In 2018 we took our first group on the world-famous TMB. It was life-changing. No words can do the beauty of this trek any justice; no photo captures the majesty and beauty. You will see things you’ve never seen and feel a sense of accomplishment not known before. This challenging hiking circuit will reward you with mesmerizing views of glaciers, steep valleys, and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. Travel across high passes and through Alpine meadows, recharging at night with delicious mountain cuisine in simple refuges. Challenge yourself to conquer one of the world’s premiere hiking routes, uncovering the alpine heart of Europe on this incredible active adventure. The Tour du Mont Blanc is arguably the most famous multi-day trek in Europe, forming a circuit of Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc (4,808m). The TMB offers some of the best Alpine hiking in the world; our guided tour takes you on an 11-stage adventure with one rest day in Courmayeur around this spectacular hiking route. The TMB is a challenging multi-day trek. You will need to train to be fully prepared and genuinely enjoy the experience. Each day you will hike many miles, ascend and descend 4,000 plus feet and challenging your mind, body, and spirit. Your reward is conquering a trail very few take the time to see and experiencing Europe in such a unique way as you pass through three countries along the route. My1FitLife Adventures will give you ideas and suggestions for training, and we will encourage you to start months in advance. We want everyone on the trek to have the time of their lives, and that requires we are all prepared.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Chamonix, France
Our circuit begins and ends in Chamonix, France.
This evening is our first opportunity to try out some of the best Alpine specialities in a typical restaurant, such as Cheese fondue, Tartiflette or Raclette accompanied with some famous “Vin de Savoie” wine.
17:00Evening: As this is a challenging active trek, demanding good fitness and equipment, it is very important that you arrive on time for this briefing to learn more about the route and to hear your leader’s recommendations on equipment. Please make every effort to arrive on time. If you are delayed, we will leave you a message detailing where they can be contacted and when to meet later in the evening or early the following morning.
Day 2: Chamonix/Les Contamines-Montjoie
Travel to Les Houches and enjoy a 24km (14 mi) hike through the stunning countryside to Les Contamines and savour a delicious dinner in the evening.
We set off this morning after breakfast for our first day of hiking. We’ll take the bus to the village of Les Houches, where we begin with a cable car ride to Bellevue. From here on a clear day you’ll enjoy great views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range, before beginning our hike to Les Contamines.
Local Bus
Chamonix – Les Houches
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Mont Blanc Trek – Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie
Les Houches – Les Contamines-Montjoie8h30m24km
Hike past the Bioniassay glacier and the rolling slopes of Col du Tricot (if weather permits,) afterwards descend into the Valley of Les Contamines-Montjoie. Then climb up along an old Roman ridge and past an original Roman bridge. Arrive to the Gîte in a valley that leads to the Col du Bonhomme and stop for the night for a well-deserved rest.
Approximate hiking time is 8.5hrs. 900m – 2952ft ascent, 1300m – 4265ft descent
Accommodation: Refuge Nant Borrant (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3: Mont Blanc Trek – Les Contamines-Montjoie/Les Chapieux
Hike the challenging 18km (11 mi) from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux.
Les Contamines-Montjoie – Les Chapieux 7h 18km
Begin the steep ascent to the Col Du Bonhomme, then hike to the Croix du Bonhomme and stop for lunch. While eating your meal, enjoy the amazing view of the Vallee des Chapieux. Descend to Les Chapieux for the night. Today the group will tackle steep uphill and downhill routes on rough terrain, this part of the tour can be extremely difficult but hikers’ feeling of satisfaction after climbing the Col du Bonhomme make the challenges worthwhile.
Approximate hiking time is 7 hours. 1300m – 4265ft ascent, 900m – 2952ft descent
Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 4: Les Chapieux to Courmayeur
Pass glacial lakes on the 23km (14 mi) trek from Les Chapieux to the Italian town of Courmayeur.
Les Chapieux – Courmayeur 5h23-28km
Climb through open pastures and snowfield to Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy. Pass by picturesque glacier lakes while descending into beautiful Val Veny. Continue on a 45 minute descent to Rifugio Elisabetta, then a further 45 minute descent will bring the group to La Visaille. From this small hamlet take a bus or taxi to the picturesque town of Courmayeur, Italy.
Approximate hiking time is 5hrs. 750m – 2460ft ascent, 800m – 2625ft descent
Free Time
Courmayeur Evening
Free time to explore what the biggest town in the Italian Mont Blanc circuit has to offer such as restaurants and bistros
Day 5: Free Day – Explore Courmayeur
The picturesque mountain town of Courmayeur is an ideal backdrop for a free day. Opt to ride a cable car to Pointe Helbronner or go for a day hike.
Today we have a scheduled rest day to put up our weary feet or take the opportunity to enjoy the lovely town of Courmayeur and La Saxe.
Enjoy an optional dinner with the group and our leader to taste some of the Italian Alpine specialities offered in Courmayeur’s many atmospheric restaurants.
Free Time
Courmayeur – Full Day
Relax and enjoy the mountain scenery or enjoy one of the optional activities available here.
Optional Activities –
Spa Centre of Pré St Didier
Courmayeur (1h-3h50EUR per person) Enjoy an indulgent thermal bath or massage to relax those well-worked
muscles at the amazing Spa Centre of Pré St Didier.
Cable Car Ride to Pointe Helbronner
Courmayeur 52EUR per person
Enjoy a magnificent cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner and back — the views are stunning
Rafting
Courmayeur 2h-4h 30-95EUR per person
Raft down the scenic Dora Baltea River in the Aosta Valley.
Aosta Visit
Aosta 5h-6h 7EUR per person
Get to know this charming bilingual city nestled in the Italian Alps. It offers many sights to explore, including the ancient town walls of Augusta Prætoria Salassorum, still preserved almost in their entirety, and an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Accommodation: Hotel Cristallo (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Courmayeur/Val Ferret
Hike the 14km (8.6 mi) from Courmayeur to the Italian Val Ferret. It’s a steep climb but the rewarding views are worth it.
Mont Blanc Trek – Courmayeur to Val Ferret
Courmayeur – Val Ferret5h14-20km
Lace those hiking boots back up! Start the steep climb up to Rifugio Bertone with the best view of the Mont Blanc Massif. Hike along the Mont de la Saxe, taking the balcony path facing the ridge of the Grandes Jorasses. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in the unforgettable view. Continue to Rifugio Bonatti, overlooking the Italian Val Ferret for the night.
Approximate hiking time is 5hrs. 850m – 2789ft ascent, 700m – 2297ft descent
Accommodation
Rifugio Bonatti (or similar)
Refuge
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 7: Val Ferret/La Fouly
Embark on a long, steep hike of 20km (12 mi) followed by a stay in the Swiss mountain village of La Fouly.
Mont Blanc Trek – Val Ferret to La Fouly
Val Ferret – La Fouly6h20km
Start towards Arp Nouva, then begin the steep climb across the Grand Col Ferret, and descend into the hamlet of Ferret, Switzerland. Continue the decent into the Alpage at La Peule before reaching a high traverse above the valley; from here, enjoy the view of the deep, green forest crawling up the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Continue downward on a the final passage, finishing in the mountain village of La Fouly, where you can finally kick those feet up and relax.
Approximate hiking duration is 6hrs. 900m – 2953ft ascent, 1400m – 4593ft descent
Accommodation
Auberge des Glaciers Fouly (or similar)
Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 8: La Fouly/Trient
After a short bus journey to the picturesque village of Champex, follow the “Bovine Way” and trek 16km (10mi) from La Fouly to Trient.
Mont Blanc Trek – La Fouly to Trient
La Fouly – Trient5h16km
Taking the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley, we continue along our circuit today, passing the Col de la Forclaz and then heading downhill to Trient.
Approximate hiking duration is 5hrs. 750m – 2460ft ascent, 950m – 3117ft descent
Accommodation
La Grande Ourse (or similar)
Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9: Trient/Chamonix
Enjoy a final day of trekking 14 km (8.6mi) over the Col de la Balme to the Chamonix valley.
Mont Blanc Trek – Trient to Montroc
Trient – Montroc5h14km
Head back towards the Chamonix Valley and out of Switzerland. Walk uphill through a large forest and then open alpine slopes to the Col de Balme. Trek the last downhill stretch to Montroc in the Chamonix Valley to wrap up this unforgettable trek.
Approximate hiking duration is 5hrs. 900m – 2952ft ascent, 750m – 2460ft descent
Accommodation
Pointe Isabelle (or similar)
Hotel
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 10: Departure – Chamonix
We suggest booking your flight no earlier than 12:00 if you would like to leisurely enjoy your last morning in Chamonix. Please keep in mind that Geneva is several hours away.
Please note that most international flights depart from Geneva Airport, and you will need to allow at least 3 hours prior to your departure time to travel from Chamonix to Geneva. For this reason, our suggested 12:00 flight departure time is not mandatory, but recommended to allow a leisurely final morning on tour.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? We can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals included:
Breakfast