tour du mont blanc with tent

Tour du Mont Blanc camping

From mountain passes to valleys, from villages to glaciers, few mountain ranges offer such diverse scenery as the Mont Blanc massif.

In this magical landscape, enjoy the simple pleasures of camping. Enjoy nights in the wilderness, the sun rising over the peaks, and the feeling of exploring the mountains on your own…

Your consultant

The advantages of the TMB camping

Starting from, date of departure, accomodation, the programme in detail, day 1: les houches – les contamines.

5 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: Night camping – Dinner and breakfast in a refuge – 650 m (2,130 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,260 ft) descent

Meet at the cable car station at 9 am for the ascent to Bellevue. The route takes you through the Col de Tricot mountain pass and across the Alpage du Truc mountain pastures via a beautiful route along the foot of the glaciers. Night at an inn or mountain hut in Les Contamines.

Day 2: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

7 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Night camping – Dinner and breakfast in a refuge – 1,300 m (4,265 ft) ascent / 950 m (3,120 ft) descent

Taking the voie Romaine path, we climb towards the Col du Bonhomme (2408 m) and then the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2408 m) or the Col des Fours (2665 m), our objectives for the morning.

After a picnic in front of a vast panorama, we’ll make our way to the Chapieux valley, at the far end of the Tarentaise, where Beaufort cheese is made.

Day 3: Les Chapieux – Val Veni

6 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Night camping – Dinner and breakfast in a refuge – 750 m (2,460 ft) ascent / 1,000 m (3,300 ft) descent

After a short morning transfer to the Ville des Glaciers, you will embark upon a climb to the Col de la Seigne (2,516 m / 8,250 ft), which marks the border between France and Italy. You will then enter the Aosta Valley via Val Veni. From here, the Italian side of Mont Blanc is revealed !

You will then return to the valley via Lac Combal.

Day 4: Val Veni – Courmayeur – Val Ferret

7 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Night camping – Dinner and breakfast at the campsite restaurant – 1,420 m (4,658 ft) ascent / 1,325 m (4,347 ft) descent

The day begins with a climb to the Col Checrouit before going down to Courmayeur and its pretty historic village. We then climb up to the Bertone refuge to admire the extraordinary panorama of the Mont Blanc massif. Breathtaking! 

A beautiful balcony crossing then a descent to Val Ferret awaits you. We’ll spend a peaceful night in a tent.

Day 5: Val Ferret – La Fouly

6 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Night camping – Dinner and breakfast in an inn – 850 m (2,790 ft) ascent / 1,000 m (3,300 ft) descent

Fifth day of walking and still another new country on your Tour du Mont Blanc!

After a short walk through the centre, you will take another bus to Arnouvaz at the end of Val Ferret. From here you will climb up to the Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m / 8,325 ft) pass to cross into Switzerland.

The pass is situated at the foot of Mont Dolent, the famous meeting point between the French, Swiss and Italian borders.

The day ends with a gentle descent to the Peule mountain pasture to reach the little village of La Fouly, a real postcard of the Valais.

Day 6: La Fouly – Champex – Trient

After a quick transfer in Val Ferret to Champex, you will embark on a beautiful high-level traverse above Martigny and the Rhone valley. In the distance, the vineyards bear witness to the canton’s wine production.

Descent towards the small village of Trient along the irrigation channel. Depending on how the group feels and current conditions*, there may be an option to take a more alpine route via the Fenêtre d’Arpette. *Your guide will decide on the best option.

Day 7: Trient – Le Tour

Useful information

Luggage transport.

Between 6 and 8 hours’ walking per day throughout the trek, with some more difficult sections, particularly at the start of the season when the snow is still present. You should be able to climb at least 1,000 m (3 200ft.)a day for several days in a row.

Directions and accommodation

Directions to the starting point: Meet at Bellevue cable car station at 9 am on Day 1.

> Map to get to the starting point

Return to the starting point: Local bus from Le Tour, not included in the price of the trip.

Bus timetables at the Chamonix tourist office ([email protected] +33(0)4 50 53 00 24)

Accommodation before and after the trek:

• Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – + 33(0)4 50 54 40 10
• Hôtel Ibis Style : 333 Rue de l’Essert, 74310 Les Houches – +33(0)4 50 54 50 35
• Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – + 33 (0)4 50 54 42 28
• A windproof and waterproof jacket
• Walking trousers.

The terrain is varied and we recommend you wear walking boots that protect your ankles.

The tent and mattress are provided. You will need a sleeping bag.

The Comfort cancellation contract covers you in the case of cancellation before your departure and/or a missed flight.

The Comfort multi-risk contract includes:

• Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
• Missed flight and flight delay
• Luggage and personal belongings option
• Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
• Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
• Individual travel accident option
• Third-party liability abroad
• Impossible return and early return

The COVID contract includes:

• Cancellation due to illness 30 days before departure
• Cancellation due to denied boarding
• Remote consultation before departure
• Medical repatriation
• Hotel costs and medical fees
• Psychological support
• Grocery deliveries and home help
• Click on one of the “book this trek” links and select the insurance, accommodation and date options.
• To pay by cheque : please make it out to WATSE and send to: WATSE – 63 avenue de la gare – 74170 Saint Gervais les Bains Le Fayet – France.
• To pay by bank transfer : contact us for our bank details.
• To pay by debit card : your invoice will be in your online account as soon as your payment has been confirmed by the bank. You will then be able to pay the balance directly from your account.
• Pay a 30% deposit or the balance for your trek
• Print out the booking form then fill it in, sign it and send it back to us by email or post. Your reservation will only be effective when 30% of the total cost is credited to WATSE’s bank account.
• The balance must be paid at least one month before departure without a reminder from us.

Dates and prices

Tour du mont blanc camping – 7 days, included in the price.

• Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
• Accommodation, as described in the trek programme
• Half board, as described in the trek programme
• Packed lunches prepared by a chef
• Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
• Luggage transfer every night
• Showers where applicable (as described in the trek programme)
• Cable car ticket

Not included in the price

• Transport to and from the start of the trek
• Drinks other than water served with meals
• Assistance and cancellation insurance
• Anything not listed in “Included in the price”

You will also like:

Full tour du mont blanc in 10 days, tour du mont blanc in 7 days, tour du mont blanc in 7 days (comfort), tour du mont blanc high-level route – 7 days, trail running the tour du mont blanc – 5 days, tour du mont blanc in 4 days, tour du mont blanc in 5 days, contact us.

Do you have a question about this trek? Write us a message and one of our guides will get back to you!

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Camping the Tour du Mont Blanc Guide + Tips

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Experience the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc like never before with a camping tour that takes you through the heart of the Alps, offering an unforgettable adventure amidst some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes.

Most people stay in huts when hiking the TMB – but this guide will help you avoid the crowded huts by camping the Tour du Mont Blanc for more peace. You’ll find a mix of higher elevation wild camping near refuges and campgrounds in the valleys.

Over 11 days, you traverse high mountain passes, explore charming alpine villages, and enjoy exquisite local cuisine, all while making your camping spot under the vast, starry sky each night. You can download this app to find allowable wild camping.

Mobile Friendly TMB Camping Guide

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Sign up with email to download our definitive TMB Camping Guide now and unlock the secrets to the perfect camping spots, insider tips, and must-have amenities that will elevate your Tour du Mont Blanc hike into the experience of a lifetime!

Quick Guide to Camping the Tour du Mont Blanc

The trek promises to be a fulfilling challenge that rewards you with unparalleled natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment.

Navigating the Tour du Mont Blanc means traversing international borders and a mosaic of local jurisdictions, all with unique camping regulations. It’s wise to inquire about the specific camping policies at each refuge and village you encounter. Also, always seek permission from landowners before setting up your tent on their land.

Here’s a general guideline to the camping rules across the three countries you’ll cross:

• In France, you’re allowed to bivouac from sunset until sunrise.
• Italy permits bivouacking above 2,500 meters, also from sunset to sunrise.
• In Switzerland, bivouacking is not allowed.

TMB Camping Map

Use this resource to plan your camping version of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse or fingers to zoom in and out. Click on the icons to get more information. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the written index. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your google maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open google maps, click the menu button, and go to “your places”/ “maps.”

List of camping locations along TMB. Read further down for an explanation of where they are and links to their sites to book a spot.

• Camping Des Glaciers
• Camping Grandes Jorasses
• Camping Relais d’Arpette
• Refuge de la Balme wild camping
• Refuge La Flegere
• Les Chapieux camping
• Hotel de la Forclaz Camping
• Camping Hobo
• Auberge La Boerne
• Camping de la Mer de Glace
• Camping Bellevue
• Camping du Glacier
• Nant Borrant wild camping
• Camping Les Arolles
• Camping Aiguille Noire
• Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
• Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente
• Camping Les Roccallies
• Camping Le Pontet
• Le Peuty camping

Preparing for this camping journey requires careful planning and a spirit ready for the outdoors.

By choosing to pitch a tent, you deepen your connection with the environment and enhance the immersive experience of being in the wilderness.

In addition to campgrounds, this guide will also share:

• Essentials for the Trek
• The Advantages of Tenting on the Trail
• Locations for Overnight Tenting
• Regulations on Undesignated Tenting
• Locating Tent Pitches
• Gear for Overnight Hiking
• Food and Beverages Tips
• Managing Your Expenses

There are many different rules about camping in Europe and campgrounds can be crowded.  You do need to reserve them often.  Wild camping is prohibited or limited by elevation, region or culture in many places but people still do wild camp. 

Not really my favorite thing for hut to hut trails in Europe. The huts are quite often the best part of the hiking trip. 

• Price is good
• More Flexibilty
• Wild camping is tricky
• Rules change
• harder and heavier pack

Exploring the Tour du Mont Blanc

Embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), you’ll experience a globally renowned trail spanning across three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. This route encircles the majestic Mont Blanc, Europe’s towering beacon reaching skyward with its snow-capped peak.

On your journey, you traverse 11 segments, each presenting its own unique spectacle of the Alps’ raw beauty. As you navigate various mountain passes like Col de la Seigne and Fenêtre d’Arpette, the path takes you through picturesque valleys dotted with inviting villages, offering cultural discoveries and local flavors.

Prepare to be charmed by hamlets that dot the valleys, scale rugged landscapes, and indulge in the distinctive Alpine experience that the Tour du Mont Blanc expertly curates.

More Tour du Mont Blanc Travel Blogs

• 5 Day TMB Itinerary
• Review of Global Rescue Trekking Insurance
• Best Self-Guided Planners for the TMB
• Best Time to Hike the TMB
• Camping the Tour du Mont Blanc
• TMB Costs and Budget Planning
• Paragliding in Chamonix
• TMB Minimalist Packing List

Why go Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

1. Escape the Refuge Reservations

Bypassing the intense competition to book huts on the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the primary benefits of choosing to camp.

Securing accommodation in mountain refuges is an increasingly competitive ordeal with slots filling up months in advance, limiting your spontaneity.

By contrast, with a tent in your pack, you can enjoy the freedom of hiking without the stress of locking in your sleeping spots so far ahead of time.

2. Embrace the Flexibility of the Trail

The ability to adapt to the unexpected during your trek is a key advantage of camping. Changeable mountain weather, varying personal pace, or a surprise blister can all impact your day’s plan.

On a refuge-dependent trek, alterations in your itinerary can cause ripple effects.

But with your shelter on your back, your plan stays as fluid as the mountain streams, and it’s always just the right time to pitch camp and rest.

3. Substantial Savings

Camping along the Tour du Mont Blanc is notably kinder to your wallet compared to the costs of staying in refuges.

While you swap some home comforts for the embrace of nature, the financial savings are considerable.

Backpacking in this way lets you extend your adventure or allocate your budget to other experiences, making that challenge of the Mont Blanc trek both rewarding and economical.

Complete Guide to Camping Along the Tour du Mont Blanc Trail

– clockwise direction.

This guide lists campgrounds and wild camping spots that are allowed in the clockwise direction.

1. Accommodations in Les Houches & Chamonix

Your journey begins at Les Houches, a short bus ride from the bustling town of Chamonix . You have a variety of camping facilities to choose from, with amenities that ensure comfort at the start of your hike.

• Camping Les Arolles is nestled within Chamonix itself, providing the luxury of proximity to shops and entertainment alongside free WiFi and a washing area. If you prefer a quieter setting, opt for more campgrounds towards Les Bossons, accessible by bus.
• In Les Houches, prepare for an early trail start by staying at Camping Bellevue , the primary camping site in the area. Located at the base of the Bellevue cable car, this campground offers basic sanitary facilities and charging stations.
• For a unique experience, consider wild camping near Refuge de Miage if you take the Col de Tricot alternate route—be mindful of environmental stewardship and utilize available public amenities responsibly.

2. Campsites in the Les Contamines Area

As you reach Les Contamines, Camping Le Pontet serves as a traditional rest point. Situated past the town, it provides easy access to town amenities and offers a starting advantage for the next day’s trek. Services include showers, a café, and charging stations.

Adventurous spirits seeking a semblance of wild camping might press on to the Nant Borrant or Refuge de la Balme areas. Legal wild camping zones are available adjacent to the refuges, with potable water and toilets close by.

3. Pitching Your Tent Near Les Chapieux

Upon completion of stage two, Les Chapieux presents free camping opportunities next to the local tourist office.

If ending your day earlier is preferred, bivouac at Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme , keeping environmental considerations in mind.

4. Options Near Rifugio Elisabetta & Val Veny

Campers tackling the third stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) face a dilemma, as pitching tents at Rifugio Elisabetta is not an option , and the surrounding area lacks towns or official campgrounds. To navigate this issue, campers have a practical alternative:

One can divert to the Val Veny, which is home to three campgrounds and lies just off the primary TMB trail. This detour means covering an additional 4-5 miles beyond the usual stopping point for stage three. The extension, however, involves mainly easy road walking or gentle descents.

By choosing this route, hikers will veer away from the standard TMB path and make their way down into the scenic Veny Valley. Once there, they can either continue on foot or take a bus to reach any of the three campgrounds available in the area.

Your Options

Our favorite camping spot in Val Veny is Camping Aiguille Noire , chosen especially for its accessibility to both the trail and public transportation options. Additionally, it offers an excellent overnight experience with amenities like a fully supplied grocery store, a bar/restaurant, and high-quality restroom and shower facilities.

If you’re seeking a serene retreat away from the bustle, consider Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente in Val Veny . While it may be a tad less accessible for Tour du Mont Blanc trekkers, being nestled further down the valley and away from the main thoroughfare, the tranquility it offers could be just the reward for those willing to embrace a little more legwork.

Nestled right next to Camping Aiguille Noire, Camping Hobo offers a warm welcome to TMB campers with its more rustic charm. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; the amiable and attentive staff ensure a delightful stay, making it a perfect spot to set up camp under the stars.

You’ll find all the essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience, ensuring you’re well-rested and ready to easily hop back onto the TMB trail for your next day’s adventure.

The vibrant town of Courmayeur does not have any campgrounds. Choosing a hotel here allows you to experience the area’s rich cultural atmosphere along with the essential services for a comfortable stay.

5. Val Ferret

👉 ❌ This is a bit of a chokepoint for campers.

Stays Near Rifugio Bonatti

As the trail brings you closer to Rifugio Bonatti , allow yourself to get a drink on their deck before decending down into Val Ferret to rest at nearby camping grounds. Take in the views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc from this ideal vantage point.

Alternative to Bonatti

Campers on the TMB, take note: the stretch between Courmayeur and La Fouly lacks official camping sites, posing a bit of a logistical puzzle due to scarce nearby towns and bus links. But don’t fret, we’ve outlined your best bets:

For those keen on camping during this leg of the TMB, Camping Grandes Jorasses in Val Ferret is your nearest and most practical option. To stay on track with the main route and keep camping nightly, try this strategy:

• After stage four, catch a bus from Courmayeur to your chosen campsite in either Val Veny or Val Ferret, then bus back the next morning to resume the hike.
• At the end of stage five, near Rifugio Bonatti, follow a connecting trail down to Val Ferret to reach Camping Grandes Jorasses by bus or foot.
• On the following day, hop on the bus from Camping Grandes Jorasses to the Arp Nouvaz stop to rejoin the TMB and continue towards La Fouly.

If you can’t get into Camping Grandes Jorasses, you can also try Camping Tronchey but it’s more basic.

6. Establishing Base at La Fouly

In the Swiss village of La Fouly , campers find solace in the charming local campsites. Enjoy the amenities provided while basking in the serene backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

Camping des Glaciers is a party! It may seem bustling upon arrival, teeming with energetic kids, pets, and camping vans, but it compensates with its choice of level, shaded pitches and spectacular views.

For a more peaceful experience, we suggest setting up camp by the river to mask any surrounding sounds. Although the camp office takes a midday break, you’re free to pick a spot, get settled, and access the amenities prior to official check-in.

Just a short ten-minute stroll away, the town center provides additional conveniences, including dining options, an ATM, and a grocery store for all your needs.

7. Campgrounds at Champex-Lac: 2 Choices

Another picturesque spot lies at Champex-Lac . Here, the campsites grant you access to refreshing lake views and the tranquil sounds of nature, all the while ensuring your journey’s convenience and comfort.

• Camping Les Rocailles sits at the edge of Champex, a brief 20-minute stroll beyond the town center—anticipate this extra leg to stave off any end-of-hike impatience. Your reward is an early jump on tomorrow’s trail.

This charming campground features three terraced areas with ample flat space for tents, although shade is sparse. For those eager to get a jump on the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant, consider pushing on further using the alternative outlined below.

And a gentle reminder: you’re in Switzerland, where the rates at Camping Les Rocailles are a testament to the country’s standard of living!

• Choosing the Relais d’Arpette campground is ideal for those targeting the Fenêtre d’Arpette trail the next day, given its location off the primary TMB trail. Accessible via a mild 45-minute uphill hike from Champex, just track the trail signs for Fenêtre d’Arpette. Remember to gather supplies in Champex, as it’s the last significant town on the TMB before reaching Les Houches.

8. Camping at Col de la Forclaz, Trient & Le Peuty

The areas of Col de la Forclaz, Trient , and Le Peuty offer campers various facilities along the route. Whether you’re seeking full service or a more rustic experience, these sites cater to a range of preferences.

• Indulge in a touch of luxury at the Hotel Col de la Forclaz campsite, the more upscale choice on this TMB stage. Delight in amenities like pristine toilets, refreshing showers, and the convenience of adding hotel breakfast or dinner to your stay.

Discover the onsite shop for snacking and sundry needs. Plus, its proximity to Champex means a lighter hiking day for you. However, if you’re eyeing the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant, take note: choosing this campsite would require a half-mile backtrack along the main TMB route to reach the comforts of Hotel Col de la Forclaz.

Or, head to the tiny hamlet of Le Peuty.

• Enjoy the rustic charm and wallet-friendly rates of camping in the meadow beside Refuge Le Peuty , costing just half of what you’d spend at Hotel de la Forclaz. The facilities here are modest, offering a refreshing break from the more bustling campgrounds encountered earlier on the trail. To find your way to this tranquil spot, continue your descent for 30-40 minutes past Col de la Forclaz.

The campground is essentially an unmarked field. Simply set up your tent upon arrival, and a staff member will come by later to collect the fee, accepting both CHF and Euros.

9. Finding Your Spot at Tré-le-Champ & Argentiere

Tré-le-Champ and Argentiere are home to camping locations that serve as a perfect stop for those traversing the French sections of the trail. Take advantage of the amenities and rest up for the trails ahead.

• Find comfort and convenience at this snug La Boerne Table & Auberge in tre-le-champ , where camping is just a stone’s throw from the trail, complemented by breathtaking views of the Aiguille Verte from its lush, grassy sites.
• Camping du Glaciers in Argentière is highly praised for being a spacious campsite with a wealth of fantastic facilities. Though it requires an additional 25-minute detour from the trail (and a return trip the following day), the reward is the convenience of Argentière’s extensive amenities right at your doorstep.

10. Around Refuge La Flégère

For a stay closer to the high mountains, consider the area surrounding Refuge La Flégère . Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of wilderness and sleeping near refuges. You can also take a gondola down to the valley for established campgrounds.

• Camping de la Mer de Glace (Les Praz) is a short gondola ride away and 15 min from the valley station.
• Refuge La Flégère has all the normal hut services and allows overnight bivouacking.

Concluding Your TMB Trek

Once you’ve completed your circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc, various accommodations are available. Seek out places that offer a space to reflect on your achievement and recuperate before your onward journey.

I’d recommend a spa hotel in Chamonix 🙂

Guidelines for Wild Camping During Your Trek

Experiencing the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) involves navigating a mosaic of regulations that concern wild camping . As the path weaves through France, Italy, and Switzerland, it’s crucial to honor the diverse local mandates you’ll encounter.

• In France, the freedom to camp in the wild is often reserved for higher elevations, only from sunset until sunrise.
• Over in Italy, post up your tent above 2,500 meters as twilight fades, and take it down with the first light. However, bear in mind that Switzerland upholds a stringent ban on such spontaneous encampments.
• For those near Chamonix, a quick registration via the Chamonix App is mandatory before you commence camping. This digital tool is an invaluable resource, detailing specific zones that welcome wild camping, areas where it’s discouraged, and spots where it’s expressly prohibited.

The TMB offers abundant authorized campgrounds along its route. Utilizing these sites supports local townships and contributes to preserving the delicate alpine ecosystem.

Besides, numerous designated areas permit free camping, giving you the opportunity to immerse in nature without infringing on regulations.

f you opt to camp outside these allocated spots, your responsibility to set up at sundown and depart at dawn is paramount, along with a strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles.

Here are some officially recognized spots for you to consider:

• Chalet Miage on the Col de Tricot path
• Refuge Nant Borrant
• Refuge de la Balme
• Les Chapieux
• Refuge la Flégère
• Reserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.

While you may encounter seemingly perfect settings for a night under the stars, diligence in abiding by local laws ensures a sustainable future for the trail and its surrounding environments.

Locating Campsites on the TMB Trail

Selecting a place to rest each night while you traverse the renowned Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) may require brief deviations from the main path. This is particularly true in the regions encircling Courmayeur and Chamonix.

To make your journey smoother, incorporating a reliable GPS navigation app into your toolkit is crucial, and Gaia GPS comes highly recommended for this purpose.

When utilizing a GPS app complemented with tailored GPS files, your screen becomes an invaluable map. These files detail all campsite locations along your journey and offer precise directions to access sites off the primary trail. With this technology, your waypoints are marked, and connecting trails to each campsite are easy to follow.

Such an advanced setup not only enhances your route clarity but also ensures you remain oriented towards your next destination with ease. Walking on the TMB with a pre-downloaded GPS map significantly eases navigation, especially when no internet connection is available.

For complete peace of mind and ease of navigation while on the Tour du Mont Blanc, acquiring a comprehensive camping guide might prove beneficial. However, should you prefer a more simplified aid, a standard GPS file covering the entire trail is an alternative offering.

With these navigational resources, determining how far and where to journey before you can unwind at your campsite becomes a trouble-free part of your adventure.

Essential Camping Gear for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Assessing your pack’s weight.

Determining the ideal backpack weight involves various factors based on personal hiking pace, experience, and any pre-existing injuries. Strive to maintain your pack’s total weight under 25 pounds, including water, to ensure comfort and avoid strain. If you have a history of injuries, aim for a pack weight less than 20 pounds. Remember, lighter packs contribute to a quicker pace on the trail.

Choosing the Right Tent

When selecting a tent for the TMB, prioritize a model with a sturdy rain fly and a lower profile to counteract wind. Ensure it is light enough to carry comfortably across varied terrains daily. Heavy-duty stakes and a durable ground cover are advised, especially for wild camping or bivouac sites. Brands such as MSR, Big Agnes, and Sierra Designs offer reliable backpacking tents with the MSR Hubba Hubba standing out for its balance of lightness and durability.

Selecting a Sleeping Bag

Your sleeping bag should accommodate temperatures ranging from -5 to 5 degrees Celsius for a comfortable night’s sleep in most conditions on the TMB. If you tend to sleep warm, a bag rated around 10 degrees Celsius may suffice, but always pair it with an insulated sleeping pad or a sleep sac to safeguard against the cold ground.

Read ➡️ Best Summer Sleeping Bags

Recommended gear for tmb camping.

• Battery Backup : Keep your devices charged with a quality power bank like the BioLite Charge 80 , as electronic charging opportunities may be scarce at campsites.
• Trekking Poles : Reduce the impact on your knees and improve balance on steep trails with the aid of trekking poles.
• Merino Wool Socks : To prevent blisters and discomfort, invest in Smartwool Hiking socks made from merino wool for their blend of comfort and durability.

Other essentials include a puffy down jacket for warmth without the bulk and the Knife edge guidebook by Andrew Mccluggage for insightful trail guidance. Lastly, secure travel insurance for peace of mind against unforeseen events during your adventure.

Remember : Handling the basics well can make a significant difference in your hiking experience. Proper gear setup keeps you safe and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the majestic Tour du Mont Blanc.

Rescue Insurance [Protect Your Body and Health]

It’s a very good idea to get insurance for this trip just in case you twist an ankle or worse on the trail.  Parts of these trails are totally inaccessible to vehicles so if you did get hurt you would have to get a helicopter rescue. 

Crave the Planet partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services.  Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. 

👉 We highly recommend hikers enroll with Global Rescue for peace of mind.

Travel Insurance [Protect Your Wallet]

| TL;DR From Author

Don’t let unexpected changes derail your travel plans – with travel insurance you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered if you need to alter your bookings. Protect your investment and travel with confidence by securing travel insurance today.

Nourishment Along the TMB

Hydration essentials.

When embarking on the TMB, it’s crucial to maintain hydration. Fortunately, the trail is well-equipped with water sources, including potable water at accommodations and village fountains. It’s advisable to carry 1-2 liters of water daily to ensure you remain hydrated between these points.

Campers should be mindful that not all water sources are safe to drink unfiltered due to agricultural runoff near the trail. It’s recommended to have a compact and efficient water filter. A popular choice among hikers is the Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system, known for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Alongside water, campers have various food options. The route’s proximity to towns allows for regular resupply of provisions, effectively eliminating the need to transport an extensive supply of food.

For those who prefer to manage their budget, self-catering is a viable option. This entails bringing cooking equipment and a portable stove. Nearby shops, where available, provide ingredients for meals, which might include pasta , cheese , and fresh bread (pain).

Additionally, hikers can indulge in local delicacies by purchasing meals at hotels, gites, or refuges along the path. While lunches are typically available without prior arrangement, dinners often require an early reservation, especially if you’re not staying overnight. It’s important to note that some refuges may not serve campers, so planning ahead is essential.

Those who enjoy a glass of beer or wine will find that these are also part of the offerings at many resting points, enhancing the overall experience with local flavors.

Whether opting for self-prepared meals or enjoying local cuisine, the TMB promises to be as enriching for the palette as it is for the soul.

Financial Considerations for Your Journey

Payment: cash or cards.

When you’re trekking along the Tour du Mont Blanc, prepare to operate mostly with cash . While the trend of accepting cards is growing, you’ll find cash crucial, especially as ATMs can be scarce. Ensure you’re carrying enough to sustain your basic needs for multiple days.

Currency Variations

Embarking on the TMB, you traverse through three countries, which means handling different currencies. You start with Euros in France, switch to Swiss Francs in Switzerland, and back to Euros in Italy. It’s prudent to use local currency in Switzerland to benefit from favorable exchange rates, although they will accept Euros.

Managing Your Expense

While the TMB has a reputation for being on the more opulent side of hiking experiences, it’s feasible to adopt a cost-effective approach—mainly through opting to camp. This choice not only curtails your expenditure on accommodations significantly but also amplifies your connection with nature.

For meals, steer clear of frequent restaurant dining and instead indulge in local markets and stores for provisions. A self-prepared meal can dramatically reduce your costs while letting you enjoy the culinary delights of the region.

Remember, the trail’s best rewards, like the sweeping vistas atop a challenging pass, are available at no extra charge to you.

Local delicacies like cheese are a must-try, and a celebratory drink post-hike is a tradition worth indulging in. But always balance it with homemade meals to keep your expenses in check.

Final Verdict: Ways to Book a Hut to Hut Hiking Trip

Self-Guided Tour Planning Service

• [Self-Guided] - You're on your own once you start
• Must book in Oct to Jan of year prior to hike
• Fully done for you route
• Service finds and books your huts
• Maps provided on app

What we liked: The logistics of the TMB and other hut to hut hikes can be very daunting, especially if you don't speak Italian and French. 

Note: Lesser known trails are often easier to book.  

• Ease of route
• No finding or dealing with huts
• Tapping into expertise
• No waiting for slow hikers
• No feeling rushed if you're slower
• Less control of dates
• No guide on the trail
• Unknown - you didn't "plan"

Guided Group Tour : 4 Days

• small groups (<10 typically)
• local Chamonix guides
• all transfers/breakfast/dinner/accommodations included
• airport transfer included
• stay in the insanely beautiful Rifugio Bonatti and other huts at high elevation

What we liked:   Designed for busy people that want to experience the highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc without having to take 2 weeks of their precious vacation time.  Everything is done-for-you and you can show up and relax in the most stunning mountains. 

Note: The standard price includes shared rooms in the huts.

• All transfers included
• Best price for a guided trip
• Local Chamonix Guides
• At the mercy of group pace
• Not the full circuit

DIY: Book Your Own Huts

• Cheapest Option
• Most Freedom
• Take side excursions as you like

What we liked: The challenge of it.  It's so fun to route plan, find trails and the huts you want.  Often it's not the expense saved, but the learning of the trail while planning that is satisfying. 

Note: Be prepared to spend some time with spreadsheets and wait weeks for replies from hut owners.  BONUS:  Click on the link to watch my 10 part video series on HOW to book a hut to hut trip.  It's a Dolomites hut trip but it's basically the same process for TMB. 

• Cheapest option
• Most freedom
• Learn the Trail by planning
• You must be organized
• Map skills are essential
• campgrounds can be crowded
• reservations often needed in advance
• Wild camping is prohibited or limited by elevation

Not really my favorite thing for hut to hut trails in Europe. The huts are quite often the best part of the hiking trip and the rules are so complicated about wild camping.

Common Inquiries on the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Best shelters for your tour du mont blanc hike.

If you want to mix and match refuges and camping, when trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), several refuges stand out for their hospitality and services. Notable ones include Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme, which is known for its picturesque setting and warmth. Another recommended shelter is the Rifugio Elisabetta, offering remarkable views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. It’s essential to book these in advance as they fill up quickly, particularly during peak hiking seasons.

Regulations on Wild Camping Along the TMB Trail

Wild camping is generally not permitted along the TMB route, especially within the national parks and nature reserves. However, some designated areas may allow bivouacking for a night, provided you set up at dusk and leave at dawn. Check local regulations before your hike to ensure compliance.

A Suggested Camping Schedule for Completing the TMB

An ideal camping itinerary for the TMB could involve staying at regulated campsites along the route. A common approach could include your first night at Les Houches, then Les Contamines, followed by stays at Courmayeur, La Fouly, and Trient, among others. This plan spaces out campsites reasonably, accounting for a moderate daily hiking pace.

Projected Camping Expenses on the TMB

Expect average costs for campsites to range from €5 to €25 per night. Keep in mind, though, prices can vary based on location and amenities offered. Additional expenditures may include food supplies, gear rental if needed, and transportation to and from the trailheads.

Challenging Segments of the TMB and Preparatory Advice

Parts of the TMB can be arduous, particularly ascents such as the Fenêtre d’Arpette or the climb to the Grand Col Ferret. Prepare by ensuring adequate fitness levels and packing suitable gear, including sturdy hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing. Also, acclimating to higher altitudes can be beneficial.

Guidance Needs for the TMB Expedition

While a guide is not essential for experienced hikers, beginners might find it advantageous for navigation and safety reasons. Self-guided camping is viable, but it’s crucial to be well-prepared with maps, a good understanding of the terrain, and knowledge of local weather patterns.

More Resources

Discover gear that elevates your outdoor adventures. As a physical therapist, I’ve curated product comparisons to enhance safety and enjoyment, perfect for beginners or those with weary knees.

Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers & Skiers

• 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
• 🌳Make the downhills stop hurting and hike with more confidence Best Trekking Poles Review
• ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
• ❄️ Go hiking on uneven terrain safely: The Best Hiking Boots with Ankle Support
• Don’t get lost in the backcountry with : My Review of the Best 2 Way Radios for the Mountains

My Guides to Bucketlist Hikes in Europe (That I’ve personally done and loved.)

• Alta Via 1 Trail in the Dolomites
• Olpererhütte Hike in Austria
• The Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal
• The Tour du Mont Blanc Hike vs the Alta Via 1

We hope this guide filled with interesting information about camping the Tour du Mont Blanc given you the proper information to plan your next adventure.

Author profile :  Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.

The Ultimate guide to solo hiking & camping the Tour du Mont Blanc

Crossing through France, Italy, and Switzerland to circle Western Europe’s highest peak, the 180km Tour du Mont Blanc trek is part epic alpine adventure,  part authentic cultural experience , but entirely unforgettable. There are few routes in the Alps that rival the iconic TMB, and it’s a combination of the dramatic natural scenery and the charming mountain villages that have made this trek a fast favourite among mountain-lovers. Impressed by everything I’d seen and heard, I set out to solo hike the Tour du Mont Blanc a few weeks ago, and I can truly say it was nothing short of life-changing. Considerably more ambitious than the hikes I usually do, the TMB pushed me to the edge of my physical limits, but also reminded me that sheer determination is greater than any aching muscle or blister (of which there were many). And the views are always that much sweeter when you earn them in dirt, sweat, and tears!

I learned a lot when I was prepping for this hike, and of course even more when I was actually out on the trail, so here’s my guide to preparing for all aspects of your own solo Tour du Mont Blanc hike, including getting to the trailhead, planning your route, what to expect at the campsites, food/water on the trail, and a comprehensive packing list.

What's in this travel guide

This post contains several affiliate links to products that I use and love. By clicking on these links, I might get a teeny tiny contribution towards my travel fund, at no extra cost to you! 

Postcard-perfect view of Mont Blanc from Lac Blanc

About the Tour du Mont Blanc

Widely regarded as one of the best hikes in the entire world, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a moderately challenging 180km circuit that begins in Les Houches, France , a small town just beside the immensely popular Chamonix ski resort. The route circumnavigates beautiful Mont Blanc (4,810m),  ascending 11 mountain passes and racking up around 10,000m in elevation gain/loss through France, Italy, and Switzerland . Most people complete the hike in 8-12 days, often with one rest day in Courmayeur or Champex. And while strenuous, the TMB is actually achievable for most passionate hikers— the navigational demands are minimal, small villages with food and supplies are frequent, and there are plenty of ways to make the hike as easy or challenging as you want. So long as you’re motivated to get up and over the next pass, you’ll be celebrating in Chamonix in no time!

The scenery alone should catapult the TMB to the top of your bucket list, but the wonderful food and people along the trail are also a big part of what makes this trek so special . In fact, the TMB may ruin you for all other hikes— why isn’t there cheese and wine for sale on every trail! Plus, hikers come from all over the world to walk around snow-capped Mont Blanc, so you can expect to make lots of new friends as you tackle a Col together or swap stories over dinner at the campsite. This is a social experience as much as it is an outdoor adventure.

Even though it’s possible to do the TMB with a guided tour, this is a really safe and simple hike to do independently , so there’s just no need. Not only was this the longest hike I’d ever done, but it was my first time hiking completely solo— and I absolutely loved it. In many ways, the TMB is probably the perfect introductory solo hike, as you’re never truly alone on the trail, never far from food or supplies, and rarely remote enough to require evacuation should something go wrong . I’d highly recommend making your own adventure and setting out independently (or with a group of friends)!

Planning your Tour du Mont Blanc hike

When to hike the tmb.

The TMB is only walkable from late June to early September due to snow , though this varies from year to year― there are plenty of stories about fresh snow in the middle of August, that’s just the Alps for you. Another thing to consider is that most mountain huts are only open in this window (but that doesn’t affect campers). I hiked in mid-July, which is a less busy time than August when most of Europe is on holiday― there were plenty of fellow hikers on the trail to chat with, but it didn’t feel overly busy. The only other thing I considered when planning my hike was the UTMB schedule, which is the crazy race in late August where thousands of people come to run the entire 180km trail. Can’t for the life of me imagine why (or how) someone would do that, but avoid hiking at this time if you don’t fancy being trampled!

Camping vs mountain huts

This will probably make the biggest difference in your whole TMB experience. I decided to camp along the way, which meant that I carried a tent, a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, a camp stove, a pot and cutlery, and a bunch of freeze-dried dinners (I bought bread and cheese along the way to supplement my mountain food). It was definitely a lot of extra weight, especially compared to the hikers carrying day packs (at which I often stared enviously), but I had a lot of freedom and flexibility with my day-to-day itinerary  and my hike cost a small fraction of a hut-style hike (a night in a mountain hut costs about 60€ including dinner and breakfast, while camping ranged from free to 14€ per night ).

If you’re staying in mountain huts, it’s important to make reservations in advance , which means you’re locked into your itinerary with no room for adjustments (and my plans changed about 20 times a day along the trail, so that would have been challenging). It really depends on what you’re after, as I can definitely see the appeal in carrying only a light pack, sleeping in a bed every night, and not worrying about cooking. But I wholeheartedly recommend camping as a more authentic— and fun— option if you’re up for the challenge! I’ve summarised all of my campsites below, and definitely check out my packing list at the bottom of this post for an idea of what gear you’ll need to bring.

Essential resources

If you’re seriously considering the TMB, I’d highly recommend purchasing  Trekking The Tour of Mont Blanc by Kev Reynolds .  This up-to-date guidebook was absolutely invaluable in planning (and re-planning each day) every single stage of my hike, as well as navigating along the trail, choosing campsites, and finding food in nearby towns . So long as you have this book, there’s absolutely no need for a big map or a GPS— this really is the “TMB bible” and you’ll probably see 90% of hikers whip out their copy at the top of every Col and fork in the trail. Buy this immediately!

Views of the Glacier du Trient from Fenêtre d’Arpette

Getting to the Tour du Mont Blanc

Getting to chamonix.

As a rather bustling ski resort, there are a number of options to get to Chamonix, France. I’d recommend flying into Geneva, Switzerland and then taking a bus/shuttle/train across the border to Chamonix. The bus takes about 2 hours and costs 19€; a shuttle costs about 25€, but only takes a little over an hour; and the train is a bit cheaper and really scenic, but it involves heaps of transfers. I had a shuttle arranged through my hotel in Les Houches because I had been travelling for ages to get there (Australia might as well be Mars), I was dead-tired, and needed to arrive asap to organise all my stuff for an early hiking start the next day. It was 29€, but definitely worth it for the convenience. Most hotels in Chamonix will offer a similarly priced shuttle or there are several companies (not affiliated with any hotel) that also drive the route.

I’d also recommend staying in a hotel/hostel in Chamonix or Les Houches the night before your hike rather than a campsite (although there is a nice one in Chamonix). That way, you can store anything you don’t actually need on the trail (e.g. plane clothes, stuff for onwards travel) with the front desk and retrieve it when you finish.

Getting to the trailhead in Les Houches

Although it’s technically possible to begin the TMB in Chamonix, the official trailhead is in  Les Houches, about 6km from Chamonix.  I stayed in a hotel between Chamonix and Les Houches on the night before my hike, about 2km from the trailhead, so I just walked from my  hotel  on the morning of Day 1. From the Tourist Information Centre in Les Houches, there’s an arrow directing you to the start of the trek and it’s not a difficult walk . If you’re staying actually in Chamonix (or if you want to save your energy for the trail), there’s also a bus that runs around Chamonix and Les Houches . It’s 3€ for a ticket that works all day on the bus, so you can also use your ticket to do any last-minute gear or snack shopping prior to hitting the trail.

Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary

There are traditionally 11 stages to the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, with most people tackling a stage each day, typically anticlockwise . I was able to group a few stages together and finish in 8 days (plus a rest day in Courmayeur, which I’d definitely recommend). I found the pace reasonably comfortable, and I’m definitely not the fastest hiker, so I would recommend 8-9 days for most people . It’s hard to know exactly how you will feel on the trail and how the weather will be, though, so it’s another great reason to camp and stay flexible in your itinerary, allowing yourself to make constant changes to your “plan” as you go (and I say “plan” because you can never really have a plan in the mountains.. nature always has its own plan for you).  Here’s my TMB itinerary, which should give you an idea of what to expect— and what to look forward to!

Day 1: Les Houches – Les Contamines

Distance covered: 20km Elevation gain & loss: 646m & 643m Trail time: 6.5hrs Highlights: Passed through the most adorable little French villages, saw French llamas and little French kitties, caught a few glimpses of Mont Blanc through the clouds

CAMPING LE PONTET

Located about 2km past Les Contamines, this is a lovely campsite and gîte with clean facilities and reasonable prices. Due to torrential rain, I paid a bit extra to stay in a bed in the mountain hut-style dorm and was very happy to be out of the wet and cold. Price of camping: ~8€ Price of bed in gîte: 14€ Facilities: toilets, hot showers, wifi (for 1€) Food:  a small shack onsite sells some snacks and drinks

Read more: TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 1: LES HOUCHES – LES CONTAMINES

Charming French cottages along the trail

Day 2: Les Contamines – Col des Fours – Les Mottets

Distance covered: 23km Elevation gain & loss: 1579m & 876m Trail time: 7.5hrs Variations: Col des Fours to Les Mottets Highlights: Crossed 3 mountain passes, reached the highest point on the TMB at 2,665m, saw a marmotte and a herd of chamois, wild camped in the most incredible spot in front of the mountains

WILD CAMPING NEAR REFUGE LES MOTTETS

I originally set my tent up on the side of the river closest to the mountain hut, but was told to move to the small grass patch opposite the field of cows. I woke up to a chorus of cow bells and enjoyed spectacular views of the mountains, so it was well worth the lack of facilities to enjoy wild camping for at least one night. Price of camping: free! Facilities: None (possible to pay to shower at the hut) Food:  I got a day-old baguette for free from the hut and ate it with my dehydrated dinner (but it’s possible to pay for a hot meal at the hut)

Read more:  TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 2: LES CONTAMINES – COL DES FOURS – LES MOTTETS

Approaching the first of 3 mountain passes on Day 2

Day 3: Les Mottets – Rifugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur

Distance covered: 30km Elevation gain & loss: 1464m & 1818m Trail time: 8.5hrs Variations: combined stage 3 & 4 into a single day Highlights: Crossed the border into Italy, walked with a lovely group of people, incredible mountain views, descended into Courmayeur and got to enjoy pizza and gelato

ALBERGO LE MARMOTTE IN COURMAYEUR

After combining two stages into a single day and covering a brutal amount of distance both up and down steep trails, I arrived a day earlier than I had originally planned in Courmayeur. As a reward, I stayed in a room at Albergo Le Marmotte (my friend Katy was staying there while she waited for me to come through Courmayeur). I must say, it was nice to have a hot shower and a good long sleep in a bed! Price of hotel: 80€ for a double room Food: there are a million pizza/pasta options in town (my motivation for walking farther today than planned) and the hotel also serves a delicious Italian breakfast in the mornings, included in the room rate

Read more: TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 3: LES MOTTETS – RIFUGIO ELISABETTA – COURMAYEUR

Crossing the border into Italy

Day 4: Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti – La Peule

Distance covered: 28km Elevation gain & loss: 1710m & 611m Trail time: 9.5hrs Variations: combined stage 5 & part of stage 6 into one day Highlights: Stunning wild flowers, glimpses of “Monte Bianco” (as the Italians say), crossed the border into Switzerland

I camped inside a yurt at Le Peule for the same price of pitching a tent on the property, and it was certainly a warmer option. There is one yurt furnished with beds that is more expensive, and also the option of dorm beds for 25€, but I was quite happy to sleep with my air mattress and sleeping bag on the wood chips of the storage yurt after enjoying a delicious drink and some cheese from inside the refuge. Price of camping: 15€ to pitch a tent or stay in the unfurnished yurt Facilities: toilets, hot showers, indoor seating in the refuge Food: hot meals at the refuge, drinks and cheese for sale

Read more:  TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 4:  COURMAYEUR – RIFUGIO BONATTI – LA PEULE

Walking alongside Mont Blanc

Day 5: La Peule –  Champex

Distance covered: 24km Elevation gain & loss: 465m & 1465m Trail time: 5.5hrs Variations: combined part of stage 6 & stage 7 into one day Highlights: Passed through some cute Swiss towns, dozens of wood carvings of animals along the forest trail, gorgeous lake in Champex

CAMPING LES ROCAILLES

On the far side of Champex, this is a large and well-equipped campsite with good wifi and nice facilities. I found it a bit difficult to locate (luckily, I ran into a friend from the previous day who helped me find my way), so just follow the lake all the way around through town and it is immediately off the trail you will take tomorrow, can’t miss it. Stock up on food at the supermarket in town before checking in! Price of camping: 15sfr Facilities: toilets, hot showers, wifi (!), picnic tables Food: sells a few snacks, 15min walk to supermarket and restaurants in Champex

Read more:  TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 5: LA PEULE – CHAMPEX

Serene Champex

Day 6: Champex – Fenêtre d’Arpette – Le Peuty

Distance covered: 15km Elevation gain & loss: 1199m & 1139m Trail time: 6.5hrs Variations: stage 8 high route via Fenêtre d’Arpette Highlights: The so-called hardest day of the trek, incredible uphill climb to highest point on the TMB at 2,665m, amazing views of Glacier du Trient

Having heard that there is no camping at Col de la Forclaz, the traditional end of stage 8, I detoured about 20min to Le Peuty, where a simple campsite sits below the mountains. There are excellent directions in the guidebook , but basically you just walk downhill along a winding road until you come to a small, level clearing. The facilities are really minimal, but the site has a great view and was pleasantly inexpensive. Price of camping: 4sfr Facilities: toilet block outside, small shelter to cook and eat under Food: 5min walk to a very tiny shop selling sandwiches and a couple food items, plus a bar with drinks

Read more:  TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 6: CHAMPEX – FENÊTRE D’ARPETTE – LE PEUTY

Approaching the dreaded Fenêtre d’Arpette

Day 7: Le Peuty – Tré-Le-Champ

Distance covered: 16km Elevation gain & loss: 1069m & 1178m Trail time: 4.5hrs Highlights: Crossed the border back into France, unobstructed views of Mont Blanc, wine with friends at a great camp site

AUBERGE LA BOERNE

There are several options for camping in Tré-Le-Champ and Argentière, but I was really happy with this spot in the garden of Auberge la Boerne. Campers get full access of the wonderful indoor bathrooms and it’s just a short walk to a massive supermarket (by mountain standards) so you can binge on tasty snacks on the cheap. Price of camping: 8€ Facilities: bathrooms inside the Auberge, hot showers, wifi also in the Auberge Food: hot meals at the Auberge, 15min walk to a supermarket in Argentière

Read more: TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 7: LE PEUTY – TRÉ-LE-CHAMP

Crossing back into France

Day 8: Tré-Le-Champ – Lac Blanc – La Flegere – Chamonix

Distance covered: 17km Elevation gain & loss: 760m & 1257m Trail time: 5.5hrs Variations: combined stage 10 & 11 into one day, included Lac Blanc variante, and arrived back in Chamonix Highlights: The famed ladder section with vertical climbing, stunning alpine lakes, swimming in freezing cold Lac Blanc, descent from the mountain into Chamonix for the end of the hike!

Back in Chamonix, there are a number of campsites in and around the town , as well as a wide range of accommodation options throughout the area. Treat yourself to a hot shower and a comfy bed, you’ve earned it!

Read more:  TOUR DU MONT BLANC DAY 8: TRÉ-LE-CHAMP – LAC BLANC – LA FLEGERE – CHAMONIX

One of the amazing Lacs des Chéserys

What to expect on the trail

I’m an absolute potato when it comes to directions, and even I never got lost while hiking the TMB. On just a couple occasions, I was not 100% sure of which fork in the road to take, but there were usually people around to ask or I’d just whip out my very handy guidebook . Between TMB signage, painted trail markers on the rocks, and all of the guidebook’s detailed directions, it was easy to find my way around and I never once wished that I had a map with me.

If you’re staying in mountain huts, all your breakfasts and dinners will be covered and will be delicious (so I hear). The huts also sell packed lunches for about 13€, so you could safely have ever single meal taken care of. Some campers ate their meals in the refuges, some bought food every few days from small shops, and some cooked every meal on a stove , so there is no shortage of options.

I personally had my mountain food, but I also bought bread and cheese in shops to supplement the pouch meals, and found it to be inexpensive and delicious. I paid about 1€ for baguettes and 4€ for good sized hunks of cheese in most places, but I even scored a free baguette from a refuge once when I went to enquire about buying one— it hadn’t sold that day so they just gave it away. Most refuges sell drinks (beer, soft drink, juice, coffee) for a few euro, as well. Every single day, you will pass by a refuge, most days also a small town with a shop or two, and every few days a supermarket— food is never far away!

As for water, there are little troughs with eau potable every few hours, clean water at all the refuges, and even delicious glacier water in little streams along the way . I never felt very panicky about having enough water, and actually found that carrying only 1L at a time was a good way to keep my pack light. I didn’t really encounter anyone who was purifying their water, and certainly never felt the need to, so don’t stress about packing filtration systems, either.

All the campsites I stayed at (details in the Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary section of this post) were very nice: clean toilets, hot showers (at most sites), and reasonably priced from 4sfr to 14€ per night . For the most part, campsites are well described within the guidebook I recommended previously , but in a few instances, there were no campsites listed within hours of where I was hoping to stay. I found that other hikers usually seemed to know of a place if you ask around, and wild camping is a good plan B (although it’s not permitted in many parts of Switzerland, so refer to the guidebook). I only wild camped one night during my hike, but there are certainly places to get off the beaten path more frequently if that’s your thing. To make sure you’re camping legally, enquire inside one of the mountain huts and they will usually direct you to a nearby area where you can pitch your tent without being bothered (I did get asked to move once).

Packing list for the Tour du Mont Blanc

This will vary hugely depending on whether you’re camping or staying in huts and whether you’re cooking for yourself or buying food, so this is just what I packed for my trip (plus the things I wish I had brought).

Check out this post for recommendations on all the best gear: BUILDING THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE KIT: THE BEST HIKING & BACKPACKING GEAR FOR WOMEN

Hiking gear

• hiking backpack — I used a 50L pack and it was perfect. Surprisingly, I had by far the smallest bag of anyone that I saw camping along the trail, but people were carrying unnecessary items, if you ask me (jeans? a laptop?)
• waterproof backpack cover
• trekking poles — cannot stress this enough, I would not have been able to complete the hike without poles. Sometimes you are descending into valleys and your knees are screaming with the pain of a thousand suns and the only thing keeping you upright is your poles, so do not leave them at home.
• bladder — I managed with a 1.5L bladder and just filled up frequently, which helped with the weight of my pack. I also packed a 1L plastic bottle that I could fill up at streams throughout the day (and use to pour water into my bladder).
• hiking boots — I would really recommend some that come up high on the ankle for better stability. There is a fair bit of uneven ground, but also the steep ascending and descending on scree provides prime ankle-rolling opportunities.

Camping equipment

• sleeping bag — it’s usually around 10C at night, but I get quite cold, so I packed a bag rated to 5C (and was still sleeping in all the clothing I brought). Go for something warmer if you have room.
• mattress pad
• ultralight pillow
• camp stove — I actually ditched my stove and cookwear after the first few days, just cooking my mountain pouch food with cold water. If I had a second person to share weight with, it would have been fine, but I wanted to keep my pack as light as possible and I was already carrying a 2 man tent.
• gas canister — you’ll have to buy this in Chamonix or Les Houches since you can’t fly with it.
• cookware — I only carried a spoon to stir and eat directly from my mountain pouches, but these are the bowls I usually hike with.
• mountain food — I brought about 5 pouches of food and they lasted for multiple meals, especially when eaten with a baguette. All of the pouch meals I had could be cooked with only cold water, even the ones that say they require hot water, you just need to leave the water in the pouch for a few hours rather than a few minutes. I would put water in the pouch in the morning and the food would be completely rehydrated and delicious by lunchtime, when I would just eat straight from the pouch. This site makes the most amazing mountain food, you’ll want to eat it all the time.

I saved a lot of weight by packing hardly any clothing, but I basically wore everything to sleep. Long sleeve, fleece, down jacket, tights, fleece leggings, and wool socks.. I got really cold in my tent, despite a warm sleeping bag, so don’t skimp on warm clothing if you’re also someone who runs cold. Better to carry a few extra items than to not get any sleep at night because you’re freezing!

• 2x quick drying hiking tanks/shirts
• 1x long sleeve shirt
• 1x fleece pullover/zip-up for the evenings
• down jacket — really glad to have this at night and on the windy mountain passes
• rain jacket — I actually only used mine for about 2 hours over the entire hike, but other people have not been so lucky with weather, so it’s essential to have.
• 2x hiking/running shorts
• tights for chillier evenings and for sleeping (plus fleece tights if you get cold easily)
• 2x wool socks and liners — wash them as soon as you take them off at night and tie to the outside of your pack in the morning if they still aren’t dry. These toe sock liners are the best thing that ever happened to my feet in terms of preventing blisters!
• 1x comfy (and clean) socks for the night
• baseball hat/sun hat
• Tevas /similar sandals — something you can wear around the campsite, on short walks in the evening, and possibly in the showers
• 1x sports bra for the ladies

Personal bits

• knee strap — this hike has a cruel amount of steep descents that will wreak havoc on bad knees. I bought a knee strap specifically for this hike, since I get crippling knee pain even down gentle hills and my knee brace is huge and very metal, and I can’t recommend this strap highly enough. It fits snuggly right above your tibial tuberosity and puts pressure on your patellar tendon, which helps maintain normal tracking and reduces pressure on the posterior patellar surface. It was about $8, is super small so it doesn’t make your knee hot and sweaty, and it really made a world of difference for me.
• KT tape for blisters and hotspots — I struggled so badly with blisters and went through way more bandages than I ever anticipated, plus was given handfuls by multiple kind hikers who took pity on me, so come prepared if you too are prone to blisters.
• Naproxen — something for the aches that you will definitely have, preferably a strong anti-inflammatory to keep swelling to a minimum in your joints.
• Claritin — the pollen is out and about in the summer.
• hygiene kit — toothbrush, soap, the usual bits (I recommend bar shampoo and bar soap to save on space and weight)
• ultralight microfibre towel — I actually left this out to save weight, but I know that not everyone is willing to drip dry.
• camera + extra batteries — I love my GoPro  for long hikes like this since it’s super small and light, takes great photos, and is totally water/dirt/shock/Brooke-proof.
• TMB guidebook 

Happy hiking! Feel free to leave questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.

brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The comments.

John Andrew

Hi, thanks for posting an amazing blog about the ultimate guide to solo hiking & camping the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a breathtaking adventure, and this ultimate guide to solo hiking and camping is a game-changer. From trail tips to gear essentials, it’s a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking the thrill of the great outdoors. With this guide in hand, you’ll navigate this iconic trek with confidence, embracing the serenity of solitude while forging unforgettable memories amidst the stunning Alpine landscapes.

Thanks for once again. Keep posting such types of informational blogs.

OMG, you saved me Brooke! I’m John from Vietnam, Im about to do TMB this September and was so stressed due to the last minute planning. All the refuges are booked and i was gonna cancel this hike until i found this article. Thanks the universe! I hope you are having a great day exploring the world. Thank you so much for sharing!

Hi John, I am so glad you found this article helpful, that makes me so happy!

Hope you had a phenomenal time on the trail, it’s one of the very best 🙂

That was very helpful, Thanks Brook, I hiked Lycian way in Turkey, wonderful but it would be my first time solo hiking in August. like to hike with you in some part of the world, would be happy to receive your friendship email. The best Mina

The Lycian Way looks incredible, that’s definitely on my list! Hope you enjoyed the TMB & happy trails 🙂

Aimee Frazier

Hi Brooke- Thanks for so much useful information! I’d love to know what knee brace you used – the link is broken. I’ll be trekking the TMB in September and will definitely need a knee brace. Thanks again!

Youtube Travel Here

Hello! Great blog article with a lot of useful information! I have a question: how many kg was your total backpack weight? I’m 70kg and my backpack weights 15kg. I’m not experienced with multiple day hikes but I do often hike a few hours day trips. I’m still doubting if I take too many kg or not. Because food for a few days is around 2kg and camping gear around 3kg so that’s already 5kg extra if you go camping! While non-camping people already take around 10kg in their daypacks

On the TMB, I’d estimate I carried around 16kg and I’m 58kg, but obviously this is SUPER personal– what one person can carry is not the same as another. I struggled A LOT with that weight at the time, but I can climb Class 4 routes with a 23kg bag now without issue, so fitness (and not just general fitness, but specific fitness with regard to carrying a pack) is also a major factor.

The best advice for anyone reading this is to train WITH pack weight prior to the trek!

Happy trails 🙂 xx bb

Hi Brooke, This was such a useful article! Thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering if you’d be able to answer a query I have. We’re planning the trip for our honeymoon next year.

Is it possible to book accommodation/a home base (we’re thinking apartments through AirBnb) in some of the villages and then do some of the key trails each day. We would have a car, so would be able to drive to different sections of the trail each day to do some of the amazing hikes or trail runs.

If we have 7 days, we could book accommodation at: – Chamonix for 2-3 nights – Champex for 2-3 nights – Courmayeur for 2-3 nights

Do you think we’d be missing out on some of the higher altitude hikes?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks, Emma

Hi Emma, so glad you found this post helpful! This is actually what my boss just did with her husband and their baby– basing out of a few towns, they were able to hike ~70% of the TMB as day hikes and then drive between towns to complete other sections. Your proposed itinerary would definitely be possible.

However, let me just warn that you will be missing out on the true TMB experience! If there’s not a super compelling reason to stay in town, I would strongly encourage you to book rooms in the huts so you can hike the full trail and really get into it– they are very comfortable, serve great food, and the social aspect is really fun. You can definitely still build in a rest day or 2 along the way, but I think it’s really worth it 🙂

Hope that helps, definitely let me know if you have further questions and I can also reach out to see exactly how my boss structured her itinerary with the car if that’s absolutely what you want to do.

Been searching for days trying to find a SOLO hiking blog for the TMB, and bonus a lady solo hiker! Well curated details and answered all of my questions without being so heavily wordy (which i end up losing interest in lol). Basically planning this on a whim this week for a September trip, cause hell, why not! From the PNW to the Tour du Mont Blanc <3

Ahh Sheilynne, thanks so much for reading and I’m so happy to hear about another solo lady getting out there on the TMB! Hope you had an absolutely fabulous time this September, it’s such a wonderful experience 🙂

Happy trails! xx bb

HI Brooke, great to read all this information! I think I’m gonna do this. The TMB is said to be challenging, I wonder: is this because of exposed or otherwise dangerous passages? I solo-hiked (and wild camped) the Alta VIa 1 in the Dolomites. It was challenging, and pushed my limits slightly, safetywise. Are there passages that were scary?

Hi Anne, thanks so much for reading and I SO encourage you to do the TMB! It’s not very exposed or dangerous, the challenge of the TMB just comes from the length and the elevation gain, which is not insignificant– nearly 2x the gain of AV1 (and only 1.5x the length, so yes, it is much steeper).

Wishing you a wonderful adventure! xx bb

Thanks for so much great, difficult information, particularly about camping! I am a wilderness guide, and have done lots of solo trips, but none in a foreign country. My question is about the knee brace you used. After all these years guiding trips with heavy packs, I also have screaming knees. It looks like the link no longer works. Might you have an updated link to the brace you used? Thank you so much!

Hi Aimee, thank you so much for the sweet comment and apologies for the broken link! I realise this is probably too late to be helpful for your TMB trip, but for future reference, this is my favourite knee strap: https://amzn.to/3uio9tu

Jack Tinberg

Thank you so much for this post. I have been finding it difficult to get all this information from one place! Planning my trip now and thank you for saving me a ton of time and $$$$.

Thanks for reading, Jack, I’m so glad to hear you found this post helpful 🙂

Happy trails!

Hey Brooke,

So thinking of a last minute solo trip soon, late June.

I haven’t done solo hiking or camping before so worried about the weight and competency with the tent gear.

I am happy to pick up food at refuges to remove that weight. Do you believe it is possible to not bring the mattress pad. Just bring tent, sleeping bag and maybe a light pillow?

Thanks, Alan

Hi Alan, I hope you made it out onto the trail for your solo trip this summer! Did you end up camping? I hope you did indeed bring a mattress pad, as I would absolutely never EVER recommend backpacking without one– they aren’t very heavy and you would have an atrocious sleep. I’m sure you figured out the perfect system 🙂

Pablo Fernandez

One of the best guides online. Cheers!

Thanks so much for reading & for your kind words, Pablo! Hope you had a fantastic time on the trail 🙂

I found the info very useful as I´m planning this tour (solo hike and camping like you) this August. Thanks for sharing!:)

Hi Michaela, so glad you found the information helpful!

Me too! Hehe also this August, see you there! Thanks for info! I will try to carry 6 kg backpack with tent

Hi Brooke, I’m from Taiwan:) Thanks for this article, it is very helpful.

I plan to hike TMB solo in Jun this year, and I am wondering if it is safe. If I hike along the main trail, Is there clearly marked on the road? In your experience, how risky is it if I fully prepared? Thanks.

Hi Yu, thanks for reading!

The TMB was my first solo backpacking trip and I found it to be absolutely excellent– safe, well-marked, trafficked enough that you’re not alone for too long, frequently punctuated by shops/restaurants in small towns, intermittently connected to transport… If you’re prepared for the physical challenge, then you could hardly find a better solo hike!

Hope that helps and happy trails! xx bb

Some spectacular photographs of spectacular scenery. Thanks for information on pricing. I am such a novice at touring possibilities I get a bit stuck on simple unimportant stuff. Example, do gas canisters in France have compatible fittings for gas stoves we buy here in Scottish camping shops? Thanks again for info.

Hi Lee, thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed my early attempts at photography 🙂

I had no issue finding compatible gas canisters; Chamonix draws hikers from all over the world, so it’s not hard to source outdoor essentials to fit any set-up. I don’t know if Scotland has a super unique fitting, but I suspect you’d be fine!

thank you for this article very helpful. When you planned your campsites did you have to reserve them, or did you just show up the day of and pay?

Hi Jonathon,

Back in 2017, I just showed up for the campsites with no bookings whatsoever (I don’t think reservations were even possible at that time), but I can’t comment on whether this is still true in 2023.

If anyone else reading this has recently hiked the TMB, we’d greatly appreciate your feedback!

Jonathan Lloyd

Hello/Bonjour,

Your guide has been the most helpful of any on the internet thus far! Thank you. I would like to ask, how far in advance did you book on trail reservations (gite, refuge, or campsite)? A lot of guides recommend booking 6-9 months in advance. I like being flexible and hiking 25-30km days… Thoughts or recommendations on reservations?

Thank you! 🙂

Hi Jonathon!

At the time I hiked the TMB, there were no reservations required at any of the campsites, so my itinerary was 100% flexible. This may not be the case for camping anymore, I’m not sure, but definitely if you plan to stay in refugios, you really should book in advance. As a solo person, I’d say you have a good shot at snagging a last-minute spot, and even the possibility of arriving day-of and getting a bed if someone cancels (this worked for me in the Dolomite huts!)– but it’s still recommended to have a tent as a backup.

Hope that helps a little! xx bb

Good’ay Aussie, great to have your expert advice.

Brooke , I have followed your advice and purchased the guide book you recommended. I walked the Larapinta Trail out of Alice Springs in June 2022 and found it very tough (at 70) doing more than 12 kms a day. So I thought I would walk around Mont Blanc in twice the time.

My idea was to luxuriate in a Chalet with good wine and food every second night and to spend the intervening evening at altitude in the mountains in a tent. I am used to camping in the Snowy Mts in winter. I have bought a hyperlite back and am having a special (under 1kg dyneema tent) made for me in Japan.

Big question, walking in June before the crowds, would I be allowed to do it? (camp in the mountains outside the normal camping areas). What do you think from your experience?

I think that sounds like a wonderful adventure perfectly balanced with comforts, which the TMB certainly lends itself to. Throughout much of France and Italy, I found it easy enough to wild camp– sometimes in plain view, other times farther from the trail and rifiguios– but this is technically forbidden in Switzerland, so you’ll be confined to the (well-appointed) campsites here. If these aren’t open, I think wild camping would be unobjectionable, so either way, this should be very doable.

Happy trails to you! xx bb

Hello Brooke, I have read through this vlog several times hoping I trek the TMB next month (travel restrictions…). I eat vegan and wondering if food will be difficult to purchase in the shops along the way. I don’t eat bread or cheese which I have read is a huge staple.

I will be tenting as well and wondering if there is anything you would change regarding your route if you were to do it again. I will be using yours as a guideline due to time.

Thank you for sharing such a fabulous informative vlog. Cheers Wendy

I am SO sorry for the slow reply to your comment– maybe you can share if you were able to find anything vegan-friendly along the route, as others may have a similar question?

Hope you had a wonderful experience on this trail! xx bb

Hello, when you were camping — did you ever worry about your belongings in the tent especially when you’re away (e.g going for a shower)? How did you deal with that?

As you are, I was a little wary prior to undertaking the trek alone, but it ended up feeling incredibly safe to leave things in the tent while I went to shower or find cheese nearby. I’d imagine you’ll feel the same, but if not, it’s easy enough to bring any real valuables (camera, etc) with you.

Hopefully you have as wonderful an experience as I did!

Thanks for the website help lot more hikes plans for me.

Hi Ben, so glad to hear it!

Happy trails 🙂

Hi Brooke, Thanks for this article, so many helpful tips! Did you leave your things and backpack in the tent in the evenings? I wonder how safe it would be to leave it for a while and for example go for a dinner or a walk in the evening. Thanks!

Hi Aga, so glad you found this post helpful!

I never had any issues leaving my stuff in the tent– whether you’re wild camping or staying at a designated site, the TMB is (generally speaking) incredibly safe.

Happy trails! -Brooke

Thank you so much for this great article! I see you stated that you recommend hiking boots with ankle support, do you always hike in hiking boots? I am not an avid hiker but the few I have done, West Highland Way, Inca Trail, and local hikes, I have done in running sneakers. I have been debating the need for hiking boots for this hike and cannot get a true feel if they are necessary or not. I like sneakers since I feel like they are more comfortable and you don’t get blisters which is important for such high mileage days however everything I have read for this hike say hiking boots. Thank you so much for your helpful tips!

Hi Kristen,

This is such a personal choice! I’d never go on an overnight hike without boots, but that’s because I have terrible ankles and really need the support. I know plenty of others (like you) would PREFER to hike in shoes, even on a multi-day trek… as crazy as it sounds to me 🙂

For the TMB, I’d REALLY encourage boots because of the rough, rocky terrain and steep ascents/descents (especially if you do the high variants, which often descend over scree fields)– but I actually saw a man doing it in Teva sandals, so clearly it’s a matter of preference. People also run this trail (not the high variants, though) as part of an Ultra, so they’d be in shoes as well.

I have also done the Inca Trail, and the real difference is the weight you’re carrying, the distances you’re walking, and the rugged trail conditions on this trek, which far outweigh the demands of the 4-day Inca Trail.

The best compromise in my eyes would be bringing both shoes and hiking boots. My parents are avid mountaineers and this is what they do– they wear shoes on flatter, less demanding days when they want to maximise comfort (and also when they’re just walking around the campsite) and then wear boots on the more demanding days. This requires some additional pack weight, but if you’d be bringing camp shoes anyway (I usually bring Birkenstocks), then it’s not an enormous jump to bring a light pair of runners.

I really hope that helps! -Brooke

I was originally planning to hike TMB with a friend at the end of july/beginning of august. Unfortunately plans have changed and my friend is no longer able to come with. I’m pretty confident with solo travelling via hotels, but I’m not sure how confident I am to solo travel on a thru hike with camping only. Your page is helping me feel way more confident about doing this solo! How did you find the trail as a solo female hiker? You mentioned it being safe and that’s what I have read in multiple places. Were there any times you felt concerned about your safety? How were the people? Did you feel like there was always someone near you to help you out in case you got lost or were confused about something? Thank you so much in advance!

I was actually in the exact same situation! I had planned to do the TMB with a friend, she backed out at the last minute, and I was really nervous about doing it alone– it was my first solo trek, I had to carry a 2-man tent and all the cooking gear by myself, and I’m not a great navigator. In the end, I just went for it, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.

As you’ve read here and in other places, the hike is completely safe and I never once felt uncomfortable. The TMB is very popular, so you’ll never go more than a few hours without passing someone who can help if needed. The people on the trail were amazingly friendly (hikers are always the best kind of people!), and I made some really lovely friends that I hiked with for one or two days as our itineraries overlapped. Every day or second day at most, you will pass through a small town, so there are also plenty of points where you can take a rest day if needed or restock supplies.

Thankfully, the trail is super easy to follow. There are signs and markers everywhere and the main guidebook is really all you need, I didn’t even bring a map or GPS and was fine.

I would highly recommend camping, as it will give you the most freedom in terms of how far you go each day. This is great for a solo hiker because you might make friends and want to camp with them at a closer spot than you originally planned or you might be alone and want to keep trekking until 7pm because, well, why set up camp early if you’re alone?

I think if you can do it with a friend, you can do it by yourself, and you might just find that it’s far more rewarding that way 🙂

Happy trails, and feel free to ask any other questions you might have before July! -Brooke

Hi Jamie did you/ are you still planning to do your trip?

I wish! Brooke had great information and I was really excited to do it by myself however like most things these days. I had to cancel it because of the pandemic….I read that the trail has been really nice with the lack of people so I would have loved to still go, but I’m living in Korea and if we leave the country…we are legally obligated to do a 14 day quarantine upon return…not enough vacation days for that unfortunately. I hope to reschedule it for next summer if things start looking up!

Hi Brooke! Thank you for your post 🙂

I was just wondering if you could give me a rough estimate of how much the total trek cost you (excluding your flights and travel expenses to reach the starting point)- but things like accommodations during and cost for food?

I personally spent 90€ on accomodation for the entire trek, and that’s including one night where I paid 40€ for a B&B in Courmayeur, so it could have been much cheaper. All other nights were camping along the trail!

In terms of food, I had 2x mountain meals each day on the trail, so that’s about $25AUD each day + maybe $5 in snacks. I’m not sure where you’re based, but this is my favourite mountain food: http://packitgourmet.com

Hope that gives you an idea 🙂

I feel much confident now. Thank you and enjoy your new adventure !

I’m so glad to find so much helpful info from your blog. I’m planning to hike solo for the first time in June. My main concern is about the trail. Were the trails clearly marked? Would I be able to tell which way to take especially when there’s no one around to ask on the entire TMB loop?

Thanks, Jen

Hi Jen, it’s great to hear that you found this post helpful!

I was worried about the same thing before my trek, especially since I am a really poor navigator… Thankfully, the trail is INSANELY well marked, with signs at just about every junction listing KMs and time to the next waypoint. I’d recommend having the guidebook pages with you, but you don’t need a separate map or GPS. Also, there are usually people to ask, it’s a popular trail 🙂

Hope that helps; happy trails! -Brooke

Amazing thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for the comment & happy trails! 🙂

Fellow Sydney resident here!

Just wanted to say thank you for this awesome write up, it has really provided me with some invaluable insight into how I should approach the trip 🙂

I plan to hike the TMB early July next year, but considering I’m fairly new to hiking and have never done a solo hike in my life, I’m a bit concerned about the overall difficulty. Would you suggest I hold off attempting the hike until I have some more experience in this kind of thing?

I would very much like to mirror your approach to the hike, and suspect I will end up following your itinerary as closely as possible once I’m over there.

Thanks heaps, Brooke!

Hi Brad, so happy to hear you found these posts helpful and that you are planning to hike the TMB! It is truly incredible.

This was also my first ever solo hike and I’d definitely recommend it to you as the perfect introduction to hiking alone. It is a physically strenuous hike, sure, but the navigational demands are really minor, there are plenty of other people on the trail, lots of well-appointed campgrounds, and near-daily opportunities to pass through a town or take a rest day as needed. If you are confident in your ability to carry a heavy pack and make the long ascents, I wouldn’t worry about the rest!

Definitely let me know if you have any other questions about the TMB, I’m more than happy to share further details of my experience and just general trekking advice, having since done a lot more 5-10 day hikes around the world.

Brad — TMB will be my 3rd solo hike. I recommend the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland (50 miles with the extra day to the coastal waterfall) and the northernmost 70 miles of the Kungsleden in Switzerland, each is 5 days. Brooke — Thanks for this! I feel much more confident about my solo trip (which has been postponed for 2 years).

Thanks for reading and happy trails, Clare! Crossing my fingers that this will be your year 🙂

Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds amazing.

Did you have to prebook the camp spots? or did you just show up and pay as your entered?

Kind regards.

Hi Yannick,

Apologies for the late reply, I’m travelling in South America at the moment and I haven’t had very reliable internet!

As for the campgrounds, no, you absolutely don’t need to book anything in advance. I didn’t have any trouble getting a spot and I think it’s very unlikely they would turn you away even if they were fairly crowded. Worst case, you can wild camp, but I sincerely doubt it will come to that. The campsites are large and there are often several options within a few kms.

Hope this helps and have a wonderful hike, the TMB is amazing! -Brooke

Hi Brooke, I love your website- it is really helpful!

Could I please ask if you had to book the campsites? or did you just show up at the campsite and request a place to stay?

Kind regards,

Thanks for all the info, I loved reading about your adventure.

Do you know what your total base weight was of your pack without water etc? Thanks!:)

Hi Geert, thank you for the kind words!

My TMB weight: 15kg total base weight (bag and camping gear) 6kg + food 2.5kg + clothes, toiletries, electronics (camera, etc) 5kg + water 1.5kg

Hope this helps 🙂 -Brooke

Thanks, this website has wonderful info. We will be doing the TMB in a couple of weeks. Do you think a jetboil is something that is necessary to bring? We were thinking of just buying food at convenience stores along the route. Are there enough of those that you won’t need to bring any freeze-dried meals?

Thanks, Elliot!

Well, you have a few options for food along the TMB. The first is that you can buy hot meals at mountain huts (or restaurants when you pass through town), the second is that you can cook all of your own food, but the best option, in my opinion, is a combination of both! Food in the mountain huts can be really expensive (about 25€ per dinner), so it will really blow your budget out. Plus, there are a number of campsites that aren’t right next to a mountain hut or in a town, which will make it pretty challenging to get food (this is assuming you’re camping??).

When I hiked the TMB, I cooked but supplemented my dehydrated mountain meals with bread and cheese bought along the way. I even enjoyed an incredible pizza for dinner when I passed through Courmayeur!

Hope this answers your question– and have a wonderful time on the TMB, it really is amazing! -Brooke

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Happily Ever Hiker

Tour du mont blanc: our epic guide to all you need to know.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is among Europe’s greatest and most widely known hikes covering an extremely long distance, and completing this hike should be at the top of your travel list.

There’s no denying that doing the Mont Blanc tour can be the most remarkable thing you can plan to do while visiting Europe, which is why we have an epic guide with everything you ought to know about this tour!

Table of Contents

What Is The Tour Du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most famous Mont Blanc trekking trails, and it also happens to belong to the list of world’s oldest trekking trails.

The loop is frequently featured in articles and lists titles as the ’10 Best Hiking Trails In The World,’ which is only fair given how spectacular the trail and its views are.

We’ll talk about the details of the trail later in this article, but expect breathtaking views, delectable food, and authentic mountainous adventures.

On just the first day, you’ll see massive snowy mountains, massive ice caps, majestic streams, and lush greenery.

Who Formed The Tour De Mont Blanc?

The trekking routes that comprise the tour du Mont Blanc loop, similar to the greatest treks in the world, were initially walked by shepherds who used to move their cows from one valley to the other.

However, it was a geologist from Switzerland who popularized this tour in the 18 th century.

The funny thing is that this “discovery” of his happened by accident as what he was trying to do was to figure out how to ascend Mont Blanc.

However, he ended up completing a circular trip around the entire mountain searching for the most suitable pathway, and thus was the first one (at least to our knowledge) to walk this trail.

The exact route the geologist followed is unconfirmed, but he went back to the mountain many times, desperately trying to reach the top.

Following several unsuccessful tries and circles around Mont Blanc, promised remuneration to whoever would reach the peak of the mountain.

It was in the late 1780s that two people from Chamonix were given the reward and managed to make the first climb.

He then was the third one to take the same path and reach the top of this famous European mountain.

Historically, Celtic tribal groups and the Roman army had used Col du Bonhomme, a spot located on the tour du Mont Blanc, as a route from which they moved their supplies through the Alpine areas.

Even today, you can discover the tattered remains of the Roman people and armies, with an old bridge built by their army remaining in good condition there, to many people’s surprise.

Where Is The Tour Du Mont Blanc?

TMB circumnavigates the mountain range, passing through Switzerland, Italy, as well as France.

Despite the fact that the trail does not reach the summit, everybody is familiar with Mont Blanc, and its name draws thousands of backpackers, hikers, and mountaineers each year.

How Long Is Tour Du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc loop is a circuit that is 170 kilometers long and circles the Mont Blanc Mountain range.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Hike

Tour Du Mont Blanc Starting And Finishing Point

The Tour du Mont Blanc starts and finishes in Chamonix, an alpine town and adventure sports mecca on the French side of the Alps.

Despite its small size, Chamonix has always been overflowed with tourists and people looking for adventure thrills.

It is also a highly regarded ski retreat at the bottom of Mont Blanc, which means that there are many skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, as well as a booming mountaineering community and an abundance of trekking and mountain-bike paths to explore once the snow melts in the warmer months.

Chamonix is only 90 kilometers from the Geneva Airport and has numerous transportation choices available, rendering it a very accessible Alpine town.

The drive takes slightly more than an hour, bus services approximately 2 hours, and trains take closer to 3 hours, contingent on connections.

This town is also known as the World’s Capital of Adventure thanks to its busy rhythms, a plethora of fun activities, and simply stunning mountain ranges right next to it.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Route/Trail

The route follows a long loop of secluded pathways that circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif in an anti-clockwise direction.

Of course, you have the option to follow the path in a clockwise direction, but the majority of people tend to go the other way around, and this is one of those cases where it’s preferable to go with the flow.

The trail is not challenging if you have prepared and trained right for it, but there are a lot of steep ascents.

Nevertheless, there are also many variants and easier routes to take, so you can take paths that are slightly more demanding and then continue an easy downhill.

Moreover, the Tour du Mont Blanc trekking trail includes forest areas, desolate rugged terrain, and extensive green hillsides.

You’ll also be surrounded by the ultimate combination of majestic scenery and snow-covered highs above, with each day being unique.

However, if there’s one thing the majority of your tour days have in common, it is the fact that you will be following the same pattern of hiking across hilly areas, or mountain passes, before going down to a Refugio or hotel to rest.

Similarly, your days will begin with an enjoyable uphill walk to a picturesque point where you can enjoy your snack or meal while gazing at the scenery, and then continue with your final hike downhill for a hearty evening meal and some fresh beer.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Altitude

Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain, is 4.808 meters above sea level, making its altitude one of the greatest and most challenging ones.

However, as we have previously mentioned the Tour De Mont Black does not involve ascending to its top.

In fact, the highest peak along the standard route is 2.537 meters above sea level, which is considerably lower than the top of the mountain.

This peak is at the Grand Col Ferret, which also serves as a frontier between Italy and Switzerland. Nevertheless, a few alternative routes can take you to the greatest heights.

So, for example, you also have the option of going higher up to enjoy the beautiful scenery from 2.665 meters above sea level. on the Col des Fours or Fenetre d’ Arpette,

Tour Du Mont Blanc Itinerary

Because of the long distance of the trail, most people complete the Tour du Mont Blanc route in 7 to 10 days. 

Below you can find the itinerary for a 10-day hiking trip, and which is typically the one most people follow when doing the Tour du Mont Blanc for the first time!

10-Days Itinerary

Day 1: chamonix – les contamines.

On the first day, you’ll take the minibus to Les Houches and start your tour.

This first stage from Les Houches to Les Contamines is filled with lovely pine forest pathways, steep uphills and downhills, and areas of low trees and bushes carpeted with wild blueberry shrubs.

Nevertheless, you won’t be able to avoid the steep hills for the first hour, and if you choose to go from the variant, you can expect approximately 1500 meters of elevation, compared to the 650 meters of the standard route.

If you choose the challenging path, stop for lunch at the Refuge de Miage for some delicious and nourishing salad, and then continue your hike to Les Contamines for a night’s rest and more food.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1500 meters of elevation gain for the variant, 650 meters of elevation gain for the standard route

Day 2: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

After spending the night in a chalet, you’ll start the second day of the tour with an uphill trek up to the renowned Col du Bonhomme.

A few hours later towards the late afternoon, you’ll hike across the Croix de la Bonhomme and head straight to Les Chapieux.

This stage of the tour offers much better scenery and is less challenging, so you will certainly enjoy it more.

Les Chapieux is so small that it hardly qualifies as a town, but it’s quite lovely. There are a few guesthouses nearby. There also is a local products shop, where you must absolutely try their goat cheese!

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1300 meters of elevation gain

 Day 3: Les Chapieux To Rifugio Monte Bianco

The third day will get you to Italy as you will be on the Col, which is approximately 1000 meters higher than the starting point.

The hike begins with a mild uphill through the valley, followed by several steep hills to the col’s summit. Although there is some altitude gain, this col is among the easiest ones to reach.

After you cross the col and until you reach Refugio Elisabetta it’s an enjoyable downhill. There you can spend some time enjoying some comfort food, and if you choose to stay the night, you’ll get a large dinner and an incredible view of the sunset.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1000 meters of elevation gain

 Day 4: Rifugio Monte Bianco – Courmayeur

This is undoubtedly the simplest hiking day.

An easy walk down the route to Courmayeur (that is nonetheless more than 4 hours long), a little town with many tourists, and you can have a nice break there, dine, enjoy a drink, and walk around the town.

 Day 5: Courmayeur – Val Ferret

The fifth day begins with 800 meters of walking up a steep hill for approximately 2 hours, which is not that challenging.

The hike from Courmayeur, at 1224 meters, to Refugio Bertone which is at 1996 meters, is mostly through a lovely forest area full of pine trees and it takes you along the Val Ferret, in between Italy and Switzerland.

When you get to the Refugio at the top, you can decide whether or not to complete the variant, which goes up 500 meters more and is 100% worth it.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 800 meters of elevation gain

 Day 6: Val Ferret – La Fouly

On your sixth day, you’ll walk an easy 4-hour trail from Col Ferret to the little town of La Fouly, where you can try the delicious local cheese and other delicacies they offer.

An easier uphill walk all the way to a col will have you literally standing between France and Switzerland! As you descend, you’ll realize that the meal prices in the different Refugios skyrocket but spending some money on food there is worth it.

Day 7: La Fouly – Champex-Lac

This is a pleasant day with a hike through beautiful alpine grasslands and Swiss rural areas. You’ll finish your day in Champex-Lac, an idyllic Swiss settlement with a lovely lake where you can swim on a hot summer day!

There are also many towns to stop in between, so despite the relatively short hike (in comparison to the 8-hour ones on other days), you need to take into account the hours you’ll spend exploring the towns.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 637 meters of elevation gain

 Day 8: Champex-Lac – Trient

After a wonderful night in Champex, you can move on with your journey and begin the long but easy ascent to Bovine. From that point, you can descend to Trient via the Col de la Forclaz.

This day begins fairly flat before climbing approximately 1200 meters. The 1200-meter climb isn’t too difficult, and when you get to the top, there is also a cute spot to eat lunch and take in the views.

There are no grocery stores in Trient or La Peuty, so restock in Champex or enjoy your meals in any of the Refugios along the way.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1200 meters of elevation gain

 Day 9: Trient – Argentiere

The penultimate day starts early in the morning with an uphill trek up to Col de Balme, which offers Mont Blanc on a plate.

There’s also a variant that takes you up to Col des Possettes and the Aiguillette des Possettes peak that you can take, while the downhill to La Tour will mark the end of the hiking part of the day, leaving you time to relax and unwind.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1180 meters of elevation gain

 Day 10: Argentiere – Chamonix

The last day of your tour offers either the chance to ascend over Lac Blanc on some daring stairways or choose the standard and easier route.

Some of the most breathtaking views are being enjoyed in this last stage of the trip, which will finish with a downhill walk with Chamonix as the final destination.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1260 meters of elevation gain

Tour Du Mont Blanc Tour Options

There are both guided and self-guided tours you can join to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc, and depending on what you choose to do, the costs will be different.

Here are some examples of guided and self-guided tours offered:

• Macs Adventure Tour
• Tour Du Mont Blanc Holiday
• Alpine Treks
• Wildland Trekking Tour

Tour Du Mont Blanc Map

Mont Blanc Treks offer several maps such as those of the easterly and westerly circuits as well as one of the full circuits around Mont Blanc, and a chart of the elevation profile of the tour.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing List

If you are planning on camping throughout the tour, you need to make sure you are packing as light as possible as you will be carrying the extra camping equipment with you which includes a tent and a sleeping bag , as well as a sleeping pad.

The rest of the things you need to carry are:

• Water bottle
• Clothes: fleece or sweater (depending on the weather), extra socks and underwear, shirts and shorts, and long trousers.
• Accessories: bandanas, caps, headlamp
• Microfiber towel
• Power adapter
• First-aid kit
• Passport and/or ID

When To Hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc?

The best time of the year to walk the tour du Mont Blanc is in the summertime when the climate is softer, the sun is up, and all ice has melted.

Given its high altitude and Alpine winters, going there in the summer can guarantee you a good night’s sleep when you choose to camp for the night as well as warmer weather for your hike.

Training For Tour Du Mont Blanc

Depending on which path you take, you should train and get ready for a little more or a little less strain on your legs and work accordingly on your cardio fitness level.

Read next – Is hiking good cardio?

No matter how many variants you choose to hike and how fast or slow you choose to go, you need a great fitness level, so you either have to train consistently for months, even years, before embarking on your journey, or be very athletic and fit.

Previous experience with long-distance hikes will also make this trip easier, but this does not mean you won’t need to prepare for it just because you hiked coast to coast in the UK years ago!

Tour Du Mont Blanc Accommodation

A common question and topic of discussion among hikers to-be of the Tour du Mont Blanc is that concerning the lodging options.

To begin with, there are numerous places to spend the night. If you have a lot of money, you have a plethora of choices.

However, if you’d like to complete your journey without breaking the bank, you can either choose camping or stay in one of the many refugios or guesthouses.

• Find the most affordable places to stay at booking.com

Tour Du Mont Blanc Refuges

A Refugio is a refuge, also called a mountain hut. It is basically a mountain hostel with simple interior decoration and amazing food!

Many Refugios offer private rooms, however, some of them only provide shared hostel-style lodging.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Camping

You also have the option of setting up camp every night. Clearly, it will be the most cost-effective option, but it is also one that allows you to experience this adventure in the best way possible, as it kind of completes the overall experience.

Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about making any reservations, as you can simply arrive at the campground and find a spot to set up your tent.

There are numerous ways to organize your trip, in addition to the several accommodation alternatives.

Many people prefer to schedule and plan things on their own, including booking their own accommodation and transporting all their belongings, but sometimes it is better to have some assistance.

During the peak tourist season, which is in July and August, it is preferable to let somebody else book your accommodation and luggage transfers.

Even so, keep in mind that if you choose to stay in accommodations rather than go camping, that means you’ll have to pay in advance and do your best to stay committed to the planned itinerary.

Any delay or injury incident might mean you can lose a night’s stay and, hence, money spent on a room you won’t stay in after all.

On the other hand, if you do the hike off-peak season, you can always make a same-day booking as it is always available in most hotels and guesthouses.

Either way, this website of the Tour De Mont Blanc is very useful for planning your stay throughout the tour.

You can select your intended destination and a precise date, and it will display a list of accommodation options you can stay in, which would include the walking distance from one to the other.

The Bottom Line

The Tour du Mont Blanc is without a doubt an epic multi-day hike on this planet and experiencing this journey is something you will remember forever.

The good thing is that you can always visit this destination again and if you go there on a guided tour the first time, challenge yourself by going on a self-guided tour the next one!

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Planning for the Tour du Mont Blanc

After reading this Trek article almost two years ago, I put the Tour du Mont Blanc on my bucket list and mostly forgot about it. Until this past November, when I started longing for warmer weather and snowless hiking. As I tend to do when I’m nostalgic for my hiking fix, I started researching potential trips. Since I had finished my section hike of the Appalachian Trail in August 2017, I needed new trips to obsessively plan while I was in the throes of winter depression. I decided that for this summer, I wanted a hike that was something I could do in one shot and not have to break into sections. And I really liked the idea of getting out into the larger world, and backpacking around the Alps sounded like a blast. So I started planning. All I can say is, thank goodness for Google Translate.

How to Hike Tour du Mont Blanc

1: overview.

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a loop hike of ~110 miles with ~30,000 feet of elevation gain (and subsequent loss) that circumnavigates Mont Blanc massif, a 16,000-footer in the Alps. The trail’s highest point is 8,700 feet, which is not high enough to cause altitude sickness in most people. It’s easiest to fly into Geneva (though there are many other options for transportation if you want to get creative and fly into other parts of Europe), and then take a bus or shuttle the 1.5-hour drive to Chamonix (pronounced sha-mo-nee), France, where most people start and end their hike. The trail goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It’s typically hiked counterclockwise, to make the elevation more gentle and put better views at the end. The trail has a classic route, with many variants as options to make it more challenging or, in one case, to avoid a section with metal ladders.

Courtesy of Flickr

It’s a popular trail for Europeans going on vacation during their summer break – July and August. Some Brits go adventuring on the Tour du Mont Blanc as well, but it’s pretty uncommon for Americans. Of the people who hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, something like 95 percent of them are either on a guided or self-guided tour. Unsurprisingly, it costs a lot to pay someone else to plan this for you; I saw anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 beyond the actual costs of the reservations. Many places offer the option of having your bag carried from hut to hut by donkey. If you’d like to pay REI $5,400 (doesn’t include transportation costs), you can do the Alps in style.

It’s worth noting that none of the guided trips and very few of the self-guided trips I found offer the option to hike the entire Tour du Mont Blanc . Almost every single one cuts out portions of it, and uses chairlifts to avoid longer ascents or descents. This didn’t sit well with me; I wanted to hike the entire Tour du Mont Blanc end to end, and I wanted to know where we were going and why. And I’m very frugal and the idea of paying someone else to plan my trip was physically painful to me, so I dug into it on my own.

The most popularly recommended guide book by far is The Tour of Mont Blanc: a complete two-way trekking guide by Kev Reynolds . It’s a comprehensive guide to hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, offering a lot of description about the trail’s surrounding landscape, with information about lodging, services, and towns. As a whole, they mainly offer phone numbers for each place of lodging, though sometimes websites are noted as well. I would recommend purchasing the book ($18) if you’re thinking about doing the Tour du Mont Blanc – it is worth the money. However, as a number-crunching hiker, it didn’t offer me quite what I wanted. The distance was only provided as totals for each section and the elevation profiles were so small, they were relatively worthless. I wanted something like The AT Guide or the Thru-Hiker’s Companion . As I couldn’t find this information anywhere, I ended up making my own mileage and elevation tables in Excel. I also ended up purchasing this map ($20); it took me a bit to find the Tour du Mont Blanc on the map, but once I did, it helped me with my planning process. There is also a really helpful interactive map here on the Autour du Mont-Blanc website.

For those who might want to tent camp the Tour du Mont Blanc, know that it’s more complicated than it might first appear. Not only can it be challenging to bring camping gear on an airplane, it’s illegal to wild camp along the entire TMB, except in emergency situations above 2,500 meters, including outside a hut. While there are often campgrounds in or near towns, it can make your mileage more complicated. Or you could do dispersed camping and risk the consequences of being caught – $650 fine per tent. Besides, who wants to carry a heavy pack when you really don’t have to? And showers every day can be so nice! There are a number of online resources available discussing the Tour du Mont Blanc as a tenting vacation, if desired. If I like the TMB, I may return in the future with a tent, but for now, I’d just as soon reduce the number of things that I need to worry about.

2: Transportation and Travel Dates

So first things first – what time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc? Most hostels don’t open until mid-June, because there can still be substantial snow in the mountains up until the beginning of June. If you’re hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in June, it’s recommended that you check that huts and hostels will be open and bring traction devices like Microspikes. Yearly snowfall makes a difference, and if it hasn’t melted yet, some sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc can be completely impassable in June. July through mid-August are busier times of year, with Europeans on break, and July gets more rain than August or September, though all services are open and you’ll have warmer weather. Mid-August through the mid-September are generally nicer, with less people, less rain, and cooler weather. However, many hostels close in mid-September, so it can cut down on your lodging and refueling options if you go any later than that. And oh, there’s also an ultramarathon of the TMB each year in mid- to late August, so you may want to avoid those dates; it will be an absolute zoo. I had wanted to hike in mid-June but due to work and other summer hiking plans, I was locked into hiking this trip in mid- to late-July.

I used Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and FareCompare to track the cost of various flights. Google Flights is a good tool to compare different departure locations; for my location, Boston was by far the cheapest. I kept an eye on the deals and jumped at round trip tickets for $633 per percon back in January. Most flights to Europe during the summer quickly work their way towards $1,000+ for a round-trip ticket. Buy earlier, and keep your eye out for flash sales.

Our economy tickets include one free checked bag. For the flight there and back, I’ll be putting my backpack inside a duffel bag that can be packed down once we arrive. The first hostel we’re staying at in Les Houches will hold a small bag for a euro per day, so we may leave the packed duffel bags and some town clothes in a small bag with them and retrieve them when we stay there again on our next-to-last night.

Something that came up for me as I began preparing my supplies was realizing that international travel can make it challenging to take medication. As someone who needs to inject medication, it was that much more complicated. So, the bottom line is this: for traveling to Europe, all prescription medication should be in its original container with the prescription label noting it’s yours. For traveling with syringes, you will also need to have a letter from your physician noting the medical necessity or they could be confiscated.

Shuttles Between the Airport and Chamonix

Most round-trip shuttles between the airport and Chamonix cost between $140 and 175. I found this prohibitively expensive, so I explored my options for bus and train travel. As best as I can tell, there isn’t a train station at the airport, so you would need to travel from the airport to a local train station. There are more public buses leaving from the Geneva bus station, but that’s a few miles away from the airport. I ended up settling on the Ouibus , as it’s $47 for a round-trip ticket and they leave from the airport every two hours and drop off in Les Houches and Chamonix. They also offer free rescheduling of your ticket if you reschedule 30 minutes or more in advance of the bus’s departure, and have a handy app to help you navigate that process. It does mean that we’ll end up returning to the airport for our flight home maybe an hour earlier than required, but it’s worth the price differential.

Reservations

I flailed around for a while, trying to figure out the best way to put in reservations for lodging on the trail. I was overjoyed when I found the Autour du Mont-Blanc . This is a wonderful site, and it’s almost everything you need to plan lodging for trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc. They help you plan an itinerary , based on where you’ll be starting and which direction you’ll be going. Once your starting point and direction are established, it will show you the nearest hostels and huts by walking distance, and also provides a lot of information about the services at the huts and hostels. Once you create an itinerary, it will assist you in reserving space at all of those places that offer online reservations. It will also tell you which places you must contact directly. Between this website, Google, and Kev Reynolds book, I was able to locate email addresses for all lodging that didn’t take online reservations, and placed all my reservations without making any phone calls. Before leaving on the trip, be sure to print out your reservation emails as proof. I read stories of people’s private room reservations not being respected because they hadn’t followed the directions to print out their reservation email as proof.

For Chamonix and Courmayeur, I found hotels through online searches. I found the hotels search within Google Maps to be the cheapest and most thorough option. For Courmayeur, we’ll be staying at Hotel Berthod ; in Chamonix, we’ll be staying at Le Vert Hotel . They were among the least expensive options, and both have excellent ratings on Google and TripAdvisor.   

When I placed my reservations, I paid 335 euros and 20 CHF to reserve or pay in full for lodging; six of the 13 locations did not require any payment to make a reservation. Only two places required full payment up-front, and those were the two hotels (Courmayeur and Chamonix). All said and done, it was $800 each for me and my partner to get lodging, dinner, and breakfast for 13 nights; for three of those nights, we paid a bit extra for a private room. Other locations offered private rooms, but they were substantially more expensive than the basic hostel option, and we were unwilling to pay the difference.

Travel Sheets

Travel sheets are mandatory and very much desired for staying in huts and hostels in Europe. They provide pillows and blankets but do not provide sheets. Since there will be lots of people before and after you, it’s really the best idea to bring travel sheets with you. I purchased these synthetic ones for $20 and my partner purchased these silk ones for $33.

Most hostels have a place to handwash clothes and let them dry. We expect that we’ll be able to use a washer/dryer at the two hotels we’re staying at, and other than that, we’ll be handwashing everything. In looking for unscented laundry soap to bring with us, I found these dry laundry soap sheets. They don’t count against your liquids and can’t spill in your luggage. They can be cut or torn into smaller pieces for handwashing in a sink, and one sheet will take care of a small to medium load of laundry.

4: Safety and Communication

Mountain insurance.

When hiking in more mountainous places like the Alps, mountain insurance is recommended, which will cover things like the costs of a rescue team or a helicopter rescue, should you or anyone in your party get hurt badly enough they can’t self-rescue. It can also cover the cost of repatriation, which is the cost to return you to your country in case of serious injury.

After considering my options, I went with a yearly membership to the Austrian Alpine Club’s UK branch . They openly accept applicants from the US, and mailed me my membership cards. Membership includes mountain insurance, discounts at many huts and hostels, as well as a quarterly magazine. An adult membership starts at $60. They offer a variety of discounts for seniors, young adults, teens, and children. I ended up paying ~$110 for my partner and me, as they offer a discount for people who live together. With the discounts we receive at huts and hostels, it will pay for itself on our trip.

Health Insurance

You don’t want to be left holding the bill if something goes wrong overseas. Both me and my travel partner checked with our health insurance companies, to be sure that they cover medical care outside of the US. I was able to confirm it through their website, while my partner had to call the insurance company directly.

Plug Converters

For this trip in Europe, a Type C (‘Europlug’) converter will meet your needs, as it can be used with plug types E, F, J, K and L . I purchased this one for $12. You should check on your device or charger to be sure it offers both 110 and 220 volts (generally noted as 110-220 on the plug or device). Most items will have no problem with using a basic plug converter and don’t need a voltage converter (unless they’re high-powered appliances like hair dryers), but it’s worth double checking before you leave.  

Phone Connection

While most hostels offer Wi-Fi, most huts do not. Given the complexity of this trip, I decided that I’d prefer to have full use of my phone during my trip and opted for a 30-day international phone pass. AT&T offers both a $10 per day and a $60 for 30 days international phone usage passport add-on, though it does need to be arranged prior to your departure.

I did research into currency exchange and found that ATMs and banks are your best bet for withdrawing money in the local currency. Airports do offer it, but will charge a huge percentage on top of the actual exchange rate. I will be getting a few hundred euros from AAA before we leave, just to tide us over and make sure we have something in case of emergency. There are ATMs available in: (France) Chamonix, Les Houches, Les Contamines, (Italy) Courmayeur, and (Switzerland) La Fouly. You’ll need to call your bank to make sure your ATM card will work. Check if your credit card company needs to be notified about you leaving the country or traveling. Most hostels require cash; maybe three to four  hostels (all in Switzerland) take credit cards.

On the Tour du Mont Blanc, the predominant language is French; Italian, German, and English seem to be the next most-common. Since neither of us speak French, we worked on our basics using Duolingo. It won’t be enough to carry on full conversations, but we’ll be able to have some basic exchanges. From what I read, making an effort to speak at least some French is much appreciated by the locals.

5. Trip Cost

Our round-trip flights cost $633 each, and included one free checked bag; the Ouibus cost $47 each for a round-trip ticket. Total cost for 13 nights and 14 days in Europe came out to $1,535 per person, excluding incidentals and lunch, including RT flight, RT bus between airport and Chamonix, mountain insurance, and lodging with dinner and breakfast included.

*Featured image thanks to Flickr

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Hi y'all, I'm Aubri ('Data'). I'm a queer, nonbinary hiker, backpacker, and trail runner (they/them pronouns, please). I've thru-hiked the AT ('13-'17), the Tour du Mont Blanc ('18), the Vermont Long Trail ('18), the John Muir Trail ('19, '21), the Tahoe Rim Trail ('19), and the New England Trail ('12-'17, '21), and summited all of the Winter New England 67, and completed the New England Hundred Highest and the Northeast 115 peaks. I've also run multiple 50ks, three 50-milers, and one 75-miler. I'm about 50% done with the PCT. This summer, I'm hiking the JMT with my partner, and section hiking more of the CA PCT. This winter, I'll be working on hiking the New England Hundred Highest. I'm hoping to thru-hike the Walkers Haute Route in Switzerland and section hike the rest of the PCT next year. At my day job, I'm a data-crunching research nerd, researching everything from medical outcomes for hospitalized patients to social determinants of health. During the week, I'm trail running, reading, and doing trapeze, and on the weekends, I'm generally out hiking some mountain somewhere. You can find trip reports and ramblings at https://transcendingmountains.blog/

This is a really informative post. Thanks for pulling all this together and sharing it.

Thanks for all the effort you have put into this; it will be a big help to many. Will look forward to reading about the trip after you return home…

You did a great job researching your trip and finding a way to keep the costs down. It’s hard to do all of this sight unseen.

I hiked part of the Tour du Mont Blanc when I did the GR5 (Holland to Nice, France). The Alps are amazing! Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of it all. And I loved staying in the hostels on the trail. Les Houches (“lays hoosch”) sounds very familiar to me, so I assume I stayed there.

Please post a follow up report after your adventure. We’re all living vicariously through you.

Great post! Hope your trip was a blast.

Very informative, comprehensive and meticulous. Looking forward to your post on experience after the adventure !

Fantastic post! I’m planning my solo TMB for first week of july and I had very useful information from you. Thank you very much.

Very informative blog. We are doing the hike in August 2019 and done with most of our reservations. I wish I had come across your blog earlier. It would have saved us so much time 🙂

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Tour du mont blanc hiking - routes, maps and itineraries.

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a 170 km trek that encompasses the whole of the Mont Blanc Massif; with nearly 10 000m of cumulative descent and ascent it is usually completed in a number of days.

The TMB has a variety of accommodation facilities along the route (hotels and mountain huts with possibility for vehicle support) that allow you to really enjoy the scenery, take lots of photos and walk each day with just a light pack.

Alternatively, the TMB can be done completely self-sufficiently: you carry all your own food and camping gear. This gives you a better sense of freedom and the ability to go where you please whenever you want.

Tour of Mont Blanc General Information

Mont Blanc Tour mountain huts are open, in general, from mid-June until the first or second week in September. It is advisable to reserve a bed, particularly in the high season of mid July to mid August.

Early in the season is the quietest and most beautiful, but beware of old snow on the higher paths which could be icy and dangerous and would make an ice axe essential.

For additional safety or to just show you the way you could hire an Independent Trek Leader .

Wildlife on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Have a look at the Chamonix.net nature, fauna and flora page  for more information on wildlife you might encounter on the Tour of Mont Blanc. Chamois, deer, eagles and a range of beautiful alpine flowers can all be seen and photographed.

Tour du Mont Blanc Maps, Kit List and Equipment

Lightweight boots and shorts are sufficient as long as there are warm clothes in your backpack. Waterproofs are essential and trekking poles useful. Here are some of the best mountain equipment shops in Chamonix .

Do not forget sunglasses, skin and lip protection. Always carry drinking water and check the Chamonix weather forecast before starting your journey.

Maps for the Tour of Mont Blanc:

Tour of Mont Blanc - Route Descriptions

You have plenty of options: from 4 day sportive hikes to leisurely 12 day cultural experiences; there is not only one way to do the Tour of Mont Blanc. Here are a couple of different suggestions which may help you make up your mind on your particular style.

• You can go on your own with your own GPS track, or benefit from a mountain leader's experience
• You can carry your own gear or hike with a light pack with vehicle support
• You can sleep and eat in the refuges or carry a tent

Here is a list of contact information for the various mountain huts .

4 day trip: Not quite racing - but fast enough: For the hardcore hiker

This itinerary follows pretty much in the footsteps of the Ultra Trail race (which varies slightly from year to year). This is for very fit hikers and is done with only a light day pack, eating and sleeping in huts and is basically the run/walking version of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The times noted are for fit spandex-wearing (not obligatory!) hikers.

7 day trip: Hiking the Tour of Mont Blanc - hiker

Start with the previously mentioned itinerary and break up the days a bit depending on where you would like to spend the night.

For people who carry their own gear, plan on a 7 day trip.

9 to 11 day trip: Taking the time to look at the scenery

Of course if you really do have time, you can expand the experience. Here's an example of a slower pace, with time to veer a little off the path. This is described as an 11 day trip, but it would be really easy to knock off the first and last days as those days are dedicated to trekking in the Chamonix Valley.

Each year, in the last days of August, the trails around the Mont Blanc get really busy. This is because of one of the most amazing human competitions ever organized on this planet - The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc - so keep this in mind when planning your hike of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

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10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is no doubt one of the greatest hiking trips in the world. The route is filled with incredible views, towns, and people, and it will surely be a trip we never forget. We highly recommend camping along the way as you’ll save money and experience the towns and stops along the TMB in a very different way.

We’ve also published our packing list  for those curious as to what they may need to bring to ensure they are equipped for this adventure. But what other recommendations do we have for those considering tackling the awesome experience that is the TMB?

Here are our 10 essentials for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Everything you need to to plan your TMB trek – all in one place.

Whether you prefer mountain huts or hotels, fastpacking or meandering, luxury, dirtbag or or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Our Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate tool to help you plan your perfect trip.

When you purchase a guide, you’ll get instant access to all the information you need to plan your trip in our planning portal as well as in a downloadable PDF eGuide.

Your in-depth guide contains resources you won’t find anywhere else, including:

• Instant access to our online trip planning portal
• Downloadable eGuide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Complete 9-day, 11-day, and 12-day Tour du Mont Blanc itineraries with video fly throughs
• Accommodation options and booking information
• Detailed maps for every stage
• Custom GPS data for each itinerary
• The ultimate packing list
• Information about getting to and from the trail
• 15-week training plan
• Video tutorials on how to use your GPS files to navigate on the trail. 

We truly believe this is the best resource available for planning your TMB.  Pick up your guide below and if you’re not satisfied for any reason we’ll give you a full refund!

This is our single biggest piece of advice that we can offer to those thinking about hiking the TMB. This is a  very difficult hike that requires crossing several mountain passes, walking over one-hundred miles, and climbing nearly 33,000 feet.

Simply put, you’ll be miserable if you don’t put in at least some training prior to starting the TMB. Luckily, we’ve written a post here that details everything you need to know about getting in shape for your trip. You don’t have to do anything crazy, but just be sure to put a bit of effort into getting into shape for this trip. You’ll be glad you did.

2. Treat Your Feet

Of all the gear you plan to bring, the single biggest impact on how you feel will come from how you treat your feet. A good fitting pair of boots matched with some comfortable socks will do wonders for how you feel at the end of a long day.

Remember that you’ll have days on the TMB when you’ll be on your feet hiking for close to 10 hours! For your boots, we recommend heading to your local outdoor shop and trying on as many pairs as they’ll let you.

Find the pair that is most comfortable, and be sure to break them in with some good hiking trips a few months before heading out.

For socks, our absolute favorite brand is Darn Tough . These merino wool socks are breathable, comfortable, and very odor resistant. We brought just a few pairs each, washing them in campground skinks along the way, and couldn’t have been happier with them.

3. Enjoy a Rest Day

If you’ve got the time, a well deserved rest day will give you a chance to slow down and really appreciate the incredible trip you’re on. If you’re hiking the traditional counter-clockwise direction, Courmayeur makes a great place to spend an extra night and soak in the atmosphere of the Alps. If you’ve been camping up until this point, consider splurging on a hotel for at least one night. We stayed at the incredible Maison La Saxe,   and  highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lovely, locally-owned hotel.

4. Bring Good Rain Gear

There is really no doubt that you’ll encounter rain at some point along your TMB journey. The weather in the Alps moves fast, and can quickly change from sunny skies to pouring rain. Being prepared for the inevitable downpours you’ll encounter will go a long way in ensuring that you won’t have sleep in a soaking wet sleeping bag. Your focus should be on two areas: keeping yourself as dry as possible, and (more importantly) keeping your gear as dry as possible.

For yourself, we recommend a good rain jacket, rain pants, and our personal favorite, a poncho. These three items together will work wonders in keeping you dry and happy. As for your gear, we employ two methods for keeping everything dry. The first, and most critical, is a high-quality pack cover that fits seamlessly over your entire backpack. We really like the Sea to Summit version here .

The second layer of protection involves storing the items inside your backpack in either a dry bag (like this one) , or in big garbage bags. This is your last line of defense, and this step ensures that if water does find its way into your bag, everything you’re carrying won’t be completely soaked.  There really is nothing better than putting on dry clothes and curling up in a dry sleeping bag after a day of hiking in the rain!

Get The FREE TMB Essentials Handbook

Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!

Your TMB Essentials Booklet will be emailed to you shortly. 

5. Brush Up on Your Navigation Skills

Much of the TMB is well sign-posted , and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way with minimal navigation skills. However, there are plenty of sections that are a bit confusing, which can often be compounded by the exhaustion that comes with a long day of hiking.

Having a good map and compass-and knowing how to use them-is essential for any backcountry adventure, no matter how close to civilization you may be. Check out our detailed post on how to navigate along the TMB , using what we think is the best method.

6. Have a (realistic) Understanding of How Fast You Hike

If you’ve brought the Cicerone Guidebook along (and we highly recommend that you do), you’ll quickly notice that the description of each stage includes an approximate time for hiking. This is very valuable information because it will give you a sense of what your days will look like.   

This gives you the ability to plan ahead for things like arrival times, how early you need to start in the morning, and how long of a lunch break you can enjoy. The problem arises when you realize that the times quoted in the book can vary  significantly from your actual experience. You may be hours ahead or you may be well behind the times provided by our friends at Cicerone.

There is nothing wrong with being faster or slower, but you must be able to understand your pace and then estimate the distances you’ll realistically cover in a given timeframe. It is a good idea to note your timing when you’re out on your training hikes , but you’ll want to pay especially close attention on your first day of hiking the TMB.

A little ahead of the pace? You’ll be able to adjust your plans accordingly (and maybe snag an extra hour of sleep!) A little behind the pace? You’ll know to leave a bit earlier, or at least plan on slightly longer days on the trail.

You may also want to pay attention to how steep inclines and declines impact your pace, and use the guidebook’s elevation profile to plan accordingly.  The important thing is to know yourself, and be able to accurately estimate the time it will take to cover a given distance. This will help you stay relaxed and happy throughout each day on the trail.

7. Be Open to Changing Plans

If you’re anything like us, you’ll spend hours before a trip planning out all the details of where you’ll stay , what you’ll do, and how you’ll get to every place you want to see. This type of planning is invaluable and will certainly set you up for success, but you also have to be open to changing those plans, especially on the TMB.

Weather, the way you’re feeling on a particular day, and even the time you start can all influence a changing itinerary when you’re out hiking the TMB. Get a late start and the hut is full? No worries if you’ve got your tent and the ability to find the nearest campground. Feeling especially good today? Why not put in a few extra hours of hiking to make your next day a little more leisurely?

The point is that being open to different possibilities will make handling the unexpected much easier, and allow to you enjoy your adventure to the fullest. Check out this post for details about itineraries, detours, and shortcuts. 

8. Bring a Good Camera

The views on the Tour du Mont Blanc are truly stunning. It seems like around every bend is another wide open vista, quaint hamlet, or gorgeous stream. We are strong believers that smartphone cameras still don’t compare to the shots you can get with even a mid-level DSLR or mirrorless camera. Our favorite? The Sony a5100 mirrorless camera combined with the Joby GorillaPod tripod. Armed with these tools, you’ll have everything you need to take incredible photos.

9. Know How Much Cash to Carry (and which kind)

There is no doubt that hiking the TMB gives the impression that you’ve gone back in time. Visiting tiny hamlets with only a single, rustic restaurant or shop is part of the magic of this adventure. But you’ll also quickly realize that many of the amenities of larger towns are non-existent.

You won’t always find easy access to ATMs and the ability to pay with a credit card. It’s important to plan ahead for roughly how much cash you’ll need at each stop , since ATMs can be scarce and credit is often not accepted.

Be sure you’ve got enough to cover your food and lodging, plus a bit extra to splurge on that post-hike beer. It’s also important to remember that you’ll need both Euros (France and Italy) and Swiss Francs. In general, many places in Switzerland will accept Euros, but try and get rid of those Swiss Francs in Chamonix and you’ll be sure to get a puzzled look when paying.

10. Make New Friends

Be social! The Tour du Mont Blanc is full of amazing people from all over the world sharing this experience together. You’ll meet people along the trail, in the huts, and at your campground. Putting in the extra effort to say hello to someone you recognize from the top of the last mountain pass, or sharing a conversation at dinner in a hut will add a whole new dimension to your trip. Exchanging stories and learning from others on the trail is truly one of the great experiences of the TMB!

Let us help plan your TMB

We’re here to help! We offer comprehensive TMB planning support so you can plan your perfect trip!

In addition to our popular guides, we also offer the following TMB planning services:

GPS Digital Download

GPS files for the entire TMB

Navigate with confidence on the trail

Works with all GPS navigation apps & devices

Custom GPS File

Custom GPS file created for your unique itinerary

Includes all of your accommodations

Confidently navigate using a GPS file designed just for you

Expert Consultation s

1-on-1 video calls

Specifically catered to your questions

Problem-solve your itinerary, bookings, route options, and more!

Why work with us?

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all of the information you need to have your best TMB experience. 

We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

Keep Reading

Be sure to check out all of our Tour du Mont Blanc posts below:

• Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Logistics – Don’t forget the small details!
• How to Navigate on the TMB – Turn your smartphone into a GPS!
• How to find all of your campgrounds on the TMB – Know where you are and where you’re going!
• How to train for the TMB – Avoid being the last person to the campground!
• TMB Trip Report – Know what to expect!
• Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc – The essential resource!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Photo Galley – Find some inspiration!
• How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free – save BIG on your TMB costs!
• How Much It Cost Us to Hike the TMB
• Tour du Mont Blanc Map
• Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide

2 thoughts on “10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc”

• Pingback: Guide to Camping on the Tour of Mont Blanc - TMBtent

Excellent site guys. Thanks so much for making it available.

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We’re Emily and Ian, outdoor lovers and planning nerds who live in Boulder, Colorado. The only thing we love more than researching and mapping out our next adventure, is actually being out there on the trail. Between the two of us, we’ve been to over 30 countries, and much of our travel in these countries has been on two feet or two wheels. When we’re not in a far-flung destination, we spend a lot of time exploring the amazing camping, hiking, and biking destinations in our home state of Colorado. Learn More About Us

Tour du Mont Blanc

West highland way, laugavegur trail, walker's haute route, coast to coast walk, national parks.

Let Us Help Plan Your TMB!

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Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing List

By: Author Gabi

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2024

When packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc you must stick to the bare necessities. I don’t care if you’re an experienced hiker or backpacker, every ounce counts. This packing list will help you narrow it down to what you truly need and what you should leave at home for the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

To a practiced backpacker, this tour may seem like a walk in the park but I can tell you from personal experience that as a somewhat obsessive overachiever who tends to hike obscene distances in a day and often thinks no hike’s too strenuous, I honestly underestimated the elevation gain on the Tour du Mont Blanc. 

I mean seriously, we hiked all four passes of the Maroon Bells Four Pass loop in one day so how hard could the TMB be?

Trust me, it’s REALLY FREAKING HARD but like in a really epic, awesome, would do it all over again kind of way.

The biggest factor when packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc is to know if you’re camping or staying in refugees.

Hopefully, you’ve already read our complete guide to planning your Tour du Mont Blanc trek so you’ve decided whether you’ll be camping or not (if you haven’t decided yet, go figure that sh*t out now by clicking here…err I promise it’s coming soon).

I’ve compiled a complete list of every essential you will need to pack to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc and I’ve also separated the things that you will need to camp.

First I’m going to give a few descriptions of the most essential gear but if you want to just see the overall pack list, jump down to the bottom of this post with our table of contents.

Table of Contents

Packing for Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

It’s really important to consider if you want to camp on the Tour du Mont Blanc. While it may seem like you only need a little bit more gear to camp versus staying at a refuge, the little bit of gear you do need makes a tremendous difference in weight.

Backpack for Tour du Mont Blanc

If you don’t camp, you only need a 25-30L pack but if you camp, you’ll need a 50-60L pack.

Our packs were each 20-25 lbs/9-11 kgs for the 3 of us and we no doubt could’ve dropped that to a mere 10-15 lbs/5-7kgs if we were not camping at all.

I don’t regret camping, however, you must thoroughly consider this when deciding to camp or not.

Clothes for the Tour du Mont Blanc

First of all, let me recommend to not make the same mistakes we did. If you are coming to hike Mont Blanc, there’s a good chance you will not care to spend any days in the European cities (they’re nothing compared to Chamonix anyway). The days we spent in Paris and Copenhagen ended up being a slight waste of our trip but oh well. Anyways, if you want to have one nice outfit for Geneva or Chamonix, girls, you could bring a packable travel dress but we just wore leggings and a nice tank top like this. Guys, cargo shorts and a shirt is probably enough.

Note that you will be able to hand wash your clothes at campgrounds and refuges so you don’t need enough clothes for 11 days.

Let’s start with the most crucial, shoes .

Maybe we’re crazy or maybe we’re genius but we always hike and backpack in our La Sportiva Bushido trail running shoes. You might be thinking that they don’t have enough support but as another hiker pointed out to us, trail running shoes are designed for impact.

In addition to your life force, AKA your hiking boots, you may want to pack a pair of flip flops though technically you don’t need to. Refuges don’t allow hiking boots inside but they all provide Crocs in the boot room and if you’re camping, you technically could just wear your hiking boots to walk around. Nevertheless, we wanted to have our flip-flops.

Related: The Only Shoes We Hike In

Now for what clothes we packed for the TMB…

We each packed a rain jacket and a down jacket.

I know it may seem a bit overrated at this point but Patagonia jackets are always our number 1 pick. Seriously, I’ve owned the same Nano Puff jacket for 5 years and it’s still incredibly functional and warm enough for summer nights.

In addition, you must bring a packable rain jacket. This is Europe we’re talking about which means it rains a ton in the summer. That being said, we got abnormally lucky with the weather and you will probably need a rain jacket at some point.

For hiking, you’re going to want versatile clothing depending on the weather.

We each packed 2 pairs of shorts (Lululemons are our absolute favorite shorts for hiking), a pair of leggings, and a pair of hiking pants. The leggings functioned as hiking pants but also as comfy pants to hang out in the refuges at night and also function as a base layer if you want to camp as we did.

I also loved my soft and water-resistant Kuhl pants for hiking (especially if it rains) and hanging in refuges. When we were in the refuges, since it was warm and cozy at night, we all chose to sleep in our shorts. To sum up, versatility is key and basically, you’ll need 2 warm-weather pants and 2 cold-weather pants whether you camp or stay at refuges.

Tees and tanks are all hiker’s choice but no matter what your choice is, I would recommend 3-4. I highly recommend setting 1 shirt aside for lounging at refuges. Usually, the first thing you do when you arrive at a refuge is unpack, shower, and change and it’s nice to have one super comfy, non-smelly shirt back on.

We also each packed a long-sleeved tee/base layer. It doesn’t matter what kind of long sleeve it is, it’s mostly for if it’s chilly in the refuges or if you’re camping, we used this to layer up at night.

A sun layer is crucial. I wish I had packed a lightweight flannel as a sun layer. I thought that my long-sleeve tee would function as a sun layer but it ended up being too hot so I kinda just roasted.

Recommend sun layer:   Sahara Long Sleeve women or Sahara Long Sleeve Mens

Hat, Beanie, and Gloves

We never hiked without a hat on and even though there were only a few days where I needed it, I was SO happy I also packed a beanie for a day when we had to cross a pass in thick fog.

I usually avoid gloves at all costs but on that same day when it was really cold while crossing a big pass, I had to wear the gloves I brought and it made a huge difference.

Gloves we love:  Head Multi-Sport Touchscreen Gloves

You will of course need to pack 5ish pairs of underwear, 3 or more pairs of socks, and 2-3 sports bras for women.

If you are camping I highly recommend packing one pair of extra warm and cozy socks for sleeping in, it can get really cold at night even in the summer.

This was almost unnecessary but if you’re going to spend a day in the amazing town of Chamonix after your trek I highly recommend packing a bathing suit to enjoy your accommodation’s pool, spa, and/or sauna. We stayed at the radical hotel La Folie Douce and we’re so glad we did because the sauna and steam room felt heavenly after hiking 100 miles.

We’re probably the only people in the world that don’t wear sunglasses while hiking but honestly, we didn’t use sunglasses a single time on the TMB. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t though especially if you’re early in the season when there’s snow on the ground. Snow and glacier hiking are the only time I need sunglasses.

For the Trail

A few things are missing from this image. First and foremost…

Hiking Sticks

Never in my life have I needed to hike with hiking sticks. NEVER. Not once. But boy oh boy did I wish I had some hiking poles on this trek.

Unfortunately only 2 days into our hike I ended up with a small knee injury. Not bad enough to have to quit the trek, but enough to be walking with a painful limp toward the end of each day, and at that point, hiking poles would’ve made such a huge difference. It doesn’t matter how often you hike, how fit you are, or how many times you bagged 20 miles in a day, the Tour du Mont Blanc demands a lot, and often it’s simply too much too fast for your body.

Because if this I recommend trekking poles to preemptively avoid stressing your body too much.

I noticed many trail runners had awesome collapsable trekking sticks that I would’ve loved to have that way I wouldn’t be obligated to hike with sticks for the whole trek since they often just get in the way for me.

Recommended trekking poles: Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

Assume it will rain on your trek. Whether it’s May or August doesn’t matter, it can rain at any time of the year in Europe, especially in the mountains.

Because if this, it’s essential to be prepared with a rain cover for your pack. Isabelle’s Gregory Wander pack comes with a rain cover which is nice but for our other pack, we got this super cheap one on Amazon that works well. Being so cheap I wouldn’t expect it to last years but hey, it works for one trip.

If you want to save even more money and are confident in the weather report for your trip, you could also not buy rain covers and just pack a trash bag as a backup which is what we did for one of our packs.

• Ziploc Baggies

In addition, pack lots of Ziploc Baggies. They are a great, cheap way to organize gear inside your pack and it waterproofs anything of value.

We used baggies for food storage (we even packed French butter in its own ziploc baggie), keeping our electronics dry, and then sometimes we used them as trash bags. Even if it doesn’t rain, there is so much condensation at night if you camp so it’s super important to keep things dry.

Water Bottle + Filter

We each had a single 22 oz water bottle and it was perfect for us. There are many water fountains all along the trail plus there are refuges so you will most likely never run out of water. Note however that we probably drink a less-than-average amount of water while hiking.

If you drink a ton of water while hiking you’re probably better off using a water reservoir instead.

There were 2 times when we did run out of water at 2 refuges because they required that you filter the water (at Chalet du Glacier and at Lac Blanc Refuge). We were very glad we packed our HydroBlu Versa Flow System which allowed us to quickly filter water in 2 64-ounce canteen reservoirs which we could either save for later or do as we did and simply refilled all our water bottles. I highly recommend a lightweight water filter like this especially if you’re camping.

Water filter we love: HydroBlu Versa Flow Lightweight Water Filter Package

Related Blog: HydroBlu Water Filter Review

Liquid Electrolytes

Okay, so you know how the TMB is usually done in 9-11 days? Well we did it in 7 days (and I wonder why I ended up with an injury) and this may sound crazy but we owe our success to liquid electrolytes .

We carry liquid electrolytes by EnduroPacks and swallow 4-5 sprays every 15-30 minutes followed by water. You can literally feel the electrolytes hit your muscles and suddenly the burning in your legs isn’t so bad as you ascend the 2,000+ feet of elevation gain.

We wished we had packed Emergen-C packets which also have electrolytes but are also a great way to support your immune system at the end of the day. We normally hike with these in the States and it helps us so much.

BioLite Headlamps

We each carried a BioLite headlamp . These are our favorite headlamps because they are rechargeable and have a long battery life.

These are essential for camping but are just for desperate times while hiking.

I wish we didn’t have to use them on the trail but on our last day on the TMB, we pushed slightly too far and ended up finishing our trek in the dark to get down to Chamonix Valley. Anyway, you really only need this if you end up in a scenario where you’re hiking in the dark. It’s up to you if you feel like you need to be prepared for that or if you doubt you’ll push it that far.

Travel Essentials for the TMB

Guidebook + map.

As we mention in our Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Cicerone guidebook to the circuit is not optional, it is essential. In addition, we chose to hike with the 1:50,000 Tour du Mont Blanc map since we were camping and taking so many variants.

This one is not necessary however, if you just like having maps on your trek or are struggling with planning your TMB trip, you can purchase the recommended map on Amazing by clicking here or they are sold at (and only at) the Mountain Info House in Chamonix. Remember that if you do get the map, get this map specifically . The other ones aren’t much help and are hard to read.

Book + Earbuds

I highly recommend bringing a book to relax at the refuge with unless you’re a social butterfly and intend to spend every hour of your evenings mingling with other hikers.

Related Blog: 25 Books That Will Change Your Life

Assuming you don’t already live in Europe, it’s probably a long flight for you to get to Europe. Be sure to pack some earbuds for watching movies on the plane and/or listening to music/audiobooks.

Travel Outlet Adapter + Charger

Whatever you do, DO NOT forget a travel outlet adapter. Yes, worst case you could get one once you arrive but save yourself the haste and buy it ahead of time.

We love this travel adapter because it has room to charge multiple phones at once plus you can share with other people if all the outlets are taken.

Travel Adapter we love: Travel Outlet Adapter with 2 USB ports and 2 USA Outlets

Note: For the TMB, you’ll only need to pack the adapter that goes into the 2 circular prongs as shown below.

On a similar note, don’t forget your phone’s charging cable, and be sure to bring 1 for each phone that you’ll need to charge. We only brought one and ended up having to share between our 2 phones so much that we never got a full charge.

Jackery Portable Power Bank

If it’s super important to you to be able to use your phone for the whole hike, I highly recommend packing a Jackery portable power bar .

These are especially great if you’re camping and won’t have access to electricity every night or even for refuges since older refuges don’t have accessible outlets.

Travel Towel

Whether you camp or stay at a refuge, you need a travel towel. Refuges don’t provide towels. Make sure your travel towel is light and quick drying.

Travel towel we love: Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel

• Travel Insurance

Besides the essential passport, the only other major document you will need is travel insurance. Travel insurance is super important to have in case of emergency in the mountains. We always use World Nomads travel insurance because they offer coverage specifically for adventure travel like hiking the TMB. Use the box below to get a quote for your TMB trip.

Toiletries + Self-Care

A few important things I’d like to mention are to make sure you pack something in case of blisters. This is probably the most common issue among hikers especially if you don’t hike regularly. Pack some moleskin but remember, you can’t pack scissors in a carry-on so pre-cut some different sized pieces ahead of time. 

You will of course need to pack things for a typical first aid kit like bandages/band-aids, an antiseptic like BLDG active skin repair, a painkiller like Motrin, and we carried Melatonin to help us sleep better.

For more common scrapes we love our Climb On mini balm which is also great for chapped lips.

Along with electrolytes, the thing I swear by most when hiking long distances is a massage ball. LIFE SAVER.

After our first 3 days of hiking hard and pushing ourselves an absurd amount, we took a rest day at Refugio Bonatti and rolled on our Pro-Tec Athletics ORB Extreme Mini massage ball for, I kid you not, more than an hour each. After rolling our muscles we felt almost as good as new the next day.

As I mentioned earlier, I really could’ve used hiking sticks when my knee was hurting on the descent into Courmayeur. Of course, an easy solution would’ve been to either tape up my knee or wrap it in a brace. It was really quite silly of us to come ill-prepared for a minor injury like this but I won’t make that mistake again.

Even if you don’t have any history of injuries while hiking, I highly recommend packing some kinesiology tape as a backup especially if you fastback the TMB like we did and aren’t spending any time in the few cities along the way. The day I needed sports tape or a brace, we had arrived in Courmayeur during siesta and the pharmacy was closed so it would’ve been nice to have it ourselves.

Gear for Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc

When you tent camp versus refuge on the Tour du Mont Blanc, it comes down to 3 things that add weight

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

Like I said before, I don’t regret camping but I do recommend a few things.

When it comes to the right tent for the TMB, it’s all about the weight. Depending on if you’re trekking with other people will factor in what tent you get however I will say that we’ve backpacked many times with the REI Passage 3 tent and considering the price, it’s a great backpacking tent. It’s a fairly light 5lbs, 10 oz and it’s waterproof.

If you have 1 or 2 people, I highly recommend the MSR Hubba Hubba , which comes in a 1 person model and a 2-person model and is one of the best, lightweight backpacking tents there is.

Sleeping Bag

For sleeping bags, we brought sleeping bags with a max comfort of 28°F.  If you’re hiking in July and August you can get by with that however, having done this hike in the first week of September, we were a cold a few nights. I would highly recommend a four-season sleeping bag if you’re backpacking in shoulder season or just want extra warmth.

Recommended sleeping bag: North Face Cat’s Meow 

Sleeping Pad

It seemed like a lot of people who were camping on the TMB went with classic roll-up sleeping pads which they just attached to the outside of their pack.

I guess the benefit of these is that they’re a few ounces lighter and don’t take up space in your pack however, I LOVE our REI flash sleeping pads .

They’re only 15 ounces, really comfortable, cheaper than a lot of sleeping pads, and only take about 20 breaths to blow them up.

Shop lightweight sleeping pads here .

BioLite Solar Panel 10+

While I already briefly mentioned how glad I was that we packed our mini Jackery portable power banks, I think it’s crucial to have the BioLite Solar Panel 10+ if you’re going to be camping.

Now again, if you don’t care about photos and/or staying online during your trek, I would totally encourage you to just let your phone die and be in the moment.

Photographing our journey was important to me however and we also felt it was a necessity to be able to make a phone call in case of emergency.

With the BioLite solar panel , we were able to keep our phones charged for almost the entire 7 days of our trek.

Camp Cook System 

There are a lot of things I packed that I am so glad that I remembered and there are some things that I contemplated bringing or not and ended up wishing I had like my JetBoil.

Ohhh how much I wish I had brought my mini miracle coffee maker. The thing is, we did not plan our TMB circuit very effectively. Truth be told, there are a few really good resources out there that tell you everything you need to know about planning your Tour Du Mont Blanc trek which is why we’ve created a complete guide planning the TMB.

We didn’t comprehend how few and far between all the huts and towns are and didn’t account for the fact that most refugees don’t allow camping at the refuge. Hence we assumed we’d be able to grab an espresso every morning when we passed a refuge when in reality there were some days where camping put us in locations far from any source of coffee.

Okay, so I’m probably making way too big of a deal of this because out of the 7 mornings we were on the trail, we only had 2 mornings without coffee but hey, I’m an American and I can’t function without my coffee first thing in the morning so those 2 mornings were traumatic. If you aren’t obsessed with coffee like I am, maybe you can do without this.

I also wished we had packed a cook system for more than just coffee.

As I mentioned previously, we did not have nearly enough information when planning the camping part of the TMB and even though this is known to be the most luxurious eating experience of all backpacking trips, we ended up starving on multiple nights. The problem is that if you miss lunchtime (which usually ends at 3 pm) at refuges and haven’t picked up food supplies to eat your food for dinner, most refuges won’t serve you food unless you are participating in dinner which is often 20-30 Euro per person and is at a set time of day.

Oh, how we wished we were able to cook our food on those nights. It would have given us way more food options for dinner because while a baguette and salami are delicious in Europe, we started to get sick of salami after eating it every day for lunch and dinner.

Recommended camp stove system: MSR Pocket Rocket Stove + TOAKS Titanium 750 ml Pot .

If you are camping and want to save money and not eat at a refuge for every meal, I highly recommend packing an MSR pocket rocket , which is super tiny and lightweight, and 1 small, light camp pot that functions for cooking food or heating water such as the TOAKS titanium 750 ml pot .

Combine this with a mini butane canister which you can get from dozens of stores in Chamonix and you’ve got yourself some sustainability to feed yourself anytime anywhere.

We would’ve packed some Kuju Coffee pocket pour-over packs as well which are pre-ground small batches, disposable pour-overs that require nothing but a cup and hot water.

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The Complete TMB Packing List

Travel essentials.

• 1 : 50,000 Tour du Mont Blanc Map
• Audiobook + book
• Optional: Playing cards
• Travel towel
• Packable tote bag (for carrying valuables around town on rest days)
• Travel outlet adapter
• Charging cable
• Optional: Jackery portable power bank

For Camping

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• BioLite Solar Panel
• Knife (Purchase on arrival if you only travel with a carry-on)
• Optional: MSR Pocket Rockets stove
• Optional: Lightweight, versatile camp pot
• Optional: Kuju Coffee Pocket Pour Over Packs
• Hiking sticks ( Collapsable poles recommended )
• Rain covers
• At least one 24 oz water bottle (or water reservoir)
• Water Filtration System (Recommended: HydroBlu Versa Flow Lightweight Water Filter System )
• BioLite headlamps
• Liquid electrolytes (essential)
• Emergen-C packets
• Rain jacket
• Down jacket
• Hat + beanie
• 2 pairs of shorts 
• 2 pairs of pants
• 5-6 underwear + 2-3 sports bras
• 3-4 socks (Pack 1 extra warm pair if camping)
• 3 hiking tees/tanks
• 1 pair of base layers
• Hiking shoes
• Optional: Flip-flops
• Optional: Travel dress/city wear
• Bathing suit

Toiletries + Self Care

• BLDG Active skin repair
• First aid kit 
• Bandages/band-aids
• Climb On Mini Bar or lip balm
• Pro-Tec Athletics Massage Ball (Mini)
• Sports tape and/or Ace bandage
• Essential oils
• Optional: Nail clippers

My Camera Picks for Backpacking

• Sony A6300 Mirrorless Camera
• Backup batteries + battery charger
• 64 gb SansDisk Extreme PRO SD card
• Jobi GorillaPod 1k Tripod

Alrightyyyy I hope this helped take all the stress out of packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc. And remember, this is Europe, not a third-world destination so if you forget something, just remember you’ll be able to replace it with no problem once you get to your starting city of Chamonix or Courmayeur…just don’t forget your passport.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our huge network of TMB resources below:

Tour Du Mont Blanc Resources

• Ultimate Planning Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• How to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in Only 7 Days
• How To Get Fit To Hike

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Wednesday 9th of February 2022

Any recommendations for someone who wants to camp it solo?

Monday 21st of February 2022

I think you'd be fine camping it solo. There were actually a lot of solo hikers on the TMB and I bet within a day or two you'll meet some really awesome people.

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Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Hiking Mont Blanc is a dream for many. This 170km route through the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps is one of the most beautiful treks in Europe , if not the world.

However, knowing what to pack for Mont Blanc can be daunting. Luckily we’ve created the ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc packing list .

Our TMB packing list includes all the essentials to help you explore this famed route. 

Let's get started.

Packing List for Tour du Mont Blanc

Before deciding what to take with you when hiking Mont Blanc, you need to understand the ideal weight of your backpack. Remember, you will walk for about 7 - 8 hours daily, so your gear should not be too heavy.

A good rule of thumb for the lower parts of the trail is to pack items that weigh no more than 20% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 80kg, your backpack should not exceed 16kg.

We recommend keeping your backpack around 10kg.

You may be dealing with many issues, including altitude sickness and fatigue. The lighter you pack, the easier the trek will be.

Don't assume that the extra 1kg won't make a difference - it will! Ensure every item in your backpack is essential and doesn’t add unnecessary weight.

Let's look at the essential items you should pack for your  Tour du Mont Blanc trek .

Backpack and Daypacks

A 25-35 litre backpack is usually the perfect size for the Tour du Mont Blanc if you’re staying in accommodation. Make sure it has chest and hip straps, which will help distribute the weight evenly.

For shorter 1-day hikes up Mont Blanc, I recommend the Osprey Talon 33L or the Tempest 3oL for women for the best daypacks. Be sure to also check out our favourite hiking daypacks .

You'll need a bigger backpack if you plan to camp along the route. Something around 55- 65 litres should do the trick. The bag should be big enough to include a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping gear. Osprey are also my preferred manufacturer for  camping backpacks for hiking .

A good backpack will have enough space for all your belongings. It shouldn’t be too big or bulky. It should also be comfortable to wear, even when fully packed.

To ensure the backpack you choose will serve you well during your hike, follow our tips:

• Buy the backpack three months before the trek : You will need a lot of time to train with your backpack and ensure it's comfortable. Buy it early and use it for day hikes before your big trek. This will also give you time to ensure it has all the needed features.
• Wear the backpack around the house : Wearing your gear around the house will help you get used to the feel of it. You’ll quickly learn how your backpack distributes weight.
• Choose a backpack with many compartments : Extra compartments will help you organise your belongings and ensure they are easily accessible during your hike.
• Ensure the backpack is waterproof : There’s no foul weather—only wrong gear. You never know when you will get caught in a rainstorm. Your backpack should have a rain cover, protecting your belongings from the elements.
• Get a bag with a frame : A frame will help distribute the weight evenly and make your hike much more comfortable.

Here are some great quality  daypacks for Men and Women as well as some great quality backpacks for Men and Women .

There are several types of footwear to include in your Mont Blanc packing list. They include:

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are a must for this hike. They will provide the support and stability you need on uneven terrain. They will also protect your feet from rocks and roots.

When choosing hiking boots, make sure they are comfortable and fit well. They should also have good traction to prevent you from slipping.

The best boots for hiking Mont Blanc should have a sturdy sole, good ankle support, and a comfortable insole. If you have kids, make sure their hiking boots fit well too.

Test out your hiking boots before the big day. Go on a few day hikes and see how they feel. You can also wear them around the house to get a feel for them.

I recommend Salomon, Keen or Merrell hiking boots. Or see our picks for the best hiking boots .

Here are some great quality  hiking boots for Men  and  Women .

Flip-flops Or Refuge Slippers

You can’t wear your hiking boots inside the Mont Blanc refuges. Typically, you would keep your hiking boots in an allocated area or boot room.

The refuges provide crocs or flip-flops that you can wear in the common areas. This is to keep the dirt and mud out of the sleeping and eating areas. It also helps reduce the spread of germs.

If you don't want to wear the crocs provided, you can always pack your own sandals or refuge slippers. These can be easily slipped on and off when entering and leaving the common areas.

Ensure the flip-flops you pack are comfortable and easy to walk in. They should also have an excellent grip to prevent you from slipping.

Here are some great quality  sandals for Men  and  Women .

Hiking Socks

You will need several pairs of hiking socks for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list.  Hiking socks  should be made of moisture-wicking material, such as wool or synthetic fabric.

This is because you will be doing a lot of walking, and your feet will sweat. Synthetic material will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

Make sure the socks you pack are comfortable and fit well. They should also sit high enough to protect your ankles from rubbing against your boots.

Smartwool, Darn Tough or even REI's Co-Op socks are great brands for hiking socks. 

Here are some great quality hiking socks for Men  and  Women .

You must pack crampons if you are hiking in the winter or spring. Crampons are spikes that attach to your boots and provide traction on ice and snow.

When choosing crampons, make sure they are compatible with your hiking boots. They should also be easy to put on and take off.

The  best crampons  are made of stainless steel and have 12 - 18 spikes.

Here are some  great quality crampons .

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are a must for this hike. They will help you maintain balance and stability on uneven terrain. They will also take some of the strain off your knees and hips.

When choosing trekking poles, make sure they are adjustable. You can adjust them to your height and the terrain you will be walking on.

Choosing poles made of lightweight materials, such as aluminium or carbon fibre, is also important. The lighter they are, the easier it’ll be to carry them on your hike.

I recommend  Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork  or the  Leki Micro Vario Carbon as our favourite trekking poles overall. Here is our selection of top hiking poles .

Here are some great quality  trekking poles for Men and Women .

Hiking Clothing

The clothing you pack will depend on the time of year you are hiking. In the summer, you will need to pack light, breathable clothing. So, include shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.

You must pack layers if you are hiking in the spring or fall. This way, you can adjust your clothing to the changing weather conditions.

In the winter, you will need to pack warm, insulated clothing. Think of including a down jacket, fleece, and thermal underwear.

Read our review on the  Black Diamond Cold Forge Hoody . 

Make sure the clothing you pack is comfortable and easy to move in.

You should also avoid cotton fabrics, as they tend to absorb sweat and take a long time to dry. Instead, choose synthetic or wool fabrics that dry quickly.

Here is some great quality hiking clothing for Men and Women . 

Jacket (Weatherproof and Waterproof)

You will need a weatherproof and waterproof jacket for your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Your jacket should be made of Gore-Tex or another similar material. This material will ensure you stay dry in the rain and snow.

The jacket should also have a hood to protect your head from the elements. Make sure it is big enough to fit over all your other layers of clothing.

Here are some great quality weatherproof jackets for Men and Women as some great quality waterproof jackets for Men and Women . 

Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner is mandatory in all the refuges on the TMB. You can rent one in the refuges, but it's worth bring your own. A sleeping bag liner is a thin cotton, silk or synthetic fabric you put inside your sleeping bag or under your blanket. This liner adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort.

When choosing a sleeping bag liner, make sure it is made of breathable fabric. The thin, breathable fabric prevents you from getting too hot at night.

It is also important to choose a liner that is easy to wash. You’ll find it’s easier to keep it clean during your hike.

If you plan to camp for your TMB hike, then you should bring a 4-season sleeping bag.

Here are some great quality sleeping bag liners . 

If you’re planning to camp along the Tour du Mont Blanc route, a tent is a must for your packing list. Since you’ll spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you’ll want a comfortable place to sleep at night.

The best tents for the Tour du Mont Blanc are lightweight, weatherproof, and easy to set up. They are also big enough to fit your gear but not so big that they are cumbersome to carry.

The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, so it is crucial to have a tent that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.

Here are our recommendations on the  good lightweight tents .

Here are some great quality tents . 

Electronics

You’ll want to take a few electronics on your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.

• Camera : A camera is a must. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning scenery.
• GPS : A GPS device can help keep track of your location. You can also use it to map out your route and plan your daily hikes.
• Flashlight : A flashlight,  lantern or headlamp can be helpful for early morning hikes or late-night emergencies. Make sure to pack extra batteries, as you may not have access to a power source for a while.
• Entertainment : A portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to listen to music or audiobooks while you hike. It can also be used for group entertainment in the evenings.

Carry a portable USB multi-socket charger to charge all your electronic devices simultaneously. A power bank is also good, as some more remote areas may not have outlets to plug into.

Here are some great quality GPS devices , flashlights , Bluetooth speakers and power banks .

A first-aid kit is essential, as you may need to treat minor injuries while on the trail. Bandages, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers are all excellent items to have on hand.

Carrying a small knife can help cut rope, open food packages, and help with other tasks.

Include packing a whistle. You can use a whistle to signal for help if you get lost or injured. If you are in a group, ensure every member has their own whistle.

Here are some great quality camping knives as well as some great quality first aid-aid kits . 

Make sure to pack your passport and any other necessary travel documents.

I recommend getting travel insurance for the TMB hike.  SafetyWing  are a great provider. They provide convenient and cost-effective Medical Travel Insurance for travellers. They also have low-cost monthly plans, fast customer service, and a simple claims process, making them ideal for insurance seekers.

It is a good idea to make copies of all your important documents, in case you lose the originals.

Store the copies in a different location than the originals. For instance, you can store them in your backpack or a secure place at your campsite.

There are a few other things you should bring along on your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure. They include:

• Sunscreen : The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Bug spray : Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance, so it is good to have bug spray on hand.
• Sunhat : A wide-brimmed sunhat (see Men's and Women's options ) will protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Water bottle : You must stay hydrated while hiking, so always carry a water bottle .
• Gaiters : Gaiters (see Men's and Women's options ) are worn over your boots to keep debris and water out. They are instrumental in wet or muddy conditions.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist

Hiking the trail.

• Hiking boots
• Hiking shorts
• Hiking socks
• Wicking shirt
• Fleece jacket
• Rain jacket
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses for Men and Women
• First-aid kit

For The Refuges

• Flip flops/sandals
• Warm hat for Men and Women
• Sleeping bag for Men and Women
• Sleeping bag liner
• Travel towel
• Thermal underwear for Men and Women
• USB multi-socket charger
• Portable Bluetooth speaker

Safety Gear

• First aid kit
• Foil blanket

Your First-Aid Kit

• Blister plasters
• Antihistamines
• Painkillers
• Steroid cream
• Rehydration sachets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Safety pins
• Cotton wool
• Rehydration salt sachets
• Kinesiology tape
• Toilet roll
• Hand sanitiser
• Shampoo  /  Travel Shampoo
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Makeup (just the basics)
• Feminine hygiene products

Miscellaneous

• A book or Kindle
• Journal and pen
• Cards or other games
• Small foot massage ball
• Packing cube
• Camera and tripod
• Travel insurance documents
• Visas and permits
• Cash in small denominations
• Emergency contact information
• Copy of important documents

Conquer The Tour Du Mont Blanc With This Packing List

Touring Mont Blanc is a fantastic experience that should be on everyone's bucket list. Our comprehensive packing list will prepare you for anything the trail throws your way.

Ensure you hike this beautiful mountain with all the right gear so you can make the most of your trip. Good luck!

If you have any further questions or queries about this Mont Blanc  Packing List , then please leave a comment below and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Continue Browsing

For more packing lists, see our  hiking resources page  or choose from one of our popular gear lists below:

• Inca Trail Packing List
• Annapurna Circuit Packing List
• Everest Base Camp Packing List
• Aconcagua Gear
• Hiking Packing List for Women
• Multi-day Hiking Packing List
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About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) – Low budget guide to camping sites and food supplies

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a legendary long distance circular hiking trail in the Alps, around the Mont Blanc massive, that takes hikers crossing three countries, namely France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trail encompasses around 170 km of trekking with around 10000 meters of ascend and descent.

The route takes you through some of the most beautiful area in the Alps, in the foot of the tallest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc. Most people undertake the hike in around 10-12 days, staying in the mountain huts, hotels, bed & breakfasts, or camping sites spread along the way.

Staying in an alpine mountain hut may sound nice and romantic, but the exorbitant price, up to €50 per night per person or more for a bed in a large dorm, may be prohibitive for most travelers. To make matters worse, these beds are usually booked up months in advance, forcing hikers to already map out their desired route way in advance. Similarly, hotels and bed & breakfast price in the mountain resort towns in the area charge very steep price for their rooms, especially during the summer high season.

This is where camping sites come in handy. Costing so much lower, the sites are never booked up and no onward reservation is necessary in any of the sites, allowing you full flexibility. Wanna spend another day in a particular area that you like? No problem, simply tell the camping guards that you’d stay another night. Plus, who wouldn’t want to wake up to fresh mountain air underneath a mountain glacier.

In this comprehensive low budget guide to tackling the Tour du Mont Blanc, I’d detail the cost and location of the camping sites along the path (camping price for summer 2019), where to get food supplies and my food strategy and budgeting, plus the TMB route I undertook in handy maps.

Note that I did the TMB from Chamonix, taking the classic counter-clockwise route. But this guide would also work just fine for the clockwise route, or for when starting at Courmayeur. The time needed to complete each daily leg may vary depending on your pace, but can be roughly estimated from TMB’s website .

Another peculiarity from my trip was that I did the full trip from Chamonix to Chamonix, while my partner, reluctant to hike for two weeks straight, joined me halfway in Courmayeur in the second week.

Jump to: Budgeting

Getting there:

The most common starting point for the hike would be either Chamonix on the French side or Courmayeur on the Italian side. These two towns are connected via a tunnel that goes right through the base of the Mont Blanc.

For international travelers, there are multiple main cities with international airports located at a couple of hours distance. The Swiss city of Geneva offers a direct bus route to Chamonix, and some to Courmayeur. Alternatively, there’s also direct bus connection from the Italian city of Turin to both towns.

There are plenty of bus operator companies offering the route, such as Swiss Tours , BlaBlaBus , FlixBus , EasyBus to name a few. All buses stop at Chamonix-SUD bus station, or at Courmayeur’s Piazzale Monte Bianco, both are very close to the city center. Tickets can be bought online.

Day 0: Arriving at Chamonix + day hike

I arrived at Chamonix from the Geneva airport, and then did a day hike around the beautiful area before starting the TMB trek.

Camping site Chamonix: Les Arolles , located very close to Chamonix-SUD bus station.

Camping site info: €11.5 per person or €18.6 per 2 persons. Hot shower is for free! There is a small open air communal area with one picnic table and power socket, but tend to get very overcrowded.

Food supply availability: Plenty of supermarkets and other food shops available in Chamonix, such as Super U and SPAR . Camping stove gas and fuel are also available in one of the many outdoor shops .

Alternative camping site in Les Houches: Camping Bellevue , located very close to the starting point of TMB.

Day 1: Chamonix – Les Houches – Les Contamines-Montjoie

I started the TMB trek by boarding the bus from Chamonix to Les Houches where the official starting point is located.

Camping site Les Contamines-Montjoie: Camping Le Pontet , located about another 30 minutes walk further down the TMB trail from the center of Les Contamines-Montjoie.

Camping site info: €10.2 per person or €15.8 per 2 persons. Hot shower is for free! There are some picnic tables with parasol for communal use. Power socket is available around the shower area.

Food supply availability: There are supermarkets available in the town of Les Contamines-Montjoie ( Carrefour and Spar ). Stock up for the next day too since in Les Chapieux there’s no proper supermarket.

Mind you that you’d first pass the town before reaching the camping site and thus I’d recommend to drop by the shops before going to the camping site. A restaurant is also available at the camping site for those with bigger budget.

Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Les Chapieux

This is arguably the hardest leg of the TMB route, with a distance of over 18 km and over 1300 meters of ascend and 900 meters of descend.

Camping site Les Chapieux: Open air camping , located on a big open field in the beautiful valley.

Camping site info: Free camping! It’s an unmanned camping ground, thus no facility. No shower available, only a small building with toilet and a wash basin with ice cold water. No communal area available, neither power socket. The whole valley has no mobile internet access as of 2019, so you’d might want to remind your relatives and friends not to worry if they don’t hear from you for one night.

Food supply availability: No supermarket in the area, but there is a small deli selling limited assortments of basic and local products, albeit at an elevated price. I spent around €5 for only croissant, boiled egg, and small yogurt, hence my advice to stock up from Les Contamines-Montjoie.

Day 3: Les Chapieux – Camping Aiguille Noire (outskirt of Courmayeur)

Many people would break this leg by staying in Rifugio Elisabetta hut halfway through the trek. But in order to camp, I had to continue further to the camping site located in the outskirt of Courmayeur, taking a bit of a detour from the official TMB route.

For the same reason, I chose to shorten the route by taking the bus from Les Chapieux to Refuge Des Mottets which would take two hours walking. Mind you that this bus would fill up very quickly and it is recommended to buy the ticket the day before or queue at least half an hour before. The bus schedule can easily be found in the small building next to the Les Chapieux camping site.

Camping site Courmayeur (outskirt): Aiguille Noire , technically not in Courmayeur itself, but on the outskirt before entering the town. There are no camping sites available in Courmayeur.

Camping site info: €12.5 per person or €20 per 2 persons. Hot shower costs €0.5 for about 5 minutes. There is a communal building with tables and power socket is available.

Food supply availability: There is a mini market at the camping site selling many kinds of products at a slightly elevated price, but still reasonable. Another option would be to take the bus from the bus stop in front of the camping ground to Carrefour supermarket at La Saxe Pontal bus stop. There is a restaurant at the camping site though.

Alternative camping site Courmayeur (outskirt): HOBO Val Veny , located right next to Aiguille Noire.

Day 4: Day hike around Camping Aiguille Noire

Since I had to wait for my partner’s arrival in Courmayeur on day 6, I did a day hike in the mountains around the camping site Aiguille Noire , which was not part of the official TMB route itself, but no less stunning nevertheless.

This further highlights the advantage and flexibility of camping, since I could simply inform the camping owner that I’d stay for another night.

Note: For those who would continue with the TMB route to Courmayeur, simply follow the green route indicated in the map. Remember that there is no camping site in Courmayeur and you’d have to stay in a hotel or bed & breakfast. Alternatively, you could camp in Plampincieux, also located in the outskirt of Courmayeur (see Day 5 route below).

Day 5: Day hike around Plampincieux

I moved from Camping Aiguille Noire to the camping site in Plampincieux by bus, with a transfer in Courmayeur. From there I then started a day hike which covered most of the TMB route.

Camping site Plampincieux: Grandes Jorasses , located in a pine forest area in Plampincieux, an area outside Courmayeur.

Camping site info: €~10-12 per person or €~20 per 2 persons. Hot shower costs €0.5 for ~100 seconds(!), so get your soap and shampoo ready. There is no communal room apart from the restaurant where you can sit if you purchase something. There is a power socket available above the sink in the wash area.

Food supply availability: A mini market at the camping site sells limited assortment of products, although at elevated price. It’s best to shop beforehand in Courmayeur ( Carrefour supermarket at La Saxe Pontal bus stop). The restaurant at the camping site also serves some food.

Alternative camping site Plampincieux: Tronchey , located further down the road from camping Grandes Jorasses.

Note: To continue with the TMB route from Courmayeur, simply follow the green route indicated in the map, which would join the day hike that I did around Plampincieux above Rifugio Giorgio Bertone . Mind you that this TMB leg would end up at Rifugio Walter Bonatti in the mountain, and the nearest camping possibility would be to go back down to Grandes Jorasses or Tronchey.

Day 6: Rendesvouz at Courmayeur

I stayed at the same camping site Grandes Jorasses in Plampincieux, this time for two persons after I picked up my partner at Courmayeur for hiking the second half of TMB together.

Again, I could simply inform the camping manager in the morning that my partner would join in the tent for the second night and it’s arranged.

Since we were in Courmayeur, there were more options for food supply, such as from Carrefour in the city center. We could also purchase another gas/fuel canister from one of the outdoor shops in Courmayeur.

Day 7: Plampincieux – Fouly

To continue with the TMB trek, we took the bus from the camping site in Plampincieux to the base of Col Ferret where the TMB route starts again. Officially, the TMB route runs from Rifugio Walter Bonatti to the base of Col Ferret, shown in green in the map.

Camping site Fouly: Camping des Glaciers , possibly the camping site with the best view, located on a big plain downstream of a glacial river with mountain glaciers visible in the distance.

Camping site info: CHF 29.6 per person or CHF 39.2 per 2 persons (man, Switzerland is expensive!). Hot shower is available for free. There is also a large communal room with tables and power sockets.

Food supply availability: The camping reception sells some snacks although it’s best to go to the supermarket in the nearby town center. Again, mind you that everything in Switzerland is expensive, including the supermarket.

Day 8: Fouly – Champex

This is one of the easiest leg since it does not involve a lot of ascend and descent. The route also passes several towns where you could easily eat or take a break in one of the cafes or restaurants.

Camping site Champex: Les Rocailles , located further down the street from the Champex lake.

Camping site info: CHF 25.6 per person, CHF 35.2 per 2 persons. Hot shower is available for free, and there is a small communal area in front of the reception with power socket available.

Food supply availability: There is a supermarket in Champex, although the options are not as diverse as in bigger towns. We recommend to stock up for the next day too since there is virtually no shop in Peuty, the destination of the next day.

Day 9: Champex – Peuty

Similar to the previous day, this day’s route entirely in Switzerland is also not very heavy.

Camping site Peuty: open air camping site , located on an open field in the valley.

Camping site info: Donation of CHF 6 for the camping site’s maintenance. A person usually comes once a day in late afternoon to collect the donation. At that time some people did not have CHF but only euro and the attendant grumpily exempted them from paying.

There are plastic portable shower cabins available but you’d have to be lucky to get hot water. Mine had glacial water and my partner had warm water. There is also a small roofed area with tables as a communal area, but no power socket available.

Food supply availability: None, nothing, nada. That’s why it’s better to stock up food from Champex. For those who are desperate, there is a small cafe at Refuge Le Peuty selling sandwiches and some other foods.

Day 10: Peuty – Tre Le Champ

After this day’s hike, you’d leave expensive Switzerland behind and can enjoy lower price again for everything.

Camping site Tre Le Champ: Pierre Semard .

Camping site info: €~10-12 per person, €~20 per 2 persons. Hot shower is available and there are power sockets at the large communal area equipped with many tables.

Food supply availability: There is a supermarket in the nearby town Argentiere, a lovely small town. The camping site has a restaurant as well though.

Alternative camping site Argentiere: Camping du Glacier , located a bit removed from the TMB trail itself in Argentiere.

Day 11: Tre Le Champ – Chamonix

This is the last leg that we undertook in the TMB hike to return to Chamonix. Officially, you would only stop at Refuge La Flegere here and continue the next day to Les Houches (blue route in the map).

Camping site Chamonix: Les Arolles .

Aternative camping site in Les Houches: Camping Bellevue , located very close to the starting point of TMB.

Finally completing the TMB! See information about Chamonix on Day 0 above.

There are two main expenses for the trip, namely on the accommodation and food . In this part I’d detail how we did the budgeting for the two weeks trip in this particularly expensive region.

Camping cost

In the first six days I camped solo before my partner joined me for another six days of hiking together. Here are the cost breakdown:

In the end the camping cost added up to around €186.3, or say, rounded up to €190 for 12-days trip’s worth of accommodation. That amounted to around €10.6 per person per night. In towns in the Alps you’d easily spend €190 on only two or three nights in a modest hotel. In Switzerland maybe just one night.

Food strategy and cost

During the entire trip we did not once eat out despite the temptation of some of the restaurants at the camping sites. We always got our food supplies in the supermarket and cooked ourselves. Water was always free either at camping sites or at water sources along the trail.

Mostly plenty of bread such as croissant or pain au chocolat which were ubiquitous in France and Switzerland, accompanied by yogurt with oatmeal. We brought our own coffee powder and tea to freshly prepare these mood-boosting warm hot drinks every morning.

Average cost: ~€3 per person (expect higher price in Switzerland). As a comparison, a cup of coffee in and a croissant a cafe would already cost €~5.

On trail snack:

Our all time favorite is cereal bar, packed with energy and easy to carry, which can be found in almost every supermarket. We also like to bring some small salami or mixed nuts (e.g. almond, cashew) for extra protein and energy. Cost would be around €2-3 per person .

Mostly crackers or sandwiches with ham or cheese bought the previous day, accompanied by cherry tomatoes or other vegetables and fruit. Don’t forget to try the typically local Gruyere cheese that can be found in Swiss supermarkets.

Average cost: €4-5 per person (of course a bit higher in Switzerland). You definitely could not eat lunch in a restaurant during the hike. But sometimes you could find some mountain hut/refuge offering lunch along the trail, which can set you back around €12-20 for a hearty lunch.

This is the time to prepare warm meal. We bought camping gas/fuel in Chamonix and Courmayeur, costing around €5-8 per canister, for our mini camping stove (Primus Express).

We cooked mainly pasta or noodles. We prepared pasta with ready made sauce, and we just added e.g. tuna, bacon, mushroom. Instant noodles or rice vermicelli can also be found in various supermarkets and we cooked that with added tuna or bacon. We topped that with a pre-cut salad mix or other vegetables to make it complete and healthy.

Average cost: €5-7 per person (+occasional beer €~1.5 extra). Dining in a restaurant costs a fortune in the Alps mountain towns; expect to shell out upwards of €20 per person.

Total food cost:

The total spent on food for the 12-days trip ( €252-324 ) would definitely range widely depending on how much you’d like to eat and splurge. The estimate given here is already quite generous in our opinion.

We tended to stay on the lower end of the daily cost range, but sometimes treated ourselves to something more pricey, such as the Swiss Gruyere cheese or a bottle of beer from the local Italian brewery.

I would not even bother to calculate how much you’d spend eating out three times a day for the whole 12 days in this super expensive region. Spoiler: a lot!

To sum up the camping and food cost, we spent around €442-514, or say, rounded up to €450-520 , for 12-days trip for one person plus 6-days trip for another one. That translates to roughly €25-29 per person per day .

Of course other extra cost should be added too, such as the flight ticket (we flew Amsterdam-Geneva return for around €130 per person) and bus fare to Chamonix or Courmayeur, which typically costs €25-40 return. These brought the grand total to around €850 for the both of us.

That concludes my detailed low budget guide to camping sites and food supplies for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). Hope that can help and inspire you to plan and tackle this truly legendary and amazing long distance hiking route. Feel free to drop any question. Happy hiking!

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About author.

Born and raised in Indonesia, bitten by the travel bug since moving to Europe.

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3 Best, Light Backpacking Tents for the Tour du Mont Blanc

The best lightweight backpacking tents for the tour du mont blanc camping adventure.

If you’re planning to camp the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and need a two-person tent, this guide is for you. This guide reviews three tents that I own, love, and have used on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

These tents are ideal for summer hiking adventures in the Alps. There are also good choices for general three season camping in the Alps and elsewhere.

Even better, these tents all vary in price. So, at least one will surely suit your budget.

Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Camping on the TMB is a thrilling experience. Sure, staying in gites, refuges, or hostels is a lot of fun, too. However, camping Tour du Mont Blanc or wild camping on this classic long distance hiking route is an experience like no other.

After you’ve found your tent, it’s time to start planning your Tour du Mont Blanc camping sites or thinking about where you might camp for free on the TMB route. Be sure to read or bookmark Where Can You Camp on the Tour du Mont Blanc .

1. The Best Tour du Mont Blanc Tent – MSR Hubba Hubba

Without a doubt, my favorite lightweight tent for hiking the TMB, is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person Lightweight Tent . It’s so light and fits two people well. Attach it to your backpack and your good to hike! MSR makes quality gear. And I’ve never been let down.

I’ve not the only one who thinks this tent is awesome. I recently saw athlete and sky runner, Skyrunning Girl , mentioned it on her blog as a great tent choice.

Pro Features of the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person :

• 3 season backpacking tent, fits 2-person
• lightweight freestanding design
• ripstop nylon floor fabric
• Xtreme Shield so you stay dry
• tent geometry maximizes space
• 3.5 lbs, packs down to 18×6 inches

2. The Best Budget Ultralight Tent for the Tour du Mont Blanc – NatureHike Cloud

Not going to lie… I was skeptical about this tent when I bought it. I wondered if it could really handle the rugged French Alps during a late summer camping trip given the budget price.

However, this NatureHike tent has to be one of the best values for an ultralight, 2 person, backpacking tent. Don’t let the low price (compared to other ultra lightweight tents) scare you away.

Pro Features of the Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Person Backpacking Tent

• Free standing 2 person backpacking tent
• Y shaped structure
• ultralight, double layer
• ripstop and coated nylon
• easy to set up and take down
• 3.85 pounds / 1750 grams
• different colors available

3. The Best Overall Value Tent for the Tour du Mont Blanc – Decathlon Forclaz Trek 900 2 Personnes Tent

You’ll probably have to go into a Decathlon store (France / Europe) to find this designed in the French Alps tent, but be warned. Though, maybe you can get lucky and find one online. They sell out quickly! A great, overall lightweight 2-person backpacking tent.

Pro Features of the Decathlon Forclaz Trek 900 Tent

• 3 season, 2- person tent
• Comfort and space, with a double Y dome shape
• Ultra lightweight and compact
• Pockets, 2 doors, and vestibule to keep your backpack covered
• Designed in the Alps

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Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc in June – early season

June can seem to be the perfect time to trek the TMB. Trekkers hoping to avoid the crowds and enjoy alpine flowers in bloom are often drawn to trek during this early shoulder season before the holiday season kicks in good and proper.

When trekkers tell me they want to trek in June, most are surprised by my one word response. Snow.

Yes. There is invariably snow on the TMB during the last two weeks of June and often into the first week of July. Many people planning an early TMB trek do not realise this.

Snow can mean a totally different experience of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Trekking during this early season should be well thought through with realistic expectations.

Conditions trekking during this 3 week period are hard to predict. Snow levels are dependent on two things – the amount of snow that fell during Winter and two – the melt rate come Spring.

Consider this – Chamonix ski lifts are STILL open into the first week of May for end of season skiing – this puts into perspective how much snow is still up there in May and June.

Given that so many trekkers planning their trail don’t realise this – I thought it would be prudent to write a post about trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc in June so you can decide whether this is the TMB you envisaged, and if so, to help you plan with confidence.

So what is it like to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc early season?

There are still a large number of trekkers who hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in June but it is quieter than the peak months of July and August.

Chamonix mountain guides do go out on the trail before the opening date to clear sections where possible or put in ropes. The main trail is generally clear mid June however snow fields will still cover the cols (mountain passes) at 2000m plus.

Through the snow fields there will be a visible track for you to follow as others before you hard pack the snow into a route. You’ll follow deep foot tracks in the soft snow. This snow packed route over the high cols will change as the snow melts and the main path becomes again visible.

The two dangers that trekkers should be aware of hiking during this time are: 1/ slipping whilst traversing snow covered sections of the trail with high exposure 2/ melting snow bridges (that often have strong torrents underneath – not something you want to fall into)

What do we mean by high exposure? High exposure means one side of the trail descends very steeply – a slip could mean a long fall down.

There are particular sections of the trail that have exposure that are prone to hold onto the snow a little longer, for example right at the beginning of the traverse to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme setting off from the top of the Col du Bonhomme (see the first two photos below). The third photo is a snow bridge over a torrent on the climb up to the Col du Bonhomme. The last photo shows the whole first traverse section towards the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme taken from the top of the Col du Bonhomme.

Snow filled gullies can also be tricky to cross where there’s a degree of exposure.

There’s a particular tricky one on the way to Col de la Seigne towards Refuge Mottets on stage 2 (first photo below). The ascent up to Refuge Elena from Hotel Chalet Val Ferret on stage 6 is prone to snow filled gullies early season! The second photo show one of these. Both taken mid June 2023.

The third photo is looking back onto the Contamines-Montjoie valley from the beginning of the ascent of the Col du Bonhomme – June 2023. The bottom photo is on stage 4 heading towards Refugio Maison Vieille mid July 2018.

Another thing to note in early season is there can be a fair degree of mud! Melting snow equals mud. Expect to squelch down some descents – this can make going downhill a bit trickier, more prone to slipping and possibly tweaking something so caution is wise.

Some trekkers choose to descend snowy descents by sliding either on their bums or standing up (with invisible skis) – a much more fun alternative.

What early TMB trekkers need to be aware of:

1/  that extra equipment should be taken to keep safe. Hiking crampons (with spikes not circular flat discs) are normally required. They don’t weigh a lot so there’s no excuse not to throw them into your bag. You will definitely feel safer with these on when crossing a snowy traverse with a lot of exposure! Mid June you may even want to consider renting a lightweight ice axe. You would hold this in one of your hands whilst crossing a tricky section – its the only thing that would stop you if you fell.

2/ you should definitely not be planning to take any of the variants (except from perhaps variant stage 1 via the Col du Tricot which is generally always clear) during this time. It’s too dangerous. If you are staying at Refuge Mottets you would need to descend down the traditional route via the hamlet of Les Chapieux.

3/ you should visit the High Mountain Office in Chamonix before setting off to find out about up to date conditions. If you are booking a self guided Tour du Mont Blanc trek then the company you have booked with should be telling you up to date conditions on the trail as well. If in doubt – ask. 

The High Mountain Office updates weather conditions here . Check this page regularly the week before your trek however there is no substitute for going in and speaking to them.

We did visit the Bureau des Guides in the Maison de la Montagne building. They were very helpful. We purchased a couple of maps from them too. Corinne and Bill Barnes, Aug 2023

So when does the TMB trail actually open?

The trail opens on 14 th  June every year but this is France – there are no rules – there are no physical barriers that are taken down on the 14 th  June and the trail ‘opens’. What it means essentially is that the infrastructure on the trail opens on the 14th, and whilst some of the public transport options won’t kick in for a few weeks, the refuges are now open and you’ll see trekkers on the trail. 

As mentioned above, the guides of Chamonix go out on the trail to clear tricky sections or to put in ropes if necessary before the 14 th  June. This does not mean it is ‘safe’. If snow is covering sections of the trail which have significant exposure (one side falling away very steeply) then trekkers need to use caution and extra equipment to safely cross (hiking crampons & possibly an ice axe) – as the High Mountain Office phrase it ‘to have mountain feet’!.

I want you to know the risks, what to do and what NOT to do.  Tragically a solo trekker perished in June this year on the Cols des Fours by falling through a snow bridge into glacial water. This variant  should never  be taken early season as the snow covers torrent crossings (glacial streams) which are fast flowing. Snow can completely blanket this water so trekkers are unaware of it. Accidents can happen as snow bridges begin to become unstable as the weather warms.

Where are the tricky areas to be aware of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in June?

In general there are always the same tricky areas when trekking Tour du Mont Blanc in June.

These are (but not limited to):-

• Flégère – expect Lac Blanc to have a lot of snow surrounding it with the lake appearing much smaller than normal as ice and snow cover it.
• Brévent – there is always a lot of snow still on the Col du Brévent. The High Mountain Office will normally advise hikers to avoid this and take a lower route. If you were planning to hike stage 11 first (which we often suggest later in the season to help with accommodation planner – between stages 10 and 11 accommodation is limited) then don’t. It’s best to add stage 11 as its chronological stage to allow more snow melt by the time you come around to it 11 days later
• Col du Bonhomme / Croix du Col du Bonhomme – whilst the Col du Bonhomme does not have any real exposure once you get to the top and start the traverse to the Croix du Col du Bonhomme – there is a lot of exposure to the right hand side – the mountain descends steeply to the right and the trail with snow on is a very narrow track where caution and concentration is necessary. See the photos further up in this post.
• Col des Fours – this always holds a lot of snow until the beginning of July. There is a very steep descent from the top of the Col des Fours which can be tricky with snow on but a much bigger danger are the unstable snow bridges crossing the glacial torrents (see above)

In the one main snow section, I think my micro spikes, a crucial item and honestly unsafe without.  I did see a couple folks without, and think in the moment, each agreed they wish they had them.  It was super steep and side hill.  The snow was crusty early, but got soft rapidly in the sun.  Many of the folks I spoke with had no idea what a fall arrest was, let alone practiced in them.  That particular section just passed the Col Du Bonhomme, if someone slipped and wasn’t able to immediately arrest, they would be traveling far too fast and seemed everything looked to end in a vertical fall or large boulders.  Simply a prime example of where not to risk it.  Spikes in that section should be a mandatory safety item. While I only wore my spikes twice, and only once for any real distance, I’d never go that time of year without them.  That said, the torrents are what personally unnerve me more than anything else.  When the rotting snow bridges start to give way, I take particular note.  I’m over 6 feet tall and not what one would consider petite, so when also carrying a heavy pack, I always imagine if a torrent is going to collapse with someone crossing it, I have a higher probability of being that someone.  There were a few that I personally found unpleasant to cross, and honestly the only remotely sketchy parts of my trek.  With spikes, the snow fields were actually quite enjoyable, even with the steep grades, but there isn’t really any safeguarding a torrent other than going around which at times isn’t an option.  I didn’t have any problem though, opting to take my time, and on a couple moving up slightly to clearly thicker snow that was less traveled, and therefore less rotten without the darker prints from previous hikers soaking up the sun’s warmth and growing softer in the mid-day.   Will Walton, Alaska

If you have trekked the Tour du Mont Blanc early season, we would welcome your comments below to help other people planning their TMB to decide whether trekking in the second half of June or first week of July might be something they would consider.

As always, thank you.

Further Reading...

Money on the TMB

Offline Tour du Mont Blanc GPS – why every TMB hiker should download the GAIA app

Tour du Mont Blanc self guided v guided

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Water stops on the TMB

Tour du mont blanc hike, privacy overview.

Everything You Need To Know About Hiking The Tour du Mont Blanc

A s an avid hiker, you’ve probably heard of the Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB hiking trail. You might even have plans to conquer this popular hiking destination one day. If so, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

In 1760, a Swiss Geologist and physicist, Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, then living in Geneva, discovered the TMB hiking trail. Saussure wanted to explore the Mont du Blanc Mountains to examine and document plant specimens. Also called the Mont Blanc massif, the mountain range is 60 miles by 20 miles long, with 11 summits over 4,000 meters high. Though he discovered it in 1760, Saussure first walked around the entire TMB hiking path in 1767.

Unfortunately, the Swiss scientist failed to climb one of its peaks on that initial journey around the path. The first to achieve this feat were Michel Paccard and Jacques Balmat. The two found a path to the apex in 1786 through the Grands Mulets route. Sausurre became the third person to reach the summit shortly thereafter.

Trail Overview 

Though Pacard and Balmat first reached the peak of the Mont Blanc massif via the Grands Mulets route, the Gouter route is today’s standard path. This trail is 105 miles long and passes through 3 countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland . The Gouter Route (also known as the Voie Des Cristalliers and Voie Royale) is one of the two most commonly utilized routes to reach the summit of Mont Blanc in the Alps. Though the Gouter route reaches an elevation of 15,774 ft, it is considered the most straightforward ascent. The route lies on the north side of the mountain, in France, seeing thousands of mountaineers annually. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc difficulty level is somewhat subjective to the hiker. The Gouter route is relatively easy because it takes about two days to reach the ascent and does not require extensive technical skills. Nonetheless, it is physically demanding and mentally challenging if you lack athletic ability. The most difficult aspect of this route includes a narrow passageway of unstable rocks on the mountain’s edge. Seventy-four have died, and 180 were injured in accidents along this dangerous segment between 1990 and 2011. 

Once passing this tricky part, the Gouter route is smooth sailing. It steadily increases in steepness while crossing exposed terrain. Hazardous weather conditions are the most dangerous aspects that remain. Cold and wet conditions can cause hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, visiting the Tour du Mont Blanc for Summer hiking, Mid-June to mid-September, is safest. During the summer, temperatures will range from 40 degrees at night to 80 degrees during the day. Some days require shorts beneath a warm, sunny sky ; others might entail brisk, wet conditions.

Permits And Regulations

No permits are required for the TMB and there are no regulatory restrictions. However, some believe a technical skills test could reduce deaths and injuries along the path. Additionally, residents are disturbed by the amount of trash that hikers inevitably abandon to lighten their loads on the ascent. What’s interesting about the Tour du Mont Blanc is that there are many comforts along the path in the form of hotels and huts. Several companies offer self-guided packages that include accommodations, detailed hiking guides, and set itineraries. 

Trail Highlights And Points Of Interest

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike is considered one of the world’s top ten “bucket list” hiking trails. In addition to the soothing sounds of waterfalls , there are glaciers, streams, high alpine meadows, and the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc landscape. Among the most beautiful and visible flora are the rare Slipper Orchid, the Martagon Lily, Aquilegia Alpha, the famous Edelweiss, and rare Campanula thyrsoides. Though heavily impacted by human presence, the animals that remain in the wilderness of the Mont Blanc massif include Marmots, Ravens, Goats, Mountain Hares, Vultures, and Eagles, among others. 

Safety Considerations

On the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail, the most important considerations will be comfortable shoes and a good quality backpack with appropriate dimensions and weight.  What qualifies as an appropriately sized bag will depend on whether you stick to hiking the trail or detour slightly to local huts and hotels. The former will require a 60L bag, and the latter will require a 30L bag. Remember to break in your footwear a few months in advance and buy shoes larger than usual to accommodate swollen, achy feet. Trekking poles will help lessen aches and pains experienced in the knee and leg muscles. Hiking crampons are a “better safe than sorry” item to add to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. They will help maintain balance and avoid slipping across waterways and snow patches, which might even save a life! 

In case of an emergency, administer first aid, note location and grid reference on a map, call for help (cell phone service is generally available along the TMB). If no phone is available, blow a whistle or flash a flashlight six times. If there is an injured person, carefully consider whether to go for help or stay with the injured. If the injured party stays behind, leave them with food, water, and warm clothes. 

Planning and Preparation

Being physically prepared for the TMB hike is a necessary safety precaution. Training should start at least three months in advance and should be in layered clothing, hiking boots, and a fully packed backpack to best simulate trail conditions. Other things that require planning include booking accommodations along the trail and deciding how many days to stay. An itinerary will vary depending on whether two days, two weeks, or even two months are set aside to experience the beauty of TMB. 

Most hikers can ascend the Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided if interested. The trail is easy to follow, with well-maintained paths, directional markings, and clearly understood signs. However, map reading skills are essential, and hikers should also carry a guidebook. 

People Ask: Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Q: What is the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail?

A: The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer hiking trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Q: How long does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc?

A: The entire trail takes about 10 to 12 days to complete.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

A: The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is from mid June to mid September, when the weather is typically mild and the trails are clear of snow.

Q: Are there any accommodations along the trail?

A: Yes, there are many accommodations available along the Tour du Mont Blanc, including hotels, hostels, and mountain huts.

Q: Is it necessary to hire a guide for the hike?

A: No, it is not necessary to hire a guide for the hike. The trail is well-marked and there are many resources available for hikers.

Q: How difficult is the hike?

A: The hike is considered to be moderately difficult, with some steep ascents and descents.

Q: What should I pack for the hike?

A:You should pack appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, and rain gear. You should also bring a map, a compass, and plenty of water and snacks.

Q: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?

A: Yes, there are some safety concerns to be aware of, including potential hazards such as steep drops, loose rocks, and unpredictable weather. It is important to stay on the marked trail and to be prepared for changing conditions.

Q: Can I hike the trail in sections?

A: Yes, it is possible to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in sections, with many hikers choosing to focus on one or two sections at a time.

Q: What are some of the highlights of the hike?

A: Some highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc include stunning views of the Alps, charming mountain villages, and the opportunity to experience the unique cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a renowned hiking trail accommodating hikers from across the globe. It is mentally and physically challenging, but efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views along the route. The TMB is accessible with or without a guided tour, as there is food, water, emergency services, accommodations, and other modern amenities along the path. With a reasonable amount of advanced preparation, physical training, thoughtful packing, and a conscientious “Leave no trace” mindset, this unforgettable journey is worth experiencing for yourself. 

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• Culture - Loisirs

Concert exceptionnel de la Camerata du Mont-Blanc

Des idées pour vos loisirs en Haute-Savoie et ailleurs

Le chœur Sallanch’chante entre France et Italie

Artisanat et terroir avec la Poya de Mya

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains Concert exceptionnel de la Camerata du Mont-Blanc

L’École de Musique du Val Montjoie va donner avec La Camerata du Mont-Blanc un concert inédit qui réunira les élèves de l’école et des musiciens professionnels. Inspiré des projets “side by side”, cet événement mettra en lumière la fusion des talents et des générations au service de la musique. Sous la direction artistique de La Camerata du Mont-Blanc, élèves et musiciens professionnels joueront ensemble, partageant la même partition et les mêmes émotions pour offrir au public une performance exceptionnelle.

Concert. Dimanche 5 mai à 18 h 30. Espace Mont-Blanc. Entrée libre.

• Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
• Edition Mont-Blanc / Arve

Au sommaire du dossier