Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit

Considered by many to be the most beautiful hike in western Europe (and some would argue the WORLD!), this epic hike takes you through three countries:  France, Italy and Switzerland on a magnificent roughly 110 miles (175km).  You’ll walk through alpine meadows, historic villages and forests all while gazing at the stunning granite peaks of the European Alps of the Mont Blanc Massif (mountain range)!

One night you can splurge on a gourmet French meal and after your next day’s hike, be relishing a fabulous pasta or pizza dish in Italy!  You’ll cross borders, encounter multiple languages (mostly French and Italian, and some German), and experience multiple cultures, food and customs.

The (red) podcast player below features my own 12 day adventure tour with Active Adventures (this is one of their signature tours). You can also listen to Linda describe her adventure in the second player.  On these shows and below, you will learn about the trail, the people, the outstanding food, and what special things to pack and how to prepare.

You’ll come away with a good idea of whether adding the Tour du Mont Blanc to your adventure travel bucket list (and the answer is ‘YES’!!!).  Note that Active Adventures is one of my affiliates and they offer my podcast listeners a $100 discount off of any of the amazing tours.   Email me for the current Active Adventures promo code.

Here’s another interview about the Mont Blanc tour with Linda, the gal who introduced me to it:

Get your FREE Mont Blanc Travel Planner HERE

What You’ll See on the Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit Hike

For most of the trail, you’ll see the towering and majestic Mont Blanc peak itself.  It’s covered in a beautiful glacier.  Much of the time, you are above treeline, so you get panoramic views of all of the surrounding alps – just spectacular!

Lower down, you trek through fir and other hardwood forests to charming mountain villages.  My favorite village was Coermayeur in Italy (a great town for a rest day!).  I went during early August and was delightfully surprised by the abundant wildflowers that covered all the meadows once we passed treeline!!!

Much of the trail is surrounded by pasture land, so you’ll be enchanted by the sheep and cows, which always bring a smile.

There are some glacial streams to cross, but nothing technical or too difficult.  Small bridges cross any more challenging streams.  Be sure to take advantage of the creeks to soak your feet!!!

What is the Mont Blanc Trail Terrain Like – What Shoes to Wear

Most of the trail is basic dirt path mixed with rocks.  However, there are some sections that are just mountain rubble, typical of former glacier retreat areas.  So I would recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots with ankle support.  You could wear trail runners, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless your ankles are super strong.  Pro Tip:  Stick a compression sock in your day pack to put on if you twist your ankle.  It’ll hold off much of the swelling until you make it to civilization.

WARNING:  Avoid the Mont Blanc RACE in August!

Before you make your arrangements, be sure to find out when the annual Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc race is (usually late August).  The trail is already quite popular, so you don’t want to be out there when people are also racing on it!

Mountain Biking Tour du Mont Blanc

Some crazy people DO mountain bike the Mont Blanc Circuit trail.  There are places they have to carry the bike.  This does not look like a fun way to do the circuit, IMO.  I understand the Swiss section is easier for bikers, and that’s where we saw the most bikers.  Bikers aren’t always courteous about announcing a pass, unfortunately.

Get your FREE Mont Blanc Travel Planner HERE

History along the Mont Blanc Trail : World War II Bunkers

In both world wars, there was quite a bit of fighting in this region.  So occasionally, you will come across ruins or old bunkers left behind during World War II.

It’s difficult to imagine fighting in such challenging terrain, and that there was so much bloodshed surrounded by such beauty!

We had lunch by the bunkers pictured (they are no longer safe to go inside).

PRO TIP:  Credit and Debit cards (with chip!) can be used for everything, including local bus transportation.  You will only need cash for Refugios and any guide tips.  Euros were usually accepted in Switzerland, although you’ll likely get Swiss francs as change.  France and Italy are in the EU and use euros.

Best Time to Hike the Mont Blanc Circuit Trail

The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc trail is from mid-June through mid-September (avoiding the August race week!!!).  Most of the snow will be melted and you’ll have the best chance of avoiding the cold and possible snow.  Remember:  in the mountains ALWAYS be prepared for four seasons!

I loved going in early August as I got to see so many wildflowers.  But the trail will also be busier in August, not just because of the flowers, but because so many Europeans take their vacation in August.  I mostly heard French and Italian along the trail (English is widely spoken, so don’t let lack of language skills intimidate you).

Get your FREE Mont Blanc Travel Planner HERE

Who Can Hike the Mont Blanc Circuit

I was close to 64 when I hiked Mont Blanc, and there was a gal close to 70 in my small group.  BUT, we had to train in order to be able to do it.  So my answer is, you can, IF you train your body.  More about training further down.  The company I choose for guided hiking tours is Active Adventures, and on the six tours I’ve done with them, mostly they attract fit folks over 50 (email me for a discount code).

There are two particularly tough days, with massive ascents (and one day with a massive descent).  The trail isn’t overly steep, but you climb around 4000′ in ten miles.  Fortunately, there are a lot of switchbacks, and of course, you can stop to take a break whenever you need to.  On my Active tour, we regularly stopped to enjoy a particularly scenic view, or at one of the mountain huts to replenish our water.

Straddle Two Countries at once!  France + Italy, then Italy + Switzerland, and then back into France

How Hard is Mont Blanc?

This is a difficult hike (ATA rating of 4-5) but IT IS DOABLE if you are in shape and you train (see my training schedule below)!  This is not a hike to ‘learn on the job’.  No technical skills are required, but there are some steep ascents and descents (bring your poles!!!).  Also, like most mountains, even in the summer, you need to always be prepared for extreme weather conditions and sudden changes.

Is Altitude an Issue on Mont Blanc Circuit

For most people trekking the Mont Blanc Circuit, altitude should not present a problem.  You are not climbing Mont Blanc, which is over 12,000′, but rather walking at lower elevations AROUND Mont Blanc.  At it highest point on the circuit trail, you are at 8743’/2665m at the Col des Fours in France and the Fenêtre d’Arpette in Switzerland.  I would guess that most times you are between 4-6000′ altitude.

Is Hiking Mont Blanc Expensive?

One great thing about this trip is that you can tailor it to both your time AND budget!  You can do it on the cheap by backpacking or camping, you can stay in the mountain huts, or upgrade to pensions and hotels (some legs you will need to use the hut or skip ahead).  If you go with a guided tour like we all did with my affiliate Active Adventures–they make all the arrangements for you (and don’t forget to email me to get the $100 discount!).

Download all the details you need to plan your Mont Blanc adventure HERE – you’ll get access to ALL of the travel planners and also get the once a month newsletter (no spam promise – unsubscribe anytime).

Where to Start Your Mont Blanc Circuit Hike

Most people start at Les Houches, near Chamonix, but many also begin at Les Contamines in France, Courmayeur in Italy, or near Martigny in Switzerland.

Tradition has it that you hike counterclockwise, but of course, you can hike your own hike.

How to Get to Chamonix

If you are flying, the cheapest way is to fly to Geneva, Switzerland and then take a bus (1.5 hours) from there.  I like FlixBus (download the app or book online), or wait until you arrive and book at the desk (more expensive).  How to Get Cheap Flights

I generally find the cheapest flight to Europe and then take a budget airline from there.  If you are already in Europe, you can also take a bus or train to Chamonix.  I like the app Omio to help me figure it out.

Special Things to Pack for Mont Blanc Circuit Trail

I generally pack the same things anytime I go into the mountain (get access to my complete packing guide for daypacks and back packs HERE), there are a few items that I would pack specifically for the Mont Blanc trail:

• Non-slip UV Sun Gloves with no tips : You are above treeline most of the time, so protect your hands.  They weigh nothing and I was delighted I packed them!
• Mini Travel Coffee Maker : Hotels don’t serve breakfast very early in Europe, so you usually won’t have much time for coffee.  Pack a small one so you can have your fill before your quick breakfast.
• Travel Clothes Line : You are on the move each day, so in addition to only packing quick dry performance clothes, pack this mini clothes line with ‘pins’ that weighs just 1.3 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand.
• Sleeping Bag Liner (as a sheet) : Whenever I go to Europe, I pack my lightweight silk sleeping bag liner.  Why?  Because most hotels use duvets on the beds with no top sheet and it’s too hot for me.  Plus, most hotels DON’T have air conditioning.  If you are very sensitive to heat at night, also consider:
• Portable Travel Fan : If you can’t sleep when it’s hot, check the forecast before you go.  You may want to pack a fan!

Get your FREE Mont Blanc Travel Planner HERE

What Other Fun Adventures Can You Do near Mont Blanc

My Active Adventures 12 Day Mont Blanc Tour included guided sea kayaking on Lake Annecy and then spending some free time in delightful and historical old town Annecy.

We also had the opportunity to go mountain biking in Chamonix on our last full day, which was also a total blast!  No experience needed, as it wasn’t technical, but I needed to remind myself of the mantra I learned in Moab on a montain biking class to “Trust the Bike – Trust the Bike – Trust the Bike” on a downhill section.  It was thrilling!

White Water Rafting on our Free Day in Coermayeur

And unexpected highlight and delight was taking a two hour white water rafting trip with Totem Adventure, the only outfitter allowed to run a particularly technical stretch of the river.

All I knew was that Robyn, a fellow travel mate, signed me up to join her family for a two hour Class II and IV run.  Two hours sounds like a short run, but the first 2/3 of the seven miles is CONSTANT RAPIDS!!!  Ivan, our guide ( and it takes four YEARS to train for this section!) was constantly barking orders to “Paddle Forward – Get Down – Get in Position – Paddle Back – Get Down” etc, that more than two hours would’ve been exhausting!  It was SUCH A BLAST!!!

Take the Gondolas from Chamonix to See the Glacier from Above

Make sure you take the time to go up the Aiguille du Midi cable car to see the glacier from the many platforms above!!!  A definite highlight (included with my Active Adventures tour).  You will be so close to Mont Blanc’s summit and can look down below at the hikers and climbers doing their thing.  

We got to see some climbers just finishing up (they actually climb up the side of the platform) – some use the cable car to get mostly up the mountain so they just climb the hard part on the glacier.  We also saw many people jumping over crevaces (plus a rockslide) all from the safety of the platform! EPIC VIEWS!!!

Take the train to Montenvers and to Go INSIDE the glacier!

Another super cool thing we did was take a super steep train up to Montenvers for a nice hike and then took a gondola to see Mer de Glace’s Grotto de Glace (Ice Cave), where we actually got to walk INSIDE the glacier!!!

For my adventure, I used my affiliate Active Adventures for her trip. Unlike traditional hiking tour companies, Active Adventures always adds a little twist to make it multi-sport. You’ll often have the opportunity to kayak or cycle, or do other cool things as well as predominantly hiking. They make all the arrangements for you, so all you have to do is train and show up!

Be sure to let Active Adventures know that Active Travel Adventures sent you (I know the company names sound similar, but we are two different companies).   Don’t forget to get your ATA discount code to save $100 on any of their tours.  EMAIL ME to get your Active Adventures Promo Code.

Please use my links!  At no additional cost to you (in fact you actually save when you use my exclusive promo codes), you’ll be helping to support the program and to help keep it ad free – thanks!  Kit

Typical Mont Blanc Circuit Itinerary

You can use this table to get an idea of how much daily ascent and descent you can expect, how hard each day will be and about how long you will be hiking each day.  This is a very challenging adventure and you must train for it, both for your own safety and enjoyment, and so you can keep up with your chosen tour group.  Here’s a link to my Training For Adventure Travel that can help.

Remember that you have ALL DAY to do it!  You can do this!!!  I’ve rounded up the daily time averages.  To use this chart, for example, Leg 1:  Les Houches, you would have all day to hike ten miles (16 km), and during the course of the day, you will be climbing a total of  2120′ up (646 meters), and descending over the day 2075′ (633 meters ).  So of the 16 km (= 16000 meters) you are hiking that day, 646m + 633m = 1279m (1.3 km) of ascent or descent, which means about 8% of the hike you will be going up or down, and the rest of the time won’t be killer.  This does not tell you if you have sharp ascents or descents.  That’s where your guide book comes in handy.  The hours listed above can give you an idea, too. Note that the Active Adventures tour I took skips one somewhat technical area and also some of the valley villages – see their website.

Interesting Fact:  The trail signage ashows times to intersections, not distances!  I’m not sure they were particularly accurate.  There are many trails up there, so while the trails are well marked, you have to know the name of the next intersection so you know which way to turn.  Use GPS, too, plus a map to be safe.

Here’s how I would train to hike the Mont Blanc circuit:

Ideally at least three months in advance (but really make sure that it’s at least two months), start taking walks or hikes with your pack two times per week for 30-60 minutes, and then on one day each week, hike 2-3 hours with your pack.  If you live where it’s flat like I do, you may need to do the short hikes on a treadmill on the incline and then find some hills for your longer hikes (or do more boring treadmills).

Get more details on TRAINING for Adventure Travel HERE.

In addition, your body, especially your shoulders and feet, need to get used to carrying weight.  BUT DON’T ADD A LOT OF WEIGHT AT ONE TIME!!!  Ease into it.  Collect water bottles (I prefer the thicker walled juice containers with heavy caps because they are less likely to leak).  Fill the bottles with water.

I use a heavy duty trash compacter bag as a liner in my pack.  Put several of the filled water bottles to add some weight to your pack.  You may need to cushion them with a towel so they don’t poke you in the back.

Put the pack on and load with enough water bottles so that you FEEL the weight, but it doesn’t feel very heavy.  This is your start weight.  Then each week add no more than 10% more weight.  The goal is to build up and get used to carrying more weight than you’ll be carrying on the actual adventure so that when you are actually hiking the trail, your pack feels light.  This helps to compensate for not practicing with much elevation.

For example, if I find that my pack is going to weight about 20 pounds  (see my day pack packing guide), and I start feeling the weight at 15 pounds, here’s what my training weight might look like:

DO NOT increase your weight more than 10% per week so your body can adapt easier.

Other Training Tips

In addition to making sure that my day pack felt light for my hike using the training schedule above, I also did the following each week during the last two months before my hike.  I trained moderately for four months total, trying to get in at least one long 8+ mile hike per week for months 3-4.  

When I was 9 weeks away, I started doing the following each week, finishing training seven days before the start of my tour, to let my body recover.  I’m pleased to report that I crushed it and was as fit as I have been in a decade thanks to the training for my Mont Blanc tour!!!

• Hike:  One long 8+ mile hike (wear training pack)
• Hike: One shorter hike of at least 1.5 hours – try to do some of these two days in a row – (wear training pack)
• Yuks:  20 squats and lunges 2 x per week – I could usually fit these in while reheating things in the microwave, same with the balance exercises below)
• Balance exercise: Stand on one leg and tap the heel of your other on the step below repeat 12 x/leg
• Balance exercise: Stand on one leg and hold other knee up and in front and then swing back to a straighened leg ‘tee’ (like ice skaters do)
• Interval Training (I hated this, but it only takes 30 minutes (only 8 minutes awful), so would get it out of the way on Mondays):  Warm up walk five minutes.  Set timer for five minutes and RUN as hard as you can for two minutes, walk the rest of the time (3 minutes)  Repeat four times and walk five minutes to cool down.
• Stairs:  I found outdoor stairs (20 steps up):  Add a lap per week of each until you are doing 15 laps of all three:
  • Go down the steps one step and a time, but up the stairs two steps at a time
  • Go down SIDEWAYS, both sides
    • • These stair exercises help lengthen your muscles for irregular trail

Subscribe to the Active Travel Adventures podcast!  You’ll explore amazing multi-day adventure holidays from around the world on each FREE episode.  Subscribe HERE.

Learn the skills you need to gain the confidence you need to go on these incredible adventures on the Adventure Travel Show podcast.  Subscribe for FREE here.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED

How to Save Money On Travel

How to Save Money FOR Travel