Mont Blanc Massif, Haute-Savoie / Valais / Aosta
Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) Alpine Circuit
The crown jewel of European trekking: an iconic 170km loop encircling the Mont Blanc massif through three countries, climbing 10 high alpine cols.
- Region
- Mont Blanc Massif, Haute-Savoie / Valais / Aosta
- Country
- France, Italy, Switzerland
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Terrain
- Alpine Ridge
- Distance
- 170 km
- Elevation gain
- +10050 m
- Max altitude
- 2665 m
- Duration
- 8 - 11 Days
- Best months
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Permit
- Not required
From the fragrant pine forests of Les Contamines to the rugged rocky balcony of Grand Col Ferret and the breathtaking Glacier de Miage, TMB blends high-alpine grandeur with legendary mountain culture.
Cultural notes: Birthplace of modern alpinism since the 1786 ascent by Balmat and Paccard. Enjoy hearty Savoyard raclette, Italian polenta, and Swiss Gruyère cheeses along the path.
Wildlife notes: Alpine Ibex (Bouquetin), Chamois bounding across rock screes, Alpine Marmots whistling warning calls, and Bearded Vultures (Gypaète barbu).
Key hazards
- Late spring snowfields on Col des Fours & Col de la Seigne requiring microspikes
- Afternoon alpine thunderstorms with intense lightning on open ridges
- Knee strain on continuous 1,400m descents into valleys
Essential gear
- Ultralight 35-45L Alpine Pack
- Sturdy Waterproof-Breathable Hiking Boots with High-Traction Rubber Soles
- Lightweight Microspikes for High Pass Snow Bridges
- High-energy electrolytes and hydration bladder
- Suggested pack list:
- - 38L Fastpack Alpine Backpack (850g, mandatory)
- - Ultra-Traction Microspikes (320g, mandatory)
- - Silk Sleeping Bag Liner for Mountain Huts (140g, mandatory)
- - Folding Carbon Trekking Poles (310g, mandatory)
Waypoint-by-waypoint
| # | Waypoint | Dist. | Elev. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Les Houches Trailhead (France) (camp) | 0 km | 1007 m | Classic official starting archway of the Tour du Mont Blanc. |
| 2 | Col de Voza & Bionnassay Glacier (camp) | 8.5 km | 1653 m | Crossing beneath Tramway du Mont-Blanc with view of glacier seracs. |
| 3 | Col de la Seigne (Italy Border) | 42 km | 2516 m | Dramatic transition from France into the jagged Italian Val Veny. |
| 4 | Grand Col Ferret (Swiss Border) | 98 km | 2537 m | Entering Switzerland; sweeping vista of Mont Dolent and Val Ferret meadows. |
| 5 | Lac Blanc & Grand Balcon Sud | 152 km | 2352 m | Unrivaled front-row reflection of Mont Blanc and the Mer de Glace across Chamonix valley. |
