Treks
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc trails on one of our highlights trip. Starting in Italy, you make your way over to Switzerland and finally end up in France over 4 days trekking. The trip has been designed so that you only need to take 2 days off work in order to experience this world famous trek.
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Duration
4 Nights
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
July - September
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Price
€750
Adventure Snapshot
VIEW GALLERY
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+ 16
ITALY, SWITZERLAND & FRANCE / 4 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS OFF WORK
This 5 day / 4 night 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) in 5 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 trip is great for those short on time who want as much trekking 'bang for their buck' as they can manage.
Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test:
Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Full Trip
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek is well suited to fit hillwalkers, capable of trekking for multiple days carrying a light (10kg) rucksack. We follow footpaths each day and the terrain is hilly! We stay in a mixture of mountain refuges and local hotels during the trek, which all provide basic but comfortable lodging and good food. This helps keep our packs light carrying only snacks, clothing and essentials.
Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or drop us a note and we'll talk it through with you: Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
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Duration
4 Nights
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
July - September
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Guide Ratio
1:15
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Ability
Level ALevel A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
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Price
€750
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in 30 Seconds
00:27A snapshot of what to expect when you tackle this awesome trek.
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
10:48Olly & Charlie document their trip as they tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
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.
Rucksack
Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack
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.
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
Softshell Trousers
Stretch, durable mountaineering trousers.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Side-leg zippers are helpful
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Shorts
Good to have for approaches to the mountain huts especially in warmer temperatures
Fleece windproof gloves
Sunglasses
At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Trekking Poles
Foldable poles are best
Sleeping bag silk liner
You don’t need a sleeping bag itself, as blankets are provided in the huts
Trekking Towel
Head torch
Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential
ID and documents
Passport / Drivers license, Visa, Insurance, Yellow Fever Card (if applicable)
Cash / credit card
For extra costs such as drinks and snacks
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Bandana / Buff
Earplugs
Highly recommended for the mountain huts
Insect Repellant
"The route was stunning and the guides were great. Logistics were really seamless which makes a huge difference. All this contributes to a stunning experience for the participants."
We've had a great trip. Thank you for all your help organising.
Just wanted to say we had a fabulous trip and thanks you for organising it! We'll be back for another trek next summer.
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
There are no plans on the arrival day other than getting to Chamonix and checking in to the accommodation we've provided. You will meet with your guide and Adventure Base representative in the morning over breakfast where you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- All accommodation including first night in Chamonix
- IML Guides fees and expenses
- All transfers and uplifts on itinerary
- All breakfasts and evening meals
What's not Included?
- Airport transfers
- Equipment rental
- Travel insurance
- Packed lunches, Snacks in huts and catering in Chamonix
This trip is running on the following dates
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
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| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 | ||||
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | ||
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
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| 1 | 2 | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | ||||||
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After long days trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy. We've handpicked hotels and other mountain accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love. (A single room supplement is available where possible)
IN THE VALLEYS
The majority of the accommodation on the trip will be in ensuite twin rooms, in hotels, BnBs and traditional Alpine Gites.
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Duration
3 nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Twin shared
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Food
Half Board
Rifugio Bonatti
We have 1 night in a mountain hut: the Rifugio Bonatti, which is one of the nicest mountain huts in the Alps, and we are usually in small rooms rather than dorms. There are showers in the refuge but they are limited to a few minutes – and aren’t always warm! The refuge serves good Italian food, along with a beautiful view.
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Duration
1 night
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dormitory
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Food
Half Board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required. This is a proposed itinerary and is subject to change.
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Day 1:
Arrival in Chamonix
There are no plans on the arrival day other than getting to Chamonix, France and checking in to the accommodation we've provided. You will meet with your guide and Adventure Base representative in the morning over breakfast where you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group. If you do arrive early and need more equipment, Chamonix has a huge number of outdoor shops with a large choice of kit, so it’s a great place to top up your supplies. This night you will be staying in twin shared rooms.
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Day 2:
Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
You will meet your guide in the morning over breakfast where they will provide a briefing as well as check kit. Once we're all set, we head through to Courmayeur in Italy where we will walk through the historic Italian town. The trek starts with a push up to the Bertone hut for a late morning Italian coffee. Here, if the weather is good, we can take the variant to incorporate an extra peak: it takes a bit longer but it really is a stunning day – not many people, breathtaking scenery, and avoids the crowds in the Val Ferret. We spend tonight at the delightful Rifugio Bonatti hut, from where you can watch the beautiful sunset behind Mont Blanc. (Shared Dormitory)
19km / 1500m up / 750m down / 7 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly
Today we trek over the Grand Col Ferret (one of the highest cols on the trip at 2530m). We are rewarded with stunning views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Grand Combin and the Mont Dolent (whose summit is the border of France, Switzerland and Italy). At the top of the col we cross over into Switzerland, where the scenery changes yet again. We continue to La Fouly, an alpine village with traditional Swiss “chocolate box” chalets. Here we take a short transfer to the beautiful alpine resort of Champex, where we stay in a cosy family-run hotel. (Twin Rooms)
17km / 1130m up / 1450m down / 6 - 7 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Champex to Trient
Today if we’re feeling fit and the weather is good we will take the Fenêtre d’Arpette route, the highest col on the TMB. If we want to be a little more relaxed, we can take the route via Bovine to the Col de la Forclaz. Both routes offer spectacular scenery. From the Col de la Forclaz we descend to the picture perfect sleepy Swiss village of Trient for the night. (Shared Dormitory)
14km / 1200m up / 1650m down / 7 hours trekking -
Day 5:
Trient - Chamonix
We leave Trient early and hike over the Col de Balme back into France. It's a lovely winding trail that leads us back to the sunny side and we are greeted by the panoramic views of Mont Blanc. From here we descend to Le Tour and transfer back to Chamonix to end the trip around 13:00. From here you can either transfer to Geneva for an evening flight or continue your visit by staying on in Chamonix. Let us know and we can help you planning.
15km / 1100m up / 1300m down / 7 hours trekking
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
What Insurance Do I Need?
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
What type of boots do I need for the trek?
You will need comfortable, durable trekking boots. Trail running shoes are also suitable but you may be a little cold Read more
You will need comfortable, durable trekking boots. Trail running shoes are also suitable but you may be a little cold on some mornings. Gore-tex will help ensure your feet stay dry and warm.
What kind of fitness level do I need?
You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Mountaineering is all about having good Read more
You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Mountaineering is all about having good cardiovascular endurance to be able to continue being active for long periods. As well as this you will need to have a good head for heights and good overall body balance.
Meet your guides for this adventure
Ben
Mountain Leader
Ben is a fully qualified British UIMLA International Mountain Leader with Swiss and French equivalence and he is also a fully-qualified Swiss Brevet Fédéral Ski Instructor and an ISIA card holder and an accomplished outdoor educator and a qualified Outdoor Education and Geography teacher. He has been based in the Alps for a long time and has extensive knowledge on a whole variety of treks and adventures. Ben brings a whole bunch of experience to our guiding team, having worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance trek with our community.
Emily
Mountain Leader
Emily is a British UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as one of our lead trekking guides. She has a strong teaching background with Geography being her speciality which combined with her passion for adventures in the outdoors makes her a highly enjoyable person to spend time with on our trips. She fills our trips with positive energy alongside her vast experience and super skillset of navigating the alpine trails she knows so well. She's one of our most experienced guides and is based full time in the Chamonix valley and also a fluent French speaker. She is a passionate runner and has taken on some mega challenging races such as the Marathon du Mont Blanc and the CCC ultra marathon du Mont Blanc. We're sure you'll have a great time on one of Emily's trips.
Alistair
Mountain Leader
As well as being a fully qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide, Alistair is also a qualified Wilderness Medical First Responder (WEMSI), and spent 15 years working as a ski instructor. His passion for the outdoors has made him realise we all have a personal responsibility to lessen our impact on the planet. He eats a plant-based diet, has not owned a car for over 7 years and has gone from a career of travelling the world incessantly to staying in one place and connecting with nature that can be accessed from his home in the Alps. Alistair brings a well of life experience to our trips and is a joy to share the trails with. He believes it is his duty to share his passion for the mountains and a simple life and to encourage people to reconnect with nature and all that this brings in the way of health benefits both mentally and physically - working as a hiking guide provides a perfect outlet for this.
Becki
Mountain Leader
Becki is a British fully qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as one of our lead trekking guides. She is highly experienced and super fun to trek with. Alongside here UIMLA leadership she is also a BASI ski instructor and an experienced international mountain leader having led groups on expeditions China, Bolivia, Morocco, Ecuador, Costa Rica and more. She has a passion for trail running and has also undertaken some incredibly challenging races. She's extremely modest about her achievements so you will have to bug her on one of our trips for all the stories. Her energy is infectious and alongside her attention to detail and well thought out guiding approach she always finds ways of bringing everyone together to create memorable experiences.
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.
Start your adventure