The plethora of itinerary options and inter-country challenges associated with hiking the TMB mandate a lot of complex logistical planning, especially with the potential language barriers.Ĭarpenter really appreciated how having guides maximized his enjoyment. It’s possible to undertake the TMB solo, but many travelers choose to go with a guided group. The traditional route starts in Les Houches, a 10-minute bus ride from Chamonix, and goes counter-clockwise, leaving the Col de la Forclaz-to-Argentiere portion for the end, which is often regarded as the route’s grand finale. To add to the complexity, there are many different starting points available, including Courmayeur, Les Houches, Chamonix, Les Contamines, Saint Gervais, Les Chapieux, Orsières (Champex, La Fouly) and Trient. As a whole, the route can be traversed clockwise or counter-clockwise. During the hike you can stay in mountain huts, tents, hotels-or a mixture of all of the above. The Tour du Mont Blanc can be completed in as little as three days (if you’re going for speed) or 13-plus days, depending on how many miles you want to cover per day. It’s true: You can easily travel to those places without walking from country to country, but what would be the fun in that? When you hike the TMB, you get to enjoy croissants in France, espresso in Italy and cheese in Switzerland. Instead of using roads, you cross borders via alpine passes-and with each country comes a whole new ambiance. Plus, you can take on the circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc massif supported or unsupported, as so desired.Ī trail marker offers alternative route directions on the Tour du Mont Blanc.īut perhaps what makes the TMB most appealing is the cultural smorgasbord you’ll experience as you go from country to country along the way. Seventeen towns-and many smaller villages-dot the route, so there are many options for vehicle support and finding a warm bed to sleep in at night. You’ll see churches still intact from the 18 th century and walk the same paths that Roman soldiers used 2,000 years ago.Īnd should your feet grow weary (which they will), the TMB has an extensive hut system (huts every 6-10 miles) stocked with food, water and many other creature comforts. In addition to the physical demands of the trip, the TMB also doubles as a living, breathing history lesson.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is bursting with epic alpine scenery-glaciers, mountains, rivers, lakes, meadows and wildlife. When you hike the TMB you will have all these micro-experiences in each country that make the trek unforgettable.” You’re in France and you can feel it, then you’re in Italy and it’s amazing, then Switzerland knocks your socks off. So, get ready to go from saying “Bonjour!” to “Buongiorno!” as you navigate your way through France, Italy and Switzerland, climb up at least six mountain passes, and top out on high points like the Col des Fours in France, and the Fenêtre d’Arpette in Switzerland.Īccording to Garin Carpenter, an REI Co-op staffer and an avid hiker who did a 13-day Tour du Mont Blanc trip last summer, “You really feel like you’re in each place. Not only does the TMB circle around the birthplace of modern mountaineering, it traverses three entirely different countries.
But for the sake of brevity, this guide will focus on the classic 105-mile section and will cover: There are many ways to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc-you can make it shorter, faster, luxurious or rugged. The TMB will give you spectacular views of them from every angle. The whole Massif Du Mont Blanc extends for about 25 miles and has 11 summits. The TMB circumnavigates Mont Blanc, a glaciated massif that commands attention whether you’re climbing on it, hiking around it or gazing at it from the streets of Chamonix.Īt 15,777 feet, Mont Blanc is the tallest peak in Western Europe and is ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence. Every year, thousands of people complete the 105-mile-long trek, which has an impressive accumulated elevation gain and loss of around 32,800 feet. The Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most famous long-distance treks in the world-and for good reason.
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