Facts and Statistics

mont blanc 1For more than two centuries, nature lovers have explored the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) reveling in its rustic rifugios, colorful meadows, purple saxifrage and snowy rock spires. With a spectacular setting, you will follow narrow paths cutting through coniferous forests, suspension bridges across dipping valleys, and roman roads climbing up glacial saddles. You have a rare chance of enjoying three unique cultures, stopping by the Italian mountain villages, the Swiss farms, and the French pilgrimage sites.

About the Trail

The TMB remains one of the most popular when it comes to long-distance hiking in Europe. It goes around the Mont Blanc Massif with an estimated distance of 170 kilometers. 10 kilometers of that involves ascending and descending as you pass through parts of France, Italy and Switzerland.

mont blanc 2Normally trekked in anti-clockwise direction, the trail is considered one of the classics in terms of long-distance walking trails. The route is also used during a mountain marathon that is held annually in the region. The usual starting points are the Les Contamines or the Chamonix valley in France. If you are coming from the Italian side, then you can start at Courmayeur, while those approaching it from the Swiss side can start at Champex or if you prefer a point close to Martigny.

You are going to pass seven valleys along the route, as you circle around the Mont-Blanc massif. Over the course of the years, the official trail has been changed giving birth to many variants or alternatives. Some of these routes will take you to some paths that need awareness, greater fitness, and skill. Other alternative routes have been designed for the beginners, so that they can enjoy the hike without the tough physical demands.

Although the less demanding routes are quicker, the viewpoints on the mountain ranges are much lesser. Some section of the trail, between Brevent and Bonhomme, the route coincides with the GR5, a European long distance trail. There is plenty accommodation along the way. This makes it possible for the route to be broken down into different sections, to suit any traveler.

The highest points on the TMB are the Fenêtre d’Arpette on the Swiss side and Col des Fours on the French side at an altitude of 8,743 ft. although this altitude is not high enough to lead to altitude sickness, the trail itself is physically demanding. It is important to have experience in mountain walking. Apart from that, you should be suitable equipped considering the rapid change of mountain weather.

Hiking the TMB

mont blanc 3If you are normal fit mountain hiker and you can walk around 30 miles per day in around 7 hours, then you can comfortably manage the TMB. As previously indicated, it will help you greatly if you keep yourself fit as you get started. You will have time to enjoy the amazing scenery, instead of dealing with fatigue and soreness. To prepare, you can walk similar distances and elevations to those found on the TMB, so that your body is acclimatized.

One stage that is normally tough for many hikers is the section between Les Contamines and Les Chapieux. It is a 13 miles walk characterized by a total ascent of 4,692 feet, to cross the Croix du Bonhomme. The other tough stage you are likely to encounter is the section between Courmayeur and Rifugio Bonatti.

The huts and villages along the way determine the distances to be covered during the day. If you are a thru-hiker, there are several villages and towns along the trail that can provide a suitable rest. You can do it over two holidays, dividing the trail into north and south halves or complete it over a long weekend.

Underfoot

mont blanc 4A variety of trails and tracks are what you will experience underfoot. The mountainous portions of this trail are characterized by single-track paths which tend to be rocky in some sections. However, it is just bare earth. Unlike trails in the UK, mud is not a problem in the TMB. You are also going to encounter several tracks, which are mainly used by vehicles over farming land.

You are also going to encounter country lanes, such as the 4.5km section near Chapieux. The trail is properly marked throughout. However, the swiss side tends to have better signage. It is important to understand how to read a map and use a compass, or at least be in a group where one individual can handle the navigation.

During summer there is snow falling on more than two occasions and it disappears quickly. However, when it remains, it can make navigation very challenging. When the trail is covered with snow, the ground features tend to be hidden. This means that you have to rely more on compass and mapping skills.

Unexpected Weather

mont blanc 5The typical weather in the TMB during summer is sunshine, sometimes with occasional storms and rain in the afternoon. However, there are certain times during summer when snow fall is experienced. This may disappear in a day or two, but it tends to be quite thick in the high altitude passes. Sometimes, the snow might stay longer than expected.

Although it should be considered a summer Alpine trek, it is good to be prepared for falling snow during summer. Having said that, the TMB should be visited any time from july to mid September. It is a short window, but the main determinant is the weather. There are high chances of snow patches remaining in the high passes in June while the weather might deteriorate from September.

Accommodation

mont blanc 6This trek is mainly one of the luxurious long – distance trails, considering the wide range of comfy accommodation to choose from. There are campsites, luxurious hotels, mountain huts, and auberges along the route. Most of the accommodations are family run, and you can be sure to find one that fits your budget and needs.

Conclusion

The TMB is characterized by exhilarating walks leading to stunning views, the red and green hues of Aiguilles Rouges and Aiguille Verte, the arc of Col de Tricot and the amazing peaks of Mont Dolent. You may want to bring your camera. Along the trail, you get a chance to cool yourself in glacial streams, sip hot chocolate in mountain lodges and spot ibex in mountain passes. It is the ideal experience to spend your time in the wild.

YouTube User ‘Pure Adirondacks’ Hikes Mont Blanc

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Brian Bradshaw. I’m a super duper mega hiking enthusiast, with a love for everything that has to do with outdoors, hiking, gear, footwear and more.

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