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Tour du Mont Blanc: 8-Day Self-Guided Trail Running Tour

Tour du Mont Blanc: 8-Day Self-Guided Trail Running Tour

8 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $1,839 ()
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If you’ve ever dreamed of running the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, this is your chance to do it at your own pace. Over 8 days, this self-guided trail running tour connects the classic segments of the route, weaving from France into Italy and Switzerland and back again, with Mont Blanc’s glaciers and needle-sharp peaks filling the skyline the whole way. Luggage transfers mean you move fast and light, cozy alpine hotels and mountain lodges are waiting each evening, and a digital travel packet with GPX maps handles the navigation—so all that’s left is the running.

Adventure Highlights

  • Run the Alps’ greatest circuit: You’ll run the full classic circuit around Mont Blanc, crossing from France into Italy and Switzerland and back again
  • Travel light and focus on the experience: Luggage transfers and all logistics sorted, so every day feels free and easy
  • Rest in charming alpine lodges: Each night brings you to welcoming mountain hotels and local cuisine, with comfort after your biggest days
Duration
8 days
Season
June through September
Group size
Up to 12 people
Accommodation
Comfort: 2- and 3-star hotels and traditional mountain lodges
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, running up to 29.8 km (18.5 mi) per day, with up to 1,325 m (4,347 ft) of elevation gain
What's included
Lodging, 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners, luggage transfers each day, transfer on Day 2, digital travel package, smartphone app with GPX files

The adventure, day by day

Over 8 days, you’ll run the most inspiring sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc, crossing breathtaking mountain passes and lush valleys as you move through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Each of the 6 running days offers a range of distances, letting you push your pace or take a scenic shortcut when you need it. Evenings are spent recharging in comfortable alpine hotels and mountain lodges, with local dinners waiting in three authentic villages. Luggage transfers mean there’s no heavy pack slowing you down—just pack your day running kit and go. The route is mapped with a travel app and digital packet, making logistics seamless for a truly independent mountain running experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Saint Gervais
Saint Gervais town France

Arrive in the picturesque village of Saint Gervais, set beneath Mont Blanc. Settle into your hotel, maybe stretch your legs on a stroll, and get ready for your week of trail running ahead. Check-in is available after 3 pm, so get comfortable and take in the alpine scenery until the adventure starts tomorrow.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Saint Gervais (B&B)

Day 2: Saint Gervais to Les Chapieux
Arrival in Saint Gervais

After a morning transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge, you head out over the legendary Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme—two classic Tour du Mont Blanc passes. Run through high alpine landscapes with sweeping views of glaciers all around before descending into the Chapieux valley and your mountain lodge for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 14.5 km (9 mi)
Elevation: +1,200 m (+3,937 ft) / -900 m (-2,953 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain lodge/hotel in Les Chapieux

Day 3: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur

Enjoy a shuttle or a short bonus run to Ville des Glaciers, then cross into Italy via the Col de la Seigne. The scenery explodes as you run past the Grandes Jorasses and sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif. Finish with a descent into Courmayeur, where gelato and a comfy hotel bed await. Shorter distance possible with a bus option.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 25.4 km (15.8 mi)
Elevation: +490 m (+1,610 ft) / -1,450 m (-4,757 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Courmayeur

Day 4: Courmayeur to Champex
Courmayeur to Champex

Transfer by bus to start, then run up to Refuge Elena before taking on the Grand Col Ferret and entering Switzerland. Pass through La Fouly and finish with a climb to lakeside Champex, a classic Swiss village. Transfers available for shorter days or in tough weather.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 29.8 km (18.5 mi)
Elevation: +1,325 m (+4,347 ft) / -1,630 m (-5,347 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Champex

Day 5: Champex to Trient
Champex to Trient

Start the day running right from your hotel through peaceful alpine hamlets, climbing to the Fenêtre d’Arpette—the highest point on the TMB if weather allows. Soak up big glacier views, then descend to your welcoming lodge in Trient. A shorter, weather-safe route via the Col de Bovine is an option.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 16.5 km (10.2 mi)
Elevation: +1,190 m (+3,904 ft) / -1,615 m (-5,299 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain lodge in Trient (shared bath)

Day 6: Trient to Argentière
Trient to Argentière

Climb over the Col de la Balme and cross back into France, enjoying iconic views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte before descending into Argentière. Rest up in your hotel and savor the sense of accomplishment—tomorrow is your celebration finish into Chamonix.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 11.2 km (7 mi)
Elevation: +1,000 m (+3,281 ft) / -820 m (-2,690 ft)
Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Argentière

Day 7: Argentière to Chamonix
lac blanc and tour du mont blanc runner

On your final running day, enjoy the lofty route along the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges, passing Lake Blanc and soaking in big valley vistas—the classic TMB finish. You can descend toward Chamonix via Le Praz, or hop the cable car if you’re ready to celebrate a little early. Run ends in Chamonix, the iconic heart of the Alps.

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 9.6 km (6 mi) to Flégère cable car (option to descend to Le Praz for 14.5 km / 9 mi)
Elevation: +900 m (+2,953 ft) / -1,100 m (-3,609 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chamonix

Day 8: Departure from Chamonix
Departure from Chamonix

Enjoy one last breakfast, soak up the energy of Chamonix, and check out of your hotel by 10 am. If you’d like, you can add extra nights to enjoy Chamonix’s restaurants, spas, or the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi—you’ve earned it.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Chamonix (B&B)

Optional Chamonix extension

Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix after the trip.

The package includes a 2-night stay at a hotel or B&B, access to QC Terme Chamonix spa, and a Mont Blanc Multipass with a variety of activities and attractions to choose from.

Here’s the suggested plan, but you can tailor it to your preferances:

    • Day 1 (i.e., Day 8 if adding to your itinerary) — Take the iconic cable car of the Aiguille du Midi and experience the famous “step into the void”. Make sure to book your Aiguille du Midi date and time in advance using the code in your voucher on this website (book your spot at least a few weeks in advance). Feel free to explore Chamonix at your own pace and spend the afternoon in the fabulous QC Terme spa (entrance included).
    • Day 2 (i.e., Day 9) — Today, hop aboard the traditional Montenvers train for an unforgettable journey above the stunning Sea of Ice. From there, a gondola takes you to the Ice Cave, where you can venture into the heart of the glacier for a truly memorable experience. You can also visit the Glaciorium to explore the history and evolution of the Sea of Ice. To round out your visit, enjoy the comfort of the on-site restaurants or the legendary Montenvers Hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the iconic Drus.
    • Day 3 (i.e., Day 10) — Departure after breakfast.

More information in the “Things to know” section.

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (4 reviews)
r
ron y.

The self guide is perfect for us and it is well designed, perfect for where there is no Cell signal. Works like a Charm, highly recommended.

K
Kate T.

We absolutely loved working with 57Hours. They were quick to respond, very helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the local area and Rifugios. We have already recommended them to several friends looking for a similar adventure holiday.

A
Allison F.

Luggage transfer was AMAZING – so fast and made our daily hikes so much more enjoyable

5.00(4 reviews)
r
ron y.

The self guide is perfect for us and it is well designed, perfect for where there is no Cell signal. Works like a Charm, highly recommended.

K
Kate T.

We absolutely loved working with 57Hours. They were quick to respond, very helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the local area and Rifugios. We have already recommended them to several friends looking for a similar adventure holiday.

A
Allison F.

Luggage transfer was AMAZING – so fast and made our daily hikes so much more enjoyable

M
Michael T.

Harder than we expected, but a fantastic journey. The 57 Hours team provided assistance to use the navigation app, which is top notch. Really, one of the best trips ever.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 8-day Tour du Mont Blanc trail running tour
      • Accommodation for 7 nights in a mix of 2-star and 3-star hotels and mountain lodges (private rooms, mostly with en-suite bathrooms)
      • 7 breakfasts
      • 3 dinners (all but Saint Gervais, Courmayeur, Argentière, and Chamonix)
      • Luggage transfers each stage (1 bag per person, max 15 kg/33 lbs)
      • Transfer on Day 2 morning
      • Digital travel package (sent by email)
      • Smartphone app with GPX navigation files

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Single occupancy rooms — can be arranged for most nights, except Les Chapieux
      • Printed travel package
      • Extra nights in Saint Gervais or Chamonix — leave a note at checkout if interested
      • 2-night package in Chamonix after the tour

    Not included:

      • Transportation to France (Saint Gervais) and from Chamonix
      • Lunches & drinks
      • Cable car tickets
      • Bus and taxi transfers (on Day 3 and where noted in itinerary)
      • Personal expenses
      • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
      • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above

    Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a €50 administrative fee applies to each modification.

    Please note that occasionally, the itinerary needs adjusting—usually due to logistics like fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or bad weather. Any changes are always made with your safety and comfort in mind.

    Accommodation can shift too, though rarely, depending on availability. If an alternate accommodation is used for a given night, it’ll always be in the same star range as advertised.

  • In order to join this self-guided trail running tour, great fitness is required, along with intermediate trail running experience.

    The most you’ll run within a day is up to 15 km (9.3 mi), with up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of elevation gain, and most days take 3 to 4 hours, occasionally up to 5. Two of the days also offer a longer, full-stage option (up to 29.8 km/18.5 mi) for runners who want the complete classic route, with a shorter alternative always available if you’d rather save your legs. Since your luggage is transported between hotels each day, you’ll only ever carry a light daypack while running.

    Discover more trail running tours in Europe here!

  • Your guides offer an optional 2-night package in Chamonix after the trip.

    The package includes a 2-night stay at a hotel or B&B, access to QC Terme Chamonix spa, and a Mont Blanc Multipass with a variety of activities and attractions to choose from.

    Here’s the suggested plan, but you can tailor it to your preferances:

      • Day 1 (i.e., Day 8 if adding to your itinerary) — Take the iconic cable car of the Aiguille du Midi and experience the famous “step into the void”. Make sure to book your Aiguille du Midi date and time in advance using the code in your voucher on this website (book your spot at least a few weeks in advance). Feel free to explore Chamonix at your own pace and spend the afternoon in the fabulous QC Terme spa (entrance included).
      • Day 2 (i.e., Day 9) — Today, hop aboard the traditional Montenvers train for an unforgettable journey above the stunning Sea of Ice. From there, a gondola takes you to the Ice Cave, where you can venture into the heart of the glacier for a truly memorable experience. You can also visit the Glaciorium to explore the history and evolution of the Sea of Ice. To round out your visit, enjoy the comfort of the on-site restaurants or the legendary Montenvers Hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the iconic Drus.
      • Day 3 (i.e., Day 10) — Departure after breakfast.

    Included:

      • 2 nights at a 3-star hotel or B&B in Chamonix
      • Entrance to the QC Terme spa in Chamonix
      • The Mont Blanc Multipass which includes:
        • Aiguille du Midi (except Panoramic Mont-Blanc — Pointe Helbronner)
        • Montenvers — Mer de Glace
        • Tramway du Mont-Blanc
        • Skyway (Italie)
          • Access to the cable car in the area of Brevent – Flégère / Grands Montets,
            Balme – Le Tour — Vallorcine
          • Access to the chairlift of Les Bossons

    Not included:

      • Lunch, dinner & extra meals or beverages
      • Booking process for Aiguille du Midi Cable Car or Tramway du Mont Blanc (best to book directly on their website at least a few weeks prior to desired date with the code you’ll receive)
      • Other services in QC Terme, such as massages
  • The following items are required for this self-guided tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

    Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option—it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.

    Luggage transport is included. You carry only a light daypack while running—your main bag (one per person, 15 kg/33 lbs max) travels ahead by vehicle to each night’s stop. Extra bags can be stored for €10 per bag per day if requested at booking.

    Clothing:

      • Hiking boots/shoes — waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in
      • Hiking socks — one pair for every day or two days of the trip (hiking/sport specific padded socks, no cotton please)
      • Sun hat — wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
      • Warm hat & gloves — lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
      • Hiking shirts — non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts
      • Warm top — mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
      • Insulating jacket — down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
      • Hiking pants & shorts — nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
      • Base layer/long underwear — 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
      • Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (for the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear)
      • Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

    Gear:

      • Backpack — a 30–45 liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking
      • Personal luggage — small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack
      • Hydration system — 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
      • Trekking poles — telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain (strongly recommended)
      • Headlamp — preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
      • Picnic/lunch kit — knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
      • Phone, charger, power bank
      • Waterproof travel case or pouch — used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
      • Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
      • First aid kit
      • Personal toilet paper kit — toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes
      • Toiletries
      • Contact lenses & glasses
      • Prescription medication — with emergency back-up supply
      • Cash in local currency

    First aid kit suggestions:

    Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

    Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:

      • Medications — brands of choice; all medications should be prescribed or approved by a doctor prior to use
      • Prescription drugs — any required prescriptions with backup doses (kept in carry-on luggage)
      • Epinephrine — multiple doses recommended if severe allergies are present, with doctor prescription
      • Pain relief — ibuprofen, aspirin, non-aspirin (e.g., Tylenol)
      • Antihistamine — diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl)
      • Non-drowsy allergy relief — loratadine (e.g., Claritin)
      • Antacid/heartburn relief — bismuth (e.g., Pepto-Bismol), antacid tablets
      • Anti-diarrheal — loperamide hydrochloride (e.g., Imodium)
      • Cold/flu medicine
      • Electrolyte replacement/drink mix
      • Creams — antibiotic ointment, anti-itch (hydrocortisone), arnica
      • Eye problems: dry/itchy — eye drops
      • Feminine hygiene — tampons, pads
      • Wound care — assorted bandages, antiseptic swabs
      • Blister kit
      • Sun protection — sunscreen, SPF lip balm
      • Various items — athletic tape/“KT tape,” nail clippers, tweezers, small bottle of hand sanitizer, sewing kit (for clothing/button repairs), disposable surgical gloves (1–2 pairs)

    Optional items:

      • Face masks — 2–3 recommended
      • Travel power adapter — electric power voltage in Portugal is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are type F and C
      • Support braces — joint braces if currently needed or from past injuries (e.g., knee, ankle, elbow)
      • Sleep mask & ear plugs
      • Bug repellent
      • Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
      • Swimsuit

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  • Daily luggage transport is included in your trip price. You’ll only need to carry a light daypack during your runs—whatever you need for that day, like water, snacks, or extra layers—while your main bag travels ahead by vehicle to each night’s accommodation.

    Each person is allowed one transported bag, capped at 15 kg (33 lbs); bags over that limit won’t be transported, so it’s worth weighing yours before you leave. If you need to store extra luggage you won’t use during the trip, that’s available separately for €10 per bag per day, but only if you request it when you book. A day pack for your on-trail essentials isn’t provided, so bring your own.

  • Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc trail running tour, we take care of:

      • Accommodation for 7 nights in a mix of 2-star and 3-star hotels and mountain lodges (private rooms, mostly with en-suite bathrooms)
      • 7 breakfasts
      • 3 dinners (all but Saint Gervais, Courmayeur, Argentière, and Chamonix)
      • Luggage transfers each stage (1 bag per person, max 15 kg/33 lbs)
      • Transfer on Day 2 morning
      • Digital travel package (sent by email)
      • Smartphone app with GPX navigation files

    Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

    Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.

    As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.

  • Yes, a few things shift depending on when you travel:

      • Early and late season (June 15–30 and September 1–20): snow and snowdrifts are a real risk, and some local buses stop running. On these dates, the day 3 transfers (Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers, and Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur) switch to a taxi instead, at about €125 for one to three people.
      • If Les Chapieux lodging is unavailable: a hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice is booked instead. If this happens before around June 20 or after around September 10, a private transfer to and from Bourg-Saint-Maurice (+€245 round-trip) becomes compulsory.
  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • Due to safety reasons, it takes a minimum of 2 people for these self-guided tours to operate. Solo hikers are not allowed to join.
      • The meaximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    Self-guided trail running tours along 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 on a case-by-case basis, but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The price for this tour is based on double occupancy, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at most accommodations (apart from les Chapieux) at an additional cost. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

  • The starting point of your trail running adventure is Saint Gervais, France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, train, public bus, or rent a car to reach Saint Gervais. At the end, the tour finishes in Chamonix, France, from which you can return to Geneva by similar means. You will check in at your first hotel in Saint Gervais after 3 pm. There is no formal welcome meeting—your travel package will be sent by email before arrival.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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