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Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights Trek

Duration
9 days
Season
June through September
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Hotels and auberges
Difficulty
Moderate: High fitness levels, some prior multi-day hiking experience necessary

Ready for a comprehensive TMB experience in under 10 days? No time? No problem! This adventure packs in all the best Mont Blanc views, uphill trails, and meadow strolls of the classic route—in just 9 days. Despite being shorter, this express version of the TMB makes almost zero compromises. You still get to enjoy snowy peaks while reaching +8,200ft passes, explore charming mountain villages, and hit ancient Roman roads. And let’s not forget a scenic cable car ride and savoring all the fondues and gelatos; cappuccinos and French wines. With our experienced guides leading the way, we’ll skip the crowds and hit the most scenic spots. Your job? Soak it all in, make memories, and join the proud ranks of hikers who’ve completed the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

Adventure highlights

  • Heart of the Alps
    Quintessential Alpine scenery merged with gastronomical and cultural delights of France, Switzerland, and Italy
  • Seamless logistics
    Instead of worrying about transfers, food, and routes, let professional mountain guides take care of that
  • TMB Highlights
    Hike the larger part of the Tour du Mont Blanc and discover its best highlights in under 10 days!
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
r
rosemary m.
|September 2024
It was harder then we thought it would be due to long periods of elevation change Beautiful though
T
Thomas P.
|September 2024
R
Robert H.
|September 2024
Despite poor weather throughout the week, we managed to have a good time. One exception was an evening in Trient. When we signed up, we were assured minimum three stars accommodations. The place we stayed was quite poor in quality, food, cleanliness, and safety. I would never recommend those accommodations to anyone, and we were all quite disappointed in this place.
Show all reviews
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Itinerary

The highlights version of Tour du Mont Blanc is the perfect option for trekkers who are short on time, but don’t want to compromise the best bits. With a seamless combo of daily hikes and transfers to make the most out of your 9-day tour, you’ll cross three different European countries before you even know it. See the Alpine wonders of France, Italy, and Switzerland in all their glory: crystal clear lakes, high cols, towering peaks, and quaint villages, just to name a few. Your tour starts and ends in the world-class mountaineering town of Chamonix, but you’ll also spend nights at unique chalets, auberges, hotels, or chambre d’hôtes along the way.

  • Make your way to Chamonix, a charming mountain town which is the starting point for your adventure. Spend the day as you wish—wandering its cobblestone streets or tasting French fondue. You’ll meet your guide and your group at around 6pm for a briefing about the trip, followed by your first dinner together. Make sure to ask the reception to give you the Guest Card, since it entitles you to free trains and buses in the Chamonix Valley.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel or chalet

    Chamonix and Mont Blanc range in the Summer.
  • We start the day with a cable car journey on the Bellevue (the cable car usually runs from mid-June until mid-September—if you’re here earlier or later than that, then we walk up!). We then cross the spectacular suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier, and we have several route choices to take us to Les Contamines.

    We usually cross the Col de Tricot, with a coffee stop at the spectacularly-located Chalet de Miage (at the foot of the Dômes de Miage), but if the weather is bad then we may take a lower level route through the scenic villages of Bionnassay, Champex and La Gruvaz.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: 3-star hotel
    Distance: 9.3 miles / 15 km, 6-7 hours
    Ascent: +2,746 ft (+837 m)
    Descent: -4,985 ft (-1,520 m)
    Luggage access: Yes

    Les Houches to Les Contamines
  • Today we have around 40 mins on the flat to reach the chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge. Here we join the Roman road: it’s a bit of a rude awakening with a steep uphill, but we soon get into our stride! We continue past the Chalet de Balme (if we’re doing well, it’s a perfect coffee stop!) and up to the Col de Bonhomme (2,329 m) for a well-earned lunch break. We then have a climbing traverse, often with snowy patches until mid-July, to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2479m), from where we have a great view towards the Vanoise National Park. Next we have a 2 hour walk down to Les Chapieux, and stay either in an auberge or a chambre d’hôte, depending on availability.

    This is one of the longest days on the TMB—it does feel quite hard because there’s a long ascent, and it’s only the second day so we haven’t had time to acclimatize…….however, the day shouldn’t pose any real problems and we take the climb slow and steady, splitting it into stages to make it perfectly manageable.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: Auberge
    Distance: 11.9 miles / 19 km, 8 hours
    Ascent: +4,450 ft (+1,348 m)
    Descent: -3,150 ft (-960 m)
    Luggage access: Yes

    A village in the French Alps, Les Contamines.
  • We take a newly-cut path up to Ville des Glaciers (in previous years, the TMB took the tarmac road). There is usually the option to have a minibus transfer from Les Chapieux if you prefer (included). The leader will let you know about this. At Ville des Glaciers, if the farmer is on hand, you might have the opportunity to see how the Beaufort cheese is made. After passing Refuge des Mottets, we start to climb more steeply up to our goal, the Col de La Seigne, at 2516m the 2nd highest pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc. We’ve reached the border with Italy!

    From here, we descend past the Elisabetta hut (we may divert here for lunch or coffee, depending on how we’re doing for time) and the Lac de Combal to La Visaille, where we take a bus to the vibrant mountain town of Courmayeur.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel
    Distance: 13 miles / 21 km, 6 hours
    Ascent: +3,295 ft (+1,004 m)
    Descent: -2,790 ft (-850 m)
    Luggage access: Yes

    Courmayeur, an alpine city in Italy.
  • The day begins with a steep walk up from Courmayeur to the Bertone hut, which is a great little coffee stop. From here, we will either take the beautiful balcony route high above the Val Ferret, or the Mont de la Saxe ridge, a longer, variant. The leader will make the decision about this.

      • If the weather is good and we’re feeling energetic, then the Mont de la Saxe ridge offers incredible views of Mont Blanc, but is considerably longer! We climb up to the summit of the Tête de la Tronche, and then down steeply to the Col Sapin. From here we descend into the Armina valley before climbing again to the Col Entre Deux Sauts. It’s a fairly long, but really stunning day. There are not usually many people, and the scenery is breathtaking.
        Distance: 13.7 miles / 22 km, 8-9 hours
        Ascent: +5,200 ft / +1,584 m
        Descent: -3,740 ft / -1,140 m
      • If we prefer an easier route, and a relaxed lunch at the Bertone, then we take the official TMB route, along a spectacular balcony path. The views just don’t stop: along the whole route between Bertone and Bonatti, we’re directly opposite Mont Blanc and the Grand Jorasses, high above the Val Ferret. This is one of my favourite days of the TMB – whichever route we decide to take.
        Distance: 10.5 miles / 17 km, 5-6 hours
        Ascent: +2,820 ft / +860 m
        Descent: -2,950 ft / -900 m

    After Bonatti there is around 1.5 hours to walk to the Chalet Val Ferret in Arnouva – a small hotel in a tranquil setting at the head of the Val Ferret, surrounded by mountains and truly a beautiful spot.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel
    Luggage access: Yes

    A group of hikers posing for a photo in front of rugged mountain peaks seen during their Tour du Mont Blanc trip.
  • Today we trek over the Grand Col Ferret (one of the highest cols on the trip at 2,537 m). We are rewarded with stunning views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Grand Combin and Mont Dolent (the summit of which is on the border of France, Switzerland and Italy).

    At the top of the col, we cross over into Switzerland, where the scenery changes yet again. If we’re doing well for time, we might stop for a coffee at La Peule. Here we leave the signposted TMB and head to La Fouly via a higher balcony path. La Fouly is an alpine village with traditional Swiss chocolate-box chalets. At 4pm, we’ll take a short transfer to the pretty lakeside resort of Champex (20 minutes).

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: Simple hotel / auberge
    Distance: 9.3 miles / 15 km, 6 hours
    Ascent: +2,985 ft (+910 m)
    Descent: -3,444 ft (-1,050 m)
    Luggage access: Yes

    The small village of Champex and its lake, near Mont Blanc, Switzerland.
  • There are two options today. If we’re feeling energetic and the weather serves is, we’re taking the Fenêtre d’Arpette, which would be the highest col of the trip at 2,665m (8,745 ft). It’s a fantastic route with views of the Trient Glacier.

    Alternatively, we could take the normal route—via Bovine, to the Col de la Forclaz. Continue down to the valley of Trient, our Swiss base for the night. We should have time for a celebratory ice cream at the Col de la Forclaz before we take our 20 minute transfer back to Argentiere.

     

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: Simple hotel / auberge
    Distance: 9.3 miles / 15.4 km, 6 hours
    Ascent: via Fenêtre d’Arpette: +4,870 ft (+1,484 m) | via Bovine: +2,625 ft (+800 m)
    Descent: via Fenêtre d’Arpette: -5,775 ft (-1,760m) | via Bovine: -2,460 ft (-750 m)
    Luggage access: Yes

    The village of Trient with a characteristic pink church, in the French Alps.
  • We finish our trip with a wonderful hike up to the famous Lac Blanc via the Lacs des Chéserys, with the best views of Mont Blanc. This is one of the best walks in the Chamonix valley, and we use a series of ladders and chains to skirt the cliffs—this is nothing to worry about and is not difficult! We then traverse to the Flégère and descend by cable car to Les Praz, and transfer back to our hotel in the Chamonix valley.

    We are in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, and are often lucky enough to see ibex, chamois and marmots. After a hard-earned refreshment at the Lac Blanc refuge, we descend to the Flégère and take the cable car to Les Praz, then either walk back to our hotel along the river, or we can take the bus or train.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel or chalet
    Distance: 5.6 miles / 9 km, 6 hours
    Ascent: +3,280 ft (+1,000 m)
    Descent: -1,800 ft (-550 m)
    Luggage access: Yes

    The glacial lake lac Blanc reflecting glaciated peaks seen during TMB trek.
  • Your adventure in the Alps has come to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your team. Leave Chamonix or stay a bit longer to explore the area.

    Meals: Breakfast

    The town of Chamonix, French Alps, Tour du Mont Blanc.
Mont Blanc Hiking Tours
Top-selling trips (6) | Tour du Mont Blanc (10) | Other classics (10) | Luxury (6) | Women-only (7) | Self-guided (6)
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Meet your guides

Becki Penrose
5.00
Becki Penrose
International Mountain Leader, BASI ski instructor
International Mountain Leader, BASI ski instructor
Becki is a highly experienced International Mountain Leader with a passion for guiding people through some of the world’s most inspiring landscapes. She’s led walking, climbing, skiing, canoeing, and kayaking adventures, and even caving trips! Her international guiding experience spans mountain expeditions and treks in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Morocco, Bolivia, and China, as well as trail running and trekking in the European Alps. Becki brings energy, deep knowledge, and a love of the outdoors to every trip she leads.
Charlie Boscoe
5.00
Charlie Boscoe
International Mountain Leader & Wilderness First Responder
International Mountain Leader & Wilderness First Responder
Charlie has led trips across Europe, as well as to Kilimanjaro, India, Morocco, Bolivia, and Nepal in recent years. A qualified Mountain Leader and certified Wilderness First Responder, Charlie is also known for his popular Chamonix Blog and his work as a commentator for international climbing competitions. With a sharp sense of humor and serious climbing skills, he’s most often found guiding high-altitude mountaineering adventures rather than the more relaxed treks.
Ronan Bégoc
5.00
Ronan Bégoc
International Mountain Leader
Originally from Brittany (Bretagne), Ronan moved to the mountains 30 years ago to pursue his passion for hiking, climbing, ski touring, running, and painting. A qualified International Mountain Leader for 25 years, he has spent the last 10 years living in the Czech mountains. With a wealth of experience and a great sense of humor, Ronan loves sharing his adventures and knowledge with every group he guides.
Tom Greenall
5.00
Tom Greenall
International Mountain Leader & Ski Guide
International Mountain Leader & Ski Guide
Tom is a qualified International Mountain Leader, Wilderness First Responder and Ski Guide. Based in Les Houches, Tom guides snowshoeing and trekking trips in the Chamonix area, but also further afield, such as in Japan. When not guiding, Tom can be found climbing up, skiing or biking down alpine peaks. He also makes eco-friendly wooden skies—Tom is the founder of the award-winning eco-ski company, Idris Skis.
Ian Spare
5.00
Ian Spare
International Mountain Leader
Ian is an International Mountain Leader and First Aid Trainer. He’s lived in Switzerland since 2003, where he also runs a B&B with his wife. Ian’s favorite trekking places are Corsica and the Dolomites, where he enjoys the food, the wine, and the beaches. Ian is the director of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders and the current president of their international association, the UIMLA.
Gary Daines
5.00
Gary Daines
International Mountain Leader
Gary is a qualified International Mountain Leader based in Argelès, in the Pyrenees, and leads snowshoeing and trekking trips in the Chamonix area and beyond. He’s also an accredited Duke of Edinburgh Award assessor, often training and evaluating Jura snowshoe groups. Known for his great sense of humor and thoughtful, philosophical outlook, Gary is a natural with both adult and youth groups—an inspiring guide and a patient teacher. With years of experience leading trips around the world, anyone would be lucky to have Gary is their guide!
Boi Sagarra Pascual
5.00
Boi Sagarra Pascual
International Mountain Leader & Ski Instructor
International Mountain Leader & Ski Instructor
Originally from Barcelona, Boi is a qualified International Mountain Leader and ski instructor. He’s currently working toward becoming a UIAGM mountain guide. After earning a degree in Biology, Boi set off to New Zealand to hike and climb, but a chance visit to Chamonix changed everything—he fell in love with the mountains and never looked back. Today, he splits his year between summers in the Alps and winters in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Cam Bevan
5.00
Cam Bevan
International Mountain Leader
Cam is a qualified International Mountain Leader who’s been guiding hikers through the mountains of Europe for the past seven years. His favorite regions include the Italian Dolomites, the Spanish Picos de Europa, and the Mont Blanc Massif—each offering incredible scenery, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Cam spends his summers based in Chamonix and winters in the Scottish Highlands. Outside of guiding, he’s passionate about climbing, mountaineering, and ski touring.
Emily Andrew
5.00
Emily Andrew
International Mountain Leader
Emily is a qualified International Mountain Leader with years of guiding experience. Based in Chamonix, she knows the Tour du Mont Blanc inside out but also thrives on more far-flung adventures, having recently led trips to Alaska, Norway, Kilimanjaro, and Nepal. Alongside guiding, she works full-time as an English and Geography teacher—though how she manages to stay so fit remains a mystery! In her spare time, she’s out trail running, road biking, or ski touring, and recently took on both the CCC and the Étape du Tour.
Fran Pothecary
5.00
Fran Pothecary
International Mountain Leader
Fran is a qualified International Mountain Leader with over 10 years of guiding experience across the Alps and her home terrain in Scotland. She has a particular love for the Tour de Monte Rosa and the Walker’s Haute Route. Her adventures have taken her as far as Antarctica, where she’s worked at a British polar research station—and in summer, she’s often spotted kayaking among penguins. Fran also guides in Iceland, works as a photographer, and conducts biological surveys in the Cairngorms. A climber, skier, paddler, and mountain biker with an MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development, Fran simply loves being in the mountains and sharing that joy with others.
Jack Doyle
5.00
Jack Doyle
International Mountain Leader
Jack is a qualified International Mountain Leader whose love for the Alps began during his university years. Before his Computer Science degree had even settled, he was off to Chamonix to develop his mountaineering and skiing skills. Seven years on, Jack has hiked, run, skied, and climbed his way across the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, with time also spent exploring the Scottish Highlands. He even knows his way around a cheese board, thanks to two years in a Savoyard kitchen. Now splitting his time between Chamonix and Athens, Jack is just as happy guiding you to the perfect trail as he is to the best pizza.
Jen Stretton
5.00
Jen Stretton
International Mountain Leader
Jen is a qualified International Mountain Leader and yoga teacher based in Chamonix. Her love for the Alps began during a university climbing trip, and after earning a Geography degree, she spent several years travelling, volunteering with conservation projects, and freelancing in marketing to fund her adventures. Since settling in Chamonix in 2015, Jen has combined her passion for guiding with a strong commitment to the environment. An enthusiastic climber, skier, and trail runner (often trying to keep pace with her dog), Jen brings infectious energy and deep mountain knowledge to every trip.
Joel Evans
5.00
Joel Evans
International Mountain Leader
Joel is a qualified International Mountain Leader based in Chamonix. Just weeks after completing his Finance degree in 2011, he swapped the Welsh hills for the towering peaks of the Alps—and never looked back. Since then, he’s been exploring every corner of the Mont Blanc Massif. In winter, you’ll find him ski touring or chasing steep descents; in summer, he’s often out trail running or mountaineering.
Lolo Frison
5.00
Lolo Frison
International Mountain Leader
Lolo grew up in the “pretty but flat” heart of central France, but everything changed after a childhood winter trip to the Alps sparked a lifelong love for the mountains. After school, she explored Asia, North Africa, Australia, and spent a year working in Canada—capped off with a U.S. national parks road trip. Back in France, she became an International Mountain Leader and now shares her deep knowledge of mountain flora, fauna, and French culture on every trip. Whether guiding school groups or adult trekkers, Lolo brings enthusiasm and warmth. Off-duty, she enjoys skiing, diving, yoga, Himalayan trekking, and even beekeeping.
Marit Van Kampen
5.00
Marit Van Kampen
International Mountain Leader
Marit is originally from the Netherlands, where her passion for the outdoors began with ski trips to Austria. That love deepened during her university years in North Wales, where she took up hiking and rock climbing. Her adventures have since taken her across the Alps and beyond. Now based in the French Alps and teaching at an international school in Geneva, Marit is a qualified International Mountain Leader who joins the Cloud 9 team during school holidays. With a keen interest in alpine history, geology, and flora, she shares her knowledge with enthusiasm—and in four languages, no less!
Nicole Claudon
5.00
Nicole Claudon
International Mountain Leader
Nicole, originally from France’s Vosges region, moved to Chamonix in 1984 with her husband, a mountain guide with the PGHM rescue service. Now based in Sallanches with their three sons, she’s been working as a qualified International Mountain Leader since 1996. In summer, Nicole leads both classic routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc and hidden gems like the Gran Paradiso and Tour des Fiz. In winter, she guides snowshoeing trips around Megève. A passionate hiker, skier, and cyclist, Nicole also travels widely—favourites include Nepal, Corsica, and Réunion Island—and spends every autumn harvesting grapes with friends for winemaking.
Pablo Herráez
5.00
Pablo Herráez
International Mountain Leader and High Mountain Guide
International Mountain Leader and High Mountain Guide
Pablo, originally from Spain, is both a qualified International Mountain Leader and High Mountain Guide with a loyal following of returning clients. He moved to the Alps to fully embrace his passion for the mountains and has since built a reputation as an exceptional guide and leader. Fluent in Spanish and comfortable in both English and French, Pablo brings experience, enthusiasm, and a warm, multilingual approach to every trip.
Richard Betts
5.00
Richard Betts
International Mountain Leader
Richard is a qualified International Mountain Leader with over nine years of guiding and instructing experience. After leaving the Fire Service, he turned his full attention to the outdoors, exploring the mountains of France, Italy, the UK, Austria, and the Canadian Rockies. Rich has a passion for weather, the natural environment, and outdoor photography—interests that have even taken him storm-chasing in the USA. When he's not in the mountains, Rich serves as a Search Technician for Lowland Rescue and an Emergency First Responder. In his downtime, you'll find him climbing or out on the trails running.
Robin Willmott
5.00
Robin Willmott
International Mountain Leader
Robin is a qualified International Mountain Leader with expedition experience across Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. A natural explorer, he's driven by curiosity and a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures and landscapes he encounters. When he's not in the mountains or deep in the jungle, Robin lives life at a different pace—navigating the UK's inland waterways aboard his bright yellow narrowboat, Goldilocks.
Susanna Walker
5.00
Susanna Walker
International Mountain Leader
Suze has lived and worked in the Alps for over 10 years and is a passionate mountaineer, trail runner, road cyclist, skier, and yogi. Based in Chamonix since 2011, she is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader. Suze’s love for skiing has taken her around the world, and in 2014, she organized a ski mountaineering expedition to climb peaks in Tajikistan. A dedicated bird watcher and nature lover, Suze enjoys everything from wandering through magical forests to tackling steep alpine ski descents. With her vast experience, she’s as comfortable in the mountains as she is immersed in nature.
Emma Jack
5.00
Emma Jack
International Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Leader, Nordic Ski Instructor
International Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Leader, Nordic Ski Instructor
Emma has been leading treks and expeditions ever since 2005. She's led trips all over the world, but Corsica, Nepal, and the Alps remain her top three trekking destinations and Tour du Mont Blanc trek her favorite route. In 2009, she made the first ever ski descent of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world. Emma is fluent in French, Russian, and Spanish.

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5.00(5 reviews)
r
rosemary m.
|September 2024
It was harder then we thought it would be due to long periods of elevation change Beautiful though
T
Thomas P.
|September 2024
R
Robert H.
|September 2024
Despite poor weather throughout the week, we managed to have a good time. One exception was an evening in Trient. When we signed up, we were assured minimum three stars accommodations. The place we stayed was quite poor in quality, food, cleanliness, and safety. I would never recommend those accommodations to anyone, and we were all quite disappointed in this place.
Show all reviews
5.00(5 reviews)
r
rosemary m.
|September 2024
It was harder then we thought it would be due to long periods of elevation change Beautiful though
T
Thomas P.
|September 2024
R
Robert H.
|September 2024
Despite poor weather throughout the week, we managed to have a good time. One exception was an evening in Trient. When we signed up, we were assured minimum three stars accommodations. The place we stayed was quite poor in quality, food, cleanliness, and safety. I would never recommend those accommodations to anyone, and we were all quite disappointed in this place.
D
Dan Otto

My wife and I recently completed the TMB Highlights Tour with Cloud 9 and Tom as our guide. It was the best trip of our lives. Challenging, beautiful, rewarding. We are still thinking about it daily and I’m actually emotional thinking that’s it’s over. Cloud 9 took care of everything and made it all very easy to plan. Tom did a great job making sure everyone was doing well and guiding us to the best spots in the trails. I couldn’t recommend them more!

J
Jason S
Family TMB

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.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area (International Mountain Leader)
      • 9-day TMB Highlights Trek (7 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

    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
      • Travel and medical/rescue insurance — mandatory
      • 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 7 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
      • 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 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. 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 and small hotels—will be selected, although en-suite facilities may be limited.

    If you opt for a single supplement, please note that it may not always be available—please let us know upon booking if interested.

  • 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.

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

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour 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 6pm. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group to start off the tour the following morning.

  • Travel and medical/rescue insurance is mandatory on this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    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.

    Cancellations

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

    Basic

    • 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.

    Flexible

    • 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 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

    • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • 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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