Question 1

How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Accepted Answer

The technical difficulty is low as it is not a climb, but a walk, except for a few lone ladder sections that are pretty straightforward. But still, it is not easy. You need to have proper fitness to hike this many days in a row along with elevation gain. It also goes over wild and uneven terrain, so at least some basic experience with hiking is recommended.

Question 2

What should I wear for the TMB?

Accepted Answer

The weather in the mountains is very changeable. Even if it is +25°C in the valley, it much colder on the mountain passes, especially if cloudy and windy. That’s why you should take clothing in layers, along with a windproof and waterproof jacket (could be two), and waterproof trousers (in case of rain). You should also have a separate set of clothes for chilling in the refuges.

Check out our full packing list here.

Question 3

What if I can’t continue the tour?

Accepted Answer

Even though the views on the Tour du Mont Blanc are scenic and wild, the trail itself never goes more than a day of hiking away from the nearest road or civilization. In case you decide to stop hiking, you can always get to the nearest village or town, and use public transportation to get to your desired destination. If that happens during the hike, we are also here to help you plan this.

Should there be an emergency situation on the trail, you will always have access to the local rescue services on the number 112. We provide more information on that in our self-guided handouts.

Question 4

Where does the trail start?

Accepted Answer

The official starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc is in the village of Les Houches, just south of Chamonix.

Question 5

Is hiking anti-clockwise the best direction?

Accepted Answer

Although it's not the only one hikers decide to take, it is the best. The main advantage of that is that you'll always have the view of the Mont Blanc massif in front, and not behind your back. There will also be fewer steep downhills (saving your knees) than otherwise.

Question 6

How many days does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Accepted Answer

The trail is officially divided into 11 stages for 11 days of hiking. However, everyone has their own pace. Some prefer to hike a little more relaxed and leisurely, and some want to go faster. Fastpackers complete it in about a week, while some people decide to hike just a section of it for a few days, exploring the highlights of the trail.

Question 7

Can I hike the trail with kids?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is not recommended if they are too young (younger than 10). Either way, they need to have some previous experience with mountain hiking and know what it takes to complete a full day on the trail.

Question 8

How much in advance should I book the tour?

Accepted Answer

You should do it as early as possible because the spots at the accommodations along the trail usually run out fast. That means the longer you wait, the fewer options there are.

Question 9

Can I shorten some of the stages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, public transportation is available in most of the valleys, which can shorten some flat sections of the hike. Additionally, there are some cable cars that can take you up the mountains, reducing the amount of ascending you do on some stages.

Question 10

Can I have my luggage transferred?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only through the valley. That means that it will be waiting for you at your next accommodation on the valley floor, be it a hotel or a chalet. If you are staying a night in between in a mountain hut, you have to take enough with you in the backpack to make it an extra day.

Question 11

Can I take my dog with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, except at stages 10 and 11, where the nature parks prohibit them, so you’ll need to do a detour.

Question 12

What happens in case of bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Some parts of the trail are exposed to thunder, so hiking them in that kind of weather is heavily unadvised. Still, you can make up for that lost time by taking public transportation when possible.

Question 13

Do mountain huts accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Most of them do not, which is why you should always have enough cash to pay for anything extra than what is included in our tours. Only one hut needs to be paid on the spot, of which we inform you in advance. Do not worry about the hotels and other private accommodations though — they mostly accept them. Still, it is recommended you always have some extra cash with you in case something goes wrong.

Question 14

What currency should I have on me?

Accepted Answer

You’re going to be traveling through three countries — Italy and France use Euros (EUR) while Switzerland has Swiss Francs (CHF).

Question 15

Are there showers in the high mountain huts?

Accepted Answer

Some of them offer showers, but there might not be any hot water. In most, you need to buy a token to get a minute of hot water (if it didn’t run out already).

Question 16

Do I need a sleeping bag?

Accepted Answer

No. All of the huts have blankets, bedding, and pillows, but it's nice to bring your own silk or cotton sleeping liner.

Question 17

Can I book a private room?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange it in the hotels and other accommodations in villages and towns along the way. As for the mountain huts, a rare few have that option, but it is usually the first one that is sold out, so you need to be really early if you want us to get it.

Question 18

Is there wi-fi in the huts?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t in most of them. Enjoy the opportunity of disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature. But if you really need it, you can try to get some signal outside or wait until coming back to the valley. There, you should have no problem getting to the internet.

Question 19

Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

Accepted Answer

Vegetarian meals are readily available in most accommodations. On the other hand, vegan options are harder to be found, especially in the huts. But if you tell us enough in advance, we’ll contact the huts for you and try to accommodate you to the best of our abilities.

Question 20

What is the luggage allowance?

Accepted Answer

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

Question 21

How difficult are Tour du Mont Blanc Ladders?

Accepted Answer

The ladders are safe and sturdy but exposed to height and require caution and sure-footedness, especially for hikers with significant vertigo. While the sections shouldn’t pose too large of a challenge to experienced hikers, they are strongly advised against in bad weather. For in-depth information, please follow the link to our extensive TMB guide.

Rifugio Bonatti

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