Guided Trail Running: Tour du Mont Blanc 8 Days

WHAT TO EXPECT

Tour du Mont Blanc Guided Trail Running Itinerary

While we try our best to stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountains and the weather sometimes have other ideas. We always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides. This means we can make unforeseen changes to plans if required.

This is a proposed itinerary and where you stay is subject to change based on availability. Therefore, distances and elevation are approximate and may vary depending on the accommodation booked.

This itinerary is designed to be flexible, allowing the guide to adapt each day based on the group's ability, energy levels and weather conditions. While the aim is always to enjoy the best trails and scenery, there are several opportunities throughout the trip to shorten stages using local buses, trains and gondolas. These options can reduce both distance and elevation gain, helping to keep the experience enjoyable and achievable for everyone. Your guide will make decisions with the group’s best interests in mind, ensuring a safe, rewarding and memorable journey around Mont Blanc.

• Day 1:

  Arrival Day in Chamonix

  We highly recommend planning your inbound travel so that you arrive in Chamonix by early afternoon. This is especially important if you need to buy any last minute equipment from any local shops. You’ll need time to collect this before the evening briefing, which is essential for a smooth start to your adventure. There is limited time the following morning to buy any items as you will be departing for the mountains straight after breakfast.
  
  You will meet with your guide for a briefing in the evening at approximately 18:00pm to go through the plan for the week as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. Here you will have a chance to go through your kit under the experienced eye of your guide and can ask any questions that you may have. There is a group dinner included which will follow the briefing and then it's time for a good night sleep!

• Day 2:

  Les Houches - Les Contamines

  Today starts by ascending on foot up to the Col du Voza and then follow path along parallel to the train tracks to the Bellevue train station where the variant Col du Tricot trail leads down to the right. We then cross the spectacular suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier which has a very 'Himalayan' feel.
  
  The group will then usually go over the Col de Tricot route to the Chalets de Miages but if the weather is bad we can take a lower, easier route. From here we drop down to the valley floor into the village of Les Contamines.
  
  18km / 1000m up / 800m down

• Day 3:

  Les Contamines - Les Chapieux

  From Les Contamines we follow the river out of the village which takes us to the old Roman road to the pretty chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge. At Notre Dame de la Gorge, take a moment to admire the beautiful chapel nestled beside the rushing water before starting the climb. The trail here is steep and dramatic—an ancient Roman road made of stone slabs that winds its way up through the forest, often running alongside the roaring gorge. After crossing the old Roman bridge and soaking in views of the gorge below, you’ll continue your ascent reach Refuge Nant Borrant.
  
  From here, the trail continues upward past Refuge de la Balme and onto the more rugged terrain leading to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329m). After the pass, there’s a steady traverse with spectacular alpine views before the final push to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,483m).
  
  From Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme the route descends steadily from the refuge to the valley floor and the small hamlet of Les Chapieux.
  
  From Les Chapieux we take a short taxi ride to Base Camp Lodge in Bour St Maurice where you will stay for the night.
  
  19km / 1300m up / 900m down

• Day 4:

  Les Chapieux - Courmayeur

  Today starts with a short taxi ride back to Les Chapieux, from here we follow the river upstream to Refuge des Mottets. From Refuge des Mottets, begin the steady climb up to the Col de la Seigne (2,516m), marking the border between France and Italy. It’s a gradual ascent on a well-defined trail, and a rewarding one—at the top, the views open up dramatically and Mont Blanc comes back into sight.
  
  From the col, it’s an easy descent down to Rifugio Elisabetta, perched on a rocky spur between the Glacier d’Estellette and Glacier de la Lée Blanche. The trail then continues gently downhill, following a wide, straight stretch of old Roman road through the Vallée de la Lée Blanche.
  
  The trail then climbs steadily out of the Val Veny floor to a high spur from Mont Favre. Looking back, you’ll see the massive moraine of Glacier Miage dwarfing Cabane Combal, and on a clear day, views stretching back to Col de la Seigne.
  
  From there, the trail traces the south side of Val Veny, rising and falling along the mountainside with stunning views of Monte Bianco and jagged peaks across the valley. You’ll then enter the Courmayeur ski area, following a scenic traverse until signs for Plan Checrouit point you toward a steady descent into Courmayeur.
  
  30kms / 1500m up / 1800m down

• Day 5:

  Rest Day Courmayeur

  Today is a well-earned rest day in Courmayeur, the elegant Italian resort town nestled beneath the towering south face of Mont Blanc. After several days on the trail, take the opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy the charms of this lively alpine destination.
  
  Stroll through the pedestrianised streets lined with cafés, boutiques and gelaterias, indulge in a long Italian lunch, or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the town’s sunny piazzas. For those looking to explore, there are plenty of options including a visit to the spectacular Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif.
  
  Whether you choose to unwind with a spa treatment, catch up on some rest, or explore the local sights, this break in the heart of the Italian Alps is the perfect chance to recover before continuing your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.

• Day 6:

  Courmayeur - La Fouly

  From Courmayeur you will head toward the Church of Saint Pantaleon and follow the uphill road, Strada del Villair, all the way to the car park where the TMB trail begins. From here, it’s a steep climb through the forest to Rifugio Bertone -perfect for an Italian coffee with a view.
  
  From Bertone, the main trail continues along a gently undulating balcony path toward Rifugio Bonatti. From Rifugio Bonatti, the trail climbs gently for a short distance before crossing a wooden bridge over the river. You’ll then rejoin the balcony path, continuing to traverse the mountainside with open views of the Val Ferret below.
  
  From Val Ferret you will begin the climb up the Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), marking the border between Italy and Switzerland, you'll descend into the Swiss side of the Val Ferret The trail winds down gently with sweeping views before reaching Gîte Alpage de la Peule, a traditional working dairy farm. From here it’s a short descent down to the hamlet of Ferret, and onwards along the river to La Fouly.
  
  30kms / 2000m up / 1600m down

• Day 7:

  La Fouly - Champex-le-Lac

  Today is the most gentle day of all the TMB stages. There is no col to climb and the route meanders easily through the valley past Swiss mountain pastures. Drink in the delightful scenes of rural life in Switzerland as you run leisurely along this stage. Champex-Lac, our home for the night is a beautiful little town next to a pretty lake. Nicknamed ‘Little Canada’ it’s not hard to imagine why – this beautiful lakeside town is surrounded by hills of pine and is relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.
  
  This stage has been intentionally designed as a 'half day' of running, allowing plenty of time to rest and recover after the previous stage. Arriving in Champex-Lac by lunchtime this gives you the chance to relax by the lakeside, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and even soothe tired legs with a refreshing dip in the cold lake water. Take the opportunity to slow down, recharge, and make the most of this beautiful Swiss setting before the next stage.
  
  15km / 600m up / 700m down

• Day 8:

  Champex-le-Lac - Argentière

  Today we leave the serenity of beautiful Champex-Lac and take the Bovine route to the Col de la Forclaz and then drop down into the Swiss village of Trient, famous for it’s pink church, to spend the night.
  
  From Trient head up towards the Col de Balme, the border of France and Switzerland. From the Swiss side, head down into France towards Col des Posettes. Climb the ridge to L’Aiguillette des Posettes (2201m), where you’ll get great views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. Continue along the ridge and descend steeply to Tré-le-Champ. From here a meandering descent gets you down to Argentière for the night.
  
  30km / 1800m up / 2000m down

• Day 9:

  Argentière - Les Houches

  From Argentiere, follow the Chemin des Grands Bois and turn left towards Aiguillette d’Argentiere where you will reach the famous TMB ladders — a set of 13 metal ladders and steps built into the rock. Keep an eye out for chamois and bouquetin, as you’re in the Aiguille Rouge National Park. After the ladders, continue on to reach Tête aux Vents (2132m), marked by a large cairn. From here continue on until you reach Lac Blanc at 2,352m. From Lac Blanc, continue down the trail towards Refuge La Flégère (60–90 mins), located at the main cable car station.
  
  From Refuge La Flégère follow the Grand Balcon Sud trail as it gently traverses towards Plan Praz. Once there you follow the trail up to Le Brevent which includes a few more ladders.
  
  At the top of Le Brévent, enjoy one of the best views of Mont Blanc. Continuing the descent along the ridge to Refuge Bellachat, a great spot to rest with amazing views. From Bellachat, continue your descent following signs for ‘Parc Merlet’ and then onwards to Les Houches. The final stretch is long and tough on the knees, but wild azaleas and possible wildlife sightings make it a memorable finish. End the trip by returning to Chamonix with one final night and a group dinner to celebrate.
  
  26km / 1800m up / 2000m down

• Day 10:

  Departure Day

  After one last hearty breakfast, sadly we bid your farewell. Check out at 10am.