Tour du Mont-Blanc Trail Running

The world’s most iconic trail running route — 170 km through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

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Why run the Tour du Mont-Blanc?

The Tour du Mont-Blanc — or simply the “TMB” — is our most popular guided and self-guided trip, and with good reason. Circling Western Europe’s highest peak, the 170 km (106 mile) route links together France, Italy, and Switzerland in a trail runner’s dream.

You’ll climb high mountain passes, descend through alpine meadows, and refuel in welcoming villages — with Mont Blanc towering above it all. The route also doubles as the course of the legendary race, making it a must-do for trail runners worldwide.

Whether you want an authentic hut-to-hut adventure, a balanced mix of comfort and challenge, or a premium experience with every detail handled, Run the Alps offers a TMB trip that’s right for you.

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Quick Facts about the TMB

• Distance: ~170 km / 106 miles
  
• Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m / 32,800 ft
  
• Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
  
• Best Season: Mid-June through mid-September
  
• Highlights: Iconic Mont Blanc views, alpine passes, glaciers, refuges, meadows, and plenty of culture

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Our Four Tour du Mont-Blanc Trips

Run the Alps offers four unique ways to experience the Tour du Mont-Blanc.

_{Lead images: Kim Strom, Majell Backhausen, Sam Hill, Toni Spasenoski}

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Compare Our Tour du Mont-Blanc Trips

¹ Our Classic Self-Guided Tour can be shortened from 10 days to 8 or 9 days – please get in touch if you’d like to explore this option. 

² Accomodation on our Classic Self-Guided Tour and Express Self-Guided Tour can be upgraded to include 5* hotels – please get in touch if you’d like to explore this option. 

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Why Run the Alps?

• Local Experts: We focus exclusively on trail running trips to the Alps. Our team has lived, raced, and run here for years.
• Inclusive for All Levels: We have trail running vacations for every level of runner – and, on our guided tours, will never leave anyone behind.  
• Small Groups: Our guest-to-guide ratio is as good, or better than, any other tour provider we know. It’s usually a maximum of 7:1, which allows us to give every runner the attention they deserve.
• Positive Impact: A portion of every trip supports our Net Positive initiatives.
• Beyond the TMB: We also offer the Via Valais, Haute Route, and Bernese Oberland Traverse for those seeking alternatives. Check out all our trips here.

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Guided or Self-Guided?

Not sure which trip style is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Guided Tours

• Led by licensed International Mountain Leaders who know the Alps inside out.
  
• Small groups, with built-in camaraderie and support on the trail.
  
• Everything is taken care of — from navigation to accommodations.
  
• Perfect if you enjoy meeting other runners and having a local expert by your side.
  

Self-Guided Tours

• Run at your own pace, with detailed route notes, maps, and GPS tracks in our app.
  
• Luggage transfer and accommodations arranged for you.
  
• 24/7 on-the-ground support if you need it.
  
• Ideal if you prefer flexibility and independence, but still want all the in-country logistics taken care of.
  
• For more information about our self-guided tours, check out this article.

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Planning Your Tour du Mont-Blanc Run

Thinking about a TMB trip? Here are the essentials to help you prepare:

When to Go

• June–early July: Quieter trails, possibility of some snow still on passes.
  
• July–August: Best weather, but busiest season.
  
• September: Cooler, quieter, beautiful autumn colors.
  

Fitness & Training
Our TMB trips are either Level 3 (Essentials, Classic, Deluxe) or Level 4 (Express). They are designed for experienced trail runners with at least a few years of consistent trail running under their belt. For training resources head here.

Gear
Lightweight trail shoes, weather layers, hydration vest, and poles are recommended. A full packing list is included in your pre-trip materials.

Travel Logistics
All our TMB trips start and finish in Chamonix, France. On our Classic, Deluxe, and Express Tours an airport transfer is provided from the nearest airport – Geneva, Switzerland. For the Essentials Tour, we’ll provide you with information so you can book your travel to Chamonix directly. 

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FAQs

How difficult is the TMB?

The TMB is challenging but achievable for well-prepared trail runners. On our Level 3 tours (Essentials, Classic, Deluxe), you’ll be covering 10-20 miles with one mountain pass each day. On our Level 4 Express tour, you’ll be covering 20-30 miles and two or three mountain passes each day.

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What kind of accommodations will I stay in?

On the TMB, your accommodations can range from rustic mountain huts to 5* hotels, depending on your trip tier.

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When’s the best time to run the TMB?

The best time to run the TMB is June–September. July and August bring the most stable weather, but also the most crowds.

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What’s the difference between guided and self-guided?

Guided trips are led by licensed International Mountain Leaders who support from arrival to departure. On self-guided trips we provide detailed route materials, luggage transfers, accommodations, and on-the-ground support via our Whatsapp helpline.

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Can I bring a non-running partner?

Yes! Non-running companions can join you. They can hike, sightsee, and enjoy the mountains alongside your TMB adventure. Learn more here.

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Trail races near the Tour du Mont-Blanc

Use our Alps Race Finder to find your perfect Trail Race near the iconic TMB in Chamonix, France or Courmayeur, Italy.

For self-guided guests, it may be possible to add a race to your itinerary. Please get in touch and we can discuss your options.

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For more general FAQs, click here.

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