Activity Overview:

The Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB) is a world-famous, multi-day trekking route that loops around Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain (4,809 m). Traversing France, Italy, and Switzerland, the TMB offers breathtaking alpine views, glacier-carved valleys, and cozy mountain refuges. Whether done in its entirety or in selected stages, this trail is a must for hikers looking for a combination of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

What’s Included:

• Full itinerary overview (classic 10-day version, adaptable from 6 to 12 days)

• Suggested daily hiking stages with distance, elevation & trail difficulty

• Accommodation options: mountain huts (refuges), gîtes, small hotels

• Transfer and luggage transport options (available in most stages)

• Guidance on permits, gear checklist, and trail safety

What’s Not Included:

• International travel to/from trailheads (e.g., Chamonix, Les Houches, Courmayeur)

• Travel insurance or rescue coverage

• Hiking gear and meals not included in half-board accommodation

• High mountain guide (not necessary for marked trails, but available)

Suggested 10-Day Itinerary (Classic Counter-Clockwise Loop)

🟧 Challenging – suitable for experienced hikers with good fitness

⛰️ Day 1 – Les Houches (France) to Les Contamines

• Climb via Col de Voza with views of the Chamonix valley

• Descend through alpine hamlets and forest paths

• Distance: ~17 km | Ascent: 650 m | 5–6 hrs

⛰️ Day 2 – Les Contamines to Refuge des Mottets

• Cross two high mountain passes: Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme

• Alpine meadows and sweeping views

• Distance: ~20 km | Ascent: 1,300 m | 7–8 hrs

⛰️ Day 3 – Mottets to Courmayeur (Italy)

• Cross the Col de la Seigne into Italy

• Optional stop at Elisabetta refuge, descend into Val Veny and reach Courmayeur

• Distance: ~15 km | 6–7 hrs

🏞️ Day 4 – Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

• Steep climb above Courmayeur with grand views of Mont Blanc’s Italian face

• Follow high balcony path to Bonatti hut, named after the famous climber

• Distance: ~12 km | 4–5 hrs

⛰️ Day 5 – Bonatti to La Fouly (Switzerland)

• Enter Switzerland via Grand Col Ferret

• Glacial valleys and cow-dotted pastures of Val Ferret

• Distance: ~20 km | 6–7 hrs

🏡 Day 6 – La Fouly to Champex

• Gentle day through Swiss villages and alpine forests

• Stay by the quiet lake in Champex-Lac

• Distance: ~15 km | 4–5 hrs

⛰️ Day 7 – Champex to Trient

• Optional variants: Fenêtre d’Arpette (steep & scenic) or Bovine Route (easier, forested)

• Enter the Trient Valley with glacier views

• Distance: ~15 km | 5–6 hrs

⛰️ Day 8 – Trient to Argentière (France)

• Cross back into France via Col de Balme

• Panoramic descent toward the Chamonix valley

• Distance: ~13 km | 4–5 hrs

⛰️ Day 9 – Argentière to Lac Blanc

• Iconic high trail via Lac Blanc, one of the best Mont Blanc viewpoints

• Wild ibex, rocky ridgelines, stunning photo spots

• Distance: ~12 km | 5 hrs

🏁 Day 10 – Lac Blanc to Les Houches

• Final descent (or cable car via Flégère/Planpraz)

• Celebrate back in Chamonix with raclette or fondue

• Distance: ~15 km | 6 hrs

Additional Notes:

• Best time to go: Late June to mid-September (refuges open seasonally)

• Difficulty: Challenging due to long days and elevation – not technical

• Weather: Can change rapidly – gear for sun, wind, and snow is essential

• Accommodation: Book refuges months in advance in peak season

• Highlights: Panoramic passes, traditional alpine culture, glacier viewpoints