Classic Tour du Mont-Blanc
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20 | 10 days - 9 nights |
The Tour du Mont-Blanc is our most popular guided and self-guided tour, and for good reason.
The “TMB” follows the route of the world-famous trail race of the same name, as it winds its way from France, through Italy, then Switzerland, and finally returning to its starting point on the steps of the old church in Chamonix, France.
We typically allow seven days to make the trip, which gives plenty of time for photos, leisurely rests at mountain huts, and a rest day in Courmayeur, Italy. Strong ultra runners with plenty of experience in alpine settings can accomplish the tour in fewer days. However you run the “TMB”, you’ll enjoy running past glaciers as you circle the Mont Blanc massif. One 30-pound bag can move via pre-arranged taxi service each day, so you’ll have it available at the end each day’s trail run.
Typical Itinerary:
Day 1 : Arrive in Geneva and transfer to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center. An airport pickup is included, making this an easy and relaxing hour and a half journey. Relax at the hotel pool and patio, enjoying your first impressive views of Mont Blanc.
Day 2 : Before starting the Tour du Mont Blanc, you’ll explore the trails around Chamonix. A dramatic “balcony” run will take you along the valley, with big views of the surrounding glaciers, and the Aiguilles Rouges natural preserve.
Distance 16-19km (10-12mi); 915m (3000ft) ascent and descent; Shorter option available.
Day 3 : Follow an undulating trail over the Tricot pass, and into the Miage valley. This is one of the prettiest corners of the Tour du Mont Blanc! You’ll pass a tiny hamlet of stone houses, which is surrounded by hanging glaciers and grazing animals, before arriving at Les Contamines village.
Distance 22.5km (14mi); 1380m (4530ft) ascent; 1260m (4130ft) descent; Shorter option available.
Day 4 : Following an old Roman road, you’ll climb steadily over two lofty passes – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme. You’ll then descend into the Vallée de Glaciers, where you’ll sleep in a shared dormitory at a popular hikers’ inn.
Distance 26km (16mi); 1620m (5315ft) ascent; 910m (2990ft) descent
Day 5 : A gradual climb will take you from France to Italy via the Col de la Seigne. Amazing views greet you here! You’ll see Mont Blanc and the Veny valley below. Continue down to Courmayeur, a medieval town with narrow, cobblestoned alleyways and a lively center.
Distance 24km (15mi); 1135m (3730ft) ascent; 1640m (5390ft) descent
Day 6 : After one of our favorite breakfasts on the tour, a second day in Courmayeur gives you a chance to rest and soak in the hot spring spa at nearby Pré Saint Didier. If you’d like to run, the area around Courmayeur is filled with beautiful, quiet single track and huts serving delicious treats, cappuccino, and wine!
Day 7 : You’ll head up to Rifugio Bertone, overlooking the beautiful Val Ferret. From there, you’ll run some of the best single track on the tour. A steep climb takes you to Grand Col Ferret, on the Italian-Swiss border, and then it’s a beautiful, rolling trail down to La Fouly village.
Distance 34km (21mi); 1370m (4480ft) ascent; 1540m (5040ft) descent; Shorter option available.
Day 8 : Start by following the Ferret river, then climb to the pretty lakeside village of Champex-Lac. From there, follow a wooded trail to an alpine pasture. You’ll pass a mountain café, before descending to the Col de la Forclaz, or the nearby hamlet of Trient.
Distance 29km (18mi); 1160m (3810ft) ascent; 1005m (3300ft) descent; Shorter option available.
Day 9 : This last day is a classic! Start by climbing to Col de Balme, which is on the border with France, then drop down to the village of Le Tour, with gorgeous views of Mont Blanc and the entire Chamonix valley. Finish with a riverside run back to Chamonix. Alternatively, hop on a bus or train from Le Tour.
Distance 29km (18mi); 1720m (5640ft) ascent; 2210m (7250ft) descent; Shorter options available.
Day 10 : Today you’ll say “au revoir” to the Tour du Mont-Blanc and the “Vallée du Trail”. You’ll take a transfer back to Geneva, and depart for your post-Mont Blanc destination.
Book this tour
$3490 per person
$890 single supplement
Looking for a customized itinerary?
Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.
Prefer to go with a guide?
Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.
Each self-guided tour includes the following components:
- In-country shared shuttle transport from Geneva airport to Chamonix, and return from Chamonix to Geneva airport at the end of the trip
- Accommodation in 3- star hotels and/or mountain huts
- Buffet breakfasts each morning and multi-course dinners except in Chamonix and Courmayeur; restaurant recommendations will be provided
- Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
- Luggage transfers
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- Flights
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Why Run the Alps? Learn how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and about what sets us apart.
- Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Add an Alps Trail Race: As we work with you to develop your self-guided itinerary, it may be possible to add one of the many great Alp trail races to your plans. Please contact us to discuss trail race options and timing if this is of interest.
- Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
- Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
- Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.
Loading...