Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided - Everything You Need To Know
Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided allows you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
The route through the French Alps is well-marked and catered for by mountain refuges along the way. This makes it a good option for solo adventurers who are willing to do some pre-trip planning and preparation.
You can plan and do the Tour du Mont Blanc completely independently. Or, you can book a self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc through a company. In this article, I'll discuss both options.
The reality is that handling all of the planning logistics can quickly become time-consuming. So, it's often easiest to book a guided tour where everything is handled for you.
Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Packages
A self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc is a middle ground between doing everything independently and joining a guided trip.
The tour companies that sell self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc trips generally offer a few different itineraries to suit your available time and fitness levels.
Self-guided packages usually include accommodation bookings with the option to have your meals included.
If you book a self-guided trek, you will receive maps (some companies have their own app) and trip information. Should you need assistance, there is usually someone available to call.
On self-guided tours, you can usually get your luggage transferred between refuges. This makes for a much more comfortable hike between stops, as you only need a day pack.
This is a good option for people who don't want to hike as part of a group but do want the peace of mind that a 'support team' can provide.
Tour du Mont Blanc On Your Own (The D.I.Y Option)
If you are able to plan in advance and have some experience organising your own trekking expeditions, it is possible to do TMB completely independent of any tour company or guide.
This is a good option for the seasoned adventurer. Independently hiking the TMB is also the most budget-friendly option, especially if you camp along the trail.
Below, we've compiled some advice on how to tackle the TMB independently. This includes route information and accommodation options.
Plan Your Trek
Research is key! Familiarize yourself with the TMB route, its variations, and the average trekking times between each stage.
If you have limited time or are planning a shortened version of the trek, you will need to decide where to start Tour du Mont Blanc, as well as where to end it and how far to hike each day.
You will then need to pre-book accommodation accordingly. You may also need to book transfers from the airport or to the start/end of your trail.
Be realistic about your hiking capabilities. It's better to overestimate the trail's difficulty. If you try to take on too much distance per day, you could end up stuck in the wilderness after sunset or arrive at a hut with no availability for the night.
Route Overview
The TMB is a circular route that covers approximately 170 kilometres and typically takes 10-12 days to complete.
The trek passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, circumnavigating the Mont Blanc massif.
While there are variations, the classic TMB route typically includes the following stages:
Stage 1: Les Houches (France) to Les Contamines (France)
Stage 2: Les Contamines (France) to Les Chapieux (France)
Stage 3: Les Chapieux (France) to Rifugio Elisabetta (Italy)
Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta (Italy) to Courmayeur (Italy)
Stage 5: Courmayeur (Italy) to Rifugio Bonatti (Italy)
Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti (Italy) to La Fouly (Switzerland)
Stage 7: La Fouly (Switzerland) to Champex-Lac (Switzerland)
Stage 8: Champex-Lac (Switzerland) to Trient (Switzerland)
Stage 9: Trient (Switzerland) to Tre-le-Champ (France)
Stage 10: Tre-le-Champ (France) to La Flégère (France)
Stage 11: La Flégère (France) to Les Houches (France)
Accommodation For a Self-Guided TMB Hike
The TMB offers various accommodation options, including:
Refuges
The refuges Tour du Mont Blanc are mountain huts that are the most popular choice for trekkers. They provide dormitory-style accommodations and meals. Examples include Refuge du Lac Blanc, Rifugio Bonatti, and Refuge des Mottets.
Gîtes and Guesthouses
These are small inns or guesthouses located in villages along the route. They offer private or shared rooms and serve meals. Examples include Gîte le Moulin in Les Contamines and Auberge La Boerne in La Fouly.
Campsites
If you prefer camping, some designated campsites are available along the TMB. These sites offer basic facilities such as toilets and showers. Examples include Camping du Glacier d'Argentière and Camping Les Montets.
Camping along Tour Du Mont Blanc can cut your costs of doing this trail by almost half.
The big disadvantage of camping is that you will need to carry your own gear. A tent, cooking utensils and food will add significant weight to your backpack. Wild camping is only permitted on the French stages.
Hotels
In larger towns or at the start and end points of the trek, you can find hotels that cater to a range of budgets. Examples include Hotel Les Granges in Les Houches and Hotel Edelweiss in Courmayeur.
Note: It is advisable to book all accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Preparing For Your Self-Guided Hike
Get yourself in shape for the hike! Assess your fitness level and engage in regular training such as jogging, sports, or brisk walks (with a weighted backpack) a few times a week. This will help you to prepare for the trek's physical demands.
One of the most important aspects of planning to do a Tour du Mont Blanc without a guide is packing the appropriate gear.
Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots (that have been worn in) and a comfortable backpack with good shoulder and back support.
It's also very important to be prepared for all weather conditions with weatherproof clothing.
Recommended reading: Packing List Tour du Mont Blanc.
Is Doing The Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided For Me?
How you choose to trek depends on your personal preferences, experience, and budget.
If you like an all-inclusive option, enjoy getting to meet new people, and hiking with a group, a guided Tour du Mont Blanc is the way to go.
Skyhook has two great TMB trips to take a look at:
Guided tours also add a lot of value in terms of the information you get from an expert guide.
If you are not a fan of group treks but are still unsure about the route and accommodation arrangements, go for a self-guided TMB package.
This is also a great option for those who want to trek and have their baggage transferred.
Finally, if you are self-sufficient, good with planning in advance, and have no problem reading maps (or using GPS), a completely independent trek could be for you.
Remember to prepare for all weather possibilities and stick to the marked trails.
Happy trekking!
