Dreaming of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc? You should be! It’s one of the most iconic long-distance treks in the world, circling the highest peak in Western Europe through France, Italy, and Switzerland. But don’t let the postcard views fool you. This trail is as complex as it is beautiful, with big weather swings, serious elevation gain, and logistics that can make your head spin. Before you start planning, here are five things most hikers wish they knew before they started!
1
The prime hiking season is relatively short, mid June to mid September, and you'll need to be mentally and physically prepared for all types of conditions! You can expect everything from barren rocky terrain to vast green valleys and forests. On previous hikes, we’ve worn micro spikes to trek in snow and been in shorts in the scorching sun - all during the same week! (Packing smart is the key to enjoying the experience, so make sure you check out our Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Guide for a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need!)
2
Be ready to embrace the alpine mountain culture! This trek is one of the oldest in the world, and the region is the birthplace of modern mountaineering. A lot of the mountain huts and auberges have been family owned and operated for generations, and haven’t changed much in that time. Having local guides gives the most authentic experience and allows you to understand the rich history (and to know where to stop for fresh local cheese along the way)!
3
There are several route variations on the Tour du Mont Blanc. All of them circumnavigate the legendary Mont Blanc peak (the highest in Europe!), however your exact route will vary depending on accommodation, conditions, and weather. (Another reason local guides are clutch!)
4
Train for LOTS of up AND downhill. The three most famous col, or mountain passes, are at the borders where you’ll hike to THREE countries, but in between there’s still lots of ups and downs. Gauge the difficulty of the days by elevation gain and loss, not mileage!
5
Since you’re staying somewhere new every night, this hike takes a lot of prep and planning, and can be a logistical nightmare. There are a limited number of auberge and mountain huts along the routes, and they book up fast, like over a year out! That’s why take care of all that (AND luggage transfers!) on our TMB Adventures.
Ready to be surrounded by panoramic views of snowy peaks and hike through alpine fields of wildflowers and cows?! Check out our upcoming Tour du Mont Blanc Adventures.
