The Tour du Mont Blanc Route: A Full Guide

Quick Facts

• Distance: 226.5km (165 miles) of pure alpine bliss.

• Days to complete: 7-11 days of immersive trekking.

• Highest point: 2,536 m (8,743 ft) at the breathtaking Grand Ferret Pass.

• Countries covered: France, Italy, and Switzerland – a cultural trifecta!

1. Classic Route

Les Houches to Les Contamines

• Distance: 18 km (11 miles).

• Highlights: Conquer the Col de Voza, marvel at the Bionnassay Glacier, and explore charming hamlets frozen in time.

Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

• Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles).

• Highlights: Tackle the iconic Col du Bonhomme, discover an ancient Roman bridge, and lose yourself in alpine meadows that seem straight out of a fairytale.

Chapieux to Rifugio Monte Bianco

• Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles).

• Highlights: Conquer the Col de la Seigne, cross the Italian border, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Rifugio Monte Bianco.

Rifugio Monte Bianco to Courmayeur

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles).

• Highlights: Explore the Val Veny, bask in panoramic views of Mont Blanc, and indulge in Courmayeur's culinary delights.

Courmayeur to Val Ferret

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles).

• Highlights: Traverse the beautiful Val Ferret with its lush landscapes and stunning mountain views.

Val Ferret to La Fouly

• Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles).

• Highlights: Conquer the Grand Col Ferret, cross into Switzerland, and unwind in the serene valley of La Fouly.

La Fouly to Champex-Lac

• Distance: 15 km (9 miles).

• Highlights: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Swiss alpine villages, marvel at the pristine Lac de Champex, and meander along scenic trails that will take your breath away.

Champex-Lac to Trient

• Distance: 16 km (10 miles).

• Highlights: Tackle the Bovine route, conquer the Forclaz pass, and witness the awe-inspiring Trient glacier views that will leave you awestruck.

Trient to Argentière

• Distance: 13 km (8 miles).

• Highlights: Conquer the Col de Balme, cross into France, and brace yourself for a stunning descent into the enchanting Chamonix Valley.

Argentière to Chamonix

• Distance: 18 km (11 miles).

• Highlights: Hike through the Flégère and Brévent regions and feast your eyes on the spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif, leaving you utterly spellbound.

2. Tour du Mont Blanc Route Variants

• Col des Fours Trail - This trail diverges at Col de la Croix and rejoins at Valle de Glaciers. It includes a steep section at Valle de Glaciers and provides an opportunity to reduce the overall itinerary by one day.

• Fenetre d'Arpette Trail - One of the more challenging variants, this trail starts at Champex Lac and crosses a boulder field to the Fenetre d'Arpett. It offers stunning views of the Trient Glacier before descending steeply to Buvette Glacier du Trient.

• Les Grands Trail - This is a more direct route to Col de la Balme that bypasses most accommodation options in the Trient Valley, featuring a trail through the forest and a carved staircase.

• Col e Tricot - A trail between Les Houches and Les Contamines, traversing the breathtaking Col de Tricot. Famous for close-up views of the Bionnassay Glacier.

• Route via Grand Balcon Sud and Le Brevent - These trails are popular for their stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Le Brevent reaches the highest point on Aiguilles Rouges, opposite Mont Blanc.

• Tete Bernarda - Connects Courmayeur and Rifugio Bonatti. It's a high-altitude path with spectacular views of the Grandes Jorasses.

• Aiguillette d'Argentiere Ladders - If you're seeking a thrill, this route includes sections with ladders and metal steps, offering a more adventurous path.

1. Physical training for Tour du Mont Blanc: Focus on building endurance, strength, and flexibility. Incorporate hiking, running, and strength exercises into your routine to ensure you're ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

2. Gear preparation: An ideal Tour du Mont Blanc packing list should include high-quality hiking boots, a comfortable backpack to carry your essentials and weather-appropriate clothing. Remember essentials like a first aid kit, trekking poles, and a reliable map or GPS device to keep you on track.

3. Permits and reservations: While the TMB doesn't require special permits, it's crucial to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season if you're going self-guided. You should also understand the best spots if you prefer camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

4. Start early: Begin your day at the crack of dawn to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. There's nothing quite like watching the sunrise paint the mountains in a warm, golden glow as you embark on your daily trek.

5. Pace yourself: Listen to your body and take regular breaks to rest, refuel, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

6. Stay hydrated and nourished: Hiking at high altitudes can dehydrate, so drink plenty of water and snack on energy-boosting treats to keep your stamina up. Trust us, you'll need all the fuel to conquer those steep ascents and descents.

7. Respect the environment: The TMB traverses some of the most pristine and fragile alpine environments, so it's essential to follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on designated trails, properly dispose of waste, and minimise your impact on the natural surroundings.

8. Embrace the culture: While the stunning scenery will undoubtedly steal your heart, remember to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the villages you'll encounter along the way. Indulge in regional specialities like French pastries, Italian pasta, and Swiss chocolate, and interact with locals to truly appreciate each destination's unique charm.