Classic Tour du Mont-Blanc
Dates (6 available) | Duration |
|---|---|
| Jun 15 - 24, 2025 | 10 days - 9 nights |
| Jul 4 - 13, 2025 | 10 days - 9 nights |
| Jul 18 - 27, 2025 | 10 days - 9 nights |
Our most popular trip — and for good reason! Run the spectacular Tour du Mont-Blanc starting and finishing in Chamonix, France. We’ll pass through Italy and Switzerland as we run inn-to-inn around the famed range.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc is the most famous trail running route in the world, and for good reason. Wandering over mountain trails from France, to Italy, to Switzerland and back into France, the “TMB” footpath includes some of the most iconic mountain terrain anywhere.
We’ll kick off the trip with a day of running one of Chamonix’s famed, high “balconies,” in one of the world’s great trail running locations. Then, we’ll take our time and run highlights of the TMB in seven running days, covering 10 – 20 miles and one mountain pass each day. Our overnights will include a mix of remote mountain inns and comfortable hotels in and around the Mont Blanc Massif, including Chamonix, France; Courmayeur, Italy; and La Fouly, Switzerland.
Our route differs slightly from the standard Tour du Mont-Blanc and the famous ultra trail race of the same name. Where the race course takes less scenic routes, we diverge for better views and more enjoyable running. An option exists to follow the race route, for those who want it.
One opportunity of note: the tour at the end of August will overnight in Courmayeur on the evening that runners pass through the village on their way around Mont Blanc, so there will be a unique opportunity to cheer on the world’s best mountain runners.
Our typical day on the Tour du Mont Blanc Run starts with a continental buffet breakfast at our inn, and soon we’ll be out on the trail. With many passes to cross, the hiking and running is challenging, but there will also be opportunities for easier days. Our tour will go counter-clockwise around Mont Blanc, starting in Chamonix, then through Italy and into Switzerland, before coming back to Chamonix. Several optional transfers allow for shorter days days that get us right to the best trail running.
On this level 3 tour we’ll generally cover around 15-16 miles with 5000ft of climbing each day, aiming to finish with some time to relax. Your bags will be transferred separately, each night. In the evening we’ll enjoy dinner together at our inn or a nearby restaurant. These are multi-course feasts featuring local French, Italian and Swiss specialties, and will be hearty, filling, well-earned, and very delicious. We will leave one dinner in Courmayeur free, where you will have a chance to explore on your own.
At the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the starting and finishing point of our tour. In this video Run the Alps staff and friends show you around our home of Chamonix, France.
If you’d prefer to complete the TMB in just four running days, check out our Express Tour du Mont Blanc tour.
Lead images: PatitucciPhoto, Sam Hill, Kim Strom
Book this tour
$4890 per person
$1250 single supplement
Please note that due to limited availability, the single supplement is for a single room in Chamonix and Courmayeur only – five of the nine nights. Rooms will be shared on other nights.
Make it privately guided
Prefer to go guided with your own group? Inquire here.
Go self-guided
Run on your own schedule, without a guide, and let us take care of the logistics! See details here.
Itinerary
Chamonix train station.(Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 1 - Chamonix
Arrive in Geneva, and transfer to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center in France. Enjoy your first impressive views of Mont Blanc, with time to relax at the pool and outdoor patio of our Chamonix hotel before joining the group for our trip meeting, followed by dinner.
Enjoying the view. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 2 - Chamonix
We’ll enjoy some of the many excellent trails in the Chamonix valley, as we get oriented and take in the views. We’ll run one of Chamonix’s dramatic “balconies,” with big views of the glaciers of Mont Blanc.
Poles are handy in the Alps. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 3 - Les Contamines-Montjoie
An undulating trail leads through alpine pastures and pine forests, over the Tricot pass and through the quiet and quaint Miage valley.
Mapping out the day’s route. (Photo: Mark Brightwell)
Day 4 - Vallée de Glaciers
Following an old Roman trail, we continue the tour with a long, steady ascent across two lofty passes, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme.
Looking back up to Col de la Seigne. (Photo: Tonya Gray)
Day 5 - Courmayeur
Leaving France, a gradual ascent through quiet alp pastures leads to the Col de la Seigne and into Italy. Here we’re greeted by an amazing view into the Veny valley and the Mont Blanc range.
Ready to eat in Italy! (Courtesy photo)
Day 6 - Courmayeur
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. For those who want to run, the area around Courmayeur is filled with beautiful, quiet single track and huts serving delicious treats, cappuccino, and wine!
The view from Bonatti hut, on the route of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. (Courtesy photo)
Day 7 - La Fouly
We’ll head up to Rifugio Bertone and run some of the best single track on the tour, stopping at the stunning Rifugio Bonatti for lunch. Then it’s time to tackle the ascent of Grand Col Ferret, and cross the border to descend to the quiet Swiss village of La Fouly.
Running above Champex Lac. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 8 - Trient
Today’s run leads us along the Ferret river then climbs to the pretty lakeside village of Champex-Lac. Next, it’s through woods and meadows to Trient, with views of Switzerland’s Rhône valley and the historic city of Martigny along the way.
Crossing back into France to finish the loop. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 9 - Chamonix
We climb to the Col de Balme on the border with France to enjoy gorgeous views of Mont Blanc and the entire Chamonix valley as we cross the pass and descend to la Tour. Finish with a run through the Chamonix valley, or hop on a train for the ride back to Chamonix, where we enjoy a delicious celebratory dinner.
(Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 10 - Depart from Chamonix
Today we say “au revoir” to the Tour du Mont-Blanc and the Vallée du Trail, and depart for our post-Mont Blanc destinations.
Regional map
- Daily guided trail runs with a licensed International Mountain Leader
- Accommodation for nine nights at 3 or 4 star hotels
- Buffet breakfasts, food and premium nutrition on the trail, and eight multi-course dinners
- Geneva Airport-Chamonix transfers at the start and end of the tour
- All transfers to and from trailheads that are included on our planned itinerary
- Luggage transfers
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of information and tips from Run the Alps staff and guides
- Flights
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- One dinner in Courmayeur; recommendations provided
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Tips for guides
Plan to arrive the day your tour starts, at the latest. Note that flights from the US usually arrive on the following day, so schedule accordingly. The closest airport is Geneva, Switzerland. This tour includes a shared shuttle pickup at the Geneva Airport. If you’d like to arrive a day or more before the tour starts, the shuttle is still included.
For those wanting to spend a few extra days in Chamonix, the “Vallée du Trail” with over 500 kilometers of trail running, we can assist in extending your time and providing self-guided trail running materials, either before or after the tour. The option to run a trail race exists, too– please check our race schedule for more information.
Plan your departure for the day the tour ends at the earliest. Since the Geneva airport is only ninety minutes away by shuttle, it is possible to leave the day the tour ends. If your flight departure time is before 10am, a private shuttle is required at an added cost of $240.
- Why Run the Alps? Learn how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and what sets us apart.
- Want to extend your trip with more running? We can help provide self-guided run descriptions for nearby regions of the Alps, and/or trail race options.
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. Check out our Alps Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- 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!
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard Run the Alps trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Tour Balance: Your tour balance is due 90 days before your tour starts. We will send you an invoice about a month before that due date. However, you can pay your balance at any time. If you’d like the simplicity of paying in full sooner, or would like to pay in installments, please contact us.
- 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.
Guides for this Tour
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