Self-Guided Week-Long Tour du Mont Blanc

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • 7 days of self-guided hiking along the Tour du Mont Blanc
    • Dormitory (4 nights) and private room accommodation (2 nights) en route
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (6 breakfasts and 4 dinners)
    • In-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix
    • Detailed route description, walking times and map
    • Unlimited email support pre-tour
    • Assistance by your team on site

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Chamonix/Les Houches
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Transfers during the adventure (local buses, lifts, etc.)
    • Luggage transfers (can be arranged for an additional fee during booking)
    • Optional rest day in Courmayeur (can be arranged for an additional fee during booking)
    • Rescue/medical insurance — mandatory
• How fit do I need to be?

  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 daily ascents and descents between 2,180 and 4,200ft and hiking between 7 and 10 miles for 7 consecutive days. Keep in mind that hiking can be made more difficult because of changing weather. Obviously, you will be able to take many breaks. 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 engaging in various cardiovascular activities and strength 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.

• What do I need to bring?

  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
    • Sleeping bag liner
    • Sleeping bag
    • 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 the adventure company prior to your trip.

• What about my luggage?

  Daily luggage transfers can be arranged as part of this adventure for an additional fee during booking. With this option, your luggage will await you at every destination during the trek. Please note that your luggage must be a soft bag weighing no more than 15 kg (33 lbs).

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this adventure, the usual number of clients depends on the group who wishes to participate.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this self-guided tour to operate.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  Self-guided hiking along the shorter variation of the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger 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.

• Getting there and meeting location

  Your tour starts in Les Houches, France but you’ll first have to arrive in Chamonix the day before for a pre-tour briefing. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport. 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!

  After the briefing or in the early morning of Day 1, you can take a train ride from Chamonix to Les Houches which will take you between 2 and 3 hours. We suggest arriving and staying in Chamonix/Les Houches one day before your tour starts so that you can recuperate from the travel if flying from a distant location.

• Safety measures along the Tour du Mont Blanc

  It is obligatory for this adventure that participants are covered with emergency/medical insurance. We also recommend that you arrange travel (cancellation) 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!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 30% deposit to secure your spot for 2024 is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid thirty-five (35) days prior to departure.

  Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you can rest assured you’ve booked your dream adventure in time.

  • 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. This can be done by the end of the year.
  • Another 20% needs to be paid by the end of this year.
  • The remaining balance is due X months (X days) prior to departure.

  Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund, minus a 5% processing fee.
    • For cancellations forty-five (45) to one sixty (60) calendar days in advance, 15% of the total price of the trip will be forfeited.
    • For cancellations thirty (30) to forty-four (44) calendar days in advance, 30% of the total price of the trip will be forfeited.
    • For cancellations fifteen (15) to twenty-nine (29) calendar days in advance, 75% of the total price of the trip will be forfeited
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.