Tour du Mont Blanc

If you’re looking for a multi-day trek that combines breathtaking scenery, great food, and solid infrastructure, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best long-distance hikes in Europe.

While the TMB is a challenging trek, most hikers don’t neccessarily need extensive long-distance experience, as long as they have good fitness and carefully plan their daily stages to match their ability. The well-marked trails, numerous accommodation options, and opportunities to adjust the route make it accessible to those ready for an adventure.

1. Route Overview: What to Expect

Hiking the TMB counterclockwise from Les Houches is the classic route, following the traditional way locals have traveled these mountain paths for generations. This direction offers a natural progression of terrain and scenery, making it the most common way to experience the trek.

•    Distance: ~170 km (105 miles)
•    Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m (32,800 ft)
•    Duration: 8-11 days for most hikers
•    Highest Pass: Grand Col Ferret 2,526m (8,287 ft)
•    Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain & Trail Conditions
•    Well-marked trails with varied terrain: alpine meadows, rocky cols, forested paths, and scenic traverses.
•    No technical climbing, but some steep ascents, descents, and long hiking days.
•    Some routes include metal ladders and boulder-strewn sections (avoidable with alternate paths)

2. Best Time to Go & Weather Considerations

The TMB season runs from mid-June to mid-September, when most of the snow has melted from the high passes and the huts are open.

June: Fewer crowds, but some snow may linger on higher passes. Recommended for experienced hikers.
July & August: Peak season—best weather but also the most crowded.
September: Cooler temps, quieter, more rainy days, shorter daylight and possible early snowfall. Huts close and transportation stop running on a rolling bases.

Weather & Trail Conditions

Afternoon thunderstorms are common—start early!
Mornings are often clearer and cooler.
Snow can linger on high passes into July (especially Col des Fours & Fenêtre d’Arpette).
Prepare for rapid weather changes—temps range from 30°C (86°F) in valleys to below freezing at night in higher elevations.

3. Accommodation & Logistics

You’ve got three options for overnight stays:

Mountain Huts (Refuges) – The most common choice, offering dorm-style beds, meals, showers and a fun, social atmosphere. Book early!
Camping – Allowed in designated campsites, with limited wild camping options due to regulations. Great for budget travelers who love flexibility and sleeping under the stars.
Hotels & B&Bs – Available in larger villages (Les Contamines, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex, Trient).
Baggage Transfers – If you want to lighten your load, services can transport your bag from hut to hut.

✨ Pro Tip: If staying in refuges, bring a sleeping bag liner (required).

4. How Hard is it?

Let’s be honest—this isn’t an easy walk in the park. Each day involves 6-8 hours of hiking, long climbs, and rocky descents. But if you train a bit beforehand, it’s totally doable!

Get Ready by:

Doing regular hikes with a backpack.
Climbing lots of stairs (good leg workout!).
Strengthening your knees for the downhills—they can be tough.

✨ Pro Tip: Hiking poles provide added stability, reduce strain on your joints, and improve your balance, making your trek more comfortable and safer, especially on uneven or challenging terrain.

5. How Much Does it Cost?

Your budget depends on how you hike:

Low-budget hikers (€30-50/day): Camping & self-catering
Mid-range (€60-100/day): Staying in refuges with meals
Luxury (€120+/day): Private rooms, hotels, baggage transfer.

✨ Extra costs: Transport, insurance, gear, and an occasional post-hike beer (totally worth it).

6. Getting There & Back

🛬 Nearest Airport: Geneva (Switzerland)
🚆 Main Access Points:
•    Les Houches (France) – The official start, reachable by bus/train via Geneva Airport.
•    Courmayeur (Italy) – Another great starting point, easy to reach from Milan or Turin.
•    Champex (Switzerland) – A quieter entry point.
•    Chamonix (France) – not a starting point itself, but grants quick access to the trail via Le Brévent Cablecar.
✨ Public transport is well-connected, with buses and trains making it easy to modify your itinerary or skip sections if needed.

7. Do You Need Permits?

Nope! But keep in mind:
•    Wild camping is restricted in many areas. The Aiguilles Rouges and Contamines Monjoie Reserves require prior online registration for campers.
•    Dogs aren’t allowed on certain sections (French nature reserves).
•    Follow Leave No Trace—respect the mountains!

8. Shorter TMB Options

No time for the full 10-12 days? No problem!

Half-TMB: Hike from Les Houches to Courmayeur or Champex to Les Houches in 4-5 days.
Scenic sections: Do a 3-4 day trek covering the best bits (like Chamonix to Courmayeur), and use transportation to skip sections.
Day hikes: Base yourself in one place (like Chamonix or Courmayeur), use the public transport and hike with a small daypack.

9. Packing: Essential Gear for TMB

If you’ve done multi-day hikes before, you know the drill: pack light but smart. Here’s what you don’t want to leave behind:
Backpack & Gear

Backpack: 30-40L (if staying in huts) / 40-50L (if camping)
Trekking Poles: Essential for long descents
GPS App + Paper Map: Useful for alternate routes or bad weather
Water Filter: Some huts don’t provide potable water

Clothing for Alpine Weather

Lightweight rain jacket & pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
Insulated jacket or fleece jacket (mornings/evenings can be cold)
Wide-brim hat, sun glasses and sunscreen

Hiking Essentials

Sleeping bag liner (required in refuges)
First aid kit (blister care is a must!)
High-energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, dried fruit)

10. Final Tips for an Amazing TMB Trip

✔️ Good fitness is key – The TMB isn't technical, but long ascents/descents can be demanding.
✔️ Book your huts early—they fill up fast in summer.
✔️ Check the weather daily while on the trail —mountain conditions change fast.
✔️ Pack for all weather – It can be hot in valleys and freezing in passes.
✔️ Carry some cash—some places don’t take cards.
✔️ Be flexible—sometimes detours happen, and that’s part of the adventure!

Tour du Mont Blanc is an unforgettable experience—whether you do the full loop or just a part of it. Plan well, hike smart, and enjoy every step!

Got questions? Need help planning your TMB trek? We can help!

CUSTOM PLANNING