, but dine together.

HÔTEL LA FORCLAZ | HÔTEL Auberge Mont Blanc | HÔTEL La Grande Ourse

Nestled below the Col de la Forclaz mountain pass, these relaxed and simple, family-operated hotels have private bedrooms with shared bathrooms. The highlight is the outstanding views from the hotel decks.

**Please note that guests may need to share a room with others from the group (max of 4 to a room). Sometimes single rooms are unavailable for this night.

HÔTEL LES GRANDS MONETS | Hôtel LE DAHU | Hôtel de La Couronne

These hotels are situated at the base of Mont Blanc in an idyllic alpine village called Argentière with stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Soak up the views, the cozy lodging, and the amazing breakfasts!

PARK HÔTEL SUISSE | heliopic HÔTEL and Spa

One our final night we enjoy one of two lodges in the amazing town of Chamonix-Mont Blanc, the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and a vibrant town known for its ski resort. Both 4-star accommodations offer breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif and luxuries like spas, saunas, heated pools and wonderful breakfasts.

If you’d like to extend your stay in Chamonix, we offer an add-on package that also features these hotels: Chamonix Add-on Package .

* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used

Trip Reviews

Average customer ratings:.

• 5.0 (43 reviews)
• Most recent

Challenging and Rewarding Hike

The Tour du Mont Blanc was worth every step that I took. The views were amazing, our guides were informative and took care of us and our fellow hikers were the best. It was sad when the week came to an end and we weren’t going to spend another day together. Wildland Trekking has done a great job with this hike. I highly recommend this both challenging and rewarding hike.

Retired school teacher

Loved every day of the journey. Raymond and Johannes, our guides, were knowledgeable and hilarious. Both worked very hard to make sure all were taken care of. The daily lunch they prepared hit the spot! Their patience in regards to the language barrier between the group and restaurant staff was impressive and necessary. The views were far more vast and breathtaking than anything I’ve witnessed before. Accommodations were varied, which made each stay part of the adventure. Warm pools, cool pools, rooftop pool, rooftop hot tub, pool tables, and a ping pong table with stunning views in all directions, made for highlights I never anticipated. Breakfast and dinner, at the restaurants or hotels, spoiled us rotten. I think this must be what it’s like to travel with rich parents. My advice to anyone going on this trip, train with a weighted pack, specifically for elevation gain and loss of 4000 feet. It will make the trip enjoyable every step of the way.

Life changing hike!

Life changing amazinig experience! The area is stunning and challenging. But with our amazing guides, Dean and Francios, we navigated the terrain, learned how to use poles effectively, utilized yoga and breathing so we weren't sore, had wonderful accommodations and amazing meals. We also had a superb group overall! Thank you for this stunning experience!

See All Guest Reviews!

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Guided Hiking Tours

France, italy, & switzerland | tour du mont blanc, circumnavigate the highest mountain in western europe..

• "I didn't have to plan the details (i.e., transportation, hotels). Since planning/managing is what I do for a living, it was great to have someone else cover everything. The trip was seamless." - Amy H.
• "I loved my trek! Oh let me count the ways! 1. The scenery - jaw dropping, awe inspiring, words cannot describe the scenery. 2. It was challenging, but not too hard. 3. You mostly climbed up in the mornings and descended or had it easier most afternoons. 4. The camaraderie with the other hikers doing the TMB." - Donna B.
• "The narrative description was a constant source of amusement since it was so well-written with a whimsical and playful tone, yet very very accurate and helpful. We were surprised with how often we referred back to the narrative versus the map. Whoever wrote it gets five stars! And a bonus!!! You seemed the most organized, well-represented online, fair in your pricing, professional. Brittany was exceptional and winning in her confidence and non-salesy tone on the phone. I sensed we would get exactly what we paid for with you all." - Ken G.
• "My wife and I really enjoy hiking and have been doing Ryder Walker (RW) treks for over a decade now and chose this RW trek to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary. As such, RW probably gave us some upgrades, but the accommodations were some of the best we have ever experienced anywhere, let alone a "hiking vacation." If there was a best room in the house or you should be on this side to get the best of this-or-that, RW had you there. " - Bill Y.
• "Oh Wow!! I pretty much loved everything! First, and most importantly, Dave and Eileen (guides) were AMAZING!!! Cheerful, generous, knowledgeable, helpful, wise, fun, fun and FUN!!!" - Darcy P.
• "The scenery and walking were amazing. We loved walking through three different countries. Every stop along the way was beautiful--whether a picnic or a stop at a refuge for cafe or lunch--it was more lovely than could be imagined. The trails surrounded by flowers and the views of the mountains were stunning. We loved meeting people on the trails and greeting them. It was a good challenge in terms of walking, and the views, the scenery were simply spectacular." - Ann Marie Lipinsky
• "I, personally, love the group experience and it was terrific having young people in the group, as they added such great energy and were so much fun to be with. I so enjoyed conversations with them on the trails. I love the way in which Kenny, who's so comfortable speaking three languages, so easily mingles with locals, wherever we were. It made the experience so much more culturally rewarding. I ended this trip on such a high that I promised myself that I would make sure that someday my children and grandchildren might also have this experience!" - Ann Fay Lawton
• "This tour was my first guided tour and the highlight in my hiking career! Willi Glanznig, the best guide and a wonderful person, made everything to make this tour perfect. We had great hikes, a lot of fun, the perfect weather and last but not least, Willi and I could speak in our own dialect, which helped me a lot! It was interesting to see different places, atmospheres, accommodations and good food in such a short time. Every place had its own charm and very friendly people. Thank you for such a nice experience." - Doris Kahry
• "The hiking was challenging, the food incredible, and the accommodations top-notch (even the hut night)! We feel really good about and totally satisfied with another fine Ryder-Walker experience and those wonderful memories will last forever! We’re already trying to figure out our next Ryder-Walker Adventure." - Bill Yeast and Elizabeth Dinsel
• "I can’t think of how this tour could be improved on. Every aspect was near perfect for us thanks to your logistics team and guides." - Morgan S.

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Trip  Highlights :

A world-famous hike that everybody should do at least once., hike beneath mont blanc, western europe’s highest peak., walk through the french, italian and swiss alps, all during the same tour..

Outside Magazine named Ryder-Walker’s Tour du Mont Blanc trek one of the 25 Best Hikes in the World .

Hike across the borders of France , Italy and Switzerland during our ten-day Tour du Mont Blanc . Taking advantage of some little-known variations to the standard route, we lead you from the mountain-chic cafés of Chamonix , to remote mountain hamlets en route to Courmayeur, Italy . Our gracious host welcomes you to her cozy chalet in Champex, Switzerland , tempting you with locally grown food and delicious wine. Hike back into France on the Grand Balcon Sud , one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country.

Based out of a mix of charming country inns, first-class, old world hotels and simple hiker’s hostelries, the unique combination of good accommodations and spectacular hiking makes the Tour du Mont Blanc a wonderful reward for the physically fit.

Mont Blanc (15,781 feet), the namesake of this hike, rises more than 12,000 vertical feet above the famous resort village of Chamonix, France. The epitome of everything that is “alpine” in the Alps, Mont Blanc beckons hikers and climbers from around the globe with its snow-white glaciers, sheer cliff walls and chalet-studded valleys.

To relax at a chic café in downtown Chamonix, gazing skyward at the glistening ramparts of the Mont Blanc Massif, is an amazing experience. To walk around the entire circumference of Western Europe’s tallest peak , and to witness Mont Blanc’s beauty from the vantages of three different countries , is something all together incomparable and infinitely special.

Learn more about the French, Italian and Swiss Alps-Mont Blanc destination

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - arrive in chamonix.

Independently transfer to Chamonix. Geneva is the recommended point of entry. Overnight in a grand, old-world, four-star hotel in Chamonix, where you will meet your group and guide(s) for drinks and dinner.

Day 2 - Chamonix to Les Contamines

Enjoy a moderate introductory hike to Contamines, with views over the peaks and glaciers of Chamonix. Tonight we are in a comfortable three-star hotel.

Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain: 2000 ft.

Day 3 - Les Contamines to Ville Des Glaciers

Pass the Notre Dame de la Gorge and ascend an ancient Roman road to La Balme, then ascend more steeply to the refuge at the Col du Bonhomme. Descend to Les Chapieux. Tonight the accommodations are simpler, but have a great mountain atmosphere.

Distance: 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4300/2950 ft.

Day 4 - Ville des Glaciers to Courmayeur

Ascend to the Col de la Seigne, with staggering views of glaciated peaks of the Italian side of Mont Blanc. A long descent leads to Courmayeur. Overnight in a well-appointed four-star hotel.

Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain: 2400 ft.

More challenging route: Distance: 13 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3250/2870 ft.

Day 5 - Courmayeur to Val Ferret

We are treated to ever-improving views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc, its most impressive and imposing aspect on our remote, rarely traveled variation.

Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3300/2100 ft.

Day 6 - Val Ferret to Champex

Ascend to the Grand Col Ferret, at the Swiss border, with stunning views of the Grand Combin. Descend through pristine meadows to the Swiss Val Ferret. Bus transport takes us to the idyllic lakeside town, Champex. Enjoy a very special three-star hotel in this lovely village.

Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2800/2600 ft.

Day 7 - Champex to Trient

T oday’s hike takes us through the town of Champex and up to one of our favorite lunch spots, the Bovine, a lovely family run farm serving up fantastic food and beverages. Following lunch, it is a short climb to the day’s highpoint and down to the Col de la Forclaz. From the Forclaz it’s a quick descent into the sleepy hamlet of Trient, with its signature Iglesia Rosada, or pink church. We overnight in a welcoming inn, with shared bathrooms/showers on the floor.

Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2400 ft.

Alternate hiking route distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4450 ft.

Day 8 - Trient to Argentière

From Trient, hike via the Col des Posettes (beware of the witch at the pass – and heaven forbid you try to use the WC without buying something first), a pleasant variant of the TMB, and finish in Argentière. Tonight we stay in a fantastic hotel in a quiet section of this lively town.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/2700 ft.

Day 9 - Argentière to Chamonix

This hike along the Grand Balcon Sud offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles, or needles, of Chamonix. Finish with a descent into Chamonix on the Flégère or Planpraz cable cars. Return to the Chamonix hotel.

Distance: up to 7 miles. Elevation gain: 2500 ft.

Day 10 - Depart from Geneva

Awaken to a delicious French breakfast then depart. An early afternoon flight from Geneva can easily be met.

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Trip rating.

Trip Ratings Explained

Guided Tour

June 19 – 28, 2024 SOLD OUT August 21 – 30, 2024

2024 Pricing *$5,800 per person double Single (+$650)

*Minimum of two people required to run this tour

Private Guided Tour

Mid June-Mid September

2024 Pricing **$7,150 per person double Single (+$650)

**Price based on a group of four

Please contact us to schedule a private guided tour.

Self-Guided Tour

Mid June-Mid September Only selling pre booked dates for 2024:

June 15-24  SOLD OUT June 21-29  SOLD OUT June 24-July 3  SOLD OUT June 27-July 6  SOLD OUT July 10-19 SOLD OUT July 14-23 August 1-10 August 11-20 August 12-21 September 5-14  SOLD OUT September 7-16  SOLD OUT

2024 Pricing $3,450 per person double Single (+$650)

Trip Profile

9 nights/10 days Hiking up to 12 miles Ascents up to 4300 ft

Accommodations

4 nights first class hotels, 3 nights charming inns, 1 night simple inn with shared bathrooms, 1 night nice refuge (hut) with shared bathrooms. (Private rooms subject to availability).

Breakfast + Dinner

Breakfast and dinner included daily on guided trek.

Self-guided: dinners are not included in Chamonix.

Luggage Transfer

All days. Luggage restrictions: one bag per person no more than 33 lbs/15 kg. Extra baggage will be an additional charge.

Transportation

Guided tour: all lifts and transfers during the tour beginning in Chamonix are included.

Self-guided tour: guests pay for public transportation including lift/bus during the tour.

Please inquire about custom transportation options for before and after your tour.

Geneva, Switzerland

Tour Du Mont Blanc | France, Italy, & Switzerland

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As Seen In:

Guided Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

For a quick trip to the Mont Blanc region, our Best of TMB tour is a fantastic week hiking from Courmayeur through Switzerland to Chamonix.

• Guided Group ,
• Inn-To-Inn ,
• Relaxed to Moderate ,

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best hiking tours in the world. If you don’t have time for the full circuit, you at least have time for this.

Hike from Courmayeur to Chamonix across the northern half of the tour. This has always been our favorite stretch of the TMB. You hike through all three countries, visit both Courmayeur and Chamonix, eat great food, meet wonderful people, start with unbelievable views from day one and finish with more great views of Mont Blanc on your last day. What can be better?

Yes, you can express your way through the whole circuit in a week, but that requires prioritizing passes over highlights. This isn’t that. You won’t see the southern half of the TMB on this tour, and you won’t miss it. This trip moves at the right pace and leaves time for the most important sights and best hikes. You will love it.

Our guided tours are all guaranteed… if you sign up, the trip is going. Our guides know the trails, they know the inns, and they have their favorite lunch spots to show you. Turn off your mind for a week, relax, and don’t worry about a thing. We’ve got it covered on the guided Best of the Tour of Mont Blanc.

See our Self-guided version

• 7 days, 6 nights
• Jun 28 – Jul 4, 2024 Sold Out!
• Jul 5 – Jul 11, 2024 Sold Out!
• Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 2 – Aug 8, 2024 Sold Out!
• Aug 9 – Aug 15, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 6 – Sep 12, 2024 Sold Out!
• Sep 13 – Sep 19, 2024 Sold Out!
• $4795 Per Person
• $1150 Single Room

Itinerary At a Glance

Italy, courmayeur.

Fly to Geneva and transfer to Courmayeur, the sunny Italian side of Mont Blanc. Take some time to explore this beautiful village. After a peaceful first night, we’ll stretch our legs on a fabulous day hike to Bonatti hut.

Switzerland, la Fouly to Trient

Now we hike across the Ferret pass and into Switzerland. Our three days here are filled with great walks, tidy Swiss villages, postcard-perfect lakes and beautiful mountains.

France, Chamonix

Hiking over the Balme pass, we arrive in France to jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille Verte and the entire Mont Blanc range. Descend to charming Chamonix for a final night.

Your tour will be led by an experienced Alpinehikers guide, with guided hikes daily. All transfers to and from trailheads are included. You’ll stay 5 nights in village hotels and 1 night in a hiker’s inn, with all breakfasts, picnic lunches, and 5 dinners included. Luggage transfers to all stops are also part of your tour.

This tour does not include arrival and departure transfers.  Please ask if you would like help with these.

Full Itinerary

We’re going to start in beautiful, medieval Courmayeur. Fly to Geneva, and make your way to the sunny village of Courmayeur in Italy. Our home here is a very pleasant and friendly hotel near the center of town.

If you arrive early, there is plenty to do in the village, cable cars take you up to high vantage points, or just wander through town. Courmayeur is a beautiful village, with cobblestoned pedestrian-only alleyways filled with comfortable cafes and stylish shops. Later in the afternoon, you’ll meet your guide and group for dinner as your Mont Blanc tour begins.

Arrival: Geneva.  Plan to arrive by the day your tour starts.  You will need to book a private taxi from GVA to Courmayeur.  The trip takes 2½ hrs, but can be much longer during the day when there are long wait times at the Mont Blanc Tunnel.  We recommend booking taxis with Mountain Dropoffs or Chamonix Valley Transfers.

You might consider coming a day early and adding a night in Chamonix before your tour so you can travel through the tunnel to Courmayeur before 8:30 am.  Ask if you would like help with these plans.

After one of our favorite breakfasts at the Bouton d’Or, you’ll head out on a dayhike high above town. One of our favorite hikes leads up to a high ridge above town. You’ll reach incredible views of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses on a pleasant balcony walk to Bonatti hut. Stop for a drink at the hut and descend to the valley to transfer back to Courmayeur for a 2nd night. This is a grand panoramic hike and is a stunning introduction to the Mont Blanc region.

If you’d rather take it slow and easy today, Courmayeur is great for people-watching and relaxing, perhaps even taking a short trip on your own down to the Pre St. Didier Spa with its renowned natural mineral baths. You’ll be on your own for dinner in Courmayeur tonight.

HIKE: 5-7 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 3920 ft. up, 3150 ft. down

The Italian side of Mont Blanc is steep and rocky, and the Grand Jorasses rivals Mont Blanc as the focal point of our views on one of the highlight hikes of the tour.

On this stage of the TMB, we’ll cross the Grand Col Ferret and into Switzerland, with rolling green meadows filled with happy cows. We’ll descend to la Fouly, and tiny village at the end of a quiet valley in Switzerland. It’s quaint, quiet and beautiful here. Our luggage will be transferred here from Courmayeur.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 2840 ft up, 3390 ft down

An easier day today takes us through the Swiss Ferret Valley. This is one of the more relaxing days on the tour. Waterfalls cascade down mountains as we hike down-valley and then up to the pretty lakeside village of Champex.

Champex is postcard-perfect, a painfully cute town next to a beautiful surrounded by mountains. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon on a terrace overlooking the lake. Our luggage will be waiting at our 3-star village hotel and we’ll have a hearty meal at our hotel tonight.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9.5 miles; Elevation: 1560 ft up, 2000 ft down

The next stage on the TMB presents us with a choice – the high rugged Arpette route, or the wooded Bovine route. Your choice will depend on weather, conditions and general mood. If we stay low, the Bovine route takes us through woods and past waterfalls to a rustic farm with sweeping views of the Rhone Valley.

Weather permitting, a more rigorous possibility leads up and over the steep Fenetre d’Arpette pass with dazzling views to the Trient Glacier, a popular variant on the traditional TMB route. We’ll stay in the Grand Ourse, a hiker’s inn in nearby Trient.  Private room with shared bathroom down the hall.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 10 miles; Elevation: 2500 ft. up, 3050 ft. down (Bovine) or 7-9 hours, 10 miles; Elevation: 3940 ft. up, 4480 ft. down (Fenetre d’Arpette)

The final hike on our Mont Blanc tour is another great one. A steady uphill trail leads us through woods and meadows to the Balme Pass on the border with France.

Enjoy gorgeous views of Mont Blanc and the entire Chamonix Valley as we cross the pass and descend to la Tour. After a short bus ride back to Chamonix, we’ll have a bit of time for the pool at our Chamonix hotel, and then enjoy a special celebratory dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

HIKE: 5-7 hours, 8 miles; Elevation: 3160 ft up, 2580 ft down

Today we say au revoir , and depart for our post-Mont Blanc destinations.

Departure: Geneva.  Plan departure for the day your tour finishes.  You’ll need to book a private or shared shuttle from Chamonix to GVA, and the trip takes 1½ hrs.

Tour Options

Guided group.

• All departures guaranteed. No minimum group size.
• A moderate inn-to-inn with 5 stops in 6 nights
• Luggage transfers included every night
• The highest peaks in the Alps – Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses and more
• Hike through 3 countries – Italy, Switzerland, France
• The northern half of the classic Tour du Mont Blanc circuit

Guided Classic Tour du Mont Blanc

• Big passes almost every day. Not too hard, but not easy either
• A fairly strenuous inn-to-inn with 8 stops in 10 nights
• Luggage transfers included every night on the tour.
• Hike through France, Italy and Switzerland
• A great tour for meeting other hikers from around the world
• $5995 Per Person
• $1450 Single Room

Guided Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc

• A fairly strenuous inn-to-inn with 7 stops in 10 nights
• 6 nights in deluxe hotels, private transfers, luggage every night
• The most luxurious version of the Alps’ most renowned tour
• The highest peaks in the Alps, Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses and more
• Extra days in Chamonix and Courmayeur to relax and unwind
• $7995 Per Person
• $1550 Single Room

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Tour du Mont Blanc - Deluxe, Guided Edition

Europe's most popular trek. Without huts, with luggage transfers and expert guides

Down from Mont Chetif along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail.

Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

Self-Guided Trekking for the Independent Traveler

Photo by Annie Spratt

Maps, Books, and Gear

Go prepared with everything you need for a perfect trek

Some of the available maps and books on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Photo by Alpenwild

Tour du Mont Blanc Trekking

Guided and self-guided alpenwild tour options.

Hike and Trek around Mont Blanc, which rises over 15,770 feet (4,808 meters) above sea level, and is the snow-capped queen of the Alps. Its flanks, glaciers, and deep valleys straddle three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc is the trip of a lifetime. As you circle the base of Mont Blanc you’ll experience the immense snowfields, hanging glaciers, wild-flowered meadows, and dense forests that decorate its walls. More than just a single peak, the Mont Blanc Range, which we compass, contains ten other major summits—each over 4,000 meters high. And with all that elevation you’ll find abundant glaciers, including the Mer de Glace and the Miage Glacier—the longest glaciers in France and Italy, respectively.

A classic Alps adventure awaits as you join one our guided or self-guided Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc treks.

Starting in Chamonix, France, the 12 days and 11 night Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc Alpenwild trek includes:

• Handpicked inns and hotels (no huts)
• Luggage transfers
• Experienced and qualified guide
• Incredible meals
• Transportation to and from the airport and during the tour
• Les Hauches cable car
• Bioonassay suspension bridge
• Visit the 15th century baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge
• Courmayer rest day
• Skyway Monte Bianco – cable car
• Courmayer nature gardens

What are you waiting for? Come join us on the Tour du Mont Blanc this summer!

Do you have any questions or concerns? Talk with an expert (who has actually done the tour) email  [email protected]  or call 801-226-9026.

Tour du Mont Blanc: A Trek of a Lifetime

With nothing to do but book flights and get in shape for this classic trek, prepare to have the adventure of a lifetime. At Alpenwild, we are Tour du Mont Blanc tour experts. You will thoroughly enjoy the trails, accommodations, meals and comradery along the trail.

Tour du Mont Blanc Overview

Let’s start planning your Tour du Mont Blanc hike with the basics. Where. When. How.

A Mont Blanc Trek Above the Rest

Discover what features make Alpenwild's Tour du Mont Blanc stand out from the rest.

Trek Packing List

We've been there, done that and share our packing list so you can go there, without forgetting that.

The Perfect Way to See the Alps

Tour du Mont Blanc

Be a part of the Tour du Mont Blanc for just 4 minutes in this new Alpenwild video

Guides and Trip Leaders

Alpenwild guides are the best in the Alps. Meet them. Read their stories. See what our guests say about them.

Luggage Transfers and Shuttles

Hike light and enjoy the trek. Luggage transfers make all the difference

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic inn-to-inn alpine trek—one which Alpenwild has refined with many creature comforts, exquisite cuisine, and superb accommodations. As you trek the Tour du Mont Blanc, you’ll experience the culture, the rich history of the Alps along with the stories of how this massive mountain has beckoned hikers and mountaineers for over 250 years. Our 12-day guided trip sets a new standard, and on our self-guided treks you can adjust the itinerary to perfectly suit your skills and interests.

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Classic Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

June through September

Geneva. Switzerland is 1.5 hours from Chamonix, France—your starting point

Intermediate

Things to know

Nothing beats the world-famous Tour du Mont Blanc trek! In just 12 days we’ll get to do it all: enjoy views of impressive glaciers, reach some +8,200ft mountain passes, and hike through some screensaver-worthy Alpine meadows, all around the highest peak of Western Europe. Between that morning espresso shot and the evening glass of French wine, we’ll give our feet plenty of work, roaming some legendary 2000-year-old Roman roads. Not to mention the suspension bridges above wild glacial streams, or the cable car rides over crystal-clear lakes and the greenest pine forests! Tour du Mont Blanc has many routes, but our guides will make sure we take the best & crowd-free ones. Find out more about hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc from Natalie Mirzoeff, a former round-the-world hiking guide.

Plus 5 major mountain passes, 7 valleys, and 105 miles

Avoid the popular routes and take the road less traveled

Hike and enjoy local gastronomical and cultural delights

Get to know the heart of the Alps and hit the high-altitude hiking trails around Mont Blanc. Starting and ending in Chamonix, you will learn why finishing the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc is more than 10 days of top-notch hiking with a backdrop of magnificent Alpine scenery. Enjoy the cultural, historical, and gastronomical aspects of the area located at the juncture of 3 countries and avoid the crowds (your guide knows the paths walked by few). Find out for yourself what makes this one of the world’s best treks!

Your trip begins in the mountain town of Chamonix, famous for being the adventure capital of the Alps. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, its cobblestone streets breathe adventure while also exhibiting Alpine small-town charm combined with French sophistication. You will meet the rest of the group at 6pm at your hotel for a short trip briefing and gear check, followed by dinner. 

Meals : Dinner Accommodation : Hotel in Chamonix

After a hearty breakfast you will take a cable car connecting Les Houches with the Bellevue Plateau, during which you get to enjoy the panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif. After crossing the suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier, your guide will choose the best route taking your group to Les Contamines. This usually includes passing the Col de Tricot (6,955 ft / 2,120m), with a coffee stop at the Chalet de Miages at the foot of the mighty peak Dome de Miages (3,675m / 12,055 ft), but a lower level route may be utilized.  Spend the night in a charming local 3* hotel in the French village of Les Contamines.

Distance : 15km / 9.3 miles Ascent : 837m / 2,746 ft Descent : 1,520m / 4,985 ft Walking time : 6-7 hours Meals : Breakfast and dinner Accommodation : 3* hotel in Les Contamines

Day 3 begins with trekking up the old Roman road to the picture-perfect 17th-century church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. From here your path goes uphill, past the Chalet de Barme (a perfect coffee stop!) and all the way to the Col de Bonhomme (2328m / 7,635 ft), where you will take a lunch break. Another climb—this time gentler—will take you to Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2478m / 8,130ft), offering a great view towards the Vanoise National Park. After an additional 2 hours, you will have reached Les Chapieux, the location of your lovely chambre d’hôte (bed and breakfast). 

Distance: 19km / 11.9 miles Ascent: 1,348m / 4,450 ft Descent: 960m / 3,150 ft Walking time: 8 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Bed and breakfast in Les Chapieux

A minibus ride will take you to the Ville des Glaciers. After crossing a river, head to the Refuge des Mottets, followed by a climb to the Col de la Seigne (2516m / 8,255ft). You are now stepping into Italy! Relish in the great views of Val Veny and Val Ferret, and see the Italian side of Mont Blanc and the other Chamonix giants. A descent past the Elisabetta hut takes you to La Visaille, where your group will take a transfer down to the traditional Italian town of Courmayeur, where you will stay in a family-run hotel.

Distance: 21km / 13 miles Ascent: 1,004m / 3,300 ft Descent: 850m / 2,800 ft Walking time: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Courmayeur

Start the day of hiking with a steep walk up to the Bertone hut and the Mont de la Saxe ridge. If weather permits, your guide can opt for the lesser-traveled variant to the Mont de la Saxe ridge (2,555m / 8,380 ft), up the Tête de la Tronche (2,584m / 8,475 ft), followed by a steep descent to the Col Sapin (2,435m / 8,000 ft). After another descent, you will also climb to the Col Entre Deux Sauts (2,055m / 6,740 ft). It’s a long day of hiking, but you will be rewarded with stunning scenery, crowdless hiking paths, and great Italian-style dinner at the Rifugio Bonatti. You can also watch the sunset behind Mont Blanc before a good night’s sleep. 

Distance : 10km / 6.5 miles  Ascent : 1,584m / 5,200 ft + 860m / 2,820 ft Descent : 940m / 3,08 0ft + 700m / 2,296 ft Walking time : 10-12 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation : Rifugio Bonatti*

*There is a chance that you will not be staying at Rifugio Bonatti and in this case, you will have an extra night at a 4* hotel in Courmayeur. Shuttles back and forth will be provided and no hiking will be missed. Starting from 2025, overnights in the Refugio Bonatti will no longer be possible during this adventure. 

Trekking over the Grand Col Ferret (2537m / 8,320 ft), you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Grand Combin and Mont Dolent (the summit which stands at the juncture of France, Switzerland, and Italy).  At the top of the col, your group will enter Switzerland. After a coffee stop at La Peule (time permitting) you will head to La Fouly, an Alpine village distinguished by traditional Swiss “chocolate box” chalets where you will stay overnight in a simple hotel.

Distance 20km / 12.5 miles Ascent: 1,128m / 3,700ft Descent: 1,580m / 5,180 ft Walking time: 6-7 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Simple hotel or bed and breakfast in La Fouly

A shorter day of hiking awaits. Winding through picturesque Swiss Alpine meadows and tiny villages, you will finally reach the resort of Champex, nestled alongside the eponymous glacial lake. Lodging in a traditional hotel offering great local delicacies. 

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles Ascent: 711m / 2,330 ft Descent: 855m / 2,805 ft Walking time: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: 3* hotel in Champex

If the group feels fit on Day 8, the path will take you to Fenêtre d’Arpette, the highest col on the Tour du Mont Blanc standing at 2665m (8,710 ft)—a fantastic route famous for stunning views of the Trient glacier. Alternatively, your guide will decide to take you along the more laidback route via Bovine to the Col de la Forclaz (1,527m / 5,010 ft)—depending on the weather conditions and fitness of the group.  You will stay overnight either at Col de la Forclaz or at Trient, depending on availability. 

Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles Ascent: 1,480m / 4,790 ft (or 570m / 1,870 ft via Bovine) Descent: 1,760m / 5,775 ft (or 600m / 1,980 ft via Bovine) Walking time: 8 hours (or 6 hours via Bovine) Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Simple hotel, usually with shared bathrooms

Today’s plan is to take another lesser-traveled variant which diverges from the official Tour du Mont Blanc—either via Les Grands or Les Tseppes, depending on where you stayed the night before. The alternative routes are worth the extra time and effort not only because few other hikers take them but also because of the truly spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Either route takes your group to the Col de Balme (2,195m / 7,200 ft) at the head of the Chamonix valley (welcome back to France!). Going either via the Aiguillette de Posettes down to Tré-le-Champ, or straight down to Le Tour, followed by the Petit Balcon Nord, you will have reached Argentière—the location of your accommodation—in the afternoon. 

Distance: 18km / 11 miles Ascent: 1200m / 3940 ft Descent: 1450m / 4760 ft Walking time: 7-8 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: 3* hotel in Argentière

Taking a short stroll back to Tré-le-Champ, you will hike up to the Lac Blanc passing the beautiful Lacs des Chéserys (2,130m / 6,990 ft), providing the best views of Mont Blanc found anywhere. While enjoying one of the best walks in the Chamonix valley, you will make use of a series of ladders and chains to skirt the cliffs—this is nothing to worry about and is not difficult at all! From the Lac Blanc, you will take the Flégère cable car down to Les Praz, followed by a walk along the river or a train ride to Chamonix.

Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles Ascent: 1,000m / 3,280 ft Descent: 550m / 1,800 ft Walking time: 6 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Chamonix

Taking the cable car back to the Flégère, your hiking resumes at the same point your group finished at the day before. Start the famous Grand Balcon Sud linking the Flégère with Planpraz. From here, you will climb up to the Col du Brévent and then up to the Brévent summit (2,525m/  8,285 ft), where you get to enjoy excellent views of Mont Blanc one more time. To complete the Tour du Mont Blanc, descend via Bel Lachat and Merlet in ogre to reach Les Houches, followed by a transfer back to your hotel in Chamonix. After 10 days of hiking, you can finally call yourself a TMB hiker! You can celebrate your great achievements with your guide and the rest of the group over dinner or by going for drinks somewhere in town. 

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles Ascent: 772m / 2,530 ft Descent: 1,546m / 5,070 ft Walking time: 8 hours Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Chamonix

Your alpine adventure finishes after breakfast. Take a last chance to say goodbye to your guide and fellow trekkers. Leave Chamonix or continue touring on your own. 

Meals: Breakfast

Meet your guides

Watch our webinar

We just finished a 12 day Mont Blanc tour and with the help of Cloud 9 it was an incredible experience. Our original trip was booked in 2019 and postponed due to Covid. Cloud 9 offered a full refund or the opportunity to continue with no additional cost both years we postponed. Once we finally hit the trail, the accommodations, trip notes and attention to the smallest of details made the tour an outstanding experience for us. I will certainly consider using Cloud 9 again and highly recommend it to anyone wishing to tour Mont Blanc.

If your dream it to experience the beauty and magnificence of the Tour de Mont Blanc, contacting Emma Jack would be in our opinion be essential. With her extensive knowledge of the mountains and surrounding regions, you will be assured an amazing time. As a family with two children 15 and 8 we were keen for our kids to have a positive experience. Emma’s guidance with regards to day length and distance, flora, fauna, geology and accommodation, transport links and most crucially health and safety advice made our dream better than we could have hoped for. Her sensitivity to our particular needs was greatly appreciated. We were able to relax into the moment with the knowledge she had covered all bases. Go on, do it, you won’t regret it.

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area (International Mountain Leader)
• 12-day TMB Classic Trek (10 days of hiking)
• Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• All breakfasts and all evening meals (detailed in the itinerary)
• Cable cars and transport as indicated in the itinerary
• Daily luggage delivery (apart from any hut nights where vehicle access is not possible)

What’s not included:

• Transportation to and from Chamonix
• Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
• Personal drinks and snacks
• Packed lunches
• Any transport or accommodation due to a participant being unable to complete the itinerary
• Mountain rescue / travel insurance
• Guide gratuities — optional

Even though Tour du Mont Blanc is not technically difficult, it is generally recommended for those with at least an extensive experience of longer day hikes on mountain trails and great fitness . You can expect up to 3,000ft of daily ascent and descent and hiking 10 miles on average for 10 consecutive days. Keep in mind that hiking can be made difficult because of changing weather. However, you will be able to take many breaks and your guide will adjust the route if it gets too strenuous for your group. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.

If you think you may not be ready for this trek at the moment, we suggest you adopt a training regiment in the weeks leading up to the trip, with long daily hikes in hilly terrain, as well as activities like jogging, swimming, playing squash, or circuit training. By adequately preparing both physically and mentally for this adventure, the vast majority of the hikers can fully enjoy the challenges and rewards that this remarkable trek has to offer.

If you’re looking for guided TMB adventures suitable for advanced hikers, check out this high-level Tour du Mont Blanc adventure and this more rugged version of the Tour du Mont Blanc .

Here’s a list of the equipment and clothes you need to bring:

• Good, comfortable, waterproofed mountain hiking shoes with good tread
• Comfortable rucksack (30 to 40L)
• Kit bag or suitcase (for your main luggage)
• Hiking poles
• Waterproof jacket and waterproof hiking pants
• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Warm sweater or a fleece
• Lightweight warm jacket and hat (in case of unexpected weather conditions)
• 2 Pairs of lightweight hiking pants and shorts
• Swimwear (some hotels feature pools)
• Cap and a sunhat
• 2-3 Pairs of gloves (liner gloves, waterproof gloves, and warm gloves)
• Hiking socks and underwear
• Pair of outdoor shoes
• Sheet or a sleeping bag liner
• 2L water bottle
• Swiss knife, compass, whistle, head torch
• Plastic bags / dry sacks to keep essentials dry
• Good sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip protection
• Your toiletry bag and a mini first-aid kit
• Other clothes and personal change
• Small towel (for the mountain hut)
• Travel bag or a small suitcase for the luggage transport
• Camera — optional (but recommended)

Typically, the weather along the route is warm and fairly stable, requiring minimal extra gear. However, it’s crucial to bring all the items from the list due to unseasonal conditions that can occasionally occur. At least once every summer hikers witness unseasonal snow and heavy rainfall, with temperatures plummeting from mid-30s°C (86°F) to below zero (0°C/32°F). For rain, waterproof jackets and trousers are essential, along with multiple pairs of gloves. In the event of snow, quality hiking boots, walking poles, warm clothing, and gloves are necessary. Sometimes hikers experience heatwaves, meaning that they need to be equipped with rehydration salts, 3-4L of water, and a sun hat.

Don’t underestimate the importance of proper gear; be well-prepared for any situation . You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with your guide prior to your trip.

During your guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights hiking tour, all breakfasts and evening meals are included . Most nights, you’ll dine in the accommodation you’ll be staying at, enjoying a fixed 3-course menu that showcases excellent local food from France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hotel breakfasts are continental-style, featuring tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, croissants, bread, jams, cereals, yogurts, and often eggs, cheese, and local meats. Breakfasts in mountain huts and simpler auberges are more basic, typically offering tea, coffee, bread, jam, and cereal.

Vegetarians are accommodated with an improving range of options, although some places may offer simpler choices like omelets or pasta. Vegans can also be catered for, but occasional breakfasts may consist mainly of fruit, so having a few snacks on hand is advisable. Your guides are vigilant and work to improve options for vegan diets with local hoteliers. Special diets due to allergies or intolerances, such as gluten-free, nut-free, or lactose-free, are accommodated to the best extent possible. However, given the set meal service in many accommodations, a wide range of options might not be available. We appreciate sticking to the specified diet, as last-minute changes are often challenging for hoteliers serving large groups.

Lunches are not included to provide flexibility. Your guide will advise on ordering lunch via the hotel, stopping at a shop or bakery for snacks, or enjoying a sit-down lunch in the refuges. While drinks are not included, you can order beer, wine, and soft drinks at all hotels, including mountain refuges. Tap water is drinkable throughout the trip.

During your guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights hiking trip, you can expect a range of accommodations. In larger towns like Chamonix, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, Champex, and Argentière, minimum 3* hotels are chosen, providing twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. In smaller hamlets like Les Chapieux, La Fouly, and Trient/Forclaz, where simpler accommodations prevail, the best available lodging options—mostly auberges —will be selected, although en-suite facilities may be limited.

We have one night in a mountain hut *: the Rifugio Bonatti, one of our favorite huts in the Alps. We try to book small private rooms of two, three, or four people here rather than dorms, but they are always fully booked. Dorm-style rooms are mixed-gender and can have between 10 and 20 people. There are no en-suite facilities at the hut, but you can expect hot showers, which are limited to a few minutes.

If you opt for a single supplement , please note that this excludes Les Chapieux and Bonatti, where there are no single rooms. Single rooms may also not be available in Trient/Forclaz — it depends at which point you booked.

* There is a chance that you will not be staying at Rifugio Bonatti and in this case, you will have an extra night at a 4* hotel in Courmayeur. Shuttles back and forth will be provided and no hiking will be missed .

Group sizes and prices:

• For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is around 10:1.
• It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
• The cost is per person and does not decrease as the group grows.

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the Chamonix, France—your starting point—most people fly into Geneva Airport in Switzerland 1.5 hours away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs —they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at your hotel in Chamonix at 6 p.m. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group to start off the tour the following morning.

It is obligatory for this adventure that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in France, Switzerland, and Italy please refer to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affair travel information on France , Switzerland , and Italy .

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

• Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
• Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
• The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

• In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
• For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
• For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
• For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
• For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
• For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

Super Flexible

• For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
• For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.

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Hidden Gems of the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Luxury Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

Self-Guided Week-Long Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights Trek

Hidden Mont Blanc: The 5-Star Hiking Tour

Women’s Hiking Tour of Chamonix & Mont Blanc

Haute Route Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

All-Women Snowshoeing at the Foot of Mont Blanc

Classic Hiking or Fastpacking of Tour du Mont Blanc

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Andrew Delmenhorst

Tour du mont blanc route description for the classic itinerary, tour du mont blanc itinerary, a description of the classic itinerary including what each hiking stage is like on the tmb. includes public transport options. but first, a little bit about the basics:, tour du mont blanc basics.

Before we dive into what a classic Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary looks like, let's first get through some basics of the tour. That will better help you understand the tour and how you would like to tweak it to fit your preferences. The Tour du Mont Blanc , or the TMB, is a long distance hiking trail that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc Massif. In a classic itinerary of the TMB, you pass through 3 countries, France, Switzerland and Italy, and is approximately 110 miles in length. Although most people with good physical health can undertake the trek, it is still a challenging trek. There is over 6 miles of both elevation gain and loss. People that attempt the tour by themselves should have previous experience in Alpine conditions and be comfortable using a compass and map.  

Where is Mont Blanc?

It depends if one is asking about the highest point of the mountain or the entire massif (i.e. mountain range). The summit of Mont Blanc lies on the border of Italy and France. An 1860 act signed by Napoleon III places Mont Blanc squarely on the border of both countries. The administration and responsibility for the mountain is shared largely between Courmayeur, Italy and Chamonix, France. Both villages have a rich history of mountaineering on Mont Blanc and are iconic spots in and of themselves. 

If one is referring to the Mont Blanc Massif, the inclusion of Switzerland should be considered. The massif is 46 kilometers long (28.75 miles) and extends from Val Montjoie, containing the town of Les Contamines, France to its northeastern section located in the Val Ferret of Switzerland. At it's widest point, it extends 20 km (12.5 miles). The Tour du Mont Blanc is a trek that circumnavigates the entire Massif. The total hiking distance is 170 km or 110 miles. 

How do you get to Mont Blanc?

Most international travelers arrive into Geneva airport in Switzerland and take either a train or shuttle to Chamonix in France. There are a few popular places to begin the tour including Chamonix, Les Houches, Courmayeur and Champex. The classic route starts in Les Houches and travels counter clockwise. 

Is Mont Blanc the tallest mountain in Europe?

There is some debate on whether Mont Blanc is the tallest mountain in Europe. The summit's elevation is 4,808.73 metres (15,776.7 ft). It is the highest point that is west of the Caucasus. The Caucasus straddle Europe and Asia. Central to the debate is where one places the geographic border between Asia and Europe. The majority of authorities place the continental boundary of Europe and Asia at the Caucasus watershed, although this is not universally accepted. That would mean that Mount Elbrus, at 5,621 meters (18,442 ft), is the highest mountain in Europe. If you consider the Kuma-Manych Depression as the border, then Mont Blanc is considered the tallest mountain in Europe. In either case, Mont Blanc is tall. 

Weather on Tour du Mont Blanc

As you will be traveling from around 3,200 feet to 8,800 feet in elevation, you will experience several different temperatures and weather systems. During the summer months, it does snow on rare occasions, leaving a layer of snow on the ground that doesn't dissipate for a day or two, sometimes longer. On the flip side, the valleys can be 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Layering is important to adapt to the changes of weather. 

What is the trekking like?

The route is undulating, with a good degree of elevation change. As you are making your way around the Mont Blanc Massif, you cross over several saddles, or cols - the lowest pass in between two peaks. The elevation of the hike stays roughly between 3,200 feet and 8,800 feet, not high enough to cause altitude sickness. During the early part of the season, Alpine conditions will be more prevalent and snow can be found at the higher elevations and cols. Crampons may be necessary, or you one may need to take lower route alternatives to avoid snowy sections. In a few places, ladders and metal stairs have been placed into the rock, for example, in between Tre Le Champ and Refuge le Flegere. However, there is an alternative route that goes around this section. Additionally, there are few sections of exposure that those with vertigo may find a bit unnerving. 

For more information on getting fit and the difficulty of the tour, check out this post.

Questions to ask when deciding on how to formulate your Itinerary

Should i go clockwise or counter-clockwise.

The classic itinerary starts in Les Houches and travels counter clockwise. This way saves the views of the Mont Blanc Massif from Le Brevent, which many argue are the best of the tour, until the end. Additionally, there will be more hikers going counter clockwise, so if you are solo trekker, and you want to find some hiking partners, this could be the better option. Conversely, going counter clockwise will allow you to meet different people every night at the refuges (mountain huts). Furthermore, early in the morning you can find yourself alone on parts of the mountain, able to quietly take in the alps in isolation.

When is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc? 

Your itinerary depends on the time of year you will be hiking. Earlier in the season, there are still patches of snow on the passes into mid June. If you are hiking at this time, days tend to be longer and thus, hiking a fast TMB (less than nine stages), becomes more difficult. Generally, tour operators suggest waiting until July 1st to start the trek (however there has been snow on the passes well into July as well). Generally, you will not need crampons or an ice axe in July, however you may need them in June or opt for lower routes that are free of snow or bypass sections entirely. The peak season is from July 15th to August 30th, when many French and Europeans are going on vacation. A good time to go is late August to early September when all of the snow has melted on the passes and the crowds have died down a bit. Most of the huts will be open from Mid June until mid September.  If you interested in more details on the best time of year to hike check out this link. 

How many days does the hike take?

The classic itinerary features 11 days hiking, with one day rest in the middle of the trek. If you are fit, you can reduce the itinerary to seven or eight days. Once you get into the range of five stages, you will need to be trail running or fastpacking. To that end, every year, the toughest mountain runners gather for an ultra-marathon and conquer the entire trail in less than 24 hours. I've been told that their knees are made out of titanium and their lungs are the size of weather balloons.   

11 stage itinerary averages:

• Average distance: 16 km / 10 miles per day. 
• Average Daily Elevation Gain and Loss: About 3,000 ft

9 stage itinerary averages:

• Average distance: 19.5 km / 12 miles per day. 
• Average Daily Elevation Gain and Loss: About 3,600 ft

7 stage itinerary averages:

• Average distance: 25 km / 16 miles per day. 
• Average Daily Elevation Gain and Loss: About 4,600 ft

The rest of this post is dedicated to providing a thorough description of a classic 11 stage itinerary.  

Route description of 11 stage Itinerary

Below is an itinerary that we use at Pygmy Elephant for a 11 stage self guided tour , with one rest day in Courmayeur included. Like the classic route, the itinerary circumnavigates the massif counter clockwise, however, rather than starting the tour in Les Houches, the hike begins by taking a gondola to Le Brevent and hiking to Les Houches. This is done for two reasons. First, to enable the hiker to have two opportunities to see the Mont Blanc massif from Le Brevent, which many believe is the best viewpoint on the tour. Sometimes clouds or bad weather can obscure the summit and having two chances increases your odds of seeing it with clear visibility. Secondly, this itinerary reduces the length of the final stage, which normally goes from Refuge le Flegere back to the beginning of the trek at Les Houches. That is a long and tiring day with a lot of elevation gain and loss. Instead, you will only have to hike to Le Brevent on the last day and take the cable car back down to Chamonix. There are ways to make the tour more budget friendly, or up the luxury quotient to make it even more comfortable. 

Day 1: Le Brevant to Les Houches

• Distance: 3.5 to 4.5 hours / 6 Miles
• Height gain: minimal / Height loss: 5,072 feet
• Transport: Gondola to Le Brevant, Train to Les Houches is also possible from Chamonix (optional)

You will first take the gondola up to the Le Brevant view point (8,287 feet) from the village of Chamonix. After taking in the scenery, start the long and continual descent down to Les Houches. This descent is often combined with another steep ascent to Le Brevant, however you will choose whether you would like to complete this section when you return 11 days later (this is the section from Le Flegerie to Le Brevant). Although the day will be a bit tough on the knees, the short distance makes this section much easier to handle.  

Accommodation along Route:  Refuge Bellachat

Recommended Accommodation:  Hotel Du Bois, Les Houches

Left: View of Chamonix Valley on the descent to Les Houches

Right: Trail along hike from Le Brevent to Les Houches

Center: Mont Blanc range with the famous peak "pointed" out. 

Day 2: Les Houches – Bionassay – Les Contamine

• Distance: 5.5 hours / 10 Miles (Main route)
• Height gain: 2,120 feet / Height loss: 2,076 feet
• Transport Options: Cableway Les Houches to Bellevue (halfway up first ascent), Train from neighboring St. Gervais to top of first ascent (Col de Voza), Bus from Tresse to Les Contamine

Traveling along the main TMB route, there is more road walking than other stages. Still, there are some descent views to be had, especially at Col de Voza. From there, you can see the Dome du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnassay and the glacier that splits them in two. From Les Houches, it’s about 2.5 hours to Col de Voza (Col = saddle), which is also the high point of the trek at 5,423 feet. It’s then a relatively slow descent down again to Tresse and finally onto Les Contamine. Not a particularly demanding day, however multiple transport options are available to make this trek easier in case your knees are feeling rough from the day before. There is an alternative to the Main Route which provides better views and reaches higher altitude, but you will pay for it in effort. It's 2.5 hours longer and has over 2,400 feet more of elevation gain. 

Accommodation on (Main) Route: Refuge de Fioux (24 beds/ 2 hours), Auberge de Bionnassay (20 Dortoir places, 18 beds / 3 hours), Gite du Champel (8 dortoir places, 34 beds / 3.5 hours)

Suggested Accommodation:  Le Chemenaz, Les Contamine. Hotel with private rooms. 5.5 hours from Les Houches. Good for families looking for separate rooms for children. 

Left: Les Houches Main Street  Right: Notre Dame de la Gorge Center: Leaving Les Houches - looking back on  Christ Roi des Houches

Day 3: Les Contamine – Col de la Croix de Bonhomme – Refuge de Mottets

• Distance: 7.5 hours / 11 miles
• Height Gain: 4,317 feet / Height Loss: 3,046 feet
• Transport Options: Bus Les Contamine to Notre Dame de la Gorge, Shuttle or taxi from Les Chapieux to Refuge les Mottets

This hike will be tougher than either of the first two days. There are two options, one which goes directly to Refuge les Mottets through a higher pass, and one that goes through a slightly lower pass to Les Chapieux. If there is bad weather, or snow on the passes, it is recommended to take the lower route to Les Chapieux and take a shuttle or taxi close to Refuge de Mottets. Both routes start at Les Contamine and pass by the Notre Dame de la Gorge. From there, it is a steep ascent of 850 feet to the refuge Nant Borant. Afterwards, the trail becomes less steep and you steadily climb up past Refuge de la Balme and Col du Bonhomme, before reaching Col de La Croix. The view hiking to the Col involves beautiful panoramas of Plan Jovet. When you finally reach the col, there is a stunning view back into Val Montjoie, from whence you came. Finally, the two paths diverge at Col de la Croix, the high route alternative climbing upwards to Col des Fours (8,743 feet), one of the highest spots on the TMB, while the main route immediately descends to Les Chapieux. The higher route avoids a section of road between Les Chapieux and Refuge de Mottets. If there is bad weather, you can take a taxi or shuttle from Les Chapieux to Refuge les Mottets, saving about an hour of road walking. 

Accommodation along route: Refuge Nant Borrant (35 dortoir places / 1.5 hours), Refuge de la Balme (48 dortoir places, 14 beds / 2.5 hours), Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme (113 dortoir places / 5.5 hours), Les Chapieux (35 dortoir places, 35 beds / 7.5 hours), 

Suggested Accommodation:  Refuge les Mottets. 8 hours via Col de Fours or main route with road transfer. Although one of the more expensive refuges on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Refuge les Mottets offers a rare combination of comfort and seclusion on the TMB. For those who book early, the Refuge has double rooms with ensuite shower facilities (€100 per person with half board). The hut itself is located in the picturesque "vallée des Glaciers" and feels more isolated than the Gite in Les Chapieux.  

TIP: To reduce hiking distances without sacrificing great views (Main Route)

You can reduce wear and tear by taking the cableway on Day 3 to Bellevue and then taking a shuttle on Day 4 from Les Chapieux to Refuge Les Mottets. The route up to Bellvue isn’t incredibly beautiful as it goes up the side of a ski hill and the hike from Les Chapieux to Les Mottets is along a tarmac road anyways, so you might as well make use of it. 

Left: Near Refuge Nant Borrant Right: Ascending through the Val Borrant and Val Montjoie to Col du Bonhomme Center: The view from Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

Day 4: Refuge de Mottets– Col de la Seigne – Refugio Elissabetta 

• Distance: 4 hours / 6 Miles
• Height gain: 2,952 feet / Height loss: 846 feet
• Transport Options: none

Today you will leave France and enter Italy via Col de la Seigne. Although a short day, there is still a lot of elevation gain as you will be passing over Col de la Seigne, which has a height of 8,254 feet. Not very long or hard, there are a few steep sections on the way to the Col. At the top, you will have a view of both France and Italy, quite stunning! In Italy, you will gaze onto the Val Veni It’s then a steady descent down to Refugio Elisabetta, which sits at 7,200 feet above sea level on the side of a mountain.   

Accommodation:  Refugio Elisabetta. Great atmosphere. Some travelers are turned off by the large dortoirs. Reserve a spot in a 4 - 7 dormitory room early, or if you plan really well, the only double room they have. Dinner is done in an early and late shift. Food is some of the best on the TMB and there is a good selection of beer and wine. Davide and Marta run the hut, so be friendly and they are sure to return in kind. 

Left: Looking back after conquering Col de la Seigne Right: Marmots located on stretch before Elisabetta Center:  Refugio Elisabetta from below 

Day 5: Refugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur

• Distance: 5.5 hours / 11.1 miles
• Height Gain:  1,509 feet / Height Loss: 5,118 feet
• Transport Options: Bus from La Visaille to Courmayeur (bad weather alternative), Cable car from Plan Checrouit to Courmayeur

This is also a short day, however with a lot of elevation loss towards the end of the day when you descend down into Courmayeur. The day starts with a descent from Elisabetta to Lake Combal situated below. After the lake, if the weather is bad, then it is advised to descend into Val Veni and continue walking the valley. There are buses available in the valley to take you to Courmayeur. If the weather is good, you can climb to the Mont Favre spur, the highest point of the trek at 7,972 feet and then continue on the high route, which has some really nice views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks from the opposite side of the mountain you saw on the first day. Once you reach Plan Checrouit, if your legs are a bit worn out, you can take a cable car down to Courmayeur. The cable car can save about 1,900 feet of elevation loss.   

Accommodation along route: Rifugio Maison Vieille (50 dortoir places / 3.75 hours), Rifugio le Randonneur (25 Dortoir places and some beds, 4 hours), Courmayeur (from high end hotels to low end pensions, Courmayeur has a wide range of accommodation - a good value for money is Hotel Crampon)

Accommodation:  La Scoiatollo is a four star hotel in the heart of town. As you have been roughing it on a few occasions to get to Courmayeur, why not treat your self. 

Left: Courmayeur Right: Lake Combal Center:  Looking into Val Veni

Day 6: Rest Day in Courmayeur

It’s possible to take the Funivie Monte Bianco from La Palud to Point Hellbronner and then continue on to Aiguille du Midi. Amazing views of Mont Blanc. You can return to Courmayeur the same day.

Day 7: Courmayeur to Refugio Bonatti

• Distance: 4.5 to 7 hours / 7.4 miles, 8.7 miles or 10 miles depending on route
• Height Gain: 2821, 4753 or 5239 feet / Height Loss: 2290 or 1804 by variants
• Transport Options: Bus from Courmayeur to La Vachey

One of the prettiest stages of the tour, the flank of Mont de la Saxe and the glaciers of Planpincieux and Frebouze are on display throughout most of the day. Running beneath you is the Val ferret. Also, keep you're eyes peeled for blueberry, which can be found off to the side of the path. Today, you have the choice to follow the new main route to Refugio Bonatti, which takes a lower path that avoids a lot of elevation gain, or one the old TMB routes, which rise higher and give even more impressive views of the Mont Blanc Massif. The alternative higher routes push you to 8,280 feet, whereas the main route levels out around 6,600 feet. The high route travels along the Mont de la Saxe crest and has been regarded by many as one of the best viewpoints of the south side of the Mont Blanc range. For the weary hikers, you can also take a bus to La Vachey and hike steeply 1.5 hours up to Rifugio Bonatti. 

Accommodation along route: Refugio Bertone (55 dortoir places, 14 beds / 2 hours) 

Accommodation:  Refugio Bonatti - 85 dortoir places plus double, triple and quadruple rooms with shared bathrooms. 

Left: Blueberrys on Mont Blanc in between Courmayeur and Refugio Bonatti Right: Mont Blanc Obscured by clouds and Glacier Planpincieux Center:  Looking back on the Val Ferret

Day 8: Refugio Bonatti to La Fouly 

• Distance: 6.5 hours / 12.4 Miles
• Height gain: 2,936 feet / Height loss: 4,625 feet
• Transport Options: Bus from La Vachey to Arnouva, Bus from Ferret to La Fouly

Today will be a bit tougher than yesterday. You will say goodbye to Italy and finally arrive into Switzerland. The first stretch from Bonatti to Refugio Elena has some slight elevation change as you descend back into the Val Ferret and allows you to enjoy the sweeping views of the Massif and the Val Ferret. After Elena, you will start the steep ascent to the Grand Col Ferret; waiting for you on the other side is Switzerland. At 8,323 feet, the Col Ferret is about the same height as Col de Seigne a few days earlier. In Switzerland, the big mountain views are replaced by a pastoral and agricultural setting. There is a charm to the Val Ferret, with cowbells often heard and tiny villages that seem to be stuck in time. If you are getting tired towards the end, there is a bus that runs from the town of Ferret to La Fouly. It saves about an hour of hiking time. I don’t recommend the first transport from La Vachey to Arnuva, because you would need to detour down into the valley to reach La Vachey, which has a lot of elevation change in a short amount of time. 

Accommodation along route: Chalet Val Ferret (14 beds / 1.5 hours), Refugio Elena (128 dortoir places, 15 beds / 2.25 hours and a good place to enjoy a coffee and a view of Glacier de Pre de Bar and Glacier de Triolet), Alpage de la Peule (30 places / 5 hours), Gite de la Lechere (27 dortoir places / 6 hours) / Various accommodation in La Fouly including Chalet le Dolent, Gite Les Girolles & Auberge des Glaciers (6.5 hours)

Recommended Accommodation –  Hotel Edelweiss has both dortoir and private beds with ensuite facilities. The hotel is a family affair and run by the Lonfat family. Excellent bar and restaurant, however keep in mind that the dortoir bookings eat separately from the private rooms. 

Left: Refugio Elena and Glacier de Pre de Bar Right: Wildflowers and the Val Ferret Center: The Val Ferret from the Grand Col Ferret

Day 9 : La Fouly to Champex 

• Distance: 4.5 hours / 9.3 Miles
• Height gain: 1,377 feet / Height loss: 1,853 feet
• Transport Options: Bus from La Fouly to Champex

This will probably be the easiest day of your tour. There are no passes or cols to conquer and you will be traveling through a valley most of the trek. Although there are few big mountain views here, there are several charming villages to pass through. After leaving La Fouly, you will begin a slow descent, passing by Praz de Fort before arriving at the low point of the trek in Issert. Flowers, bees and butterflies make this tiny hamlet in interesting stop before your steady descent through a forrest laden with wooden gnomes and mushrooms leading to Champex. If you are in need of a break, there is a bus from La Fouly to Champex; but this shouldn’t be a hard day to handle if you’re still feeling fit.   

Accommodation on Route: Chalet de la Deuve in Praz de Fort (dortoir and rooms / 2 hours), Several places in Champex including Pension on Plein Air (48 dortoir places and 25 beds), Au Club Alpin (25 dortoir places), Chalet du Jardin (8 dortoir places, 13 beds) and Camping Les Rocailles.

Accommodation –  Hotel Splendide two interconnected rooms with ensuite in one room (the single room needs to share the bathroom with the double). Confirmed without deposit needed.

Left: Leaving La Fouly a waterfall dominates the mountain side Right: Near Champex, many variations of wild mushrooms can be found Center: The reflective waters of Lake Champex

Day 10: Champex to Trient

• Distance: 5.5 hours / 9.5 Miles
• Height gain: 2,434 feet / Height loss: 2,237 feet
• Transport Options: Postbus and Train (Champex – Orsieres – Martigny – Forclaz)

Hikers have two options reach Trient. The main route goes over Col de Forclaz (5,006 feet), and then ascends higher to “Alp Bovine”, the highest point of the trek at 6,692 feet above sea level. Although perhaps not as spectacular as the alternative high route, the main route still impresses with views of the Town of Martigny which seems to be miles below. The path snakes its way across fields, meadows and forests and provides a good amount of elevation change and challenge. The higher route alternative, passing through Fenetre d’Arpette (8,743 feet) should only be attempted in good weather and without snow. It is the highest point on the TMB and there is some scrambling necessary at the top. Caution is advised. Still, the route has an amazing view or “window” onto a different landscape when you finally reach the top. Also, there is the view of Trient Glacier which is quite beautiful, although it is shrinking in size. 

Accommodation along route:  Auberge Bon Abri ( Our gite has one double bed room, 5 rooms with 6 beds and a large dormitory with 18 beds / 20 minutes), Alp Bovine (Emergency shelter, refreshments / 3.25 hours), Hotel de Forclaz (private rooms with and without ensuite bathroom / 5 hours)

Suggested Accommodation –  Hotel la Grande Ourse has both dortoir and private rooms. Located in Trient. 5.5 hours. 

Left: Alp Bovine refuge  Right: A twisting path leads through a forest in the Alp Bovine  Center: A cloud dangles over the Martigny Valley

Day 11: Trient to Argentiere 

• Distance: 6 hours / 9.4 Miles
• Height gain: 3,507 feet / Height loss: 3,864  feet (not including descent into Argentiere)
• Transport Options: Taxi from Tre Le Champ. 

Although there is a lot of elevation gain and loss, most of the trek, apart from the descent from Aiguillette de Posettes (7,221 feet), is at a relatively amicable angle. Today you will have the first glimpse of the Mont Blanc summit since leaving Refugio Bonatti. After passing Col de Balme, you will reenter France. If there is bad weather, head to Charmillion. If the weather is good, you can head north to Le Peuty. After reaching Tre le Champe, you can continue on to Argentiere if you desire private accommodation, a 25 minute detour off the main route. The Argentiere valley has a better infrastructure and more amenities. Alternatively, you could call a taxi from Tre le Champ and hitch a ride down to Argentiere.

Accommodation along route:  Le Peuty (37 dortoir places / 30 minutes), Refuge Col de Balme is not a reliable place to spend a night; electricity often doesn't work and the place is in a sad state of affairs , Auberge le Boerne (32 dortoir places), 

Accommodation –  Hotel de la Couronne is great for families. It features a few layouts with accommodation for two parents and two children. 

Left: Refuge Col de Balme sits pretty, however is not a reliable refuge Right: Mont Blanc returns to view near Col de Balme Center: Carins at the top of Aiguillette des Posettes

Day 12: Argentiere to Le Brevent

• Distance: 8 hours / 10 Miles 
• Height gain: 4,937 feet / Height loss: 843  feet (not including descent into Argentiere)
• Transport Options: Cable Car at Refugio Le Flegere, Cable Car at Plan Praz, Cable Car at Le Brevent  

Today has some of the best views of the entire tour. The main route goes to Refuge le Flegere via a series of ladders and metal steps hammered into stone. None of the ladders are higher than 30 feet or so, but for those that wish to avoid this section, there is an alternate route that goes through Col des Montets. The alternate route is a bit steeper and gains elevation quicker than the main route. Soon after the two routes come together there is another detour that goes to Lac Blanc. The lake provides a picturesque view of Mont Blanc with the lake set in the foreground – a good spot for a picture of the peak reflecting off the shimmering blue water. The trip to Lac Blanc does take an extra 45 minutes and adds about 600 feet of elevation gain and loss. After reaching Refuge le Flegere, you then have a decision to make. You can take a gondola down to finish your tour or you can continue on towards Le Brevent. If you do continue, in approximately two hours, you will reach another opportunity to take a cable car down to Chamonix at Plan Praz. It’s relatively flat from Flegere to Plan Praz, however afterwards the angle gets steeper on your final assent which takes an additional 2 hours. The final 200 meters is enclosed in a hollow where your vision is restricted (two ladders are on this section as well). You’ve seen the view from Le Brevent on the first day, and you will remember how stunning it was.

This route is designed so that you can have two chances to see Mont Blanc from arguably the best viewpoint of the tour. If the weather was bad on the first day, you have another chance today. Once you reach the top, you can take the gondola back down to Chamonix to complete your tour.  

Accommodation –  Le Morgane one superior room and one connected standard room for a single child (Bed and Breakfast) 

After leaving his corporate gig, Andrew has been traversing the world, finding adventure wherever he goes - like walking 500 miles (800 km) across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, hiking the 5 sacred mountains of China, biking 800 miles from Brussels to Florence and taking a 1850 miles (3000 km) road trip through Bolivia.

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Accommodation on the tour du mont blanc, what to pack for the tour du mont blanc, 15 insider tips for hiking the tour du mont blanc, trips related to this story, tour du mont blanc: in comfort.

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Our Managing Director, Andrew, has been to over 40 countries in his quest for the perfect adventure. He has biked the death road in Bolivia, trekked 500 miles across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, cycled from Brussels to Florence and hiked the five sacred mountains of China. Pygmy Elephant is how he spreads his love for adventure and self discovery in the world.

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Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 Days: Map, Stages & Accommodations

The Tour du Mont Blanc is an epic hiking experience that takes you through three countries – France, Italy, and Switzerland – in an intense week. This adventure invites you to measure yourself against the majesty of the Alps, crossing mountain passes such as the Col du Brévent, the Col de la Seigne, and the Col des Fours, while admiring the grand landscapes of Mont Blanc.

The route offers exceptional flexibility, allowing hikers to adjust the difficulty of their journey by varying the number of days. A seven-day tour represents a considerable challenge, with some long and strenuous stages, but offers unmatched rewards in terms of satisfaction and breathtaking panoramas. For those who prefer a gentler adventure, a ten-day tour provides a more relaxed alternative.

Accommodation along the route is varied and abundant, with a wide choice ranging from comfortable hotels to quaint gîtes, traditional mountain refuges , and even bivouac sites for the more adventurous. Prepare for total immersion in the wild splendor of the Alps, facing the vastness of Mont Blanc.

Day 1 (Option 1): Les Houches – Refuge de la Balme

Download the GPX track of the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/mSlFmJ4Qro

Elevation gain, altitude, and mileage of the stage

Elevation +

Elevation –

Max. Altitude

Min. Altitude

Stage Summary:

The first stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a 25-kilometer adventure that starts at Les Houches and ends at the Refuge de la Balme. After about 2h30 of walking from Les Houches, you will reach the Col de Voza, an initial challenge that will get you into the swing of things with about 660 meters of positive elevation gain over a distance of 6 to 7 kilometers, depending on your starting point. This first part of the route offers an impressive introduction to the beauty of the Alps and a first leg-stretcher for the rest of the tour.

After the Col de Voza, you will descend about 11 kilometers, with a negative elevation change of around 800 meters, to arrive in Les Contamines. This charming town is an ideal place to take a break, refresh with a local beer, and even spend the night if you prefer not to continue to the Refuge de la Balme. For those who choose to continue, there are still about 7 kilometers and 550 meters of positive elevation gain to reach the Refuge de la Balme. There, you can choose to sleep in the comfort of the refuge or experience a more rustic stay at the bivouac area.

Points of Interest for the Stage

Col de Voza

Where to Sleep?

Refuge de la Balme Bivouac area of Refuge de la Balme Possible to stop earlier in Les Contamines (camping or hotel)

Day 1 (option 2): Les Houches – Refuge de la Balme via the Col de Tricot variant

Download the GPX track of the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/rFQWJMXPXN

Summary of the Stage

The first stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers an exciting variant that goes through the Col du Tricot, adding an extra dimension to this alpine adventure. The first part of the stage remains the same as the classic route, with a walk of about 2h30 from Les Houches to the Col de Voza. This section of the route includes about 660 meters of positive elevation gain over a distance of 6 to 7 kilometers, depending on your starting point.

Once at the Col de Voza, you will have the choice of staying on the classic route or taking the variant via the Col du Tricot. If you choose the latter, you should prepare for about 600 meters of additional positive elevation gain over a distance of 6 kilometers to reach the Col du Tricot. This variant offers a more demanding hiking experience, but also more rewarding, with spectacular panoramic views of the Alps.

From the Col du Tricot, you have several options for the rest of your day. You can continue to the Refuge de la Balme to spend the night, offering a longer but also more rewarding end to the day. Alternatively, you can turn towards Les Contamines to shorten your day and spend the night there.

Col de Voza Col de tricot at 2120m

Day 2 (option 1): Refuge de la Balme > Chapieux > Les Mottets

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/pubLJ5t1su

The second stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc begins at the Refuge de la Balme and ends at the Refuge des Mottets. It follows the classic route of the tour.

The departure from the Refuge de la Balme leads to a climb of 650 meters of elevation gain over a distance of 4 kilometers to reach the Col du Bonhomme. Once at the pass, you will continue on the classic route of the tour, without taking the variant via the Col des Fours.

After the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, you will begin a descent of 4 kilometers with a negative elevation change of 800 meters to arrive at Chapieux. From there, you will continue calmly for about 6 kilometers to the Refuge des Mottets. Along the way, you can stop at the Ville des Glaciers, where it’s possible to stop at the alpine pasture to stock up on local cheese, a true delicacy of the region.

Once arrived at the Refuge des Mottets, you will have completed this stage of the tour. This is your last stop before crossing into Italy the next day. It is recommended to book in advance if you plan to sleep in the refuge. It is important to note that it is forbidden to bivouac on the refuge property, which is quite large. However, you can pitch your tents before the refuge at the level of the ruins (about 5/10 minutes before the refuge) or after starting the ascent towards the Col de la Seigne, just behind the first “peak” that is visible from the refuge.

Col du bonhomme Col de la croix du bonhomme

Refuge des Mottets Bivouac before the Refuge des Mottets at the level of the ruins. Set up your tents quickly as it fills up very fast. Bivouac after the Refuge des Mottets (directly after the first ascent towards the Col de la Seigne)

Day 2 (option 2): Refuge de la Balme > Col des Fours > Les Mottets

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/URWmZQHWLG

The beginning of the stage is the same as the classic route, starting from the Refuge de la Balme and ascending 650 meters of elevation gain over 4 kilometers to reach the Col du Bonhomme.

Continuing towards the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, you will then choose the variant that leads to the Col des Fours. This variant takes you to an altitude of 2665 meters, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Before embarking on this variant, it is essential to check the weather and the trail conditions in advance. Depending on the season, there can be a lot of snowfields, making some passages dangerous even in summer.

Once at the Col des Fours, you will begin a descent of 5 kilometers with a negative elevation change of 900 meters to arrive at the Ville des Glaciers. You can stop at the alpine pasture to stock up on local cheese, a true delicacy of the region, before continuing to the Refuge des Mottets.

The Refuge des Mottets is your last stop before crossing into Italy the next day. It is recommended to book in advance if you plan to sleep in the refuge. It is important to note that it is forbidden to bivouac on the refuge property, which is quite large. However, you can pitch your tents before the refuge at the level of the ruins (about 5/10 minutes before the refuge) or after starting the ascent towards the Col de la Seigne, just behind the first “peak” that is visible from the refuge.

Day 3: Les Mottets > Courmayeur

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/Twvax7D6iA

The third stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc will take you from France to Italy, crossing spectacular alpine landscapes. The stage begins at the Refuge des Mottets, and after only 4 kilometers and about 600 meters of positive elevation gain, you will reach the Col de la Seigne. This pass, perfect for waking up, marks your entry into Italy and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

After the Col de la Seigne, you will continue for about 9 to 10 kilometers through the beautiful Italian valley. This part of the route takes you through varied landscapes, including the picturesque Lake Combal and several mountain refuges. Each step of this stage offers a new view of the Alps, with constantly changing panoramas and opportunities for memorable photos.

Finally, you will begin a descent of 11 kilometers with a negative elevation change of 1260 meters to arrive in Courmayeur. This Italian town is a welcome resting place after this long stage. Courmayeur is full of hotels, perfect for recharging and preparing for the next stage of your adventure. Whether you choose to relax in a spa, taste local Italian cuisine, or simply rest, Courmayeur offers a perfect end to the day for this third stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Col de la Seigne Lake Combal

Hotels in Courmayeur

Campings outside Courmayeur

Day 4: Courmayeur > Refuge Elena

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/B3MhnslfBa

The fourth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a day that offers a mix of challenges and relaxation. Your day begins with a climb of about 800 meters of positive elevation gain over a distance of 4 to 5 kilometers, depending on your starting point. This initial climb is an excellent way to wake up and prepare for the day ahead.

Once this climb is completed, the rest of the day is relatively “quiet” compared to other stages. You will continue for about 12 kilometers, with 330 meters of positive elevation and 600 meters of negative elevation. This part of the route takes you through the beautiful Italian valley, offering spectacular views and a relaxing hiking experience.

Before arriving at the Refuge Elena, you will have about 2 kilometers and about 300 meters of positive elevation gain left. This last climb is a final challenge before ending the day. The Refuge Elena is a popular place to spend the night, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

It is important to note that you will need to book in advance to sleep at the Refuge Elena, as it fills up quickly and there are not many sleeping options in the vicinity. In Italy, bivouacking is prohibited below 2500 meters in altitude, so it is essential to plan ahead. This fourth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a balanced hiking experience, with physical challenges, beautiful landscapes, and moments of relaxation.

Italian Valley

Where to sleep?

Refuge Elena

Day 5: Refuge Elena > Champex

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/v4RKRYwRg3

The fifth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from the Refuge Elena to Champex-Lac, is a hiking day that offers both challenges and moments of relaxation. Although this stage is quite long and some parts may not be the most attractive of the tour, it nevertheless provides a rewarding hiking experience.

The day begins with a beautiful climb of about 500 meters of positive elevation over 2 kilometers to reach the Grand Col Ferret. This ascent marks your crossing into Switzerland, a moment to celebrate, but also to consider for your phone’s internet data, as Switzerland may not be included in your European plan depending on the operator.

From the Grand Col Ferret, a descent of about 20 kilometers and 1600 meters of negative elevation awaits you. This descent brings you closer to Champex-Lac, your destination for the night. It’s worth noting that part of this stage can be done by bus by taking the shuttle at Ferret or La Fouly, which can be an attractive option for those wishing to save some energy.

You then have 6 kilometers and 600 meters of positive elevation remaining to reach the Relais de l’Arpette, where you will spend the night. It is also possible to sleep at the Camping des Rocailles in Champex, which is located about 45 minutes before the Relais de l’Arpette.

Grand Col Ferret (Italy/Switzerland border) Option to take the shuttle at Ferret to Champex and avoid walking for 4 hours Supermarket in La Fouly to restock if needed

Relais de l’Arpette Camping des rocailles (in Champex)

Day 6 (option 1): Champex > Col de Balme (via La Forclaz) > Tré le Champs.

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/f8P8nDc8xt

The sixth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from Champex to Tré le Champ, is a quite hard hiking day even without taking the variant via the Fenêtre d’Arpette. This stage also marks your return to France.

Your day begins with a climb towards the Col de la Forclaz, followed by another ascent to the Col de la Balme. The Col de la Balme is a highlight of this stage, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The refuge here is a beautiful place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The passage at the Col de la Balme also marks the border with France, another significant milestone of your journey.

After enjoying the Col de la Balme and a drink at the refuge, you will begin a descent of about 6 kilometers with 700 meters of negative elevation to reach Tré le Champ and the Auberge de la Boerne. This descent offers another opportunity to enjoy the alpine landscapes while approaching your destination for the night.

It’s important to note that you need to book your night at the Auberge de la Boerne in advance, as it fills up quickly. The bivouac area is not the largest, so it’s advised to set up your tents quickly. Once settled, you can enjoy a wonderful meal at the inn and take advantage of the showers if you wish.

Col de la Forclaz Col de la Balme

Auberge de la Boerne (hostel) Auberge de la Boerne (camping)

Day 6 (option 2): Champex > Col de Balme (via Fenêtre d’Arpette) > Tré le Champs

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/iIoAINv20C

The sixth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from Champex to Tré le Champ with the variant via the Fenêtre d’Arpette, is considered one of the hardest of the Tour, but also one of the most beautiful and rewarding.

Starting from Champex, you’ll begin a climb over 6 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1100 meters. This ascent is a challenge in itself, with some complicated passages to reach the Fenêtre d’Arpette, and the trail can be difficult to follow. It’s essential to be cautious on the way, check the weather and trail conditions beforehand carefully. Some passages may still be snow-covered and dangerous if the weather is not favorable.

Once you reach the Fenêtre, take the time to rest and savor your accomplishment. You then have a descent of about 4 kilometers with 1000 meters of negative elevation before arriving at the Chalet des Glaciers. Here, you can reward yourself with a cheese crust and a good beer.

After a well-deserved break, you’ll embark on another ascent to the Col de la Balme, about 2 kilometers with approximately 600 meters of elevation gain. The view and refuge here are magnificent, and it’s recommended to make the most of it.

Finally, you have “only” 6 kilometers and 800 meters of negative elevation to reach Tré le Champ. As always, make sure to book your night in advance, whether in a refuge or bivouac, as these places fill up quickly. The bivouac area is not the largest, so it’s advised to set up your tents quickly. Once settled, you can enjoy a wonderful meal at the inn and take advantage of the showers if you wish. This stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers an unforgettable hiking experience, with physical challenges, breathtaking views, and well-deserved moments of relaxation.

Fenêtre d’Arpette Col de la Balme

Day 7: Tré le Champs > Les Houches

Download the GPX track for the stage: https://www.visugpx.com/3kIaPa8PzP

Congratulations! You’ve reached the seventh and final stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from Tré le Champ to Les Houches. It’s a flexible day, adaptable to your needs and desires, whether in terms of accommodation, transport, or difficulty level.

If you choose to descend to Les Houches, prepare for a full day. However, many “exits” are available along the way, allowing you to adjust your day according to your physical condition and desires.

You have the option to take the cable car from La Flégère to Chamonix, offering a quick descent and a stunning view of the valley. Another option is to take the cable car from Brévent to Chamonix, another way to enjoy the view without the effort of descending.

If you feel up to it, you can also choose to walk down to Chamonix before the ascent of Brévent. This option allows you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the route, while offering one last physical challenge.

During this day, you will pass through the Aiguillette d’Argentière and its ladders, as well as the Col du Brévent. Both points offer spectacular views and are highlights of this final stage.

Whichever option you choose, this last stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, enjoy the last beautiful views, and finish your adventure in style.

Aiguillette d’Argentière Col du Brévent

Les Houches Chamonix Option to take the cable car from La Flégère to Chamonix Option to take the cable car from Brévent to Chamonix Option to walk down to Chamonix before the ascent of Brévent (expect 1h30 to 2h of steep descent)

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This article was written by Hugo, a hiking enthusiast and co-creator of TMB-Guide.com. This site is your gateway to your adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc. We strive to share as much information as possible about the Tour to help hikers prepare for their trips.

Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 days

The tour du mont blanc in 4 days.

In our opinion, this accessible hike is without doubt the most beautiful way to discover trekking. Experience the joys of a multi-day hike in the magnificent setting of the Mont Blanc mountain range!

With views of a range of superb landscapes, contemplate the most beautiful sights the Alps have to offer. The recipe for a simple life in the open air, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This trek allows a gentle discovery of the Tour du Mont Blanc with its forests, mountain pastures, villages and glaciers… Get away from it all on one of the most beautiful treks in the world.

Your consultant

The advantages of the TMB in 4 days

Departure from, date of departure, accomodation, the programme in detail, day 1: les houches – bionnassay.

Today, you will meet the group and your guide in front of the Bellevue cable car at 9 am. The day begins with a climb through the forest, until you reach the summit of Prarion (1969m), from which you can enjoy a first 360° panorama.

Descent to the Fioux refuge for the night.

Day 2: Bionnassay – Les Contamines

Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

Day 4: Les Chapieux – Courmayeur

Useful information

Luggage transport.

Between 6 and 8 hours’ walking per day throughout the trek, with some more difficult sections, particularly at the start of the season when the snow is still present. You should be able to climb at least 1,000 m (3 200ft.)a day for several days in a row.

Directions and accommodation

Directions to the starting point : Meet at Bellevue cable car station at 9 am on Day 1.

You can leave your vehicle in the Prarion car park a few meters above. It is a free outdoor car park.

> Map to get to the starting point

Return to the starting point: Bus from Place Monte Bianco in Courmayeur to Chamonix, or taxi. Then bus, train or taxi from Chamonix. Return from Courmayeur not included in the price of the stay.

Bus timetables at the Chamonix tourist office ([email protected] +33(0)4 50 53 00 24) or Courmayeur ([email protected] 00 39 01 65 84 20 60).

Accommodation before and after the trek:

• Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 40 10
• Hotel du Bois – 475 Avenue des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 50 35
• Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 42 28

Even if you choose to do it in summer, it can get cold on the TMB! We strongly recommend that you pack clothes suitable for a multi-day hike, such as:

• A windproof and waterproof jacket
• Walking trousers.

The terrain is varied and we recommend you wear walking boots that protect your ankles.

The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons.

For more information, voir notre our special TMB equipment page.

The Comfort cancellation contract covers you in the case of cancellation before your departure and/or a missed flight.

The Comfort multi-risk contract includes:

• Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
• Missed flight and flight delay
• Luggage and personal belongings option
• Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
• Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
• Individual travel accident option
• Third-party liability abroad
• Impossible return and early return

The COVID contract includes:

• Cancellation due to illness 30 days before departure
• Cancellation due to denied boarding
• Remote consultation before departure
• Medical repatriation
• Hotel costs and medical fees
• Psychological support
• Grocery deliveries and home help

To book, you must:

• Click on one of the “book this trek” links and select the insurance, and date options.
• To pay by cheque : please make it out to WATSE and send to: WATSE – 63 avenue de la gare – 74170 Saint Gervais les Bains Le Fayet – France.
• To pay by bank transfer : contact us for our bank details.
• To pay by debit card : your invoice will be in your online account as soon as your payment has been confirmed by the bank. You will then be able to pay the balance directly from your account.
• Pay a 30% deposit or the balance for your trek
• Print out the booking form then fill it in, sign it and send it back to us by email or post. Your reservation will only be effective when 30% of the total cost is credited to WATSE’s bank account.
• The balance must be paid at least one month before departure without a reminder from us.

Dates and prices

Included in the price.

• Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
• Accommodation in dormitories, as described in the trek programme
• Half board, as described in the trek programme
• Packed lunches prepared by a chef
• Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
• Luggage transfer every night
• Showers in the accommodations

Not included in the price

• Transport to and from the start of the trek
• Drinks other than water served with meals
• Any private transport or cable car tickets not included in the trek programme
• Assistance and cancellation insurance, to subscribe at the time of booking
• Anything not listed in “Included in the price”

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Welcome to the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

3 countries, one identity, 10,000 m in altitude and about 60 hours of walking, 170 km of discovery for a total of 10 days of satisfaction!

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Tour du Mont Blanc

Alpage de Porcherey

Alpage de la Peule

Rifugio Bertone

Update on the condition of the trails around Mont Blanc

Summer 2024

Mild weather and pleasant temperatures in this period of mid-june. the snowfields are rapidly …, starting from july 14th and until 30/10/21 it is forbidden to circulate by bicycle (including mtm ….

Una bella esperienza ad ovest

Gran bel trekking, non troppo impegnativo (dipende dai tempi e dal passo). Una bella occasione per godere di un panorama incredibile che ad ogni versante regala emozioni nuove. Noi l'abbiamo fatto tranquillamente in 8 giorni in …

Bonjour On vient de terminer le tour du mont blanc en famille avec 3 enfants de 10/11 et 13ans. Les conditions étaient excellentes. Juste un névé au Brevent où on a mis les crampons pour assurer la sécurité des enfants. …

Bonjour Je viens de terminer le TMB . Excellentes conditions météorologiques. 1 jour de pluie et col de balme brouillard et vent Des névés par endroits donc attention : col du bonhomme et brevent.et par ci par la Pour ma…

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Tour du Mont Blanc Trail Conditions Full Report

16th june 2024.

Vic Chelton one of our experienced guides has been out on the Tour du Mont Blanc this week to experience the current conditions. This is what she has to say...

The Alpine trekking Season has officially started and Conditions on the trails of the TMB are Tough at the present Moment.

Another year of  Heavy Snowfall  from March - April Followed by a wet and cold spring have made Trekking in June Tougher than previous years.

Having been out exploring the cols (mountain passes) and trail conditions. 

2024 Season is much more Challenging than a regular June.

There is a lot of deep snow Above 2000m , which means passing through any of the high cols involves winter style trekking.

For the most part of June, there will be a lot of time for hiking on snow.

For your own safety it's compulsory to be well equipped with good footwear, trail spikes/ lightweight crampons and trekking poles. 

Most of the trails above 2000m involve spending most of time hiking on snow.

This season the snow still remains deep and consistent.

However there is a remarkable amount of people out travelling the TMB, the busiest June I have seen in 16 yrs guiding on this route.

Therefore there are good tracks to follow through any of the snow fields/ passages making route finding and snow conditions easier to follow.

However there are some sections that require a steady head and good equipment, the tracks are easy to follow but a slip could be fatal in some areas.

Below 2000m due to a wet spring the trail conditions are very muddy which can make hiking equally more challenging.

As the temperatures become warmer, the snow conditions will become more problematic, as  holes will appear mostly around gully beds and stream crossings. 

The consistent snow above 2000m presently means the actual main trail is buried, but easy to follow as many people have created a track to follow in the snow.

Equally as the snow start to melt, route finding will  need more focus and additionally create more muddy paths until the summer weather dries out the terrain.

In this report I give an update of notable points for some of the main sections and high cols also logistics to provide advice to aid your journey.

Equally as the TMB is very busy, it's also a great opportunity to chat with fellow trekkers and also ask each local refuge/ hotel for updated information as the weather and conditions continue to change.

Mont Blanc Treks will also keep a blog updated for important information .

Chamonix to Les Houches: The planpraz / Brevent lift only opened on Saturday 15th of June. So there haven't been many people trekking in this area.

There is still a lot of snow above 2000m and even on the starting path heading  up to col du Brevent there are some very big snow fields. Which are difficult to pass.

It's highly recommended to avoid taking this high level route as the section from Planpraz to Brevent has some exposed technical terrain which currently has a lot of snow . It will need some time for snow to melt to make it safe. 

Information will be updated.

It is safer and advisable to follow one of the lower level routes. 

For example; the trail starts from Chamonix up to the Brevent lift parking area then continues leftwards following signposts eventually arriving onto the main trail of Petit Balcon Sud .

From here follow the signs and the trail up to the Parc Merlet .

Then descend down to Les Houches

It is a wonderful way to ease your body into the first day of trekking .

Also gain some height and some great views of ....The Majestic Mont Blanc. 

If the weather allows. 

Les Houches to Les Contamines: After leaving the Village of Les Houches it's recommended to take the cable car of Bellevue as the hike up through the ski area is not so inspiring.

The lift opens at 07.30 and the price is 18 euros for a one way ticket / Aller simple.

The trail starting from the top of the Bellevue Lift up to the Col Du Tricot is snow free.

However the trail is very muddy, due to a wet and cold spring.

The passerelle/ suspension bridge is In place.

It is important to note that a new path was created 2 yrs ago .

Around the altitude of 18-1900m, see photo below.

It heads rightwards and zig zags up to Col du Tricot.

The old direct path has a lot of snow debris and is suffering from erosion. Therefore it's important to follow the signs and take the rightward trail.

The descent from Col du Tricot has no snow but the path is currently wet and muddy, so a slow descent.

The refuge of Chalet du Miage is open, so worthy of a break for a taste of it's famous myrtille tart or to buy the best omelette you will ever eat, if time allows.

It's another 2 hours minimum on trails without snow but maybe wet and muddy  to arrive at the beautiful village of Les Contamines..

If you have bag transfer arranged you do not need to carry your hiking spikes/ crampons for this day as it will not involve crossing snow.

Les Contamines to Chapieux & Refuge Mottets: This one of the toughest days of the tour. Be well prepared to spend at least 5-6 hrs Trekking on snow.

The path is snow free up to around 2000m up to the notable rockpile of the Plan des Dames. 50m beyond here the snow line starts

There is a small snow patch to cross just after arriving at the obvious power line tower 30 mins uphill after passing the Refuge la Balme

It's easily crossable about 50m wide ,but be wary of holes in the snow as it has a  big river below as you traverse, so attention is needed.

The refuge La Balme is opening soon for a last water refill  to get enough for the rest of the day. 

Equally use the Toilets and water fountain just before arriving at the refuge.

When you arrive at the rockpile of the Plan de dames 2000m, expect to be on Snow for 5 hrs.

Currently there is a large quantity of snow and many people have passed through so there is a very obvious trail to follow on the snow.

The snow is very forgiving and depending on the weather and conditions it can be possible to walk on without using spikes/ crampons up to the col du Bohomme as the track is well packed in. Equally it may be better to use your spikes depending on if you feel better with extra traction.

Photos are included to show you the route up to the Col du Bonhomme 2329m.

It is winter conditions at the moment so make sure you have lots of warm clothing.

The section between Col du Bonhomme and the highest point of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme is where much care and focus is needed.

It will take about 45mins to 1hr of traversing on continuous snow. The first 20 mins after leaving the Col du Bonhomme there are some very exposed slopes to cross with a good track to follow, but spikes/crampons are essential from this point onwards.  

Currently the volume of snow makes it easier to follow the trail and easier.

However, be warned that as the snow melts over the next few weeks, this section of trail will become more problematic as holes will emerge and route finding will be less obvious. Extra  focus is needed to follow the painted markers and signs.

From the highest point of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme 2483m.

You will see the junction to Col des Fours...... Do not attempt  to pass this direction. Its too dangerous with snow cover. It will need to be completely snow free so maybe in 3-4 weeks it will be possible

Head down to Les Chapieux passing the refuge of Bonhomme which is open for refreshments and toilets.

Expect 1.5hrs / 2hrs descent mostly on snow until 2000m , then can remove your spikes

Then expect some muddy trails to finish your day. 

If you are staying at the Refuge Mottets walk up the road to Ville des Glaciers & on to the refuge, allow 1h 30mins. See info in paragraph below.

There is very limited or zero telephone signal for most of this day an not any signal until at least you arrive into italy. Wifi can be paid for at the small shop in Les Chapieux. But be prepared to be without telephone signal for 24hrs at least.

It's important to ask the locals on current conditions to head up the valley to Refuge Mottets.

Currently it's only possible to hike up the road to the Ville des glacier . For The Moment it is unsafe to use the alternative trail on the right side of the valley. It has avalanche debris and can be prone to rockfall and landslide until the snow fully melts. 

A preferred option is to use the navette mini bus from Les Chapieux to avoid the long walk on a road to start your trekking day from ville des Glaciers.

It costs 4 euros and runs from 15th June to 15th september.

Check the timetable in the hamlet next to the toilet block, normally the first bus departs around 8 am.

From Ville des Glaciers the track is easy until the junction from Refuge Mottets. 

Here the ascent begins up to the Col de la Seigne 2516m, the border crossing into Italy.

You will very quickly have many snow patches to cross and will eventually be on snow for 4hrs of the day. So Spikes/ crampons are essential. 

From the high point of Col de la Seigne its winter conditions and the current descent path is not the regular summer route as Its full snow cover.

After around 10-15 mins descending from the col .

Pay attention to look for a path junction, the normal summer trail heads right passing the environmental museum.

However for the moment it is better to stay direct / leftwards and descend on the snow slopes to arrive at the bridge at around 2800m.

As the snow melts the regular summer trail to the Environment museum will be better but only until the snow has melted.  

From the bridge there are small regular snow patches to cross, but can be done without spikes, as easily crossable.

When you get to the junction up to the Elisabetta Refuge it worth a 10 min hike to enjoy your first Italian treat.

Pay attention after 10 mins descending down from the refuge as there is a current snow passage which is best to followed on the right or direct down. Its covering the main 4x4 trail and is not a good way to pass.

When you arrive at the Valley 4x4 track it is simple hiking.

It is possible to take the alternative high route to Maison Vieille but more snow will be encountered.

It is better to head down the valley to arrive at La Visaille and take the bus to Courmayer.

There is currently a bus every hour at 40 minutes past the hour.

Timetables changes on 28th june

Then the bus runs every 30 minutes

https://arriva.it/app/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/000931-CourmayeurValVeny-1.pdf

Its free of charge.

Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti & the Val Ferret: This day is mostly snow free as it stays around an altitude of 2000m, however; some small snow patches may need to be crossed.

Particularly crossing any river beds/ gullies.

Do not attempt to take the high level route over the Mont Saxe ridge.

It's not safe due to the snow conditions for at least another 4 weeks.

Val Ferret to La Fouly: The Grand Col Ferret 2537m is one of the days that needs great attention. There is a lot of snow the higher you go with winter conditions at the col. Be prepared for walking on snow for most of the day.

A few small sections are exposed so need to passed with full equipment, fully focused and a steady head.

There is a very obvious track crossing any snow encountered which provides a track to follow, but in some places the track is narrow so extra care is needed, moving slowly and surely is important on this day.

From the head of the valley (Arnouva) at 1784m the climb to col begins. You have 2 options, if you take the left route to the refuge Elena is easy much easier and safer via a wide 4x4 track.

If you choose to take the right hand trail it's more complicated. The path is full of mud to start and there currently is 3-4 short but very exposed gully sections on snow to be crossed.

As the snow melts the main problem will be the huge gaps that appear between the earth and the snow patches. They are short crossings on snow but dangerous to pass as to slip here could be serious.

Taking the 4x4 track would maybe take a bit longer but will be stress free.

Also on the higher route 100m below Elena refuge the bridge is not in place. The gully is full of snow, currently easy to pass. This will become a problem when the snow melts until the bridge is back installed.

Elena refuge has delayed opening beacuse of the snow, they open on 1st July.

The trail from Elena refuge to the Grand col Ferret is a mix of snow patches, some are exposed. On the sections without snow there is a lot of mud. Also due to snow patches, the main path l is not being fully followed. 

Have your Microspikes at the top of your bag and allow extra time for putting them on and off. At 2485m it is full winter conditions & the track from this point to reach the Col will be on snow.

There is a 100m section before arriving at the col that needs extra attention, as you will need to make a traverse on exposed snow slopes. 

There is a track to be followed as many people are passing. You must stay focused with each step on this section to arrive at the Grand Col Ferret safely.

The descent from the Col is winter snow conditions all the way to you arrive to the Swiss refuge of La Peule. 

There is a short section on the trail 20-30 mins before you arrive at the refuge around 2200m with a 100m section that is more exposed. But the descent despite the snow is easily passed. 

The descent after the La Peule refuge is relaxed. It is better to follow the 4x4 trail and onwards to Ferret or La Fouly

La Fouly to Champex Lac: From La Fouly the trek stays at a much lower altitude so passing snow is not an issue.

Champex Lac to Trient: Do not go via the Fenetre d'Arpette , the col is very steep at the top on both sides and it is extreamly dangerous at the moment. This route will not be passable for at least another 4 weeks.

The Bovine route is your only option on this day. Due to raising temperatures and snow melt crossing rivers needs care & atention. The path from Champex Lac towards the Bovine Refuge has 2 river crossings that need to be passed safely.

Also the section of path regularly gets flooded around the altitude of. 15-1600m metres at altitude. Be prepared to cross the 100m section in barefoot, maybe pack any extra pair of dry socks on this day to keep your feet in good condition.

After Bovine follow the well marked trail to the Col Forclaz & on to the village of Trient. A perfect opportunity to share some chat with your fellow trekkers in its bar/ social space.

Trient to Argentiere: From the village of Trient the easiest passage is to head directly up to the Col du Balme. Follow signs in SW direction to the end of the road and trail easy to find. There is a wonderful refuge with great cakes that sits on the border of France and SwitzerLand. Descent from here is long but the paths are easy to walk and follow.

Argentiere to Chamonix: It's too early to take the famous ladder route and to visit Lac Blanc, there is just too much snow. Take the route from the village centre, direction Chalet Cheserys & Flégère.

After passing Flegere ski station, continue for 2 more hours to the Planpraz cable car.

Finally it's time to take the lift down to complete your journey.

You may encounter some snow passages on this final section.

Last lift is at 17h00

Bon Courage, stay safe & you will experience a trip of a lifetime 💪

Also see our Facebook & Instagram page for video footage.

By Victoria Chelton

Uimla guide.

Vic has lived and worked in the European Alps since 2007 and has a total passion for these stunning mountains. Originally from the beautiful Lake District she grew up in the British mountains & hiked, climbed & ran from peak to peak. An excellent guide and climbing instructor, Vic has a wealth of experience on these trails.

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• Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

The 170km Tour du Mont Blanc trek is steeped in history and dramatic beauty. Winding through France, Italy and Switzerland , you'll visit quaint alpine villages and trek over high mountain passes with stunning views.

The trail takes you through some of the most dramatic and diverse alpine landscapes in the world, showcasing pristine lakes, lush valleys, imposing glaciers and majestic peaks.  Additionally, the chance to witness the iconic Mont Blanc , Western Europe's highest peak, up close is a sight that leaves a lasting impression and serves as a powerful motivator for taking on this remarkable adventure.

Featured Tour du Mont Blanc Trips

Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc

Italy , France

Our unique high-level way to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc

12 days from

US$3,575 without flights

Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Hotel based one week Alpine walking holiday around Mont Blanc, including all meals and luggage transfers

8 days from

US$3,250 without flights

Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

Experience the classic Tour du Mont Blanc route in the freedom of your own pace on this self guided walking holiday

US$2,790 without flights

Self-Guided 2 Week Tour du Mont Blanc

Experience the classic Tour du Mont Blanc route at a more relaxed pace with rest days in Courmayeur and Champex

14 days from

US$3,170 without flights

Classic Tour du Mont Blanc

The complete classic walk around Mont Blanc, staying in hotels and with full baggage support

US$4,075 without flights

Highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc

The highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Mont Blanc itself. Standing at 4,808m (15,781 feet), it is Western Europe's highest peak and an iconic symbol of the Alps.

Enjoy the iconic Lac Blanc in Chamonix

While taking on the rigours of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek there is plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of places such as Lac Blanc with its stunning glacial lake nestled in the Chamonix Valley of the French Alps. Surrounded by rugged peaks and lush Alpine meadows, it offers a mesmerising mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Mont Blanc itself.

Immerse yourself in the mountain cultures of France, Italy and Switzerland

As you traverse through beautiful Alpine villages and interact with the locals, you'll experience the warmth and authenticity of these communities in all three countries that you pass through. Each country brings its own unique flavour to the journey, from France's rustic charm to Italy's culinary delights and Switzerland's efficiency and precision. The cultural diversity along the trail adds an enriching dimension to the trek.

Five reasons to take on the Tour du Mont Blanc trek

If you are looking for a challenging  Alpine adventure with in Europe's most famous mountain range, look no further than the Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

Breathtaking Views

Once you reach the high mountain passes and look out at the stunning valleys below, the hard work you put in will all be worth it. On a clear day, you will be met with panoramic views that extend far and wide, encompassing the Jura, Vosges, Black Forest, and Massif Central mountain ranges, in addition to the principal summits of the Alps.

Wonderful Wildlife

During your Tour du Mont Blanc trek, it's quite likely that you'll encounter a variety of magnificent Alpine wildlife. The rocky terrain serves as a home for chamois, creatures reminiscent of goat-antelopes, and marmots, resembling beavers, while snakes and lizards slither in the overgrowth. Make sure to keep your eyes on the skies for wonderful bird species such as golden eagles and bearded vultures.

Wild Alpine Meadows

Nestled high among the craggy peaks, alpine meadows paint a picture of nature's artistry. These verdant sanctuaries, carpeted in lush grasses and jewelled with wildflowers, defy the harsh mountain environment. They're a testament to life's tenacity, offering a haven to rare flora and fauna while enchanting adventurers with their serene beauty.

You Can Bring the Whole Family

We know that taking two weeks away from the parent duties isn’t always a possibility, so we have created an itinerary especially for families with children who want to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc. Enjoy the varied mountain cultures of France, Italy and Switzerland, and introduce your children to the wonders of mountain trekking. Create beautiful memories that the whole family will be talking about for years to come!

Sense of Achievement

One of the main reasons to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is for the massive sense of accomplishment you will feel at the end of it. This epic trek demands not only physical endurance but also a mental tenacity that will leave you with an unparalleled feeling of achievement. As you traverse the diverse landscapes and face the rugged terrain, you'll accumulate over 35,000 feet in elevation gain and loss throughout the entire circuit. To put it into perspective, this elevation change surpasses the height of Mount Everest.

More Information About a Tour du Mont Blanc

The best time for a tour du Mont Blanc trek is in the summer (from June to September.) In the winter months, most trekking routes are coated in a thick layer of snow.

With thousands of metres of ascent and descent there's no getting around this being a serious challenge. You do need a level of fitness and we would recommend doing a bit of trekking before, but our guides are on hand to help you so limited technical knowledge is required. Many of our team have done the Tour du Mont Blanc trek so would be happy to offer advice if you call the office.

Our guided tour du Mont Blanc holidays are led by an experienced and qualified mountain leader. There is also a support vehicle for baggage transfer.

Alternatively we have offer a Self-Guided Tour Du Mont Blanc trek for those looking for a little more independence.

Most of our Mont Blanc holidays start in Chamonix. Arriving by air: Fly to Geneva Airport and make use of an airport transfer service. Arriving by rail: Train tickets can be booked through to Chamonix Arriving by road: If you are driving to Chamonix we will provide route details and directions to the group hotel in the Chamonix Valley.

The water in many of the huts and hotels is drinkable without being treated. However in some of the higher and less accessible huts the water is not suitable for drinking. Here you will need to purchase bottles of water. Your leader or guide will be able to let you know when to fill up your water bottles and when you will need to buy bottled water.

In the Alps, there is no porter system like the ones found in Nepal and Peru, where local porters are commonly hired to carry gear for trekkers and climbers. On trips such as our  Classic Tour du Mont Blanc , your main luggage is transferred between overnight stops by vehicle. On our high level treks and climbs, where we stay in mountain huts inaccessible by road, you will have to carry everything you need for the trip. However, given that all necessary bedding etc. is provided in the huts, your pack on these holidays does not need to be more than a manageable 10kg. For our  Mont Blanc Climbing  trip, on summit day, you will carry only what you need for the climb.

The French Grande Randonnée are maintained long distance trails. The general assumption is that walkers on these routes should not require technical climbing skills to follow them and any obstacles such as cliffs or rock steps are equipped with chains or wires or ladders, designed to facilitate walkers. On the Mont Blanc Circuit there is a short section of ladders encountered on the climb to Lac Blanc and you can see what they are like in our online gallery for the  Classic Tour du Mont Blanc  (TMH).

Yes and many people do! If you have time it is well worth spending some extra days in the beautiful locations of the start and end points of our Alps tours.  Just let us know and we can easily arrange extra nights for you at the group hotel.

Getting to the group hotel from Geneva Airport couldn’t be simpler. You just make an online booking with  mountaindropoffs.com . They will meet you at Geneva airport and take you right to the hotel door. Transfers have to be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

There is wifi available at the group hotel (first and last night of the holidays), however during the trips it is not common for wifi to be available, especially on trips where you are in mountain huts.

Phone signal is available in the Chamonix Valley and it is present in most places on the Tour Du Mont Blanc trips. The only places where there may not be signal is in the mountain huts and on the higher mountain passes.

The actual group size depends largely on the availability of beds in the huts. Generally our Mont Blanc trekking groups are maximum of 10.

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• PRIVATE TRIPS

FITNESS LEVEL

Moderately Challenging

To\nenjoy\nthe\nTour\ndu\nMont\nBlanc,\nyou\nshould\nwork\non\ndeveloping\nyour\nhiking\nendurance\nby\nfocusing\nyour\nfitness\nprogram\non\nleg\nstrength\nand\ncardio\nfitness.\nThe\nchallenge\nis\nprimarily\nsteep\nascents\nand\ndescents\nas\nwell\nas\nlong-distance\nwalking\nwith\nloaded\nbackpacks.

*You\nshould\ndedicate\nat\nleast\n1\nday\na\nweek\nto\nspecifically\ntraining\nfor\nthis\nexperience.\n

Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

THE WORLD-FAMOUS TREKKING EXPERIENCE CROSSING FRENCH, SWISS AND ITALIAN ALPS.

Our LHO Tour du Mont Blanc offers a trail experience that raises the bar on trekking adventures globally! We meticulously curate our routes to showcase the most beautiful views of the French, Italian, and Swiss Mont Blanc regions. Our distinctive accommodations, situated both high in the hills and in charming villages, provide a unique backdrop to the journey. If that isn't enough, the meals included in this adventure add a culinary twist to an already extraordinary trip. It's little wonder that this experience is one of the most popular LHO adventures on our calendar.

SKILLS PROFILE

No Requirements

DESTINATION

ACCOMMODATION

Lodge (4 Nights)

Mountain\nlodges,\nalso\nknown\nas\nmountain\nhuts,\nare\nthe\nonly\navailable\naccommodations\non\nthe\nmajority\nof\nthis\ntrail.\nThey\nare\nreasonably\ncomfortable\nand\nusually\nquite\nunique.\nAmenities\nin\nthe\nmountain\nhuts\ninclude\na\nfully\nfunctioning\nrestaurant/bar\narea,\nbeds\nwith\npillows\nand\nduvets,\na\ngear\nroom,\nand\nindoor\ntoilets.\nThese\naccommodations\nare\nusually\ndorm-style\nand\nare\nnot\nnormally\ngender\nsegregated.\n

Hotel (3 Nights)

We\nuse\ncarefully\nselected\n3*\nhotels\nin\nthe\nChamonix\nValley\nand\nCourmayeur\nValley\nthat\nare\ntrendy\nand\nmeet\nour\nstandards\nof\nservice\nand\ncleanliness.\nLHO\nuses\ndouble,\ntriple,\nor\nquadruple\noccupancy\nrooms\nin\nour\nstandard\npackage.\nSingle\nrooms\nare\navailable\nin\nthe\nChamonix\nValley\non\nrequest.\n

ACCOMMODATIONS

Lodge Hotel

Thoughtfully curated to ensure that every highlight of the 170 KM trek around Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland, and Italy is not missed.

Guided by our expert Team Leaders in close collaboration with our carefully selected local guides to ensure an immersive, well-planned, and worry-free adventure.

Uniquely chosen accommodations that infuse charm and comfort into even the most remote parts of this trail.

Dates & Prices

DATE & STATUS

TEAM LEADER

AVAILABILITY

Jun 23 2024 - Jun 30 2024

£ 2,950 £ 2,800

Jul 6 2024 - Jul 13 2024

Jul 27 2024 - Aug 3 2024

Aug 10 2024 - Aug 17 2024

Sep 7 2024 - Sep 14 2024

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP

• Dedicated LHO Team Leader/Photographer
• Carefully Selected AMM or IFMGA Guides
• All accommodations throughout the Itinerary
• Trendy, comfortable Hotel in the Chamonix Valley
• Trendy, comfortable Hotel in the Courmayeur Valley
• Selected Mountain Hut Accommodation on Trekking Days
• Hut to Hut baggage transfer up to 10 KG
• All Meals Throughout the Trip
• All Cable Car/Train Passes Within the Itinerary
• Airport Transfers Between Geneva and Chamonix
• All Transportation Within the Itinerary
• Fitness and Nutrition Guides
• Gear Shopping Assistance
• LHO Base Camp (Office) Support

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP

• International Flights and Entry Visas
• Tips/Gratuities to the Local Team
• Personal Gear and Rentals
• Personal Medical/Travel Insurance/Cancellation Insurance
• Individual Departure from the Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO CHAMONIX

Our itinerary begins with your arrival day. If you’re flying into Geneva airport, our transfer partners will meet you there and take you to our hotel in the Chamonix Valley. Our airport transfer is included between 6:30 am and 7:30 pm, please inform LHO Base Camp of your arrival and departure times. For those meeting us directly at the hotel, your LHO Team Leader will be there to greet you. Hotel check-in typically begins at 3 pm, but if you arrive early, you can store your bags and explore the area. Your Team Leader will send you a list of things to do in Chamonix closer to the time. If you need to rent or purchase additional gear, arriving early is advisable as gear shops usually close at 7 pm. We usually aim for an early start the following day before the shops open. In the evening, we’ll have a team dinner and briefing at 7:30 pm, hosted by your Team Leader and lead mountain guide. This will be your first opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers, ask questions, and get excited about the week ahead. Gear checks will be organized by your LHO Team Leader throughout the day based on your arrival times to ensure you have everything you need for the week.

DAY 2: THE SPECTACULAR LAC BLANC

Distance: 8.5 KM | Ascent: 148 M | Descent: 1299 M | Max Altitude: 2,595 M

Our first day of trekking starts with a breathtaking view. After breakfast, we’ll depart from the hotel and take public transport to the Flegere Cable car. From there, we’ll ride the cable car and chair lift to the highest accessible point, called l’index. This is where our Tour du Mont Blanc trail begins. The views are indescribable, with the Mont Blanc massif in front of us, the Aiguilles Rouges towers directly above, and the entire Chamonix valley below. We’ll trek eastward towards Lac Blanc, a trail that takes about two hours over a mix of well-worn paths and rocky terrain. Lac Blanc is a truly beautiful location, known for its turquoise waters and reflections of Mont Blanc. Weather permitting, we’ll have ample time to take pictures, and this spot usually serves as our picnic location. After leaving Lac Blanc, we’ll follow a descending trail toward the valley floor, in the direction of Argentiere, a town to the east of Chamonix. The descent is long and quite challenging but manageable. Trekking poles, especially for long descents, are highly recommended to protect our knees for the journey ahead. Our evening will be spent in Argentiere or the neighboring Le Tour, where you can look forward to hot showers and delicious food.

DAY 3: OVER THE PASS INTO SWITZERLAND

Distance: 13 KM | Ascent: 832 M | Descent: 1019 M | Max Altitude: 2,201 M

We’ll catch an early bus from Argentiere to Le Tour to avoid a less interesting road section and get right onto the trail for our first significant ascent of the trip. If we stayed in Le Tour the previous night, no bus transfer is needed. From Le Tour, we’ll trek up to the Col du Balme, the natural border between France and Switzerland. With Mont Blanc behind us and the Swiss Alps opening ahead, this trail’s most beautiful feature is the view of the Le Tour glacier to our right, which can feel incredibly close. The path passes through berry fields and cow pastures as it winds its way to the high point of the day. There’s a charming coffee shop at the mountain pass where we often take a break, weather permitting. We typically have our picnic lunch in an open field with fantastic views of the glacier-capped mountains. From the pass, we start our descent into Switzerland, heading for the town of Trient. The approach to the town passes through a dense alpine forest, and a notable feature is the pink church in the town’s center. Our evening will be spent in Trient.

DAY 4: FOLLOWING THE BLACK COWS TO THE LAKE

Distance: 14 KM | Ascent: 972 M | Descent: 805 M | Max Altitude: 2,043 M

After breakfast, our trek begins with an ascent to Col de la Forclaz. Our LHO Community highly recommends the berry cakes served at the cafe at the pass, so we’ve made a stop there an essential part of the day. Once we’ve all had our fix, we’ll continue along the trail into a deep forest that leads us to the region known as Bovine. The name comes from the black cows living in the pastures on the slopes. When we reach the high point, we’ll find a clearing for lunch before descending toward Champex-Lac. The descent through the forest is somewhat similar to the previous day. The closer we get to the valley floor, the deeper the alpine forest becomes. The final section of the trail includes a gentle incline into Champex-Lac, the last Swiss village we’ll stay in before crossing into Italy.

DAY 5: BUONGIORNO ITALIA!

Distance: 9.8 KM | Ascent: 770 M | Descent: 788 M | Max Altitude: 2,537 M

Our day begins with a one-hour private van transfer to La Fouley. We avoid walking this section, which largely follows the roadside and would necessitate adding an extra trekking day to the trip. The trail starts in La Fouley, where we’ll ascend open pastures with incredible views toward the Grand Col Ferret, the natural border between Switzerland and Italy. Mont Dolent, the only Mont Blanc summit split between France, Switzerland, and Italy, looms above the pass. The Swiss-Italian summit of Grand Combin is behind us, and ahead is the spectacular Val Ferret and the impressive walls characterizing the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The descent from the col is relatively steep but manageable. You’ll notice a change in language as trekkers switch from the customary French trail greeting of “bonjour” to the Italian “buongiorno.” At the base of the descent, an Italian mountain refuge offers the opportunity to savor your first Italian espresso! We won’t spend too much time here, aiming to arrive in the town of Courmayeur early enough to explore before shops close. After leaving the refuge, we’ll continue along the trail for an hour before taking a local bus to the town center. Our hotel in town provides a delightful treat after three days of walking and a chance to rest, relax, and sample the coffee and Aperol spritzes of this chic Italian resort town. Dinner will be hosted by your LHO Team Leader and guide at a local restaurant.

DAY 6: THE INCREDIBLE VAL VENY

Distance: 14.4 KM | Ascent: 856 M | Descent: 790 M | Max Altitude: 2,516 M

This day holds a special place in our hearts and is a favorite among all our LHO Team Leaders. It offers stunning views of Mont Blanc from the Italian side and includes beautiful lakes, streams, forests, and open pastures. After breakfast, we’ll take a short bus ride to leave the town heading west. The bus ride is brief, and we’re soon on the trail, following a rushing river through a dense forest. As we gradually ascend, the tree line opens to reveal the entire valley ahead. The rivers and lakes here are fed by glacier melt from the southern slopes of Mont Blanc. We’ll pass through wetlands and cross rivers before making a more direct ascent toward Col de la Seigne. Though it may appear long, the ascent is divided into a series of steeper and flatter sections that make it pass quickly. We typically have a picnic at the pass, weather permitting, though it can be quite windy here even on sunny days. As we begin the descent, you’ll notice the language change as trekkers switch from “buongiorno” to the customary “bonjour” of the French side. We re-enter France in the Beaufort region, renowned for its cheese. The winding descent is long, but with views like these, you won’t want it to end. Upon reaching the valley floor, we’ll follow a farming road to the local bus stop and catch a ride to the small farming town of Les Chapieux, our home for the night. There’s no mobile network coverage here, so it’s a good idea to inform your loved ones that you might be out of reach for a night. However, our LHO Base Camp team receives regular updates and can assist your loved ones should they inquire about you.

DAY 7: CLOSING THE CIRCLE

Distance: 13.8 KM | Ascent: 709 M | Descent: 1297 M | Max Altitude: 2,408 M

After breakfast, we’ll join the ascending trail to Col de la Croix de Bonhomme. Our final significant ascent begins just outside the hut as we make our way to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, the pass connecting the Beaufort and Les Contamines regions in France. This is the westernmost part of Mont Blanc. From here, we start trekking eastward, gradually making our way back to our starting point. The ascent features open fields and views of the Vanoise massif behind us. At the top of the ascent is a mountain refuge, where you can grab a coffee and enjoy your packed lunches. The trail continues along a rocky path for a few hundred meters before starting to descend. We re-enter the thick alpine forest for the lower altitude portion of the descent and cross a deep gorge with rushing water. The trail ends at the famous church Notre Dame de la Gorge. From there we will be taking a short ride back to Chamonix, where warm showers, great food, and free time for exploration await. In the evening, we’ll have a team dinner at a local restaurant or hotel, hosted by your LHO Team Leader, and the first round of drinks is on us!

DAY 8: AU REVOIR!

Our last day together is dedicated to airport transfers and farewells. Breakfast is included. Please ensure you provide accurate departure details when filling out your team details form. If there are any changes to your travel plans, please inform your LHO Team Leader as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

OUR COMMITMENT

We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone involved in our services receives a fair living wage in their respective countries. We invest in our team members, fostering upward mobility within the adventure travel industry, expanding educational opportunities, and offering support wherever we can. By joining an LHO adventure you are directly impacting the incredible people and the remote communities that make these life-changing experiences possible.

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES

We do our best to ensure your wellbeing on LHO adventures. That's why the facilities we use throughout our trips are required to meet our health and safety standards. We also follow the laws and protocols of every country that hosts our adventures. This extends to national regulations requiring Covid-19 testing, vaccination certificates, mask wearing or any other local guidelines that may apply. Contact us for the most up to date protocols related to your destination.

Highlight Video

Hear from our community.

Doing the Mont Blanc Tour with LHO was a great experience, thanks to Rami, one of the most enthusiastic and encouraging people you could hope to have along with you on a trek :) I highly recommend this trip (and LHO in general)!

Racha Mourtada

I did the TMB circuit and it was a life time experience. LHO team was amazing and exceeded my expectation by putting our needs first. The whole trip from the minute I was picked up from the airport to when I left was full of care, love and excellent service. For me personally, this trip was on my radar since years and LHO made it happen easily and smoothly. LHO had a dynamic way in communicating with the group and keep us posted. I strongly wish and recommend this experience to all my friends and loved ones. Thank you Jad, Rami, Ghida for your service of excellence.

Best thing I have ever did in my life. Never regret it!

Zainab Alnajar

One of the best experiences I've ever done. A great way to fall in love with mountaineering. LHO was not only a great facilitator of the experience, but the most wonderful company to have on this trip. To more adventures together!

Not sure what you are looking for?

Top questions.

Are there porters on this trip? What do we need for our backpacks?

There are no porters on the Tour du Mont Blanc trip. However, we do offer a hut to hut baggage transfer up to 10 KG per person. No hard-shell suitcases allowed. Your personal backpack should not be bigger than 30 liters and should not exceed 4 KGs in weight. The best way to avoid overpacking is to stick to the gear list we provide. Anything you don't need for the trail, such as your travel luggage, can be kept in Chamonix.

Is altitude a concern on this adventure? What’s the highest altitude we’ll reach?

We'll be well below the usual threshold for exposure to altitude related to becoming a concern. The highest point on this trail is 2665 meters.

Can we skip parts of the trail?

Yes, you can. The majority of the accommodations we use on the trail are accessible by car. If you'd like to skip a day you can just meet us at the next accommodation. There is only one day where it is impossible to reach us by car when we stay in Nant Borrant. This will be something we will brief you on during the adventure so that everyone is aware what days can be skipped.

Any there any specific backpack brands that I should consider?

Forget about the brand. Consider the fit. Backpacks should sit comfortably above the hips and on the shoulders with the weight dispersed equally between the two. You should also feel comfortable with the compartments and the ease of accessing your things. Brands we love include Osprey, Deuter, Marmot or Forclaz.

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PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

£ 2,800 on selected dates only

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Life Happens Outdoors (LHO) is a community founded on the single most promising idea that every single one of us has the potential to find a transformative experience for ourselves in the outdoors. Although this chapter of the LHO story now takes place on the trails, glaciers, summits and seas, it began very far away from all of it.

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