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BY Rami Rasamny | January 22 2024

When is the Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

When is the Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Rami Rasamny

Tour du Mont Blanc, a breathtaking trek circumnavigating the iconic Mont Blanc massif, invites hikers to explore the stunning landscapes of the Alps. Choosing the right time to embark on this adventure is crucial for a fulfilling experience. In this guide, we delve into the optimal seasons for trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, emphasizing the unique considerations for each month.

The Ideal Window: June to September The best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc spans from June to September, offering a diverse range of experiences as the seasons progress. During this period, hikers can enjoy milder temperatures, lush alpine meadows, and the spectacle of blooming wildflowers. Each month within this window presents distinct advantages, catering to varying preferences and priorities.

tour du mont blanc july weather

June and September: The Tranquil Months June and September are the least crowded months on the Tour du Mont Blanc. In June, the trails are adorned with vibrant wildflowers, and the landscape is still lush from spring. September, on the other hand, provides a unique experience as autumn begins to set in, painting the surroundings with warm hues. Both months offer tranquility and solitude, allowing trekkers to savor the beauty of the Alps without the bustling crowds.

July and August: Reliability Meets Buzzing Energy July and August emerge as the peak months for trekking Tour du Mont Blanc, boasting the most reliable weather conditions. During these months, the trails are alive with hikers from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The weather is generally warm and stable, facilitating clear views of the majestic Mont Blanc and neighboring peaks. Trekkers in July and August can expect longer daylight hours, enhancing the overall experience.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Considerations for Each Month:

  • June: Blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds, and pleasant temperatures.
  • July: Peak season with reliable weather, longer days, and a buzzing trekking community.
  • August: Similar to July, offering stable weather and a lively atmosphere on the trails.
  • September: A quieter period with the added charm of autumn colors, though weather can be slightly less predictable.

Conclusion: Tailoring Your Trek to the Season Selecting the best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc depends on your preferences and priorities. June and September provide a more serene experience, while July and August guarantee a bustling trekking community and reliable weather. Whichever month you choose, be prepared for variable mountain weather, and pack accordingly. As you plan your adventure, consider the unique charms of each season and embark on a journey that aligns with your desired Mont Blanc experience.

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Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

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Mont Blanc's scenery evolves from a wildflower spectacle to a magical winter wonderland throughout the seasons, transforming from an "easier" (for lack of a better word) trek to a more technical adventure. With such a diverse and ever-changing range of scenery to experience, many people wonder when exactly the best time is to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc.

To sum it up, the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is during the summer months, when warmer weather and more verdant, colourful, and untouched highlights paint the route with a myriad of colours. The downside to hiking during this time are the busier trails and higher chance of afternoon showers; a small price to pay for the picturesque scenery along the trail!

Continue reading to find a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to hike Mont Blanc—pick the time that suits your trekking style, skill and fitness level most, and off you go!

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The best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc: Season-by-season

Let's take a deeper look at the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc!

The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is between June and September. July and August are peak months, meaning a busier trail but fantastic weather. Mont Blanc's summer months boast lush greenery cloaked with wildflowers, attracting a range of adventurers. However, the pretty scenery comes with a price— congested trails and accommodation can be tough to book. Side note: our article on booking accommodation for the Tour du Mont Blanc grants insight into hotels, hostels, and camping en route.

However, trail congestion remains relatively low during the shoulder months—June and September—but the weather may be more unpredictable. Expect lingering snow even in late June!

To be safe, if you're seeking a less technical trek or haven't gone on too many trekking trips, we suggest tackling the Tour du Mont Blanc in July and August—it may be busy, but the colourful, wild scenery creates the perfect distraction.

Prepare for an average of 2.4-2.75 inches of rain a day. Not sure what to bring for clothes? Our Tour du Mont Blanc packing list article unveils the necessities in detail.

Tour du Mont Blanc - The best time to hike is between June and September

Tour du Mont Blanc - The best time to hike is between June and September

September is one of the best months to complete the incredible Tour du Mont Blanc! However, similar to hiking in June, the moody weather propels a need to diligently prepare for your Mont Blanc trek . Most mountain huts remain open until mid-September, making it easier to book accommodation once all the families have settled back in their homes. October and November bring not-so-great conditions, such as shorter sunlight hours, cooler temperatures, and closed mountain huts.

Hiking in November requires more intense gear to combat the chillier conditions sweeping the wild scenery. But the mists of snow in November grant a magical setting!

tour du mont blanc july weather

September is one of the best months to complete the incredible Tour du Mont Blanc

Some intrepid explorers considering a winter adventure may want to think again. The conditions can be pretty dangerous, especially amid a never-ending biting cold. Of course, you can pair your walking adventure with skiing, but anyone considering hiking Mont Blanc between December and February should be well-trained experts! Even experienced snowshoers, skiers, hikers should consider booking a guide in case an emergency were to arise.

What usually accompanies winter? Snow! You'll probably experience an average of 2.5-4 inches of snow and temperatures ranging from -2°C to -8°C.

Spring is an exciting time for outdoor enthusiasts: the earlier months continue to provide fantastic skiing conditions while the snow melts, unveiling glimpses of the trails carved throughout Mont Blanc. We recommended staying away from hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc during March and April due to avalanche risk, melting snow, and cooler temperatures requiring more hardcore gear. Downhill skiers tend to enjoy these months—but this article isn't about skiing Mont Blanc, is it? The temperature increases in May, but the soggy trails aren't great for hiking.

Tour du Mont Blanc - fantastic skiing conditions in the earlt months of spring

Tour du Mont Blanc - fantastic skiing conditions in the earlt months of spring

Best time to visit Mont Blanc month-by-month breakdown

Still not sure when to go? Our month-by-month breakdown provides a deeper analysis of the best time to visit Mont Blanc.

Expect quieter trails with lower rainfall, but we still recommend looking into booking refugees, despite fewer people crowding the paths. Average Temperature: High 24℃/Low 11℃ Average Rainfall: 70mm

With schools out for the summer and people on holidays, the trails can get super busy! There's a little less rain in July compared to June, with a slight spike in temperature. Average Temperature: High 26℃/Low 13℃ Average Rainfall: 60mm

When is the best time to hike Tour du Mont Blanc - Beautiful valleys and rugged mountains surrounding the trail

When is the best time to hike Tour du Mont Blanc - Beautiful valleys and rugged mountains surrounding the trail

August is basically the same as July, but with a minor increase in average rainfall. Either way, it's essential to pack rain gear for all summer months! Average Temperature: High 26℃/Low 12℃ Average Rainfall: 70mm

The weather may dip during September, but it remains pleasant! Plus, the summer crowds have dissipated, making for a quieter, scenic adventure. Even average rainfall drops ever-so-slightly from August! Plus, mountain huts tend to remain open until mid-September. Average Temperature: High 21℃/Low 9℃ Average Rainfall: 60mm

tour du mont blanc july weather

The weather may dip during September, but it remains pleasant

With most mountain huts closed until June, less sunlight, and more rain, October may not be the best month to attempt the Tour du Mont Blanc. However, the autumn colours painting the scenery really bring the true wonder of this epic long-distance route to life. Average Temperature: High 17℃/Low 5℃ Average Rainfall: 75mm

Thinking of hiking in November? Look into high-end winter gear that can keep you warm and cozy amid the mountain air. Snow also sprinkles across the land, creating cold and brisk temperatures. Average Temperature: High 10℃/Low 0℃ Average Rainfall: 80mm

Welcome to winter! Expect a blanket of snow, causing more technicalities along the trail. Therefore, we recommend only hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a guide during the winter. Average Temperature: High 6℃/Low -3℃ Average Snowfall: 90mm

While it's not advised to hike the entire Tour du Mont Blanc during winter, you can always use the snow to your advantage and snowshoe a section! Average Temperature: High 6℃/Low -3℃ Average Snowfall: 100mm

We would recommend avoiding exploring Mont Blanc during February! There are a lot of technicalities and snow. If you're bent on heading out in February, only consider going with a guide. Average Temperature: High 8℃/Low -2℃ Average Snowfall: 70mm

Ah, the bliss of spring! It's always nice escaping February, isn't it? Unfortunately, with melting snow comes avalanches. Maybe hold off on hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc for a short while longer due to the crazy weather! Average Temperature: High 8℃/Low -2℃ Average Snowfall: 70mm

While skiers still dominate Mont Blanc in April, the melting snow paired with lovely fauna makes for a stunning scene. However, we would still recommend keeping your hiking boots on your shelf as avalanches are still very much a thing during April. On the flip side, melting snow means a temperature increase! Average Temperature: High 15℃/Low 3℃ Average Snowfall: 50mm

Avalanches are still very much a thing during April

Avalanches are still very much a thing during April

Dust off those hiking shoes! Although avalanche risk is still high, you'll still find some people exploring the area during May. Summer is still the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, but there may be some spots worth checking out for the day during May—you could explore trails around Chamonix, for example. Average Temperature: High 21℃/Low 9℃ Average Snowfall: 70mm

When is the best time to hike tour du mont blanc - Tour du Mont Blanc offers fantastic Alpine scenery

When is the best time to hike tour du mont blanc - Tour du Mont Blanc offers fantastic Alpine scenery

Now that you know the best time to hike, you can start looking into Tour du Mont Blanc tours or start booking and looking into accommodations if you're planning your trip. For even more information, check out extensive guide on Tour du Mont Blanc , which gives a broad view of the entire experience.

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc is no easy feat, making it essential to do whatever you can to pick the right time to go, come prepared, and pack the right things. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to us, and we will happily answer any inquiries you may have!

Check out our series of articles planning an incredible Tour du Mont Blanc!

  • Complete Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
  • How to Prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • Packing List for the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • Where to Stay on the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • When to hike the TMB?
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • 10 Interesting Facts about the TMB

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Happy Tracks Ltd

Weather Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

Tmb summer months.

The “summer” months are June, July, August and September. Each month is unique, so the type of weather you’ll experience will depend on which month you choose to come.

June is typically quite dry and cool, with valley temperatures at around 18°C (64°F). In early June, there are often patches of snow on the high mountain passes.

As we move into July, the temperatures increase and we start to see afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The average valley temperatures are around 21°C (69°F).

August is the warmest month, with valley temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C (86°F). Because of these high temperatures, August is often the wettest month. In August, there is a high risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

By September, the temperatures start to drop again, and we have fewer storms. You might be surprised by this, but September is actually the driest month!

For more information about the “best time” to do the the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), read this post .

TMB trail bad weather

TMB Weather

Hazard risks.

We don’t normally get showers until the late afternoon. By this time, you can normally expect to be in the safety of your evening accommodation. That said, the mountains can be unpredictable ! A beautifully clear day can suddenly change, and with little warning. Because of this, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure you have a good quality waterproof coat, and we recommend using a waterproof bag-cover.

Another factor to consider is the altitude . In one day, it’s not uncommon to climb 1000 metres. The temperatures in the valley are significantly warmer than the temperatures up high. Make sure you have warm layers, and that they’re accessible. Pack them in the top of your bag, so that you can easily put on and extra layer if you get cold. A warm hat is essential, an we recommend that you pack a pair of thick gloves.

Inclement weather such lightning, flash floods, fog and snow may or may not be predictable. They may require immediate response for safety.

Safety in the Mountains (Self-Guided)

The vast majority of TMB trekkers complete the circuit without any problems. We’ve been guiding clients around the TMB for almost ten years, and we haven’t had a single incident. It’s safe to say that accidents on the TMB are rare ! That said, there are always objective dangers when out in the mountains, so here are a few “dos” and “don’ts” to help you keep safe in the mountains. These are especially important for self-guided trekkers, but guided clients might also find these useful.

Plan Each Day.

Study the statistics of each day, making note of the distance and elevation. Don’t over-estimate your fitness, or the fitness of your group. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get down safely. Re-evaluate at the end of each day. Plan to set off earlier if need’s be.

Check the weather forecast.

Check the weather forecast as often as possible. When you are in the towns, the easiest option is to use the online forecasts online (scroll down for more information). Alternatively, you the Tourist Information Centres will be able to give you a weather forecast. When you are up high, you might not have signal or internat. Most mountain refuges display the forecast in the dinning areas. If this is not apparent, you can ask the refuge guardian. While you’re on the trail, look for signs of weather deterioration. If you notice that the weather is quickly deteriorating, it’s better to go back or to wait for it to pass than to venture into dangerous, exposed areas.

Avoid lightning…

If a storm is forecasted for the late afternoon, make sure to set off early. Thunderstorms can normally be avoided with good planning. However, if you do find yourself on the trail during a thunderstorm, avoid mountain passes (“cols”) and exposed ridges. Don’t climb out of the forest, and don’t shelter under rocks. Instead, take your rucksack off and kneel on top of it. This keeps you safely off the ground. Put your head down, and put your hands on your knees. If you have been using poles, make sure to drop them; do not hold onto anything that is made out of metal.

Carry a first-aid kit.

Make sure to carry a first-aid kit. The following items are essential : plasters, blister plasters, alcohol wipes, a bandage that can be used for cuts or to strap up a strained ankle. We also recommend that you pack a foil blanket. If you’re doing a Self-Guided TMB , we’ll provide you with a simple first-aid kit and a foil blanket. Take a few extra rations of food, and carry more water than you think you might need. Be vigilant to signs of fatigue or sickness, in yourself and in others. Remember that the altitude can affect some people more than others. For self-guided trekkers, you could consider having one of your group do a simple First-Aid Training.

Accident protocol. 

In the unlikely event of an accident, make sure the injured person is in a safe place. Keep the injured person warm by giving them warm layers of clothing, and putting them into a foil blanket. If you have signal on your phone, call 112. This number can be used in France, Italy and Switzerland. There are a few areas on the TMB where you might not be able to get phone signal. In these areas, you will always be close to a mountain refuge, so the best thing to do it to send one person (if possible) back to the refuge to seek assistance. For Guided-Trekkers, your guide will carry an emergency satellite phone.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Online Weather Forecasts

The TMB Classic Route passes through 3 different countries (France, Italy, Switzerland). This can be confusing when trying to find an up-to-date and accurate weather forecast. Here are the online forecasts that we use, and that we find the most accurate :

France: Chamonix – Meteo

Italy: Weather Forecast Autonomous Region Aosta

Switzerland: Meteo Swiss

When is the best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)?

Each “summer” month is uniquely beautiful. The best time to do the TMB is highly subjective, and will depend on your own personal preferences. For example, do you prefer warmer or cooler temperatures? How likely is it that you’ll want to shorten a day? Find out which month would be the best for you by taking this quiz.

tour du mont blanc july weather

When is the Best Time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)?

Use this free personality quiz to find out when would be the best time for you to do the TMB.

Would you like to try lots of different local dishes?

Which would you prefer, autumn colours or snowy mountains?

Which of these best describes you?

How likely is it that you'll want to shorten some days on the TMB?

How would you feel if you didn't see many alpine flowers?

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Grant and Joel are local guides, and they are the co-owners of Happy Tracks. They both live in the Chamonix valley year-round. You can find more information about Grant and Joel on the Our Guides Page.

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Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate mountain hike

Ashley Parsons

Nov 9, 2023 • 6 min read

Slow travel French Alps

Few multiday mountain hikes rival the Tour du Mont Blanc © Quentin Boehm

If you’ve got one European long-distance hike on your bucket list, it’s probably the Tour du Mont Blanc. It was on mine, too.

Views over sparkling glaciers, Alpine prairies and lots (and lots!) of cheese await anyone who embarks on this border-crossing trek. Circling the largest peak in the Alps , Mont Blanc, the trail covers 170km (105 miles), climbs more than 10,000m (32,800ft) in cumulative altitude, and weaves through three Alpine countries: France , Italy and Switzerland . Typically, the route begins and ends in Les Houches, France, and follows a counterclockwise loop around the mountain range.

Every dream feels far away – until we start to break down what we need to do to achieve it. Here’s what it takes to hike or run the Tour du Mont Blanc.

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How I prepared for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Don’t laugh at the folks who’ve sawed off the handle of their toothbrush to save on weight. Many of the climbs along the Tour du Mont Blanc are arduous, and every gram really does count. 

My first question as I prepared my bag was, Where would I sleep? Opting for camping would make the trek feel really wild, let me spend more time in nature and give a bit more flexibility about where and when I’d arrive each night. On the flip side, this would mean my home would be on my back (like a turtle), and heavy enough to reduce my walking speed significantly.

The other option was to sleep in refuges , or mountain huts. Refuges can range from rows of bunk beds to rooms that are almost luxurious – yet what they all offer in common is a dry place, sheltered from the elements. Plus (with rare exceptions), the dinners are delicious. Staying in refuges means no need to pack any camping or cooking gear, freeing up a lot of room in your backpack. 

Each refuge has its own culture and way of working, says Céline Mila, the gardienne (caretaker) of Refuge des Prés in the Contamines Valley. “Usually that means taking off your shoes before entering, and taking your trash away with you. The best way to get oriented at the refuge is by coming to see us when you arrive – it’s our job to share the mountain culture with you.”

For my 2023 Tour du Mont Blanc, I decided to stay in refuges the whole way. 

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What is the best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

To beat the crowds, I decided to run the tour in mid-June. Even at the onset of summer, there was still quite a bit of snow above 1800m (5900ft), and many hikers brought along small snow chains to keep from slipping. I loved the extra challenge of the snow and the cooler daytime temperatures. July and August are the busiest months for the route, when the trail can sometimes feel like a highway. By September, things slow down again – but the huts also start to close up for the winter. While weather in the mountains can vary each year, usually July and August have the highest number of stable, rain-free days.

How long does the Tour du Mont Blanc take? And what do you eat along the route?

Hikers typically complete the loop in between seven and 10 days, and the fastest trail runners complete the journey in a staggering 20 hours. Regular trail runners tend to take things a bit slower, between three and four days. 

Since I was running the loop in four days, I packed only the barest essentials so as not to weigh myself down: a pair of leggings and a long-sleeve shirt to sleep in, a thin fleece for the mornings, a light raincoat, a pair of light gloves, a change of socks, my toothbrush, sunscreen, sunglasses and a headlamp. Plus, I wanted to eat as much local food as possible: crozets (cheesy pasta) in France, pizza in Italy and croûtes (a cheesy bread melt) in Switzerland.

Dinners were included in my demi-pension , or half-board. For lunch, I usually ordered the refuge ’s picnic to eat along the way. While they’re nothing fancy, the sandwiches or even just bread, smoked meat and cheese always hit the spot.

Alix Noblat , an ultra-trail runner and specialist in nutrition in endurance sports, once told me to eat every half hour – before my stomach starts rumbling. So I always keep a snack on me, like protein bars or Snickers. Anything that can give me an energy boost is always in my pack. 

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The highs and lows of the Tour du Mont Blanc

After a few days on the trail, your sense of time and distance changes. Hikers will no longer measure their day by kilometers or hours traveled – but rather by the cols , or mountain passes, that they’ve reached. The most famous ones are:

  • The Col du Bonhomme, which connects the lush Contamines Nature Reserve with the Alpine pastures of the Beaufortaine.
  • The Col de la Seigne, at the border between France and Italy, with a spectacular view of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Peuteurey, Dent du Géan  and the treacherous Grandes Jorasses.
  • The Col Grand Ferret, at the end of the remote Val Ferret, which brings a long, steep climb – and a descent on the other (Swiss) side that’s rolling and blissful.
  • The Col de la Balme, overlooking Chamonix valley, which brings hikers back into France for the final few legs before the finish.

And don’t forget the valleys. The TBM passes through winter-sports hubs like Chamonix and Courmayeur , as well as through smaller Alpine valleys. A standout valley is the Val Ferret: the trail runs high above the lush green pastures on the valley floor, giving a splendid view of the mineral rock faces of the range on the other side. Plus, the Rifugio Walter Bonatti ’s cappuccinos are the best you’ll find anywhere above 2000m (6500ft).

Do you need to be in great shape to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

You should physically prepare for the hike, yes. Getting in shape for the TMB is a question of cardio training and foot preparation. Hikers should be fit enough to cover their desired distance each day, of course. But don’t forget to prepare your feet to avoid blisters: break in hiking shoes before the first day of the hike, and bring along anti-chafing cream if you’re worried you might have rubs. 

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Ready to make it happen?

This is a trek you should book early – at least two months out – to find secure space at the refuges . Yet it can be planned at the last minute for those who prefer camping. Autour du Mont Blanc is an easy-to-use website that helps plan daily stages. You can also reserve huts here. 

The views…the food…the marmots! The Tour du Mont Blanc delivers at every step.

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The best time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

tour du mont blanc july weather

Planning a European Alps adventure can be challenging — after all, each season offers something unique! In winter, the Alps become a playground for skiers and snowshoers, but in summer, the world-renowned trekking season begins. So if you’re wondering when you should go on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), you’ll want to find a time slot between mid-June and mid-September.

Why? If you go earlier than June, large amounts of snow remain on the trails and make it dangerous to cross cols. And while the weather is often lovely all the way into October, many lifts and mountains close after the peak season ends. 

Here’s a guide that will help you decide which summer month is best for your TMB adventure.

Best time to see alpine flowers on the TMB

Three-quarters of Europe’s vascular plant species grow in the Alps, and around 400 species are endemic to the region. So if you’re interested in botany, you really couldn’t come to a better place!

You can spot alpine flowers from March all the way into October, but spring offers the greatest diversity. From mid-June to mid-July, there is a crossover of the spring plants (which are coming to the end of their flowering cycle) and the summer plants (which are beginning to bloom).

Discover our spring Tour du Mont Blanc trips

Crocuses grow on the TMB.

Best time for warm weather on the TMB

July and August are the hottest months of the year. In July, the average temperature is between 13 and 26C (55 – 79F). August is slightly cooler with average temperatures of 12-26C (53-79F).

If you prefer hiking in cool weather, then you may find a trip in June or September more comfortable.

Although rainfall average is similar between June and September, mountain weather is incredibly unpredictable. We recommend bringing rain gear at any time of year.  See our Alps Trekking Packing List .

Discover our summer Tour du Mont Blanc trips

Rainy weather on the TMB in September 2017

Best time to beat the crowds on the TMB

Coinciding with European summer holidays, mid-July to mid-August is peak season. If you want to beat the crowds, then hike the TMB between mid-June and mid-July or in September. In peak season, accommodation goes fast, so make sure you plan your trip well ahead (maybe even a year in advance!).

Discover our spring and Autumn Tour du Mont Blanc Trips

Beautiful views and quiet trails on the TMB in September 2017

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41 Replies to “The best time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)”

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Hi, thank you for all of this useful information on your website. I have a few questions: I undertsand the usual season for the TMB is June-September. Would it be too dangerous to pursue in mid-May? I’m assuming this depends on specific snow levels of the season? Also, would any of the refuses open in mid May, or are they closed until June?

Thanks in advance!

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Hello! We (me and wife) are planning to do the TMB this year in the first week of June, self guided, with a mixture of wild camping with 2 or 3 nights in hotels/Rifugees at the main towns.

What do you recommend to bring in the backpack? Is there any reliable source to follow up the weather condition? Any other advice?

Ps.: Thanks for all the info provided. They`re really helpful.

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My wife and I are looking at the similar time of early June. Here’s my email in case you want to share/exchange information we find in the research phase regarding weather, etc. J . T . hill 94 AT gmail (wrote it weird to avoid spam)

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Is it possible to hike there end of September, beginning of October?

tour du mont blanc july weather

Hello Gal, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, it is not, most of the alpine huts have closed for the season by then.

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Any updates on trail conditions in the first week of June? Ice axe needed or would just crampons be ok?

tour du mont blanc july weather

Thank you for your message.

At the moment it is hard to say as we are still a few weeks away.

Last night it snowed down to 1000m and the weather is much cooler than it was this time last year.

I would pack your ice axe and crampons.

There will undoubtably be snow crossings and it won’t be tracked out at that time of year as almost all the groups don’t start until mid June. So much safer with an axe too =)

Hope that helps!

kind regards

Thank you for the information! It’s been super helpful. A friend and I are planning on doing the TMB in the first week of June this year. As this is before the actual season starts, we are planning on bringing crampons, but I wanted to ask how conditions are looking this year in comparison to previous years in terms of snow!

Hi thanks for your message – I’m glad you found my article useful =)

I would say it’s definately a good idea to bring crampons and an ice axe at that time of year. At the moment it’s still really too early to say how it will be in early June. We’ve had a lot less snow fall this year than last but we just got another big dump a couple of days ago.

A lot will depend on how warm conditions are over the next couple of months. For example, last year we had some of the biggest snow fall in 30 years but a really hot spring meant that trail conditions were better earlier season than they had been in some previous years.

I’d advise you to keep an eye on conditions and contact the guardians of refuges to ask how conditions are before you head up.

I hope that helps! Have a great trip!

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Nigel and I are keen hikers. Interested in TMB next year (2019) (as I’m turning 60) however we don’t like lots of people. Flexible with dates and keen to have our own room wherever possible. What can you suggest?

Thanks for your message. The TMB would be a brilliant 60th birthday! If hiking away from the crowds is important for you then I would suggest a late June/early July or September trip. Alpenwild run TMBs all through the year and we stay in hotels where you will be guaranteed your own double bedroom in a 3 to 5 star hotel every night – https://www.alpenwild.com/trip/tour-du-mont-blanc/overview/

Our group sizes are no larger than 12 and we always take a lead guide and an assistant guide. We have transfer drivers that take our luggage to the next hotel each night so you just have to carry a day back. Having transfer drivers also means that we can take a short transfer at the end of some days to avoid having to stay in shared mountain hut accomodation.

Another option would be for you both to do a self guided Tour du Mont Blanc and that way it would just be the two of you on the trip. We would organise the transfers and hotels for you, but you wouldn’t have a guide with you to show you the way and make a pic nic lunch for you each day.

I’ve written an article on the pros and cons of guided vs self guided TMB if you want to have a read – https://alpenwild.com/Alpshiking/is-a-guided-or-self-guided-tour-du-mont-blanc-for-you/

If you have any other questions please feel free to drop me another message

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Is it possible to go hiking week 44? We are a group of friends which has a break at that time and are wondering if its possible. Thanks!

Hi Lucas, thanks for your message! If by week 44 you mean the end of October then it is a bit too late in the season I’m afraid! Although it is physically possible to hike the route as the snow does not usuall arrive a bit later, logistically it would be very difficult as most hotels and refuges close at the end of September for the interseason. The latest Tour du mont blanc we ran this year started on 9th September and finished on the 20th September.

I hope that helps!

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I’m sending a message to you from Canada. I have a moderate amount of experience hiking/snowshoeing in the winter (many trips in the Adirondack mountain range found in the state of New York in mountains between 4000-5000 feet/around 1,500 meters).

Hiking in snow is not much of a deterrent in our area except for the possibility of avalanches and post holing. If one were to do the loop in April or May, what kind of risks would the snow pose? Are there rivers that may be running under the snow? Rock slides/avalanches from the higher mountains? How do the temperatures in Chamonix differ from those found at the higher elevation of the trail (granted I understand the usual estimate – a few degrees colder for every 300-500 meters, wondering if it follows the same ‘rule’).

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Bill

Hi Bill, thanks for getting in touch.

The issue with hiking so early in the season isn’t so much the walking on snow itself, because if you have crampons and an ice axe and you are experienced then you would be okay. The real danger is avalanche from the slope you are on and danger from slopes above.

There are also some river crossings and many bridges aren’t put in until late in the season. For example this year, some key bridges have only been put in on the tour du mont blanc in the last week.

Also logistically it would be very difficult as some roads will be snowed in and many refuges on the tour don’t open until June.

If you want to go early in the season to avoid the crowds and you are un-guided then I wouldn’t recommend going any earlier than the middle of June.

Guided groups start to leave by mid June which will mean tracks in the snowy parts and people around to ask for advice concerning the state of the trails.

In general temperatures are very pleasant in Chamonix from April but it can be really cold up on the cols even in July. I can’t give you an exact temperature but I generally carry a thin fleece, thin gloves and full water proofs this time of year and in April I would also carry a down jacket.

I hope that helps, please feel free to ask for further clarification

Awesome, thanks Jen 🙂

After doing two hikes in Iceland’s highlands in the ‘pre-season’ I think I’ll wait for July as recommended. It would be nice to truly enjoy a hike in proper conditions instead of punishing myself and being cold the whole time lol!

You may find this recent post useful which I will be keeping updated this summer with trail conditions on the TMB – https://alpenwild.com/Alpshiking/trail-conditions-and-snow-conditions-on-the-tour-du-mont-blanc/

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I’m starting the TMB from Les Houches on Friday 22nd June and trying to decide whether or not to pack crampons – any advice? Thank you!

Hi Susanna, sorry for my late reply! I see you are starting your tour today! Lovely weather for it! From what I’ve heard from my guide friends you won’t need crampons as the snow is nice and soft with a big track in the main cols. However, I’d suggest some sturdy boots you can kick steps into the snow if you need to. If you are a little unsteady on the snow then microspikes will make a big difference and they’re much lighter than crampons. Have a wonderful time! Jen

Hi Jen, this is all so helpful. I am arriving on Thursday 21st – have you any updates on trail conditions please, from what you or your fellow guides have seen? Thank you very much! – Susanna

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Hi, our trip starts on August 7th and it’s a group trip, do we expect to meet a huge crowd along the way? And what’s the weather at that time? thanks

Hi Andy! Thanks for your message! August is quite a busy time of year but the mid/end of August is generally busier than the start as there are a few ultra marathons taking place. The weather is lovely in August – hot and generally stable with odd afternoon storms so pack for hot weather but be sure to take water proofs! Have a great trip! Jen

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Hi – first of all thanks for your constant updates.

We’re doing the TMB right at the end of June – the one leg of the journey that concerns us after reading the latest conditions, is the second day (which would be Friday 29th June) which is Les Contamines to Refuges Des Mottets. This is technically the longest day for us being over 25km.

Do you have any insight into the conditions of this route? I know there are a couple of variations of this day so we’d obviously want to take the safest approach.

Thanks for your message! Glad the updates are helpful! I haven’t been over that way recently sorry so I can’t comment on the conditions right now. The majority of tour operators start mid June so I will hear better updates from my fellow guides in a couple of weeks and will post them up when I have them. I imagine the col du bonhomme and col des fours are still very snowy, but in a months time the trail conditions will be very different and my feeling is that it should be ok.

However, remember to always consider avalanche risk from above. Even if the path is clear, snowy slopes above could threaten your route.

Keep your eye on this post and also on the TMB website for updates – you will start to hear a lot more about route conditions from mid June as guided trips start happening. You will be in good company on the route at the end of June and so there should be lots of guides around to speak to and also refuge wardens. The key is to collect as much information as possible (which it sounds like you’re doing) and err on the side of caution =)

Have an awesome trip!

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Our current plans are to start the TMB June 12. We have crampons and hiking poles. Do you think that this is doable given the amount of snowfall?

Hi Aaron, thanks for your message. Although we had a lot of snow last winter, it does seem to be melting quite well. I haven’t been out on the main trails for the TMB yet, but other guides who I am in touch with have told me that there is still snow on the grand col feret, col de balme and lots of snow at the back of Brevent. Near bovine from col de forclaz there is still snow and so you would need to take care as the path involves a steep snowy traverse. With crampons and poles you should be ok, but it depends a lot on your ability and experience travelling over snow. (Also in two weeks a lot of that could have melted if it warms up again). If you are in any doubt then ask hut guardians before you set out for the day or hire a guide if you are not that confident. It’s always worth bearing in mind any avalanche risk from above, especially in the val ferret.

A really good website to use is this one – http://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/index.cfm/tmb-trails-conditions.html

It has information on trail conditions along the route and some web cam images to give you an idea of what the trails are looking like.

Have fun, it’s an awesome hike!

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Hi Jennifer!

Thank you for this wonderful information. I was hoping to do this trail from June 4-14. Do you think there will be much snow to hike through this year?

Thanks again!

Thank you for your message – I have been asked this by Aaron too and so I will copy my reply to him below:

Although we had a lot of snow last winter, it does seem to be melting quite well. I haven’t been out on the main trails for the TMB yet, but other guides who I am in touch with have told me that there is still snow on the grand col feret, col de balme and lots of snow at the back of Brevent. Near bovine from col de forclaz there is still snow and so you would need to take care as the path involves a steep snowy traverse. With crampons and poles you should be ok, but it depends a lot on your ability and experience travelling over snow. If you are in any doubt then ask hut guardians before you set out for the day or hire a guide if you are not that confident. It’s always worth bearing in mind any avalanche risk from above, especially in the val ferret.

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Hi, Can you suggest some guide cum tour operators ? also, what would be the approximate cost?

Thank you for your message. I work during the summer season for Alpenwild, they are an American trekking company specialising in luxury trekking holidays in the Alps. One of the reasons I chose to work for them is that they are a really friendly company and their standard of accomodation is the best you will find on the Tour du Mont Blanc or other famous alpine treks. If you want to find out more about their trips then here is the link:

https://www.alpenwild.com/trip/tour-du-mont-blanc/overview/

I hope that helps

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Hey I’m hiking the TMB in mid June of this year. Do you think enough of the snow will have melted to make it safe to cross cols?

Thanks for your message. Aaron and Kelsey have asked the same and so I hope you don’t me copying my reply to them below:

Although we had a lot of snow last winter, it does seem to be melting quite well and if it warms up over the next couple of weeks we will see a lot more melt. I haven’t been out on the main trails for the TMB yet, but other guides who I am in touch with have told me that there is still snow on the grand col feret, col de balme and lots of snow at the back of Brevent. Near bovine from col de forclaz there is still snow and so you would need to take care as the path involves a steep snowy traverse. With crampons and poles you should be ok, but it depends a lot on your ability and experience travelling over snow. (Also in two weeks a lot of that could have melted if it warms up again). If you are in any doubt then ask hut guardians before you set out for the day or hire a guide if you are not that confident. It’s always worth bearing in mind any avalanche risk from above, especially in the val ferret.

Hi Thomas, thanks for your message. As we had quite a snowy winter I expect there will be visible snow on the mountain in mid July and some short sections of snow to walk across. We are having a very warm spring so far though so a lot of the snow is melting very fast and I don’t expect snow will cause a problem with walking on the trails in mid July. I hope that helps! Jen

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Hi just wondering if there will be visible snow on the mountain in mid July?

Hi Brenda! Our trip in September with the cold weather was right at the end of the month and it was very unusual weather for that time of year! Infact the lead guide, Chloe commented it was some of the worst weather she had hiked in all her years as a guide in the Alps!

We can’t guarantee the weather (especially in the moutains!) but generally the start of September is a really nice time to head out. It’s much quieter than in the middle of summer and the temperature is very pleasant and similar to June.

There won’t be as many flowers in September as the start of summer and so it depends if your priority is seeing more flora or hiking with less people on the trails.

Let me know if you have any other questions =)

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Ok… i’m A little worried… I just saw the snow and cold weather from the Sept. 2017 photo! I get lots of snow and cold here in Ottawa, Canada, but as hoping for green fields, flowers and some wildlife. I was thinking about going on a guided tour September. 3-15, 2018. Should I be reconsidering????? Would a Mid or end of June start be better?

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We did TMB last year 2017 starting sept 6 and started in shorts and ended with snow, sleet, rain. Midway became very cold. Some huts had closed for the season and one day rained the entire day with no hut to retreat to.

Hi Trisha, it sounds like you had a very similar experience to my last tour du mont blanc of the season last year! We had snow on a couple of days and lots of rain. However – fast forward to the same time of year this year (Sept 9 to Sept 20) and we had incredible weather! Sun every day and only an hour of rain one day! So it really does depend on the year!

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The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most exhilarating walks in Europe. It is a challenging walk that reveals Alpine splendor every step of the way, but it has a notoriously short season. There is basically one reason for this: Snow! Weather is one of the most frequently asked questions about the tour, so we aim to give you all the tools to ensure you have no worries about the Tour du Mont Blanc weather before you go.

Tour du Mont Blanc Season

The walking season for the Tour du Mont Blanc is from June to September every year. Most other long distance hikes base their season on when the weather starts to get a bit worse, and the accommodations begin to close down. The Tour du Mont Blanc is different. All eyes are on the trail come June to see when the paths are cleared of snow, enough for hikers to get out there and walk. Mid-June is the most accurate start date anyone can give and similarly, the first couple of weeks in September is when it is likely to close down.  It is recommended to book your trip well within these dates to guarantee the route will be open and to avoid any poor underfoot conditions.

Alpine Mountains Mont Blanc

There will always be snow on the peaks, just hopefully not on the path!

Tour du Mont Blanc Weather

Before heading off on the Tour du Mont Blanc, keeping your eye on the weather is vital, particularly if you are travelling in June or September.  There are some fantastic, accurate weather sites:  https://www.chamonix.net/english/weather-forecast

https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mont-Blanc/forecasts/2000

https://chamonix-meteo.com/chamonix-mont-blanc/weather/

In general, the weather while you are walking on the route should be warm and dry. However, there will be the occasional days of rain, so always pack appropriately. You can read our blog post on what to pack for the TMB for more information.

Tour du Mont Blanc Webcams

The best way to check exactly what is happening on the ground before you go is to take a look.  The TMB has a wealth of Webcams so you can see up to date images of where you will be walking and see for your self how glorious/not so glorious the weather is. The best set of webcams are on the official Tour du Mont Blanc Website . Underfoot conditions There is an underfoot condition which the French call Neve. This is snow which has been through the freeze/thaw cycle and is therefore incredibly slippy. It is recommended to take it slowly and trust your judgement if you come to any patches of neve. Walking poles help with the crossing too, adding stability.

Hiker on the tour du mont blanc

Always pack for all weathers. Even when it is sunny, it can be cold and vice versa

It is recommended to always wear sun cream on this trip. Even when the sun is not apparent in the sky, the UV rays are still penetrating the clouds, and you can still feel the effects of the sun on your skin.

Using Local Judgement

As far as the weather goes, it is always a great idea to listen to what the locals are saying.  If they think the wind is too high on a particular section, heed their advice. Nobody knows this area like the people who live there.

Ewan

Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

The perfect place for a break

Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Where to walk in Southern Europe… for the best weather

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Tour du Mont Blanc (Expert Guide)

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Europe , France , Hikes , Italy , Mountains , Switzerland

tour-du-mont-blanc-route

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular treks in Europe. It covers a distance of roughly 170 kilometres and gains more than 10,000 meters of altitude over 11 stages.

In this guide we cover: what weather to expect and the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, which huts to book, what gear you might need, and much more...

Join a Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights Hike

Book with our recommended local guide

Tour du Mont Blanc

Route overview.

The Tour du Mont Blanc covers a distance of roughly 170 kilometres and gains more than 10,000 meters of altitude over 11 stages. Most people start their hike in Les Houches, France going in an anti-clockwise direction.

During this trek you will hike in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps and spend the night in mountain huts. This is one of Europe's best hikes and is a classic alpine trek. On the hike you will get splendid views of some of the highest mountains in Western Europe, as well as glaciers and alpine meadows.

The highest point reached is 2,665 meters.

The hike passes seven valleys along the way, which means there is a lot of altitude to be gained, making the Tour du Mont Blanc a physical challenge.

Fortunately, walkers are rewarded with some of the best views you can get of Mont Blanc . The route is not only one of the most beautiful long-distance treks in Europe (up there with the Walker's Haute Route ), but one of the most popular ones as well.

Nights can be spent in either mountain huts along the route or back in the valley, where you can have the luxury of a warm bed in a hotel.

What we like and dislike about the hike

  • Incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif
  • Hike in three countries
  • Visit the beautiful villages of Chamonix and Courmayeur along the way
  • Spend the night in some of Europe's most iconic mountain huts
  • More expensive than other treks in Europe due to the cost of mountain huts
  • Physically challenging
  • Can be crowded during the summer months

Join the full Tour du Mont Blanc Hike (10-Days)

Tour du mont blanc circuit.

tour-du-mont-blanc-map

Source: chamonix.net

This map illustrates the Tour du Mont Blanc route. It starts off at Les Houches, France close to the Swiss and Italian border before heading west towards the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

There are 11 stages depending on your physical level. The route is circular around the Mont Blanc Massif, crossing the borders of France, Switzerland and Italy.

In terms of a trekking map we recommend:

  • Chamonix, Mont-Blanc ~ IGN Top25 3630OT 2012 (English and French Edition)

And in terms of a trekking guide we highly recommend: 

  • Cicerone's The Tour du Mont Blanc: Complete two-way trekking guide

Altitude Profile

In the chart below you see the altitude profile of the full hike. It is quite clear there is a lot of altitude to be gained over the 11 stages, with the highest point reached just above 2500 meters. You can see that there are a few strenuous stages reaching high mountain passes that will require great effort.

tour-du-mont-blanc-altitude-profile

Mont Blanc Route Itinerary

Below we have laid out the most popular version of the Tour du Mont Blanc Route – 11 days, starting and finishing in Les Houches. The itinerary includes approx. distances, hiking times and elevation changes.

Day 1:  Les Houches – Les Contamines

Distance: 16 km Ascent: 646m Descent: 633m Hiking time: 5hrs

Easy first stage along, this is the most roadway you will see during the trek. The best views are to be seen at Col de Voza, where you get a look at Dome du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnasay, with the glacier splitting it in half.

Day 2:  Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

Distance: 18 km Change in elevation:  1316m+, 929m- Hiking time: 7.5hrs

A bit tougher than the first stage. Especially, since there is quite some altitude to be gained and distance covered.

Day 3:  Les Chapieux – Rifugio Elisabetta

Distance: 15 km Change in elevation: 1004m+, 258m- Hiking time: 4.5hrs

This is the day you will leave France and enter Italy via Col de la Seigne. Despite being a short day, there still is some elevation to be gained as you will pass Col de la Seigne. At the highest point, you will gain some great views of both France and Italy and gaze into Val Veni. This is the first night you will spend in a mountain hut.

Day 4:  Rifugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur

Distance: 18 km Change in elevation: 460m+, 1560m- Hiking time: 5hrs

Another short day, since you will mainly be descending. Still, some great views will be shared before reaching Courmayeur, the Italian equivalent of Chamonix.

Day 5:  Courmayeur– Rifugio Bonatti

Distance: 12 km Change in elevation: 860m+, 101m- Hiking time: 4.5hrs

Often described as the most scenic stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc. With views on the glaciers of Planpincieux and Frebouze it’s not hard to see why. The high route along the Mont de la Saxe Crest is thought of as one of the best viewpoints of the southside of the Mont Blanc.

Day 6:  Rifugio Bonatti – La Fouly

Distance: 20 km Change in elevation: 895+, 1410m- Hiking time: 6.5hrs

Today will cross another border and enter Switzerland. Cowbells and tiny villages that have been stuck in time are your scenery for the next few days.

Day 7:  La Fouly - Champex

Distance: 15 km Change in elevation: 420m+, 565m- Hiking time: 4hrs

This probably is the easiest stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc since there are no cols to be conquered. This stage mainly is a valley trek with some great charming villages along the way. However impressive views of the mountains remain.

Day 8:  Champex – Col de la Forclaz

Distance: 16 km Change in elevation: 742m+, 682m- Hiking time: 4.5hrs

There are two ways to reach Col de la Forclaz. A lower route via Alp Bovine, or the more scenic and higher route along the Trient Glacier. This latter passes the Fenetre d’Arpette, the highest point on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and should only be considered in good weather.

Day 9:  Col de la Forclaz – Tre le Champ

Distance: 13 km Change in elevation: 1069m+, 1168m- Hiking time: 5.5hrs

From this point you re-enter France via Col de Balme. A lot of elevation is to be gained and lost, which makes the stage a strenuous one.

Day 10:  Tre le Champ – Refuge Flegere

Distance: 8 km Change in elevation: 733m+, 257m- Hiking time: 3.5hrs

Short stage, but with some ascent. You will spend another night in a mountain hut. Refuge Flegere offers great views and is a perfect last night in the mountains before arriving in Les Houches the next day. There are some ladders to be climbed before reaching the refuge however.

Day 11:  Refuge Flegere – Les Houches

Distance: 17 km Change in elevation: 772m+, 1546m- Hiking time: 6.5hrs

This last stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc goes along Le Brevent in the Aiguille Rouge. There are some splendid views of the Chamonix Valley before finally descending and arriving back in Les Houches.

Video Overview

A beautiful video overview, filmed with a GoPro, of the Tour du Mont Blanc by Eugenio psnt .

Join a Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

Frequently asked questions, how much does the tour du mont blanc trek cost.

The cost of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek is dependent on whether you plan to do a self-guided hike or join a planned tour. Self guided hikes cost in the region of $1500 (estimate of $50-$75 dollars a day). Most mountain huts / gites are around $50 (incl. breakfast). 

Guided trekking tours can be quite expensive since not only do you pay for the guiding service, but you eat and spend most nights in hotels or mountain huts. This mostly includes a luggage transfer to your next accommodation as well, so you can hike with a small backpack. Guided tours range from $2000-$3500, depending on the company / season / size of the group.

Self guided is the cheaper option, however, it does mean you carry more weight in your backpack and some planning of logistics in the weeks / months before.  

Are permits required for the Tour du Mont Blanc trek?

No permits are required for the Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

When is the best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc Route?

The best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc is between July-September, but exact start and end dates depend on the amount and timing of the previous winter’s snowfall and the onset of cold weather in the Autumn. 

Since the Tour du Mont Blanc crosses high passes, snow could create problems / dangerous conditions. Therefore in a normal year it is not advisable to set out before July. In the summer months, mid-July through to end of August, are the busiest, and temperatures during the day can rise to 25 degrees. Nonetheless, thunderstorms or a dump of snow is possible as well. 

By the end of September, huts will close and it might get a lot harder to complete the trek.

Is altitude sickness a risk?

No, you will cross passes slightly higher than 2500 meter and since you’re hiking slowly to this altitude, you have more than sufficient time to acclimatize. Most people don’t feel any symptoms of altitude sickness before reaching 3000-3500 meter.

How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc trek?

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc comes with great rewards. Rewards that will be more easily gathered when physically fit and mentally attuned. There are many steep and uphill sections to conquer, so exercising regularly at home before the trek is necessary to get in shape for the physical demands of this route. Mental fitness is as important and often go hand in hand. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc is doable for any fit mountain walkers who are able to hike between 5h and 7h30 min per day for several days in a row.

If you are finding the trek tough there are a few sections where you can use public transport to shorten your hike.

What gear do I need?

To do a serious trek like the Tour du Mont Blanc, appropriate clothing and equipment is a must.

Some comfortable lightweight trekking boots are a must to enjoy this trek, while good waterproofs might be essential, not only to protect you against rain or snowfall but to double as wind-proofs. Since you’ll be crossing passes of more than 2500 meters, gloves and several layers will prove useful. Trekking poles are a good way to not overload your knees and ankles

To help you plan and prepare for your trek we recommend our Tour du Mont Blanc packing list .

What travel insurance do I need?

Trekking insurance is important when going into the mountains. See our  article on insurance for more information.

Do I have to carry my own gear all the way?

It’s up to you. There are many organisations offering guided trips for this hike, meaning they do all the logistics for you. This often includes a luggage transfer to your next accommodation in the valley, so you only need to carry a small backpack with some lunch, snacks and clothes.

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About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Hi Dempsey,

I’ve been thinking about doing that hiking for a long time and I think, after this pandemic crisis, it’s the time to see my dream coming true. I hope to do it as soon as possible, and to see it how beautiful the nature around is. Stay safe,

João Leite.

Wife and I are interested in doing this in last half of August. I know it is (too) late to reserve now. We plan to show up and hope for the best, perhaps taking advantage of late cancellations on a guided/luggage transfer arrangement. Any advice?

Hi Mike, there are a few dates available on this TMB highlights tour, which is amazing if you’re looking for a short circuit: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/trips/tour-du-mont-blanc-highlights

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices

The hikers diary

Trails conditions

The condition of the TMB and the situation on the others routes around Mont Blanc

Nature reserves : good and banned practices summer 2023

Our mountains are a fragile environment with an exceptionnal fauna and flora.To limit our impact and keep enjoying these places, we should adopt easy gestures: take down your waste discretion is key, do not get close to the animals MARKED TRAILSIn the mountains, it's important to stay on the marked …

Trails conditions 12/06/2022

Mild weather and pleasant temperatures in this period of mid-June. The snowfields are rapidly melting. To date, we have had a few passages of hikers on the TMB, and accompanied groups are on the way. Access to the passes is still a bit difficult and the snow still covers several slopes and paths, but the …

Restrictions MTB Courmayeur (Italy)

Starting from July 14th and until 30/10/21 it is forbidden to circulate by bicycle (including MTM and EBike) along the following paths (as per attached plan): Col Sapin / Tete tronche / Bertone Refuge (TMB - high balcony) Leichy / Bertone Refuge / Val Sapin (inter-farm crossing) Checrouit Lake / Arp …

Conditions July 8th 2021

The conditions of the trails around Mont Blanc are generally good and only a few snow fields still persist on the northern slopes at the highest altitudes. The bad weather of the last few days should leave room for a nice improvement from tomorrow (Friday) to the whole weekend, before a worsening expected on …

Conditions June 28th 2021

The conditions of the TMB are always constantly improving. The route still has some sections on snow but the main track is well marked and wide. However, it is advisable not to venture outside of this and to pay attention to the snow bridges, especially where they cover the water streams. Trekking shoes and …

Conditions June 25th 2021

The conditions of the TMB trails are changing rapidly. The summer temperatures melt the snowfields and the passage of many hikers makes the tracks on the snow well marked and rather reliable. As for the weather, two beautiful sunny days await us: this Friday a little cool for the season, after a few dullness …

Conditions June 24th 2021

The Casermetta Espace Mont-Blanc at Col de La Seigne (Val Veny - Courmayeur, Italy), was inaugurated on Monday 21 June. This information and exhibition space for all the hikers who walk the Tour du Mont-Blanc, every summer welcomes over 10,000 visitors from all over the world and, in agreement with the Aosat …

Conditions June 18th 2021

Mild and pleasant weather in early June. The warmer temperatures of recent days are gradually melting the snowfields, making the snow more passable. To date, there are already some hikers who walk the TMB and in the coming days the first accompanied groups will be for the Tour.However, the snowfields are …

Conditions June 15th 2021

The high temperatures of these days (isotherms up to around 4,000 meters) are rapidly transforming the landscape of our valleys. The snow is rapidly melting and retreating to higher altitudes. However, many snowfields still hinder the normal route of the TMB, especially above 2,200 - 2,300 meters of altitude.…

jasonexplorer.com

Best Time to Hike Mont Blanc

Hiking Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, is a dream for many outdoor enthusiasts. Choosing the best time to hike PCT , the Pacific Crest Trail, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. We have outlined the different seasons and factors to consider when planning your hike to Mont Blanc.

When is the Best Time to Hike Mont Blanc?

1. Spring (April – June):

Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming alpine flowers. Snow might still be present at higher altitudes, so proper equipment and caution are necessary.

2. Summer (July – August):

The summer months provide the most favorable weather conditions for hiking, with clear skies and warm temperatures. This is also the peak tourist season, leading to crowded trails.

3. Autumn (September – October):

Autumn brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds. The weather can be unpredictable, with chances of rain and early snowfall.

4. Winter (November – March):

Winter hiking on Mont Blanc is only recommended for experienced mountaineers and those with proper training in alpine conditions. Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and limited services make it a challenging and risky time to hike.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Time:

1. Weather and Climate:

Consider the average temperatures, precipitation levels, and weather patterns during different seasons to optimize your hiking experience.

2. Crowds and Trail Congestion:

Decide whether you prefer a more solitary hike or don’t mind sharing the trails with fellow adventurers during peak season.

3. Trail Conditions and Difficulty:

Assess the condition of the trails, including the presence of snow or ice, to determine the level of difficulty and technical skills required.

4. Availability of Accommodation:

Check the availability of huts, lodges, or campsites along the trail, as this can impact your Mt Washington hiking itinerary and overall experience.

Tips for Hiking Mont Blanc:

1. Plan and Prepare in Advance:

Research the trail, obtain necessary permits, and create a detailed itinerary to ensure a well-organized hike.

2. Check the Weather Forecast:

Monitor the weather conditions closely and be prepared for sudden changes. Adjust your plans accordingly for safety.

3. Pack Proper Gear and Equipment:

Carry appropriate clothing layers, hiking boots, trekking poles, navigation tools, first aid supplies, and other essentials.

4. Stay Hydrated and Fueled:

Drink plenty of water and have nutritious snacks to maintain energy levels during the hike.

5. Follow Safety Guidelines and Regulations:

Respect the environment, adhere to trail rules, and stay updated on any safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

By considering these factors and following these tips, you can make the most of your hiking experience on Mont Blanc and create lasting memories amidst stunning alpine scenery.

Key takeaway:

  • Best time to hike Mont Blanc varies: The best time to hike Mont Blanc depends on personal preferences and factors like weather, crowds, trail conditions, and availability of accommodation.
  • Consider different seasons for hiking Mont Blanc: Spring, summer, autumn, and winter offer unique experiences for hikers, with each season having its own advantages and challenges.
  • Tips for hiking Mont Blanc: Proper planning and preparation, checking the weather forecast, packing appropriate gear, staying hydrated, and following safety guidelines are essential for a successful and enjoyable hike in Mont Blanc.

When is the Best Time to Hike Mont Blanc? - Best Time to Hike Mont Blanc

Photo Credits: Jasonexplorer.Com by Robert Hall

The beauty of hiking Mont Blanc lies in choosing the perfect time to embark on this magnificent adventure. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the snowy wonderland of winter , each season offers a unique experience. In this section, let’s explore the best times to hike Mont Blanc , taking a closer look at the enchanting landscapes and weather conditions of spring, summer, autumn, and winter . So, lace up your boots and get ready to discover the ideal time to conquer the grandeur of Mont Blanc !

When considering the best time to hike Mont Blanc, spring offers its own advantages and challenges.

The weather during spring is mild, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for hiking.

There is no extreme heat or cold.

The landscapes are stunning, with colorful wildflowers blooming and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

It’s a picturesque time to hike and enjoy the natural beauty of Mont Blanc in spring .

The trails are less crowded compared to the peak summer season, providing a quieter and more peaceful hiking experience during this best time to hike Mt St Helens season.

Wildlife is more active during spring , offering the chance to spot various species along the trail.

Hikers should be prepared for wet weather and potential snow or ice at higher elevations.

Planning in advance for accommodations and being equipped with suitable gear will ensure a successful and enjoyable hike in spring .

The summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to hike Mont Blanc .

Summer weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

The longer days of summer provide more daylight hours for hiking and exploration .

During summer, there is clear skies and low chances of rainfall , which ensures better visibility and safer hiking conditions.

Trails in summer are more accessible and less challenging compared to other seasons, suitable for hikers of different skill levels .

In summer, the mountain landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers and lush greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for the hike .

Summer attracts a larger number of hikers to Mont Blanc, resulting in more crowds and trail congestion.

It is important to book accommodations in advance during summer due to high demand and limited availability.

  • The Tour du Mont Blanc , a popular multi-day hike around Mont Blanc, covers a distance of approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) and passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Autumn is a great time to hike Mont Blanc during the autumn season . The weather during this time of year is stable, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit), providing a pleasant environment for hiking. It is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast as it can change quickly in the mountains.

One of the advantages of hiking Mont Blanc in autumn is the reduced number of crowds and less congestion on the trails compared to the busy summer months. This allows for a more peaceful and enjoyable hiking experience.

While the trails in autumn are generally in good condition, hikers should be cautious of slippery leaves and the potential for changing weather. It is crucial to have the proper equipment and experience , as there are steep and challenging sections along the Narrows hike .

As autumn is a popular time to visit Mont Blanc, accommodation options may be more limited . Therefore, it is highly recommended to book in advance to secure a place to stay .

Hiking Mont Blanc during autumn offers a unique experience with breathtaking scenery , milder temperatures, and fewer crowds . To ensure a successful adventure, it is important to be well-prepared, regularly check the weather forecast, and follow all safety guidelines .

When hiking Mont Blanc in winter, it is important to consider various factors. One should be aware of the extreme cold temperatures , heavy snowfall , and strong winds that Mont Blanc experiences during this season. Checking the weather forecast and being prepared for sub-zero temperatures and potential storms is crucial. It is also necessary to use proper equipment such as crampons and ice axes .

Safety is a major concern when hiking in winter, particularly due to the higher risk of avalanches . Being well-informed about avalanche awareness and carrying essential safety equipment like a transceiver , probe , and shovel is essential. Staying updated on avalanche conditions and consulting with local authorities or guides is recommended.

It is important to consider trail accessibility . Some sections of the trail may be inaccessible or dangerous due to heavy snow cover. Therefore, choosing routes that are suitable for winter hiking and regularly maintained is highly advised.

In terms of crowds and accommodation, winter is the off-season for hiking Mont Blanc, so there are generally fewer people. It is important to note that some accommodations and services may be closed during this time. Therefore, planning in advance and ensuring the availability of suitable accommodation options is crucial.

As a helpful tip, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about winter conditions. This will not only help navigate the trails safely but also enhance the overall experience.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Time

When it comes to planning the perfect hike up Mont Blanc, timing is everything. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the factors you need to consider when choosing the best time to conquer this majestic mountain . From weather and climate to crowds and trail congestion, we’ll explore how these elements can significantly impact your hiking experience. Plus, we’ll dive into trail conditions , difficulty levels , and the availability of accommodation options , ensuring you’re fully prepared for a successful and enjoyable Mont Blanc adventure. Get ready to embark on the hike of a lifetime!

1. Weather and Climate

When planning a hike on Mont Blanc, it is crucial to take into account the weather and climate conditions. These factors have a significant impact on the hiking experience, safety, and overall enjoyment. Here are some essential factors to consider:

1. Temperature: The temperature on Mont Blanc varies depending on the season and altitude. During the summer months, you can expect temperatures to range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) at lower altitudes. During winter, temperatures can drop below freezing.

2. Precipitation: Mont Blanc is known for its unpredictable weather patterns and frequent precipitation. It is essential to be prepared for rain, snow, and thunderstorms, especially during the summer season.

3. Wind: The wind plays a significant role on Mont Blanc, especially at higher altitudes. Strong winds can make hiking challenging and can also affect visibility.

4. Seasonal variations: The weather on Mont Blanc varies significantly depending on the season. Spring and autumn generally offer milder temperatures, but it is possible to encounter snow at higher altitudes. The summer season is the most popular time for hiking, as it provides warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. On the other hand, winter hiking requires specialized equipment and expertise.

5. Weather forecasts: It is essential to regularly check the weather forecast before embarking on a hike. Conditions can change rapidly, so it is crucial to be prepared and adaptable.

By taking the weather and climate conditions into consideration, hikers can make well-informed decisions about when to hike Mont Blanc and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

2. Crowds and Trail Congestion

When planning your hike on Mont Blanc, it’s important to take into account the crowds and trail congestion. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  • Popular hiking seasons: The summer months of June, July, and August are busiest on the trails. Expect larger crowds and more congestion during this period.
  • Weekday vs. weekend: Weekends attract more hikers, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider hiking on weekdays.
  • Timing your hike: Starting early in the morning helps beat the crowds, as many hikers start later in the day. Enjoy a more peaceful hike and avoid congestion.
  • Alternate routes: Consider exploring less popular or alternative routes to Mont Blanc. These routes offer a quieter experience with fewer people.
  • Trail etiquette: Regardless of when you hike, be respectful of fellow hikers. Practice good trail etiquette, such as yielding to faster hikers, being mindful of noise levels, and respecting the environment.

To make the most of your hiking experience on Mont Blanc, plan your hike during less crowded times, start early in the day, and be considerate of others on the trail. By taking these factors into account, you can enjoy a more fulfilling hike on Mont Blanc.

3. Trail Conditions and Difficulty

When hiking Mont Blanc , consider the following factors:

1. Trail Maintenance: The trails on Mont Blanc can vary in maintenance. Some sections are well-maintained with clear signage and marked paths, while others are more rugged and require careful navigation. Be prepared for both scenarios and have the necessary skills and equipment.

2. Elevation Gain: Hiking Mont Blanc involves significant elevation gain, with the highest point reaching over 4,800 meters. This means dealing with steep ascents and descents, which can be physically demanding. Proper physical fitness and training are crucial to handle the elevation changes and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

3. Weather Conditions: The weather on Mont Blanc can be unpredictable, with rapid changes in temperature and potential for storms. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, including strong winds, rain, and snow. Checking weather forecasts and being flexible with your hiking plans can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

4. Technical Sections: Some sections of the trail may require technical skills, such as scrambling or using ropes. These sections can add an extra level of difficulty and may not be suitable for inexperienced hikers. Assess your own abilities and consider hiring a guide or joining a guided trek if you’re not confident in handling these technical sections.

Fact: Mont Blanc , located in the French Alps, is the highest mountain in Western Europe, standing at an impressive 4,810 meters (15,781 feet) tall. Hiking this iconic peak offers breathtaking views and a memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Availability of Accommodation

When planning a hike on Mont Blanc, consider the availability of accommodation along the trail. Keep in mind the following factors:

1. Number of accommodations: There are numerous accommodations available along the Mont Blanc trail, including mountain huts, lodges, and hotels. Research and book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

2. Location of accommodations: The accommodations are strategically located along the trail, providing hikers with options for overnight stays at different stages of the hike. Plan your daily distances and select accommodations accordingly for a comfortable journey.

3. Types of accommodations: The accommodations on Mont Blanc vary in terms of facilities and comfort level. Mountain huts are basic and offer a rustic experience, while hotels provide more amenities. Consider your preferences and budget when choosing accommodation.

4. Capacity of accommodations: Accommodations have limited capacity, and during peak seasons, they fill up quickly. It is recommended to make reservations well in advance to secure a spot and avoid inconvenience or last-minute changes to your hiking plans .

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable hiking experience on Mont Blanc, plan ahead, book accommodations in advance, and consider factors such as location, type, and capacity.

Tips for Hiking Mont Blanc

When it comes to hiking Mont Blanc , you want to be prepared for every challenge along the way. In this guide, we’ll share some valuable tips that will help you make the most of your trekking adventure. From planning and preparing in advance to checking the weather forecast , packing the right gear, and staying hydrated , we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll provide essential safety guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Get ready to conquer the majestic Mont Blanc with confidence!

1. Plan and Prepare in Advance

When getting ready to hike Mont Blanc, it is essential to plan and prepare in advance for a successful and safe journey. Follow these steps:

1. Research the routes: Familiarize yourself with the different trail options, taking into consideration distance, elevation gain, difficulty level, and scenic views.

2. Create an itinerary: Plan your daily mileage and determine the number of days you will spend on the trail. This will assist in estimating the total duration and the supplies you will need.

3. Check permit requirements: Certain sections of the trail may require permits or reservations. Make sure you have all the necessary permits in advance.

4. Train and condition your body: Regularly engage in physical activities and practice hiking to improve fitness and stamina. It’s recommended to find the best time for Koko Head hiking .

5. Pack essential gear: Make a comprehensive checklist of essential hiking gear, such as a backpack, hiking boots, clothing, navigation tools, a first aid kit, and camping essentials.

6. Study the weather forecast: Stay updated on weather conditions and pack accordingly.

7. Arrange transportation and accommodation: Make transportation arrangements to and from the trailhead and book accommodation in advance, especially for huts or campsites.

8. Inform others of your plans: Share your hiking itinerary and expected return date with a trusted friend or family member for safety purposes.

Pro-tip: Adequately train and prepare to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience on Mont Blanc.

2. Check the Weather Forecast

Checking the weather forecast is essential when planning to hike Mont Blanc. By staying informed about the weather conditions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

  • Stay updated: Before hiking, check the weather forecast for the specific day and time you plan to go. Pay attention to any updates or changes in the forecast as your hiking date approaches.
  • Temperature: Note the expected temperature range for the day. This will help you decide what clothing and layers to wear. Dressing appropriately for the weather will keep you comfortable and protected.
  • Precipitation: Check for any chance of rain or snow during your hike. This information will help you determine if you need waterproof gear or if you should adjust your hiking plans.
  • Wind conditions: Be aware of the wind forecast as strong winds can make hiking more challenging, especially at higher altitudes. Adjust your pace and route if necessary to ensure safety.
  • Visibility: Check the visibility forecast for any expected fog, mist, or low visibility conditions. This will assist you in planning your hike and selecting routes with better visibility.
  • Weather warnings: Pay attention to any weather warnings or alerts issued for the Mont Blanc area. These warnings could indicate potentially dangerous conditions, so it is important to heed them for your safety.

Checking the weather forecast before your hike allows you to make informed decisions and be prepared for the conditions you may encounter on Mont Blanc. Always prioritize your safety and adjust your plans according to the weather forecast.

3. Pack Proper Gear and Equipment

When hiking in Mont Blanc, it is important to pack the proper gear and equipment for a safe and enjoyable experience. To ensure your safety, consider including the following essential items:

1. Hiking boots: It is crucial to choose sturdy boots that provide ankle support and have a good grip on different terrains.

2. Backpack: Select a backpack that is large enough to carry all your essentials but not too heavy. Look for one with padded straps for added comfort.

3. Clothing: Dressing in layers is essential for dealing with changing weather conditions. Remember to bring a waterproof jacket, pants, as well as moisture-wicking shirts and underwear.

4. Navigation tools: Carry a detailed map, compass, and either a GPS device or a smartphone with a hiking app for easy Inca Trail hike time navigation.

5. First aid kit: It is always wise to pack a first aid kit that includes adhesive bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic ointment, and blister treatment.

6. Water and snacks: Staying hydrated is crucial, so make sure to bring enough water in a reusable bottle. Pack energy-boosting snacks such as granola bars or trail mix.

7. Sun protection: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen with a high SPF.

8. Trekking poles: Consider using trekking poles to maintain balance and reduce strain on your legs and joints, especially during steep descents.

Keep in mind that the necessary gear may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and your personal preferences. Before starting your hike, check the forecast and trail conditions, and make adjustments to your gear accordingly. By packing properly, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey as you explore the stunning Mont Blanc region.

4. Stay Hydrated and Fuelled

Stay Hydrated and Fuelled

When hiking Mont Blanc, staying hydrated and fueled is essential for maintaining energy levels and optimizing performance. Here are some tips to ensure proper hydration and fueling throughout your hike:

– Drink plenty of water: Hydration is crucial while hiking, especially in high-altitude environments. Aim to drink 1-2 liters of water per day to replenish fluids lost through sweat and exertion.

– Bring electrolyte-replenishing drinks: Consider carrying electrolyte-replenishing drinks like sports drinks or electrolyte tablets along with water. These help replenish essential minerals lost through sweating.

– Pack nutritious snacks: Opt for snacks that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and jerky are great options to maintain energy levels.

– Eat regular meals: Fuel your body by having regular, well-balanced meals. Include whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables to provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.

– Plan for refueling stops: Take advantage of opportunities to refuel along your hike. Research huts, cafes, or restaurants along your route where you can stop for a meal or snack.

– Monitor your water intake: Pay attention to your body’s thirst signals and drink water accordingly. Don’t wait until you feel extremely thirsty to hydrate, as this is a sign of dehydration.

– Consider the weather: Adjust your hydration and fueling strategy based on weather conditions. Hot weather and strenuous activity may require increased water intake and more frequent fueling.

By following these tips, you can ensure proper hydration and fueling during your Mont Blanc hike, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and challenging trails.

One of the most famous mountaineering feats on Mont Blanc was accomplished on August 8th, 1786, by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard. They successfully reached the summit, marking the first recorded ascent of the highest peak in the Alps. Their achievement paved the way for future mountaineers and sparked a fascination with scaling Mont Blanc. Since then, countless adventurers have taken on the challenge of hiking this iconic mountain, each with their unique experiences and stories to tell.

5. Follow Safety Guidelines and Regulations

Follow safety guidelines and regulations for a secure and pleasant hiking experience on Mont Blanc . It is essential to research and understand the specific safety guidelines and regulations for Mont Blanc , including permits and restrictions set by local authorities. Plan and prepare in advance, taking into account your fitness level and selecting a suitable route to prevent accidents. Check the weather forecast before hiking to avoid hazardous conditions.

Remember to pack appropriate gear, such as clothing, boots, a map, compass or GPS device, first aid kit, and enough food and water. Staying hydrated and fueled throughout the hike is crucial, so bring sufficient water and snacks. Consider using water purification tablets or a water filter to refill your water supply.

While hiking, make sure to follow trail markers and signs, avoiding any deviations from the designated path. It is also important to respect the environment and wildlife by refraining from littering, disturbing wildlife, or damaging vegetation. Exercise caution, especially on steep or slippery sections of the trail, and utilize safety equipment as needed.

Inform someone about your hiking plans and share your itinerary, ensuring that someone can raise the alarm if necessary. By following these guidelines and regulations, you can ensure a secure and unforgettable hiking experience on Mont Blanc .

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is the best time to hike the tour du mont blanc.

The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is during the summer months of June, July, and August. These months offer comfortable temperatures, clear trails, and blooming landscapes.

2. Are there any recommended times to avoid for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It is not recommended to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in the early season (before mid-June) due to patches of snow and the increased risk of slipping. November is also not advised as temperatures drop and weather becomes unpredictable.

3. What are the trail conditions like in early July?

In early July, the TMB trails are generally clear of snow, making it an ideal time for hiking. The weather is warm, and the trails are buzzing with life, but it can also be crowded due to school holidays.

4. What can I expect during hiking in September?

In September, you can expect cooler temperatures and fewer crowds on the trails. It is a good time for hiking with more stable weather and the beginning of autumn colors.

5. Are there any risks associated with winter hiking on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Winter hiking on the Tour du Mont Blanc requires technical skills and appropriate alpine equipment. The trails are covered in deep snow, and there is an increased risk of avalanches. It is recommended to consult with a mountain guide before attempting a winter trek.

6. Is there a recommended guided tour for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Yes, there is a guided Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit available for those interested in hiking the trail. This tour provides a small group experience with a tour operator who can ensure the safety and enjoyment of the journey.

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Jason is a seasoned explorer and avid hiker, having traversed hundreds of trails worldwide. His blog is a testament to his passion, offering readers detailed guides, tips, and personal tales from his hiking experiences. His aim is to inspire and equip all hikers, beginners to experienced, for their adventures. So, lace up your boots and join him in exploring the beauty of the great outdoors!

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Journeys worth taking

tour du mont blanc july weather

Andrew Delmenhorst

When is the best time of the year to hike the tour du mont blanc, framing the question.

When people start to plan their TMB, one of their first questions is inevitably on the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc.

The answer, like so many things in life, is it depends .

Let me start out by saying that as a tour operator, we run self-guided tours from the end of June to the middle of September. So that already narrows the range of answers quite a bit. Within that time period, there is not one best time that will fit everyone. The best time comes down to the individual and what their priorities are.

LET YOUR PRIORITIES GUIDE YOU

Some people's top priority is to have solitude on the hike. Others, perhaps those traveling alone, prefer to complete the tour when a lot of people are on the trail, to maximize the chance for camaraderie. Still others, place a high importance on seeing alpine flowers (hint: early in the season is best for that). And some want to make sure they don't encounter any snow on the trail (hint: August is best for that).

In short, there are many factors to consider when choosing your Tour du Mont Blanc dates. I've listed a few below. 

  • weather 
  • trail conditions 
  • blooming of alpine flowers 
  • other events taking place on the tour - from August 28 to September 2nd the trail is full of spectators watching the Ultra TMB
  • number of hikers on the trail 
  • opening and closing of accommodation - Huts will open around June 15 and start to close September 15
  • the running of public transport
  • and most importantly, your own availability.  

Let's take a look at a few of these considerations in more detail. 

tour du mont blanc july weather

(Photo: A Trail Runner near Le Brevent on the TMB)

TRAIL CONDITIONS of the Tour du MOnt Blanc

The consideration of trail conditions is important when choosing your start date. If you leave too early, there can be Neve , or snow patches, throughout the trail. Snow can make hiking the TMB difficult in a number of ways. When snow is hard and your boots cannot gain traction, there is a risk for slipping, which is especially dangerous along steep pitches. In some cases, crampons and other alpine equipment may be necessary during the early parts of the season. Furthermore, the snow can obscure trail markings and can make route finding more difficult.

It’s hard to predict when snow will be clear enough from the trail that it won't throw a wrench in your hiking plans. The amount of snowfall during the winter and the temperatures of spring affect the amount of snow left on the trail during the summer. Each winter and each spring is slightly different. To add further perspective, here is a bit of history about the conditions early in the year from the last few seasons.

  • I hiked the TMB this season (2017) from June 15 th  to the 25 th . There was some snow in parts, however crampons were not necessary at all and the snow was generally not a concern. 
  • In 2016, people were using crampons in late June – not all the time, however on the main passes and at higher elevation - and there was quite a bit of snow, even into mid-July.
  • In 2013, a particularly heavy winter and cool temperatures lead to bad trail conditions until the end of June and into July. Hikers needed to skip some passes (example the Grand Col Ferret) and sections (near Col de la Croix du Bonhomme) because of the steepness of the trail and the difficulty in route finding due to the snow cover.

FYI - as a tour operator, the earliest start date we accept reservations for is late June. The latest start date for the complete tour is September 5th.

WEATHER on The TMB

The weather is another consideration when planning your TMB. July and August have the highest temperatures, while June and September are more mild. In June, the average high in Chamonix is 68 F and the average low is 48 F. The average high temperature during both July and August in Chamonix is 72 Fahrenheit, with an average low of 52 F. The average high in September is 66 F and the average low is 48 F. 

The TMB ranges in elevation from around 3,500 ft in Chamonix to 8,323 ft on the Grand Col Ferret. Some alternative routes, like the Fentre de Aprette and Col des Fours, reach up to 8,745 ft. With a wide range of elevation, the temperatures can vary greatly. Below is a breakdown of the temperatures by month for four different elevations.   The graphs display temperatures from Chamonix, France (3,477 ft), Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland (5,009 ft), Rifugio Bonatti, Italy (6,643 ft) and Le Brevent, France (8,280 ft). It provides a good cross section of both locations and elevations of the tour. The temperatures are taken from a 30 year average from Meteo Blue. Here is what they say about interpreting the data: 

  • The "mean daily maximum" (my graphs, the "Average High") shows the maximum temperature of an average day for every month... Likewise, "mean daily minimum"  (my graphs, the "Average Low ") shows the average minimum temperature. Hot days (my graphs, the "Average Hottest Day") and cold nights (Excluded from my graphs) show the average of the hottest day and coldest night of each month of the last 30 years. For vacation planning, you can expect the mean temperatures, and be prepared for hotter and colder days. 

I left out the cold nights from my graphs, as you won't normally be hiking at night. 

Chamonix average temperature from June to September

Putting it all Together - A brief overview of each month: 

  • Late June  – this is the earliest we take reservations as there can be snow and ice left on the trail. It’s hard to predict when the snow will be free from the trails. This year was great, and only a few spots of snow were remaining by the middle of June. The year before, there was considerable snow even into July. It’s very hard to tell. The temperature will be ok during this time for hiking, however you are more likely to catch a snow storm than in July or August (although, it will snow about once or twice a month even then). Late June does have less people on the trail and can make for a very relaxing tour. Still, if you are not comfortable with the idea of crampons in case of ice or snow, then I would avoid this time just in case.
  • July  – Early to mid-July is a good time as the tour hasn’t reach its maximum capacity yet. Wildflowers will be in full bloom and there should be fewer hikers on the trail than in August. Regarding trail conditions, I would say starting in the middle of July is a safe bet to avoid snow, however most years starting earlier is no problem. Still, be careful of the time around July 14th. This is Bastille Day in France, and many people either use it as a chance for a quick get-a-way, or a chance to start their longer vacation. Avoid the few days before and after. 
  • August  – This is the busiest time of year for the TMB as most Europeans have vacation in August. Summer is in full swing and weather is perhaps the best of the season. All the public transport and lifts are running, so for those that may wish to have some cheat days, this is a prime time to be on the trail. Some wildflowers that start blooming later, like Edelweiss, Jasmine and Chickweed, may be on full display. The 15th of August is a bank holiday in France, so day trippers / weekend warriors can add to the amount of hikers on the trail during this time. Also, the Ultra Marathon runs the last weekend in August (2018 August 28th to September 2nd). If you are interested in seeing part of the marathon, you could end your tour around this time. The trails will be super full of runners and spectators however, so it's not a good time to hike the TMB. 
  • Early September  – Early September can be one of the nicest periods on the TMB, as the weather is normally stable, and precipitation should be less than June - August. Furthermore, it’s not as hot in the valleys and there are less people on the trail. Still, there is a chance that you catch some snow storms, especially around the middle of September. Please note, not all the public transport is running during this time, so if you are counting on some cheat days with a bus or shuttle, it becomes harder to do that in September. Also, the latest most of the huts stay open is the 17 th  of September. A good time is between September 4 th  and September 16 th . 

tour du mont blanc july weather

After leaving his corporate gig, Andrew has been traversing the world, finding adventure wherever he goes - like walking 500 miles (800 km) across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, hiking the 5 sacred mountains of China, biking 800 miles from Brussels to Florence and taking a 1850 miles (3000 km) road trip through Bolivia.

Other related stories

Rafael requena, a hiker's guide to food on the tour du mont blanc, the tour du mont blanc, accommodation on the tour du mont blanc, trips related to this story, tour du mont blanc: in comfort.

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Tour du Mont Blanc: When to Go

The best time to go.

There is no best time to go, but most people will trek the Tour du Mont Blanc during the summer from the end of June to the middle of September. At this time, most of the old winter snow will have melted, the weather will be warm and the hotels will be open. If you try to go too early there is likely to be too much snow lying around and if you go to late most of the hotels will be shut. The other factor is how busy the trail will be. Undoubtedly, the trail is at its busiest in early August when many Europeans take their annual holiday and the weather is perceived to be the best.

TMB in June or earlier

It is not sensible to try the Tour du Mont Blanc earlier than the middle of June, although some people do. They key problem of going too early is that you will encounter patches of snow left from the winter and some of these patches can be very large! This presents hazards to hikers who would describe themselves as summer walkers and do not have the requisite skills to either safely cross the snow patches or know what to do in case of a slip. The old winter snow is bullet-hard and if you slip you could slide a long way and possibly hit a rock, leading to all sorts of nightmare scenarios.

The snow will only soften and melt with help of the summer sunshine and some years summer can be later than normal. Some of the snow patches can be huge and, if it has been a hard winter as it was in 2013, you will find yourself walking on snow for 2-3 hours when crossing the mountain passes such as the Col du Bonhomme or Grand Col Ferret . 2013 was a long, hard winter and the warm weather did not arrive until early July. Conditions like this are dangerous due to the likelihood of a slip and also the chance of being swallowed up into the deep snow: some trekkers have literally fallen into deep ‘man-holes’ of snow and taken a very long time to get out.

Assuming the winter has not been hard, late June is the best time to consider starting the Tour du Mont Blanc and has the added bonus of quieter trails and all of the Alpine plants coming into flower. At this time, there is still snow much higher up in the mountains and so the wildlife, such as bouquetin or chamois , will naturally be found on the lower slopes: it is not uncommon to see them at this time of year. The hoteliers are also in better moods as they tend to get ground down as the season progresses!

TMB in July and August

July and August are good time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc as the trails will be clear of snow and the weather will generally be good. However, late July and early August are still traditionally when Europeans take their annual holiday and so the trails can be quite busy. It is not uncommon to see up to ten groups leaving one village at a similar time and this causes traffic jams for the first half of the morning. Many groups trek in an anti-clockwise direction and so by travelling in a clockwise direction you can avoid this. Salamander Adventures trek clockwise precisely because of this reason. The number of people on the TMB is, however, limited by the number of beds in each village: and so there is a finite number of people you will find on the trail . The weather in July and August generally follows a pattern of hot days that become more humid as the day progresses and end with a thunder storm, often with spectacular lightening shows. You should also expect frontal weather from the Atlantic Ocean bringing rain storms and cold fronts: this tends to happen once or twice a fortnight.

TMB in September

September is generally a much calmer month and the weather is generally more stable, often characterised by a long period of high pressure. This gives long days of fine weather and evenings that are cooler than in June, July and August. The trails will be quieter and you will see the beginnings of Autumn with golden colours coming out and lots of mushrooms at ground level. In theory, it would be possible to extend the season into October, but hotels in one or two key villages shut around 15-20 September and so makes the trek not possible.

The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc

The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (known as the UTMB) is an annual running race when athletes compete on the 165km long TMB – some in under 20 hours! It normally runs in the last weekend of August and attracts over 5000 runners and all their families. It means that many of the hotels – particularly in Chamonix and Courmayeur – are full and it is very difficult to secure accommodation. It would only be sensible to try and do the TMB at this time if you book your accommodation via a reputable trekking company.

It is possible to do the TMB in winter, but only on skis or snowshoes. You should only undertake this if you are an expert ski mountaineer or have used snowshoes on many occasions in remote and challenging environments.

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The Tour du Mont Blanc

Guided & self guided trekking holidays.

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Experience one of the world’s most spectacular classic treks and join Mont Blanc Treks this summer, with our great range of professionally guided and self-guided trekking holidays.

The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the World’s top ten 'must do' treks and it's not hard to understand why, as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day. The full circuit takes you on a 170 km journey around the Mont Blanc mountain range accumulating 10,000m of height gain and descent. You will trek through three alpine regions within France, Italy and Switzerland, circumnavigating the mighty Mont Blanc which stands at 4810m.

The route is generally done in an anticlockwise direction starting and finishing in Chamonix. Having trekked the route many times, we have put together a selection of guided and self guided treks that we feel work well. The full circuit will take you 10 days and journeys through the most stunning environment day after day. For those who don't quite have the time to devote to the full circuit we have the 'Best of', a six day trek which focuses on the highlights. We also offer the Westerly section from Chamonix to Courmayeur or Easterly section from Courmayeur to Chamonix. If you prefer to be self guided, all our treks can be tailor-made to suit your needs with changes to the route and additional rest days.

See our Video and Photo Gallery for day by day visual information of the terrain and the views you will encounter. Get in touch for further information, we would love to share our passion and wealth of knowledge with you.

Our Trek Packages

Full Guided Trek

  • 12 nights, 10 days trekking
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  • 165k classic trek through France Italy & Switzerland
  • Full circuit touring the ‘Mont Blanc Massif’
  • Good quality accommodation
  • Bag transfer included
  • Rest day in Courmayeur
  • Trekking in the shadow of Europe's highest mountain

Westerly Guided Trek

  • 6 nights, 4 days trekking
  • 65k westerly section
  • Chamonix to Courmayeur
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Easterly Self-Guided Trek

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Planning for the Tour du Mont Blanc

After reading this Trek article almost two years ago, I put the Tour du Mont Blanc on my bucket list and mostly forgot about it. Until this past November, when I started longing for warmer weather and snowless hiking. As I tend to do when I’m nostalgic for my hiking fix, I started researching potential trips. Since I had finished my section hike of the Appalachian Trail in August 2017, I needed new trips to obsessively plan while I was in the throes of winter depression. I decided that for this summer, I wanted a hike that was something I could do in one shot and not have to break into sections. And I really liked the idea of getting out into the larger world, and backpacking around the Alps sounded like a blast. So I started planning. All I can say is, thank goodness for Google Translate.

tour du mont blanc july weather

How to Hike Tour du Mont Blanc

1: overview.

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a loop hike of ~110 miles with ~30,000 feet of elevation gain (and subsequent loss) that circumnavigates Mont Blanc massif, a 16,000-footer in the Alps. The trail’s highest point is 8,700 feet, which is not high enough to cause altitude sickness in most people. It’s easiest to fly into Geneva (though there are many other options for transportation if you want to get creative and fly into other parts of Europe), and then take a bus or shuttle the 1.5-hour drive to Chamonix (pronounced sha-mo-nee), France, where most people start and end their hike. The trail goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It’s typically hiked counterclockwise, to make the elevation more gentle and put better views at the end. The trail has a classic route, with many variants as options to make it more challenging or, in one case, to avoid a section with metal ladders.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Courtesy of Flickr

It’s a popular trail for Europeans going on vacation during their summer break – July and August. Some Brits go adventuring on the Tour du Mont Blanc as well, but it’s pretty uncommon for Americans. Of the people who hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, something like 95 percent of them are either on a guided or self-guided tour. Unsurprisingly, it costs a lot to pay someone else to plan this for you; I saw anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 beyond the actual costs of the reservations. Many places offer the option of having your bag carried from hut to hut by donkey. If you’d like to pay REI $5,400 (doesn’t include transportation costs), you can do the Alps in style.

Tour du Mont Blanc

It’s worth noting that none of the guided trips and very few of the self-guided trips I found offer the option to hike the entire Tour du Mont Blanc . Almost every single one cuts out portions of it, and uses chairlifts to avoid longer ascents or descents. This didn’t sit well with me; I wanted to hike the entire Tour du Mont Blanc end to end, and I wanted to know where we were going and why. And I’m very frugal and the idea of paying someone else to plan my trip was physically painful to me, so I dug into it on my own.

The most popularly recommended guide book by far is The Tour of Mont Blanc: a complete two-way trekking guide by Kev Reynolds . It’s a comprehensive guide to hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, offering a lot of description about the trail’s surrounding landscape, with information about lodging, services, and towns. As a whole, they mainly offer phone numbers for each place of lodging, though sometimes websites are noted as well. I would recommend purchasing the book ($18) if you’re thinking about doing the Tour du Mont Blanc – it is worth the money. However, as a number-crunching hiker, it didn’t offer me quite what I wanted. The distance was only provided as totals for each section and the elevation profiles were so small, they were relatively worthless. I wanted something like The AT Guide or the Thru-Hiker’s Companion . As I couldn’t find this information anywhere, I ended up making my own mileage and elevation tables in Excel. I also ended up purchasing this map ($20); it took me a bit to find the Tour du Mont Blanc on the map, but once I did, it helped me with my planning process. There is also a really helpful interactive map here on the Autour du Mont-Blanc website.

Tour du Mont Blanc

For those who might want to tent camp the Tour du Mont Blanc, know that it’s more complicated than it might first appear. Not only can it be challenging to bring camping gear on an airplane, it’s illegal to wild camp along the entire TMB, except in emergency situations above 2,500 meters, including outside a hut. While there are often campgrounds in or near towns, it can make your mileage more complicated. Or you could do dispersed camping and risk the consequences of being caught – $650 fine per tent. Besides, who wants to carry a heavy pack when you really don’t have to? And showers every day can be so nice! There are a number of online resources available discussing the Tour du Mont Blanc as a tenting vacation, if desired. If I like the TMB, I may return in the future with a tent, but for now, I’d just as soon reduce the number of things that I need to worry about.

Tour du Mont Blanc

2: Transportation and Travel Dates

So first things first – what time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc? Most hostels don’t open until mid-June, because there can still be substantial snow in the mountains up until the beginning of June. If you’re hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in June, it’s recommended that you check that huts and hostels will be open and bring traction devices like Microspikes. Yearly snowfall makes a difference, and if it hasn’t melted yet, some sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc can be completely impassable in June. July through mid-August are busier times of year, with Europeans on break, and July gets more rain than August or September, though all services are open and you’ll have warmer weather. Mid-August through the mid-September are generally nicer, with less people, less rain, and cooler weather. However, many hostels close in mid-September, so it can cut down on your lodging and refueling options if you go any later than that. And oh, there’s also an ultramarathon of the TMB each year in mid- to late August, so you may want to avoid those dates; it will be an absolute zoo. I had wanted to hike in mid-June but due to work and other summer hiking plans, I was locked into hiking this trip in mid- to late-July.

I used Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and FareCompare to track the cost of various flights. Google Flights is a good tool to compare different departure locations; for my location, Boston was by far the cheapest. I kept an eye on the deals and jumped at round trip tickets for $633 per percon back in January. Most flights to Europe during the summer quickly work their way towards $1,000+ for a round-trip ticket. Buy earlier, and keep your eye out for flash sales.

Our economy tickets include one free checked bag. For the flight there and back, I’ll be putting my backpack inside a duffel bag that can be packed down once we arrive. The first hostel we’re staying at in Les Houches will hold a small bag for a euro per day, so we may leave the packed duffel bags and some town clothes in a small bag with them and retrieve them when we stay there again on our next-to-last night.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Something that came up for me as I began preparing my supplies was realizing that international travel can make it challenging to take medication. As someone who needs to inject medication, it was that much more complicated. So, the bottom line is this: for traveling to Europe, all prescription medication should be in its original container with the prescription label noting it’s yours. For traveling with syringes, you will also need to have a letter from your physician noting the medical necessity or they could be confiscated.

Shuttles Between the Airport and Chamonix

Most round-trip shuttles between the airport and Chamonix cost between $140 and 175. I found this prohibitively expensive, so I explored my options for bus and train travel. As best as I can tell, there isn’t a train station at the airport, so you would need to travel from the airport to a local train station. There are more public buses leaving from the Geneva bus station, but that’s a few miles away from the airport. I ended up settling on the Ouibus , as it’s $47 for a round-trip ticket and they leave from the airport every two hours and drop off in Les Houches and Chamonix. They also offer free rescheduling of your ticket if you reschedule 30 minutes or more in advance of the bus’s departure, and have a handy app to help you navigate that process. It does mean that we’ll end up returning to the airport for our flight home maybe an hour earlier than required, but it’s worth the price differential.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Reservations

I flailed around for a while, trying to figure out the best way to put in reservations for lodging on the trail. I was overjoyed when I found the Autour du Mont-Blanc . This is a wonderful site, and it’s almost everything you need to plan lodging for trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc. They help you plan an itinerary , based on where you’ll be starting and which direction you’ll be going. Once your starting point and direction are established, it will show you the nearest hostels and huts by walking distance, and also provides a lot of information about the services at the huts and hostels. Once you create an itinerary, it will assist you in reserving space at all of those places that offer online reservations. It will also tell you which places you must contact directly. Between this website, Google, and Kev Reynolds book, I was able to locate email addresses for all lodging that didn’t take online reservations, and placed all my reservations without making any phone calls. Before leaving on the trip, be sure to print out your reservation emails as proof. I read stories of people’s private room reservations not being respected because they hadn’t followed the directions to print out their reservation email as proof.

For Chamonix and Courmayeur, I found hotels through online searches. I found the hotels search within Google Maps to be the cheapest and most thorough option. For Courmayeur, we’ll be staying at Hotel Berthod ; in Chamonix, we’ll be staying at Le Vert Hotel . They were among the least expensive options, and both have excellent ratings on Google and TripAdvisor.   

When I placed my reservations, I paid 335 euros and 20 CHF to reserve or pay in full for lodging; six of the 13 locations did not require any payment to make a reservation. Only two places required full payment up-front, and those were the two hotels (Courmayeur and Chamonix). All said and done, it was $800 each for me and my partner to get lodging, dinner, and breakfast for 13 nights; for three of those nights, we paid a bit extra for a private room. Other locations offered private rooms, but they were substantially more expensive than the basic hostel option, and we were unwilling to pay the difference.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Travel Sheets

Travel sheets are mandatory and very much desired for staying in huts and hostels in Europe. They provide pillows and blankets but do not provide sheets. Since there will be lots of people before and after you, it’s really the best idea to bring travel sheets with you. I purchased these synthetic ones for $20 and my partner purchased these silk ones for $33.

Most hostels have a place to handwash clothes and let them dry. We expect that we’ll be able to use a washer/dryer at the two hotels we’re staying at, and other than that, we’ll be handwashing everything. In looking for unscented laundry soap to bring with us, I found these dry laundry soap sheets. They don’t count against your liquids and can’t spill in your luggage. They can be cut or torn into smaller pieces for handwashing in a sink, and one sheet will take care of a small to medium load of laundry.

Tour du Mont Blanc

4: Safety and Communication

Mountain insurance.

When hiking in more mountainous places like the Alps, mountain insurance is recommended, which will cover things like the costs of a rescue team or a helicopter rescue, should you or anyone in your party get hurt badly enough they can’t self-rescue. It can also cover the cost of repatriation, which is the cost to return you to your country in case of serious injury.

After considering my options, I went with a yearly membership to the Austrian Alpine Club’s UK branch . They openly accept applicants from the US, and mailed me my membership cards. Membership includes mountain insurance, discounts at many huts and hostels, as well as a quarterly magazine. An adult membership starts at $60. They offer a variety of discounts for seniors, young adults, teens, and children. I ended up paying ~$110 for my partner and me, as they offer a discount for people who live together. With the discounts we receive at huts and hostels, it will pay for itself on our trip.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Health Insurance

You don’t want to be left holding the bill if something goes wrong overseas. Both me and my travel partner checked with our health insurance companies, to be sure that they cover medical care outside of the US. I was able to confirm it through their website, while my partner had to call the insurance company directly.

Plug Converters

For this trip in Europe, a Type C (‘Europlug’) converter will meet your needs, as it can be used with plug types E, F, J, K and L . I purchased this one for $12. You should check on your device or charger to be sure it offers both 110 and 220 volts (generally noted as 110-220 on the plug or device). Most items will have no problem with using a basic plug converter and don’t need a voltage converter (unless they’re high-powered appliances like hair dryers), but it’s worth double checking before you leave.  

Phone Connection

While most hostels offer Wi-Fi, most huts do not. Given the complexity of this trip, I decided that I’d prefer to have full use of my phone during my trip and opted for a 30-day international phone pass. AT&T offers both a $10 per day and a $60 for 30 days international phone usage passport add-on, though it does need to be arranged prior to your departure.

Tour du Mont Blanc

I did research into currency exchange and found that ATMs and banks are your best bet for withdrawing money in the local currency. Airports do offer it, but will charge a huge percentage on top of the actual exchange rate. I will be getting a few hundred euros from AAA before we leave, just to tide us over and make sure we have something in case of emergency. There are ATMs available in: (France) Chamonix, Les Houches, Les Contamines, (Italy) Courmayeur, and (Switzerland) La Fouly. You’ll need to call your bank to make sure your ATM card will work. Check if your credit card company needs to be notified about you leaving the country or traveling. Most hostels require cash; maybe three to four  hostels (all in Switzerland) take credit cards.

On the Tour du Mont Blanc, the predominant language is French; Italian, German, and English seem to be the next most-common. Since neither of us speak French, we worked on our basics using Duolingo. It won’t be enough to carry on full conversations, but we’ll be able to have some basic exchanges. From what I read, making an effort to speak at least some French is much appreciated by the locals.

Tour du Mont Blanc

5. Trip Cost

Our round-trip flights cost $633 each, and included one free checked bag; the Ouibus cost $47 each for a round-trip ticket. Total cost for 13 nights and 14 days in Europe came out to $1,535 per person, excluding incidentals and lunch, including RT flight, RT bus between airport and Chamonix, mountain insurance, and lodging with dinner and breakfast included.

Tour du Mont Blanc

*Featured image thanks to Flickr

tour du mont blanc july weather

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Aubri Drake

Hi y'all, I'm Aubri ('Data'). I'm a queer, nonbinary hiker, backpacker, and trail runner (they/them pronouns, please). I've thru-hiked the AT ('13-'17), the Tour du Mont Blanc ('18), the Vermont Long Trail ('18), the John Muir Trail ('19, '21), the Tahoe Rim Trail ('19), and the New England Trail ('12-'17, '21), and summited all of the Winter New England 67, and completed the New England Hundred Highest and the Northeast 115 peaks. I've also run multiple 50ks, three 50-milers, and one 75-miler. I'm about 50% done with the PCT. This summer, I'm hiking the JMT with my partner, and section hiking more of the CA PCT. This winter, I'll be working on hiking the New England Hundred Highest. I'm hoping to thru-hike the Walkers Haute Route in Switzerland and section hike the rest of the PCT next year. At my day job, I'm a data-crunching research nerd, researching everything from medical outcomes for hospitalized patients to social determinants of health. During the week, I'm trail running, reading, and doing trapeze, and on the weekends, I'm generally out hiking some mountain somewhere. You can find trip reports and ramblings at https://transcendingmountains.blog/

tour du mont blanc july weather

This is a really informative post. Thanks for pulling all this together and sharing it.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Thanks for all the effort you have put into this; it will be a big help to many. Will look forward to reading about the trip after you return home…

tour du mont blanc july weather

You did a great job researching your trip and finding a way to keep the costs down. It’s hard to do all of this sight unseen.

I hiked part of the Tour du Mont Blanc when I did the GR5 (Holland to Nice, France). The Alps are amazing! Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of it all. And I loved staying in the hostels on the trail. Les Houches (“lays hoosch”) sounds very familiar to me, so I assume I stayed there.

Please post a follow up report after your adventure. We’re all living vicariously through you.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Great post! Hope your trip was a blast.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Very informative, comprehensive and meticulous. Looking forward to your post on experience after the adventure !

tour du mont blanc july weather

Fantastic post! I’m planning my solo TMB for first week of july and I had very useful information from you. Thank you very much.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Very informative blog. We are doing the hike in August 2019 and done with most of our reservations. I wish I had come across your blog earlier. It would have saved us so much time 🙂

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Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

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The Tour du Mont Blanc is a popular hiking trail in Europe that stretches 170 kilometers (106 miles), through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The Mont Blanc Trail traverses through one of the most impressive and beautiful ranges in the world, and it’s a relatively accessible trail for anyone in good shape. The hike is also a dream for foodies, as it allows you to explore new foods in different villages and hamlets throughout three countries. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc is a bucket list item for many backpackers, and for good reason.

Between the stunning landscape, inclusive trail, and customizable experience, the Tour du Mont Blanc offers an adventure unlike any other in Europe. If you’re looking for a unique, challenging experience to remember for the rest of your life, you need to hike this trail. Here are some of the reasons you should add this experience to your bucket list:

  • Hike through three countries: The hiking trail of the Tour du Mont Blanc extends through three European countries: France, Italy and Switzerland.
  • A good option for beginners: Many  hiking tours around the world are challenging , even for seasoned hikers. However, the Mont Blanc trek is special because it’s doable for anyone who is reasonably fit. There are 17 towns, along with several other smaller villages, along the route, so there are plenty of places to stop, see the sights, eat a hot meal and get some rest before you continue on your way.
  • Adjustable routes and lengths: While there is an “official” route that many hikers and tours follow, there are plenty of variations to choose from, depending on the desired length and difficulty. Generally, hiking the entire route at a reasonably comfortable pace takes about nine to 11 days. However, some routes will only take about two to five days, following a small portion of the trail. Meanwhile, some advanced hikers have been known to hike the whole route in just a few days.
  • Breathtaking views: Magnificent sights, like glaciers, meadows, lakes, mountains and wildlife surround the route. High points like the Fenêtre d’Arpette and the Col des Fours are sure to take your breath away, as they allow you to admire your surroundings in all directions as far as you can see.

Hike Tour du Mont Blanc with Award Winning Guides

What to Expect When Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

tour du mont blanc july weather

The sights and experiences of the Tour du Mont Blanc are unique but preparing for the hike will be similar to preparations for any other hike. Generally, there’s no need to pack more than a day’s worth of supplies, as the towns and villages are relatively close together on the path. Water is also readily available, whether it’s naturally occurring from springs or at a resupply stop.

Before you set out on your journey, there are a few things about the trail you need to consider, including:

Due to the high altitude and the extreme weather in the colder months, the besttime to hike Tour du Mont Blanc is in June or September, when the weather is slightly cooler, but the trails and towns are quieter and less busy. Families are less likely to go during these months because school is in session. The temperature generally ranges from 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

July and August are also good months to go, but the weather is much hotter and the trails will be much more crowded. During the peak of summer, the temperature on the mountain can get up to 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’re looking to see the most foliage and mountain flowers, late June and early July are the best times to go.

Annually, the region gets about 1073 mm (42 inches) of rainfall. Afternoon thunderstorms are most common in the summer months, while September is usually the driest.

tour du mont blanc july weather

If you hike the entire 170-kilometer trail, you will navigate over 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) of combined altitude gain and loss. The highest point on the trail is 2,665 meters (8,700 feet). Since  altitude sickness  can kick in at about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), you may start to feel sick at some of the higher points. Altitude changes can make things a bit challenging. A rapid increase or decrease in altitude can lead to altitude sickness and symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea and fatigue. However, traveling at a reasonable pace can help prevent sickness.

The route is relatively easy to navigate, as the trail is well-marked with signs. If you already do some form of exercise a few times per week and regularly walk or hike, you shouldn’t have a problem hiking the trail.

One particularly difficult part of the hike involves climbing a series of ladders up a steep mountainside. The ladders are just past Col du Montets, and are a popular spot for photos. If the ladders are too much to handle, you can take an alternative route, just down the path.

Basecamps vs Camping Out

There are two types of accommodations you’ll find on the Tour du Mont Blanc:

  • Basecamps: The more than 50 official accommodations along the trail are usually the easiest and most comfortable options. They are popular with tour groups. Accommodations range from full-service hotels and lodges with private bedrooms and bathrooms, restaurants and spas, to dorm-style basecamps with shared bathrooms.
  • Camping out: Another option is to bring your shelter with you and camp out. Camping is a much cheaper option, although some areas charge a fee. Camping out is only recommended for experienced hikers, since it requires you to carry more weight throughout the trip. You’ll have to carry your tent, sleeping bag and other gear from place to place.

tour du mont blanc july weather

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Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary and Sights to See Along the Way

Once you know what to expect, you can start planning your adventure. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time at each place and that you’re able to see as many attractions and sights as you wish.

There are many ways to see the Tour du Mont Blanc. You can hike the trail by yourself or with a guided tour. If you decide to take a tour, your trip itinerary might look something like this:

France: Days 1-3

tour du mont blanc july weather

The first day of the trip will likely start in the village of Les Houches in France. Depending on your schedule, you might be able to explore the area. You could check out the nature preserve surrounding the village or go skiing on one of the nearby slopes.

The second day of the trip will be your first experience trekking through the Alps. You’ll start with a cable car ride high into the mountains. Then, you’ll start hiking through the deep conifer forests above Bionnassay Valley and the quaint alpine hamlets with stunning views of Mt. Blanc.

You’ll see two iconic mountains, the Aiguille de Bionnassay and the Dôme du Gouter, and a massive glacier between the two peaks. Then, you’ll descend through a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage, and eventually to Les Contamines, where you’ll stay the night. In this ancient village, one of the main attractions is a world-class ski resort, where you can ice climb, go tobogganing, ride dog-sleds and of course, ski. Les Contamines is also known for Patrice Dominguez Park, a popular destination in the summer for swimming, tennis, horseback riding and archery.

After a delicious breakfast in Les Contamines, you’ll start the next leg of your trip. You’ll begin with a brief shuttle to Notre Dame de la Gorge. The biggest highlight of the day is the Aiguille des Glaciers, a peak of the Mont Blanc massif that is completely covered by ice. Finally, you’ll make your way down to the Chapieux Valley towards Bourg Saint Maurice, where you’ll spend the night.

Italy: Days 4-5

On the fourth day of the trip, you take a short shuttle from Bourg Saint Maurice to Ville des Glaciers, where you’ll start your journey into Italy. Then, you’ll begin your descent into Val Ferret, a lush alpine valley on the Italian side of the border.

You’ll then take a bus from La Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur, where you’ll stay for the night. If you have time, try to explore Courmayeur. It’s home to one of Italy’s best ski resorts and to the Alpine Botanical Garden. It also offers a gorgeous, panoramic view of Grandes Jorasses, a mountain that lies on the border of France and Italy.

tour du mont blanc july weather

Courmayeur is also known for its shopping. From designer Italian brands to small, independent boutiques, you’ll be sure to find a gorgeous souvenir to bring home. Another popular attraction is the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, which rotates 360-degrees as it travels towards the Punta Helbronner station.

The fourth day of the trip starts in Italy and ends in Switzerland. You’ll begin by crossing the gorgeous mountain pass, Grand Col Ferret, and arrive in a small village called La Fouly in Switzerland. Throughout the hike, you’ll see stunning views over the massif of Combins in the East and on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Then you’ll take a shuttle to a small, French-speaking Swiss village called Champex.

Switzerland: Days 6-7

Before you set out on the next leg of your hike, be sure to check out Champex, where you can taste some Swiss wine, rent a boat to take out on Champex-Lac, or go skiing down one of the nearby slopes. You could also visit the Musee de La Fondation Pierre Gianadda, a world-famous museum just a few miles outside of town. There, you’ll be able to see permanent exhibits like the Automobile Museum and the Gallo-Roman Museum, plus plenty of other temporary displays.

tour du mont blanc july weather

The sixth day brings with it the longest hike. You will also reach the highest point of the route today, as you climb over the Fenêtre d’Arpette, which sits at about 2,750 meters (9,022 feet).

On the seventh day, you’ll circle back around to France. You’ll start by going up and over Col de la Balme with fantastic views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. You’ll end in the iconic French Alps village of Argentières. Once you arrive, you can explore the charming town and maybe take part in some skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. You’ll also be able to find some delicious French cuisine here as you rest up for the last leg of your trip.

Return to France: Day 8

The eighth day will likely be the last day of heavy  hiking through the Alps . You’ll start by hiking up and over the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges, the “Balcony over the Red Peaks,” then climbing Lac Blanc. As you descend, you’ll pass through the hamlet of Le Praz and eventually find yourself hiking into Chamonix.

After a much-deserved long night of rest, you can choose to stay in Chamonix and explore the sights and attractions nearby.

One popular spot is the Aiguille du Midi, a nearby mountain you can travel to via cable car. In about 20 minutes, the cable car will take you up the mountain, where you can see a stunning, 360-degree view of the surrounding Alps. Once you’re at the top, you can stand in a glass case over the precipice, stop by the souvenir shop, eat at the “3,842-meter restaurant, ” or take a gondola ride over the Glacier du Géant to the Pointe Helbronner in Italy.

There is also a bustling cafe and pub scene in Chamonix. After a long day of hiking and seeing the sights, stop by Le Matafan for some traditional French cuisine or the Bighorn Bistro & Bakery for a smaller snack.

Finally, you’ll want to take a ride on the cogwheel train before you depart from Chamonix. The famous railway leads to the Montenvers site, where you can see the iconic glacier, the Mer de Glace. Once you’re there, you can also take a tour of the Grotte de glace, or ice cave, which takes you into the heart of the massive glacier.

How to Prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

As your trip gets closer, you’ll need to seriously consider what you’ll bring with you. If you’re a beginner, you might need some assistance figuring out what to pack. If you’re using professional Tour du Mont Blanc guides, they will likely provide you with a list of everything you’ll need for your specific trip.

Basic Prep Tips

To prepare for such a long trip, you’ll need to consider a number of factors, including:

  • Language barriers : You can usually get away with only speaking English in most major cities in France, Italy and Switzerland. However, you’ll only be passing through small towns and villages on the Tour du Mont Blanc. So, a basic knowledge of French and Italian will be extremely helpful during your trip. There’s no need to become fluent, but learning basic words and phrases will make your trip much easier.
  • Jet lag : Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may experience jet lag upon arrival. However, you’ll likely need to start hiking on the first or second day or your trip. This can be especially difficult if you’re suffering from sleep deprivation. Consider arriving in France a few days before you start hiking so your body has time to adjust.

What to Pack

tour du mont blanc july weather

Your packing list might vary if you’re using a tour guide or camping out, but there are a few essentials everyone should bring. Before you begin your journey, make sure you have:

  • Travel documents: You need your passport when traveling to Europe. Keep yours in a safe location during the hike.
  • Travel equipment: You might want to pack outlet adapters so that you can charge your devices at your accommodations. A travel wallet and luggage locks can help to keep your stuff secure.
  • Travel clothing: Aside from your hiking clothes, be sure to bring a few sets of travel clothes, depending on how much time you’ll spend traveling. These should be comfortable, easy-to-remove items that are layered so you can adjust as the temperatures change.
  • Hiking clothing: While hiking clothes will vary from person to person, you will need to bring several sets for all weather conditions. Be sure to have something for hot weather, cool weather, sunny weather and rain. You’ll also need a hat, bandanna, sunglasses, gloves and gaiters.
  • Hiking gear: High-quality gear is essential. You’ll need a day pack with a cover, waterproof hiking boots that have been thoroughly worn in, a headlamp with spare batteries and trekking poles.
  • Personal items: The list of personal items varies the most from person to person, so be sure to tailor it to fit the needs of your trip. You’ll likely need water bottles, a camera, insect repellent, binoculars, cellphone with waterproof case, hand and toe warmers and a book.
  • Toiletries: Depending on your chosen accommodations, you might need some toiletries for your trip, like sunscreen, toothpaste and a toothbrush, feminine hygiene products, soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and prescription medications.

Additional Packing Tips

Some other things to consider while packing:

  • Pack essential items, like your passport, glasses, medications, money and a change of clothes in your carry on, in case your checked luggage gets lost.
  • Depending on the time of year, you might want to have an umbrella handy for brief rain showers. It’s much easier to open an umbrella for a short time, rather than stop and put on all your rain gear.
  • Be sure to break in your hiking boots long before you start hiking. Test out which combination of socks are best beforehand and bring moleskin or large bandages for blisters.
  • Bring both Euros and Swiss Francs with you. Most vendors on the trail only accept cash.

Training for the Hike

To prepare for hiking Tour du Mont Blanc, you’ll need to focus on strength and endurance. Condition your body to keep a solid pace for several hours per day to prepare your body for the trip. If you’ve never done a hike before or it has been a while, you might want to schedule a physical with your doctor to make sure you’re in good enough shape for the trek.

If you can, practice hiking with significant elevation gains and losses for several hours or days at a time. Always account for the weight of the pack. Make sure you’re wearing a pack that holds a similar weight to the one you will wear on the trail to get your body accustomed. If you live in a flat area, focus on cardio workouts and strength training. Activities like running, swimming and biking are great ways to work out your legs, core, shoulders and back.

At a certain point in your trip, you may encounter a series of ladders. While this part of the hike is optional, many hikers attempt to climb them without the proper training or experience. Climbing up vertical ladders can be challenging for even the most in-shape hikers, especially after a long hike. To prepare for this, try adding an upper torso workout after a long cardio session.

Tour Mont Blanc With Wildland Trekking

tour du mont blanc july weather

From Chamonix to Courmayeur, the Mont Blanc hike is breathtaking. The best way to  hike Mont Blanc  is with Wildland Trekking.

Our route takes us through deep valleys, over high passes, and into quaint European mountain villages. With Wildland Trekking, we take care of all the details, so you can just enjoy the view. We promise to provide a quality guide, high safety standards, natural and cultural history, great cooking and great gear to make sure you have the best adventure possible.

For the  adventure of a lifetime  book a Wildland Trekking tour today.

About WildlandTrekking

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Wildland Trekking, a home-grown USA adventure travel company started in 2005, has become one of the world’s leading trekking companies. Learn about the origins, mission and people of Wildland, America’s #1 source for Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!

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What is the Haute Route? All your hiking questions answered

Do you have a pair of hiking boots that you’re itching to get out in the Alps? If so, you might be considering a long-distance trail like the Haute Route. While pretty much any town in the Alps makes a great base for day hikes , spending several days or even weeks trekking across some of the most dazzling mountain scenery in the world makes for a memorable adventure indeed. The Haute Route might not be the most famous long-distance trail in the Alps (that’s the Tour du Mont Blanc ), or even the longest (that goes to the 5,000 km Via Alpina), but it’s worth looking into if you want to get some quality time in with your trekking poles this year.

What is the Haute Route?

Simply put, the Haute Route is one of the world’s great long-distance hiking paths. Its name means “the high route” which is what it was branded when it was first chartered as a summer mountaineering route by members of the Alpine Club in the mid-19th century. It was given its French translation in 1911 when it was first explored as a ski touring route, and today this is its common name.

Linking the great mountains of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn , hikers enjoy quintessential alpine scenery on this trail, which connects the ski resort towns of Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland.

These days, in addition to the original route, there is a lower elevation “walkers route” which remains below 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) while the ski touring route is higher, involving some glacier hiking and requiring gear like crampons and ice axes . There are various offshoots along the way and depending on the route you take, the trail varies in length but if you stick to the walker’s route the entire way, you’ll cover a whopping 132 miles (212 km).

Is The Haute Route hard?

What makes a hiking trail hard always depends on the hiker in question, but certainly for a lot of us, the sheer mileage of this route alone would be enough for us to classify it as challenging, even if just tackled in hiking boots in the middle of summer.

Distance aside, however, it’s the elevation gain of this route that stands out as presenting real difficulty. If you take the classic walker’s route, your total elevation gain is around 49,800 feet, which is almost as much as climbing Everest twice. Though you won’t reach such high elevations as the world’s tallest peak, you’ll still reach areas that are considered high altitude , so altitude sickness could be a concern.

The path itself is reasonably clear and free of mud, but there are sections of loose rock and singletrack that pose their own challenges. In general, hiking in the Alps is hard work and needless to say, you’ll want to get in shape to tackle this hike, and not the other way around.

What is the difference between the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route?

Whereas the Haute Route takes hikers and skiers from one mountain (and country) to another, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a trail that circles Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, passing through four countries along the way. The TMB is shorter than the Haute Route at 106 miles and requires only 32,940 feet of elevation gain in that time, and is most famous for being the trail followed by runners in the UTMB , the world’s most famous ultra trail race.

However, those differences in distance and elevation gain aside, the two trails have plenty in common when it comes to terrain and scenery, and walkers on either route can expect spectacular alpine scenery and welcoming huts where you can spend the night and enjoy some delicious fondue.

How long does it take to do the Haute Route?

How much time you need to book off work to do the Haute Route of course depends on which route you’re taking, whether you’re hiking, running or skiing, and what pace you move at. However, most guiding companies lead treks that last between 10 and 14 days, with shorter options that don’t take in the entire route available. Hiking for 14 days might sound like a long time, but that breaks down to an average of about nine miles per day, which is quite manageable for a lot of keen walkers. Also, you can hike the Haute Route self-guided and pick your own pace.

When should I walk the Haute Route?

Because of its higher elevation, summer is undeniably the best time to approach the Haute Route if you want to do so without needing crampons, and even then, you may encounter snow. July is probably the ideal month if you want to see wildflowers and to be able to walk in hiking shorts and a T-shirt, but always pack a fleece or down jacket , a waterproof jacket , hiking pants , hat and gloves for those chilly overnights. In general, the Haute Route is not as busy as the ever-popular TMB, though there are sections where it intersects with that trail and other trails where it may be busy.

Can you wild camp on the Haute Route?

Because the trail is so long, passing through two countries and many municipalities, it’s not easy to give a blanket statement about what is allowed and forbidden. In general though, wild camping ( dispersed camping in the US) is prohibited on private land in France and discouraged in Switzerland except above treeline , and there are definitely areas where you could be in a nature preserve or National Park and wild camping isn’t allowed.

There may be some quieter areas at high elevation where you can pitch a backpacking tent or bivy for the night without getting in trouble, but technically you could be breaking the law and be subject to a fine if you get caught. It all depends on where you are.

That said, hut hiking is truly one of the best and most special aspects of hiking in the Alps, and while it certainly makes for a more expensive approach, you won’t regret the decision when you walk into a beautiful hut after a long day on your feet and have a warm shower, a hearty meal, some great wine and get to sleep in a real bed (just bring your sleeping bag liner ).

To help keep costs down, there are also official campgrounds so you can create an itinerary that involves some huts, some nights in tents and perhaps the occasional night of wild camping. Whatever you decide, make sure you do your research ahead of time and book your accommodation, as lodging can fill up leaving few other options.

Find refuge in a mountain hut during fall hiking season in the French Alps

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TravelNoire

Everything You Need To Know About Hiking The Tour du Mont Blanc

A s an avid hiker, you’ve probably heard of the Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB hiking trail. You might even have plans to conquer this popular hiking destination one day. If so, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

In 1760, a Swiss Geologist and physicist, Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, then living in Geneva, discovered the TMB hiking trail. Saussure wanted to explore the Mont du Blanc Mountains to examine and document plant specimens. Also called the Mont Blanc massif, the mountain range is 60 miles by 20 miles long, with 11 summits over 4,000 meters high. Though he discovered it in 1760, Saussure first walked around the entire TMB hiking path in 1767.

Unfortunately, the Swiss scientist failed to climb one of its peaks on that initial journey around the path. The first to achieve this feat were Michel Paccard and Jacques Balmat. The two found a path to the apex in 1786 through the Grands Mulets route. Sausurre became the third person to reach the summit shortly thereafter.

Trail Overview 

Though Pacard and Balmat first reached the peak of the Mont Blanc massif via the Grands Mulets route, the Gouter route is today’s standard path. This trail is 105 miles long and passes through 3 countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland . The Gouter Route (also known as the Voie Des Cristalliers and Voie Royale) is one of the two most commonly utilized routes to reach the summit of Mont Blanc in the Alps. Though the Gouter route reaches an elevation of 15,774 ft, it is considered the most straightforward ascent. The route lies on the north side of the mountain, in France, seeing thousands of mountaineers annually. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc difficulty level is somewhat subjective to the hiker. The Gouter route is relatively easy because it takes about two days to reach the ascent and does not require extensive technical skills. Nonetheless, it is physically demanding and mentally challenging if you lack athletic ability. The most difficult aspect of this route includes a narrow passageway of unstable rocks on the mountain’s edge. Seventy-four have died, and 180 were injured in accidents along this dangerous segment between 1990 and 2011. 

Once passing this tricky part, the Gouter route is smooth sailing. It steadily increases in steepness while crossing exposed terrain. Hazardous weather conditions are the most dangerous aspects that remain. Cold and wet conditions can cause hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, visiting the Tour du Mont Blanc for Summer hiking, Mid-June to mid-September, is safest. During the summer, temperatures will range from 40 degrees at night to 80 degrees during the day. Some days require shorts beneath a warm, sunny sky ; others might entail brisk, wet conditions.

Permits And Regulations

No permits are required for the TMB and there are no regulatory restrictions. However, some believe a technical skills test could reduce deaths and injuries along the path. Additionally, residents are disturbed by the amount of trash that hikers inevitably abandon to lighten their loads on the ascent. What’s interesting about the Tour du Mont Blanc is that there are many comforts along the path in the form of hotels and huts. Several companies offer self-guided packages that include accommodations, detailed hiking guides, and set itineraries. 

Trail Highlights And Points Of Interest

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike is considered one of the world’s top ten “bucket list” hiking trails. In addition to the soothing sounds of waterfalls , there are glaciers, streams, high alpine meadows, and the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc landscape. Among the most beautiful and visible flora are the rare Slipper Orchid, the Martagon Lily, Aquilegia Alpha, the famous Edelweiss, and rare Campanula thyrsoides. Though heavily impacted by human presence, the animals that remain in the wilderness of the Mont Blanc massif include Marmots, Ravens, Goats, Mountain Hares, Vultures, and Eagles, among others. 

Safety Considerations

On the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail, the most important considerations will be comfortable shoes and a good quality backpack with appropriate dimensions and weight.  What qualifies as an appropriately sized bag will depend on whether you stick to hiking the trail or detour slightly to local huts and hotels. The former will require a 60L bag, and the latter will require a 30L bag. Remember to break in your footwear a few months in advance and buy shoes larger than usual to accommodate swollen, achy feet. Trekking poles will help lessen aches and pains experienced in the knee and leg muscles. Hiking crampons are a “better safe than sorry” item to add to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. They will help maintain balance and avoid slipping across waterways and snow patches, which might even save a life! 

In case of an emergency, administer first aid, note location and grid reference on a map, call for help (cell phone service is generally available along the TMB). If no phone is available, blow a whistle or flash a flashlight six times. If there is an injured person, carefully consider whether to go for help or stay with the injured. If the injured party stays behind, leave them with food, water, and warm clothes. 

Planning and Preparation

Being physically prepared for the TMB hike is a necessary safety precaution. Training should start at least three months in advance and should be in layered clothing, hiking boots, and a fully packed backpack to best simulate trail conditions. Other things that require planning include booking accommodations along the trail and deciding how many days to stay. An itinerary will vary depending on whether two days, two weeks, or even two months are set aside to experience the beauty of TMB. 

Most hikers can ascend the Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided if interested. The trail is easy to follow, with well-maintained paths, directional markings, and clearly understood signs. However, map reading skills are essential, and hikers should also carry a guidebook. 

People Ask: Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Q: What is the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail?

A: The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer hiking trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Q: How long does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc?

A: The entire trail takes about 10 to 12 days to complete.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

A: The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is from mid June to mid September, when the weather is typically mild and the trails are clear of snow.

Q: Are there any accommodations along the trail?

A: Yes, there are many accommodations available along the Tour du Mont Blanc, including hotels, hostels, and mountain huts.

Q: Is it necessary to hire a guide for the hike?

A: No, it is not necessary to hire a guide for the hike. The trail is well-marked and there are many resources available for hikers.

Q: How difficult is the hike?

A: The hike is considered to be moderately difficult, with some steep ascents and descents.

Q: What should I pack for the hike?

A:You should pack appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, and rain gear. You should also bring a map, a compass, and plenty of water and snacks.

Q: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?

A: Yes, there are some safety concerns to be aware of, including potential hazards such as steep drops, loose rocks, and unpredictable weather. It is important to stay on the marked trail and to be prepared for changing conditions.

Q: Can I hike the trail in sections?

A: Yes, it is possible to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in sections, with many hikers choosing to focus on one or two sections at a time.

Q: What are some of the highlights of the hike?

A: Some highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc include stunning views of the Alps, charming mountain villages, and the opportunity to experience the unique cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a renowned hiking trail accommodating hikers from across the globe. It is mentally and physically challenging, but efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views along the route. The TMB is accessible with or without a guided tour, as there is food, water, emergency services, accommodations, and other modern amenities along the path. With a reasonable amount of advanced preparation, physical training, thoughtful packing, and a conscientious “Leave no trace” mindset, this unforgettable journey is worth experiencing for yourself. 

Tour du Mont Blanc hiking guide.

IMAGES

  1. Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in Comfort Self-Guided Walking Tour

    tour du mont blanc july weather

  2. Runcation Travel

    tour du mont blanc july weather

  3. Weather Conditions on the Tour Du Mont Blanc

    tour du mont blanc july weather

  4. Tour du Mont Blanc: A Spectacular 8-Day Guided Tour

    tour du mont blanc july weather

  5. Tour Du Mont Blanc 14 Days July 2018

    tour du mont blanc july weather

  6. Mont Blanc and Lac Blanc (near Chamonix, France). Taken while hiking

    tour du mont blanc july weather

VIDEO

  1. Simulation Tour du Mont Blanc

  2. Wild day on Mont Blanc July 2023

  3. Tour du Mont Blanc 2022

  4. Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

  5. HIKING TOUR DU MONT BLANC

  6. Tour du Mont Blanc

COMMENTS

  1. Weather Conditions on the Tour du Mont Blanc

    Tour du Mont Blanc summer weather conditions. From late June to the end of August it will be hot in the valleys and temperatures will be between 20°C and 30°C but these can drop to 10°C at night. At higher elevations the temperature will become cooler and this can be exacerbated by cool winds. Occasional cold fronts will bring cold, wet ...

  2. Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

    September is a good time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, as long as you're happy to hike in cooler, but not chilly weather. The average temperature range for September is 9 - 21C (48 - 70F). By September school holidays will be over for most, so the trail will be noticeably quieter, and rainfall figures for the month are fairly typical, an ...

  3. When is the Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

    July and August: Reliability Meets Buzzing Energy July and August emerge as the peak months for trekking Tour du Mont Blanc, boasting the most reliable weather conditions. During these months, the trails are alive with hikers from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

  4. Best Time to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

    The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is between June and September. July and August are peak months, meaning a busier trail but fantastic weather. Mont Blanc's summer months boast lush greenery cloaked with wildflowers, attracting a range of adventurers. However, the pretty scenery comes with a price— congested trails and ...

  5. Weather Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

    Online Weather Forecasts. The TMB Classic Route passes through 3 different countries (France, Italy, Switzerland). This can be confusing when trying to find an up-to-date and accurate weather forecast. Here are the online forecasts that we use, and that we find the most accurate : France: Chamonix - Meteo.

  6. Hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc

    Circling the largest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc, the trail covers 170km (105 miles), climbs more than 10,000m (32,800ft) in cumulative altitude, and weaves through three Alpine countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. Typically, the route begins and ends in Les Houches, France, and follows a counterclockwise loop around the mountain range.

  7. The best time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

    Discover our spring Tour du Mont Blanc trips. Beautiful crocuses in bloom on top of Prarion Mountain looking out towards the Mont Blanc Massif. Photo by Jennifer Stretton Best time for warm weather on the TMB. July and August are the hottest months of the year. In July, the average temperature is between 13 and 26C (55 - 79F).

  8. Weather Conditions on the Tour du Mont Blanc

    The best set of webcams are on the official Tour du Mont Blanc Website. Underfoot conditions There is an underfoot condition which the French call Neve. This is snow which has been through the freeze/thaw cycle and is therefore incredibly slippy. It is recommended to take it slowly and trust your judgement if you come to any patches of neve.

  9. Tour du Mont Blanc

    The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular treks in Europe. It covers a distance of roughly 170 kilometres and gains more than 10,000 meters of altitude over 11 stages. In this guide we cover: what weather to expect and the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, which huts to book, what gear you might need, and much more...

  10. 2021 Tour du Mont Blanc Trail Conditions

    TOUR DU MONT BLANC TRAIL CONDITIONS. Identifying where snow is still covering the trail is always the focus of June and early July updates. The general guidance at the moment is that some snow is still present (but rapidly receding) above 2,000m (6,560 feet) on north-facing slopes. There are always exceptions in sheltered/shaded areas where a ...

  11. Trails conditions

    Mild weather and pleasant temperatures in this period of mid-June. The snowfields are rapidly melting. To date, we have had a few passages of hikers on the TMB, and accompanied groups are on the way. ... Conditions July 8th 2021 ... This information and exhibition space for all the hikers who walk the Tour du Mont-Blanc, every summer welcomes ...

  12. Best Time to Hike Mont Blanc

    The summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to hike Mont Blanc. Summer weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The longer days of summer provide more daylight hours for hiking and exploration.

  13. When is the best time of the year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

    Andrew Delmenhorst. After leaving his corporate gig, Andrew has been traversing the world, finding adventure wherever he goes - like walking 500 miles (800 km) across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, hiking the 5 sacred mountains of China, biking 800 miles from Brussels to Florence and taking a 1850 miles (3000 km) road trip through Bolivia.

  14. When to Go on a Trek

    TMB in July and August. July and August are good time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc as the trails will be clear of snow and the weather will generally be good. However, late July and early August are still traditionally when Europeans take their annual holiday and so the trails can be quite busy. It is not uncommon to see up to ten groups ...

  15. Tour du Mont Blanc Hike: Complete Guide to Trekking the TMB

    The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a captivating multi-day hike that circuits the Mont Blanc massif in usually 10-11 days, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. The main Tour du Mont Blanc route is 170 km (105 miles) long and involves 10,080 meters (33,071 feet) of elevation gain and loss. The Mont Blanc mountain range takes its name from ...

  16. Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), Haute-Savoie, France

    Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) Hard • 4.4 (1236) Les Houches, Haute-Savoie, France. Photos (585) Directions. Print/PDF map. Length 102.0 miElevation gain 34,212 ftRoute type Loop. Proceed cautiously on this 102.0-mile loop trail near Les Houches, Haute-Savoie. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by ...

  17. Tour du Mont Blanc

    tour du Mont Blanc trail update 4th July 2023. Tour du Mont Blanc Update 27th June 2023. Tour du Mont Blanc trail conditions 25th June 2023. ... The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the World's top ten 'must do' treks and it's not hard to understand why, as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day. ...

  18. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc: A 110-Mile European Dream Trail

    The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a loop hike of ~110 miles with ~30,000 feet of elevation gain (and subsequent loss) that circumnavigates Mont Blanc massif, a 16,000-footer in the Alps. The trail's highest point is 8,700 feet, which is not high enough to cause altitude sickness in most people. It's easiest to fly into Geneva (though there ...

  19. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

    The Tour du Mont Blanc is a popular hiking trail in Europe that stretches 170 kilometers (106 miles), through France, Italy, and Switzerland. ... Due to the high altitude and the extreme weather in the colder months, the besttime to hike Tour du Mont Blanc is in June or September, when the weather is slightly cooler, but the trails and towns ...

  20. Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), Haute-Savoie, France

    One of Europe's best-known hikes. There are several sections in France, Italy and Switzerland. The 11-day walk around Mont Blanc is clockwise. There are plenty of accommodation options along the way. You will have the opportunity to shorten or extend your hiking days thanks to these accommodation options. The usual starting points are Les Houches in the Chamonix valley or Les Contamines in the ...

  21. What is the Haute Route? All your hiking questions answered

    The Haute Route might not be the most famous long-distance trail in the Alps (that's the Tour du Mont Blanc), or even the longest (that goes to the 5,000 km Via Alpina), but it's worth looking ...

  22. Everything You Need To Know About Hiking The Tour du Mont Blanc

    The Tour du Mont Blanc difficulty level is somewhat subjective to the hiker. The Gouter route is relatively easy because it takes about two days to reach the ascent and does not require extensive ...

  23. Sport-Trips on Instagram: " ️ Tour du Mont Blanc ️ #tourdumontblanc

    25 likes, 1 comments - sporttrips.be on July 4, 2023: " ️ Tour du Mont Blanc ️ #tourdumontblanc #tmb #chamonix #chamonixmontblanc #chamonixm ...