Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tours
Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Turbo 4 Days
This self-guided version of the full Tour du Mont Blanc route is for expert trekkers only with a high level of fitness.
-
Duration
3 Nights, 4 Days
-
Start Location
Les Houches, Chamonix
-
Date(s)
July - August
-
Price
From €790
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
-
-
+ 9
FRANCE, SWITZERLAND & ITALY / 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
This 3 night / 4 day version of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek is an incredible opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the mountains and enjoy the natural beauty of the valleys that surround western Europe’s highest mountain. The trek offers an unusual variety of spectacular scenery and varied walks and you are sure to come away from this trek refreshed and invigorated, if a little creaky at the joints.
The route crosses three borders (France, Italy and Switzerland) over 4 days, traversing beneath huge glaciers, and meandering through beautiful alpine meadows and picture-book villages. That's right, this is a truly memorable journey and one of worlds classic long-distance hiking routes.
This self-guided version specifically avoids the more popular places to stay and keeps you off the beaten track staying in fairly remote refuges. One for the wild ones. . You will experience the full version of the Tour du Mont Blanc independently and fully self-guided.
Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or join us on our Tour du Mont Blanc guided trips:
Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Turbo 4 Days brochure
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This version of the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek is only suited to very fit hillwalkers, capable of trekking for multiple days carrying a reasonably heavy rucksack for long distances. You follow footpaths each day and the terrain is very hilly. You can expect to do up to and over 2000m ascent and descent per day. You stay in a mixture of mountain refuges, gites and auberges during the trek, which all provide basic but comfortable lodging and good food. This helps keep your packs fairly light carrying only snacks, clothing and essentials.
It might seem like a lot to take in so if you're not sure if you're ready.. No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or join us on one of our Tour du Mont Blanc guided trips: Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
-
Duration
3 Nights, 4 Days
-
Start Location
Les Houches, Chamonix
-
Date(s)
July - August
-
Guide Ratio
Self Guided
-
Ability
Level CLevel C
You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain. You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer. You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
-
Price
From €790
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
02:21Stunning views and great memories. This is the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
What is Self Guided Trekking?
01:27Olly and Charlie discuss what a self guided trip looks like.
Beginner Hikes Tour Du Mont Blanc
25:55Dave’s experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc with us.
Omar's Trip
03:39A snapshot at Omar’s experience on the trails with us.
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
For the full downloadable Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek kit list please click here.
Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes
Good grip and ankle support is recommended
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
We had a spectacular trip - and Adventure Base was a big reason why. The staff was proactive before the trip, providing advice on packing and IMPORTANTLY on weather and proper equipment (ie micro-spikes and poles) to make us safe and comfortable. All the staff were knowledgeable and responsive to all our many questions during the Tour. It was like having a personal guide OFF the mountain - a prefect solution as we wanted to hike on our own but wanted expert advice. thank you!
The direct, face to face meetings with both Beth Gavoille and Charlie Krarup left me feeling that they each genuinely wanted to understand my needs, wants and concerns and would do whatever they could to assist me as much as possible. I never felt that I was simply a customer in a financial transaction with them but rather that they authentically cared about me. You truly felt that you were being listened to.
We had an amazing experience planning the TMB with Adventure Base. Everything went well before and during our trip. Great support from their side.
7 Day Self-guided TBM was an amazing trip. AB planned everything exceptionally well. No issues. I will use them again for my next trip.
5 stars for the Adventure Base team! We are so pleased with our self-guided 9-day Tour du Mont Blanc trek through Adventure Base. The company had clear communication with us the whole way- from making our itinerary, checking in before with left the US, checking in once we got to Chamonix, and then while we were on the trail as well. They helped us chose a different route mid hike, making us feel safe and supported. They also did a lot of small things that went a long way- holding our luggage + dropping it off at our hotel to be ready for us once we were done hiking, providing us with digital + paper maps, a mini trail first aid kit and buffs. We are so thankful to have used them!
The Adventure Base team was a complete pleasure to work with - friendly and knowledgeable. The team was super responsive from start to finish (from planning phase and throughout our trek) providing great advice, logistics and support. We will use AB again - 5 stars!!
We did the TMB with adventure base- family with 2 teenagers. We honestly could not have asked for a better organised self guided tour- the accommodation, bag transfers, food and the communication by Adventure base were amazing. Only trumped by Mother Nature- what a beautiful and bucket list walk. Olly, Beth and Virginia were superb and we highly recommend this tour company.
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek begins in Les Houches at the Bellevue cable car in the Chamonix valley. Typically people will arrive the night before and overnight either in Les Houches or overnight in Chamonix and take the train from Chamonix to Les Houches in the morning to start the hike. If you would like us to book your accommodation for the first night please ask.
What's Included?
- 3 Nights accommodation
- 3 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- Planning and reservations
- Detailed itinerary and GPX tracks
- 24/7 Support communication with our Chamonix based team
What's not Included?
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- In-resort travel (bus / lifts / trains)
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- Luggage transfers
- Additional nights before, during and after trip (can be added on request)
- Travel insurance (required)
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After a long day of trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy in a scenic location. We've handpicked refuges and other mountain accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love. (A single room supplement is available where possible, please request this far in advance)
VIEW GALLERY
-
-
+ 6
ON THE TREK
The majority of the accommodation on the trip will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. You can upgrade in some of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.
-
Duration
3 Nights
-
Internet
Not included
-
Beds
Shared arrangements
-
Food
3 Breakfasts + 3 Dinners
Immerse yourself in Nature
Adventure Itinerary
Here you'll find the full itinerary including distances (KM) ascents and descents each day and a rough estimate of how long it will take.
Start point: Les Houches
End point: Chamonix
Length: 4 days
Whilst we aim to stick to the itinerary below, accommodation in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance you will be booked into a suitable alternative accommodation.
Keep in mind: The moving times shown don’t account for breaks. Add 1–2 hours each day for a more accurate total trail time.
-
Day 1:
Les Houches - Refuge Bonhomme
This itinerary takes the Bellevue cable car from Les Houches to the Bellevue Plateau & picks up the path for the Col du Tricot. After the Himalayan suspension bridge the route begins to gently climb until the spectacular Bionnassay glacier comes into full view. From here you can see the top of the Col du Tricot and it’s a steady climb up to the grassy saddle. Spend some time here to admire the views over the Miage Valley and far off the Col du Bonhomme. Spot Refuge Miage in the distant cluster of farm buildings way down in the valley below (a great stop refreshment stop if you have time). If you look carefully to your left, you’ll see a stone archway on the ‘smugglers route’ to Refuge Plan Glacier (see our adventure itinerary). The descent down is STEEP! Take it easy and use your poles. Reaching the valley floor follow the signs to reach Refuge Miage in just 5 minutes. This cluster of farm buildings in set in an idyllic rural setting and is charmingly French. The view of the Dômes de Miage (3600m) from the refuge is outstanding.
After an initial short climb from the Miage Valley up and over to Auberge du Truc. From here it’s a long steady descent through the forest into Les Contamines. Have a leisurely lunch in this small French town before either choosing to walk along the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge or pick up the free shuttle bus (navette) outside the Tourist Office to Notre Dame de la Gorge where the trail heads out into the wild once more. Taking the free shuttle bus means the difference between the stated length & hike time above. Take a moment to visit the beautiful Notre Dame de la Gorge chapel next to the gushing water before setting out on the well marked path. Warning – the trail is VERY steep here along an ancient slabbed Roman road to Refuge Nant Borrant but pleasantly flanks the bubbling racing gorge for much of the ascent. Be sure to look out for the pont naturel sign leading to a natural arch on the river, just a minute from the trail. Cross the roman bridge to take in the rushing gorge below. After reaching Refuge Nant Borrant press for almost a further 3kms before reaching Refuge Le Balme. From here you’ll start climbing the Col du Bonhomme and then the Col du Croix du Bonhomme, an ancient route across these mountains. It’s not unusual for Col du Bonhomme to still have to cross a stubborn patch of snow left from the Winter even in late July. From the top of the Col du Bonhomme the route skirts around for a further hour before reaching your bed for the night at the cavernous Refuge du Croix du Bonhomme.
Approximate time and distances:
25.2km / 2030m up /1240m down / 8-10 hours trekking
15.6m / 6660ft up / 4068ft down / 8-10 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Refuge Bonhomme - Courmayeur
Today you’ll trek from France over the Col de la Seigne into Italy. Ciao!
If the weather is fine take the alternative route via the Col des Fours (not in June or first week of July). The trail can be picked up just before Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme so you’ll need to double back on yourself for a couple of minutes to head via this route. The Col des Fours is a spectacular variant leading over a lunar landscape before dropping into the Vallée des Glaciers picking up the traditional route at Ville des Glacier.
If you’re continuing along the normal TMB route the well marked trail will descend all the way to the valley of to Les Chapieux, where you can stop for a welcome refreshment at the friendly Auberge de la Nova and carry on a further hour up the trail via Ville des Glaciers. Note: there is a navette (shuttle bus) from Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers which can shave a good hour off your timings. We have included this navette in our timings for this schedule.
From Ville des Glaciers it’s a steady ascent past the converted dairy farm, Refuge les Mottets (a good place for lunch) up the Col de la Seigne – the frontière between France and Italy. In good weather this is your chance to see Mont Blanc again. The views here are spectacular as the Italian Val Veni (Veni Valley) lays before you. The descent is easy enough before hitting the U shape valley floor. You’ll pass the infamous Refuge Elisabetta reaching the arrow straight roman road to Lac Combal. The trail ascends from the emerald lac climbing steadily up to the highest point on stage 4, a spur from Mont Favre. Looking back you can see the monstrous moraine of Glacier Miage dwarfing Cabane Combal and on a clear day all the way back to Col de la Seigne. From here you’ll trace the contours of the south flank of the Val Veni, following the rise and fall of the mountain side with jaw dropping views of sawtooth peaks and Monte Bianco opposite.
From Refugio Maison Vielle (during peak season Aug & Sept) take the chair lift and connecting cable car down to Dolonne which is a 10 minute saunter into Courmayeur. The descent from Maison Vielle is brutal and so we have included the chairlift / cable car down in this itinerary timings (29.9km 7hr 30)
Note: taking the Les Chapieux shuttle AND the From Refugio Maison Vielle chairlift/Dolonne cable car reduces this day to 25.3km / 6.5 – 7 hours.
The delightful Italian town of Courmayeur is your home for the night. Our self guided itineraries include either a basic hotel or a comfort or deluxe hotel with spa.
Approximate time and distances:
33.8km / 1470m up / 2740m down / 8-10 hours trekking
21km / 4822ft up / 8989ft down / 8-10 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Courmayeur - Relais d'Arpette
You’ll cover a lot of ground today leaving Italy behind after crossing the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland before catching a bus between Ferret or La Fouly onto Champex-Lac with a last push onto the next refuge the Relais D’Arpette.
The day starts with a steep ascent up to Refuge Bertone and traverses along the gentle southern ridge of the Val Ferret valley today passing Refuge Bonatti before descending to Chalet Val Ferret. From here the trail climbs up past Refuge Elena and up and over the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), the border between Italy and Switzerland. Drink in the rugged peaks and icy glaciers before descending for Switzerland’s landscape changes here to gentle pastures and farm land.
Passing the working dairy farm, the Gite Alpage de la Peule nestled into the mountain side on the other side of the Col, it’s an easy descent to the hamlet of Ferret where you can pick up the bus to Champex-Lac. Alternatively continue onwards to La Fouly where the bus also stops.
From the lovely lakeside town of Champex-Lac it’s a short ascent up to Relais d’Arpette where you can settle in for the night before the more technical ascent tomorrow up the Col du Fenêtre.
Approximate time and distances:
47.3km / 2910m up / 2486m down / 8-10 hours trekking
29m / 9547ft up / 8156ft down / 8-10 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Relais d'Arpette - Le Tour village
Today is the most technical day of the TMB and can only be done in good weather. Never attempt the Col du Fenêtre in anything less than perfect weather. You will need to return to Champex-Lac and continue on the traditional Bovine route if bad weather is predicted.
The terrain on the ascent to the Col du Fenêtre is unlike the trail on the entire rest of the TMB circuit. The trail is not marked well and can easily be lost in bad weather. The boulder field just before the Col requires a lot of attention and trekkers need to be mindful of loose screw and rocks that dislodge easily and can be fatal to trekkers below. Set off super early though and you’ll be in for a treat. When you finally summit the Col you will feel a real sense of achievement – it’s the only place on the trek I’ve experienced other trekkers congratulating each other a real sense of camaraderie.
The descent from the Col du Fenêtre is nothing short of astounding. Hairpin bends wind down the rocky descent with the incredible Trient Glacier trailing down beside the trail. This huge hunk of ice will mesmorise you during your descent and will surely be one of your unforgettable memories of this incredible trek.
Reaching the Buvette at the bottom of the descent you’ll turn left crossing the bridge and tackle the steep ascent to Refuge Les Grands (a cosy manned un-catered refuge). Watch out for the Tibetan style path cut steeply into the rock!
Stop at the refuge for a cold drink and press on high hugging the mountain flank until eventually you’ll spot Trient far below and the Trient glacier disappears behind you. You’ll soon see Refuge Col du Balme with it’s iconic red shutters – a tiny dot on the Col du Balme saddle – another frontiere marking the boundary between Switzerland and France. The gentle balcony walk contours around until you pass the refuge. Re-bonjour! You’ve come in a complete circle and once again the Chamonix Valley is in sight. Look to the far end of the valley to spot Les Houches where you set off.
Our itinerary descends now to the valley floor just past the refuge via the chairlift and gondola to Le Tour. Taking this shortcut is included in today’s timings (21.5km / 7.5hrs). However please note that this chairlift and cable car is currently closed for the duration of summer 2022 so you will need to descend to the village of Le Tour on foot adding a further 1 hour to your itinerary. Catch the bus from Le Tour into Chamonix. Well done!
Approximate time and distances:
27.9km / 1830m up / 1910m down / 8-10 hours trekking
17m / 6003ft up / 6266ft down / 8-10 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Turbo 4 Days trip is rated Level C, for accomplished adventurers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
- Little / no prior experience
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- Basic level of fitness
More your level?
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
- Some basic skills
- Moderate fitness
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
- You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
- Strong level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level D
For the pros
- You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
- You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
- Some level of technical skills
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
- Very high level of fitness
More your level?
Climb Triglav
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you embark on an unforgettable trek through Triglav National Park. This exhilarating journey will take you to the summit of Slovenia’s highest peak, lead you through the stunning Triglav Lakes Valley, reveal nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders, and offer you the experience of staying in traditional mountain huts.
-
July - September
-
Level A
-
€950.00
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trails, trekking through France, Italy and Switzerland in just 4 days, for those that are looking for a shorter trip. Jam-packed with some of the best bits of the whole Tour du Mont Blanc, this trip has been designed in order to have an incredible trekking experience.
-
July - September
-
Level A
-
€950.00
Chamonix: Ice Climbing intro
Whether it is mountain ice or frozen waterfalls, ice climbing is superb and always an ultra rewarding outdoor experience. The ‘thunk’ of your axes bedding into the ice, and the beauty of the mountains in winter is hard to beat.
-
January
-
Level A
-
€1685.00
Dolomites Alta Via 1 Guided 10 Days
Discover the Alta Via 1 Trek, an extraordinary adventure through the Dolomites, Italy. The Alta Via 1 Trek is a 120-kilometer hiking experience that traverses the breathtaking UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Dolomites. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, this 10 day trip will Immerse you in the rich culture and natural beauty of the region.
-
July - September
-
Level B
-
€2350.00
Prep Peak: Toubkal Summer
Enjoy a Moroccan cultural rollercoaster ride in the warmer summer months, from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the wild and quiet Atlas Mountains in just 5 days. Climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m, is challenging but suitable for newcomers to trekking mountains. The combination of mountain and culture on this trip is what makes it extra special. This trip runs during the 'summer season'.
-
May - October
-
Level B
-
€620.00
Intro Hut Ski Tour – Chamonix
Introducing keen and competent off-piste skiers to the world of hut ski touring. This is great preparation for our hut to hut ski touring trips and an important confidence builder. You will learn the essential skills required for ski touring over multiple days and experience staying in a mountain hut.
-
February - March
-
Level B
-
€1300.00
Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days
The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
-
July - September
-
Level C
-
€3450.00
Austria, Otztal Ski Tour
The Otztal ski tour is a stunning link up of beautiful Austrian and Italian mountain huts and peaks in the wild Tyrol region of the Alps. The ski terrain is suited for those looking to tackle a challenging 'hut to hut' ski tour similar to that of the famous Haute Route. You can expect long ski touring days with plenty of uphill and enjoyable descents, and often more comfortable huts than those found in the Western Alps.
-
March
-
Level C
-
€2030.00
Mont Blanc Turbo
Climb Mont Blanc (4808m) the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s a beautiful, imposing and highly sought after summit that sits at the roof of the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If your adventure juices are flowing, then keep on reading...
-
June - July
-
Level C
-
€2650.00
Climb the Triple Crown of the Alps
Climb the famous Triple Crown of the Alps. Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Eiger. A lifetime mountaineering achievement, all possible within 10 days with the right fitness and preparation.
-
July - August
-
Level D
-
€12900.00
Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour
The Bernese Oberland ski tour is a stunning link up of high altitude mountain huts and peaks in the wild Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The ski terrain in this region is suited for those with previous ski touring experience, who are looking to progress to the next level and discover some high altitude peaks and glaciers. You can expect long ski tour days, comfortable huts and big ski descents.
-
March
-
Level D
-
€2030.00
Climb the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is probably the most iconic peak out there in the mountains. Rising behind the charming town of Zermatt on the Swiss / Italian border this is a highly sought after summit for mountaineers and adventurers alike. Daring, dramatic and intimidating, this is one of our favourite mountains to guide.
-
July - August
-
Level D
-
€4350.00
Climb the Eiger
The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge for any keen mountaineer. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic steeped in historic tales of heroic climbing. On this trip we climb via the Mittellegi ridge. Got what it takes?
-
July - August
-
Level E
-
€4450.00
READY TO TREK THE TMB?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
Deposit/Book Now