Tour du Mont Blanc: walking around the roof of Western Europe in 10 stages

Few treks are as famous as the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). It goes all the way around the highest massif in the Alps, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland, on well-marked trails, with huts and villages to sleep in every night. It needs no climbing technique on its classic route, but it does demand something many people underestimate: the stamina to string together ten days of climbs and descents.

The essentials

The classic route covers about 170 kilometres and around 10,000 metres of total ascent (and as much descent). The figures vary with the variants you choose. Most people complete it in 10 or 11 stages, although some do it faster with long days and others stretch it out to enjoy it.

It is traditionally walked anticlockwise from Les Houches, near Chamonix, although any point on the loop can serve as a start.

Suggested stages (anticlockwise)

Stage	Route	Highlights
1	Les Houches → Les Contamines	Col de Voza, first views of glaciers
2	Les Contamines → Les Chapieux	Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme
3	Les Chapieux → Rifugio Elisabetta	Col de la Seigne: into Italy
4	Elisabetta → Courmayeur	Val Veny, views of Mont Blanc’s south face
5	Courmayeur → Rifugio Bonatti	The balcony of the Italian Val Ferret
6	Bonatti → La Fouly	Grand Col Ferret: into Switzerland
7	La Fouly → Champex	Swiss villages and Lake Champex
8	Champex → Trient	Variant via Bovine or, harder, the Fenêtre d’Arpette
9	Trient → Tré-le-Champ	Col de Balme: back into France
10	Tré-le-Champ → La Flégère / Les Houches	Lac Blanc and the Chamonix Balconies

The split is only a guide: there are many combinations depending on where you sleep and which variants you choose.

How hard is it?

For someone used to walking in the mountains, the TMB is moderate to demanding. It is not technical, but:

• Each day has between 800 and 1,500 metres of ascent and descent.
• Stages usually take 6–8 hours.
• Fatigue builds up; your knees suffer on the descents.

If you have never done several mountain days in a row, prepare during the season with weekend outings with climbing and a loaded pack.

The TMB does not demand technique, it demands consistency: the key is reaching day six with legs left.

Huts and logistics

In July and August, TMB huts and accommodation fill up. It is common to book months in advance. Many offer half board. Bring a sleeping bag liner and some cash. If you want more independence, check the rules on bivouacking and camping, which differ in each country and even each municipality; on many sections it is restricted. Our list of gear for sleeping in the mountains will give you a starting point.

Best time of year

The usual season runs from mid-June to mid-September. In early summer there may be snowfields on the highest passes; at the end of the season, some huts start to close. August is the busiest month.

Footwear and gear

Good mid-cut trekking boots are the most common choice; we explain why in how to choose mountain boots. Poles help a lot on the descents.

Alternatives if you want something shorter

If you do not have ten days, you can do individual sections, such as the Chamonix Balconies or the Italian Val Ferret. And if you are looking for other great treks, see Iceland’s Laugavegur or our selection of spectacular routes that need no professional experience.