Information

FAQ

If you haven’t found your answer in the other pages of our fabulous site, it will surely be here!

How long does it take to do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The full version of the Tour du Mont Blanc requires at least 9 days of walking.

However, it is possible to do this in less time by making transfers between certain steps. For those of you who can’t clear more than a week, it’s quite possible to do the Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days.

Moreover, if walking is too slow for you and you are a fan of trail running, the Tour du Mont Blanc in trail is for you. In 5 days, you will travel the entire traditional route !

Finally, no one forces you to do the Tour du Mont Blanc all at once to enjoy it! It is in this spirit that we imagined our 4-day trek on the trails of the TMB. Probably the best way to get started in trekking.

How long is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It changes according to the starting point and the variants taken but to do the complete Tour du Mont Blanc, it is a distance of between 160 and 170 kilometres that you will have to cover, spread over 10,000 metres of positive and negative altitude difference.

In short, a nice healthy walk.

Can I do a trek like it with children ?

Yes, but.

The recommended minimum age is 10 years. At this age, motor skills and stamina are sufficiently developed for everyone to have an enjoyable trip.

However, it is important that children have experience of the mountains and hiking. Our 4-day Tour du Mont Blanc is ideal for a family wishing to start hiking with their children.

If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to contact us: our guides will be delighted to discuss the matter with you.

When is the best time to do the TMB?

The best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc is from June to September.

At the beginning of June the trails are not yet too busy, but there is often snow on the higher parts of the tour. For experienced hikers or with our guided groups, this is a very pleasant period.

From 15 July to 15 August the trails are most crowded. This is the best time to meet hikers from all over the world!

After mid-August and until the end of September, it is quite possible to do the Tour du Mont Blanc. The accommodations are still open, the days are mild and the paths are quieter.

What should I bring to sleep in a mountain refuge?

In the refuges, blankets are provided. However, for reasons of hygiene, it is recommended to bring a silk sheet (meat bag).

We advise you to also bring :

  • a headlamp (for the evening and morning)
  • earplugs (if you are a sensitive sleeper)
  • a down jacket (it can get cold in the evening)
I love trekking by myself, is it possible to do the TMB in autonomy?

Under the stars, you are likely to be cold, because even in summer, temperatures can be low in the mountains!

But you can do the Tour du Mont Blanc in a bivouac. Every year, thousands of walkers undertake the TMB in this way.

However, you will have to respect certain rules which vary from country to country.

In France, bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise and in well-defined areas.

In Italy, only above 2500 meters of altitude.

In Switzerland, it is forbidden and you must sleep in a village.

If you pitch your tent next to a refuge, ask the warden for permission.

Do I have to book my nights in the refuges for my trek?

If you go with Trekking Mont Blanc, no! Overnight stays are included in our guided and self-guided trips and you don't need to worry about booking your nights as well as your morning and evening meals. At lunchtime, we eat a home-made picnic prepared by our chef.

If you want to do the Tour du Mont Blanc on your own, be aware that some nights in the high season are fully booked in several refuges as early as February! So make your reservations as early as possible.

I would like another accommodation than the one proposed in the programme, is it possible?

For some of our tours, we offer a "Dormitory" package and a "Comfort" package which includes, when possible, nights in private rooms.

We can also assist you in organising a free or tailor-made trip that will satisfy your wishes in terms of comfort and overnight stays.

Do I have to take care of my meals during my trek?

No.

In the morning and in the evening, you will have breakfast and dinner in the accommodations of the stay (mountain hut, gîte, inn, etc.).

At lunchtime, you will have a home-made picnic prepared by our chef from fresh products.

For all our stays, meals are included in the price of the reservation. Only cold drinks other than water and snacks bought in the huts are at your expense.

I have food allergies, is this a problem?

Not for us, anyway! Our team adapts to everyone's needs and the accommodations have no problem offering meals adapted to food allergies. However, it is important that you tell us about your diet when you register.

Can I do the Tour du Mont Blanc as a vegetarian or vegan?

Of course! Just let us know what your diet is when you book so that we can notify the mountain refuges and prepare your picnics accordingly.

What hiking boots do I need for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

We recommend that you wear hiking boots suitable for walking in the mountains for several days.

Choose shoes with high uppers that protect your ankles well, as they will be put under great strain.

Your shoes should also have a sole that is flexible enough to evolve on all types of terrain, a good grip and be waterproof (Gore-Tex membrane or equivalent).

What hiking bag is recommended for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are going to trek for several days, we advise you to carry a bag that is very comfortable to carry, even if it means carrying a few extra grams compared to a bag designed for lightness.

Choose a bag with wide shoulder straps, a waist belt that follows your walk and one that is adapted to your morphology.

In terms of volume, a 40 litre bag is perfect for doing the Tour du Mont Blanc in refuges. Choose a well-compartmented bag to store and find your things quickly.

Where can I find the check-list to do the TMB?

On all pages of our guided tours, you can download the technical sheet in PDF format. On it, you will find a list of recommended equipment.

For more information, you can also consult our page dedicated to trekking equipment.

What should I wear for a trek?

As for a day hike, we recommend that you adopt the three-layer technique:

  • a breathable first layer: a t-shirt made of synthetic fibres or merino wool (anti-bacterial)
  • a second layer that insulates and preserves body heat: a fleece, for example.
  • a third layer to protect against wind and rain: a waterproof hiking jacket.

In this way, you can easily adjust your outfit according to the temperature and weather conditions throughout the day.

If you have a question or doubt, you can ask your guide in the morning!

How can I book a trip?

The reservation of our stays is done online, by informing :

  • the details of the person booking
  • the identity of each traveller (first and last name)
  • additional information such as allergies, diet, special needs, etc.

At the time of booking, you must choose your travel insurance (without insurance, cancellation insurance, comprehensive insurance, Covid) and pay a deposit of 30% of the price of the holiday.

The balance is to be paid from your personal space at least 30 days before departure.

How far in advance of departure can I book a trek?

We accept registrations up to the last moment if possible. For last minute registrations it is best to call us to discuss the possibilities.

If I book a stay, is the departure guaranteed?

There are two possible scenarios:

  • The departure is guaranteed at the time of booking, quite simply.
  • The departure is not guaranteed and/or there are not enough people registered for this trip. In this case, we will do everything possible to enable you to travel on the dates you have chosen. Alternatively, we can offer to reschedule your trip or provide you with a credit note.
What is included in the price when booking?

For all our guided tours, the following are included in the price of the booking

  • Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
  • Nights and showers in the accommodation of the stay
  • Meals (morning and evening half-board, picnics and home-made snacks)
  • Luggage transfer as indicated in the programme
  • Possible transfers by vehicle and cable car

Travel insurance, transport to and from the departure point and drinks other than water in the accommodation are not included in the price of the trip.

How can I be sure that I have the right level for the trip I am planning?

If you are unsure of your level of hiking, we invite you to refer to our Levels page. There you will find information that will help you determine your level.

That said, physical preparation is strongly recommended. We advise you to keep in shape by regularly practising an endurance sport (swimming, running, etc.) before setting off.

How can I prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are going to trek for several days, we recommend that you prepare yourself physically in the months before to the day of departure.

To do this, practice sports that will improve your lung, heart and muscle endurance.

Walking, cycling, swimming, running and, of course, hiking are all very effective physical activities. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your efforts over the days and weeks.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself and listen to your body to avoid injury!

If I get sick during the trek, what happens?

In the event that you become ill during your trip, you can be taken to hospital. Your guide will be there to manage the situation until you are safe.

We advise you to take out travel insurance to cover this.

Is travel insurance required?

No, insurance is not mandatory to travel with us.

However, we strongly recommend it. A glitch is never impossible, even if we do our best to avoid them!

All insurance policies must be taken out at the time of registration.

Can I take out travel insurance when I book?

To leave with peace of mind, we offer you three insurance packages taken out with our partner. To find out more, go to our Insurance page.

If you wish to benefit from one of these contracts, please indicate this when you register.

What risks do your travel insurance policies cover?

The Comfort Cancellation policy includes :

  • Cancellation of the trip before departure

The Comfort Multirisk contract with Sports and Leisure extension includes:

  • Trip cancellation before departure and trip interruption before departure
  • Cancellation before departure and interruption of the trip
  • The luggage and personal effects option included
  • Repatriation and travel assistance throughout the world
  • Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
  • Individual travel accident cover
  • Civil liability abroad
  • Impossible return and early return

Finally, the "Health Protection" option includes :

  • Cancellation due to illness declared in the month prior to departure in the event of an epidemic or pandemic
  • Cancellation for refusal of boarding following a temperature test
  • Teleconsultation before departure
  • Medical repatriation (including in the event of an epidemic or pandemic)
  • Unability to return
  • Hotel expenses following an impossible return
  • Medical expenses outside the country of residence following an illness, including in the event of an epidemic or pandemic
  • Payment of a local telephone flat rate
  • Psychological support following quarantine
  • First aid kit
  • Household help
  • Delivery of groceries
  • Psychological support following repatriation
Can I take out insurance other than yours?

Of course! You are free to take out other insurance policies, you just need to check the conditions offered.

Concerning insurance, we are only intermediaries. We have selected our partner for its contracts adapted to mountain trekking.

How much do your insurance policies cost?

The price of our insurance contracts varies according to the price of your trip and its duration. You can choose the option that suits you best when you book your trip.

General

How long does it take to do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The full version of the Tour du Mont Blanc requires at least 9 days of walking.

However, it is possible to do this in less time by making transfers between certain steps. For those of you who can’t clear more than a week, it’s quite possible to do the Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days.

Moreover, if walking is too slow for you and you are a fan of trail running, the Tour du Mont Blanc in trail is for you. In 5 days, you will travel the entire traditional route !

Finally, no one forces you to do the Tour du Mont Blanc all at once to enjoy it! It is in this spirit that we imagined our 4-day trek on the trails of the TMB. Probably the best way to get started in trekking.

How long is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It changes according to the starting point and the variants taken but to do the complete Tour du Mont Blanc, it is a distance of between 160 and 170 kilometres that you will have to cover, spread over 10,000 metres of positive and negative altitude difference.

In short, a nice healthy walk.

Can I do a trek like it with children ?

Yes, but.

The recommended minimum age is 10 years. At this age, motor skills and stamina are sufficiently developed for everyone to have an enjoyable trip.

However, it is important that children have experience of the mountains and hiking. Our 4-day Tour du Mont Blanc is ideal for a family wishing to start hiking with their children.

If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to contact us: our guides will be delighted to discuss the matter with you.

When is the best time to do the TMB?

The best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc is from June to September.

At the beginning of June the trails are not yet too busy, but there is often snow on the higher parts of the tour. For experienced hikers or with our guided groups, this is a very pleasant period.

From 15 July to 15 August the trails are most crowded. This is the best time to meet hikers from all over the world!

After mid-August and until the end of September, it is quite possible to do the Tour du Mont Blanc. The accommodations are still open, the days are mild and the paths are quieter.

Accomodation

What should I bring to sleep in a mountain refuge?

In the refuges, blankets are provided. However, for reasons of hygiene, it is recommended to bring a silk sheet (meat bag).

We advise you to also bring :

  • a headlamp (for the evening and morning)
  • earplugs (if you are a sensitive sleeper)
  • a down jacket (it can get cold in the evening)
I love trekking by myself, is it possible to do the TMB in autonomy?

Under the stars, you are likely to be cold, because even in summer, temperatures can be low in the mountains!

But you can do the Tour du Mont Blanc in a bivouac. Every year, thousands of walkers undertake the TMB in this way.

However, you will have to respect certain rules which vary from country to country.

In France, bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise and in well-defined areas.

In Italy, only above 2500 meters of altitude.

In Switzerland, it is forbidden and you must sleep in a village.

If you pitch your tent next to a refuge, ask the warden for permission.

Do I have to book my nights in the refuges for my trek?

If you go with Trekking Mont Blanc, no! Overnight stays are included in our guided and self-guided trips and you don’t need to worry about booking your nights as well as your morning and evening meals. At lunchtime, we eat a home-made picnic prepared by our chef.

If you want to do the Tour du Mont Blanc on your own, be aware that some nights in the high season are fully booked in several refuges as early as February! So make your reservations as early as possible.

I would like another accommodation than the one proposed in the programme, is it possible?

For some of our tours, we offer a “Dormitory” package and a “Comfort” package which includes, when possible, nights in private rooms.

We can also assist you in organising a free or tailor-made trip that will satisfy your wishes in terms of comfort and overnight stays.

Food

Do I have to take care of my meals during my trek?

No.

In the morning and in the evening, you will have breakfast and dinner in the accommodations of the stay (mountain hut, gîte, inn, etc.).

At lunchtime, you will have a home-made picnic prepared by our chef from fresh products.

For all our stays, meals are included in the price of the reservation. Only cold drinks other than water and snacks bought in the huts are at your expense.

I have food allergies, is this a problem?

Not for us, anyway! Our team adapts to everyone’s needs and the accommodations have no problem offering meals adapted to food allergies. However, it is important that you tell us about your diet when you register.

Can I do the Tour du Mont Blanc as a vegetarian or vegan?

Of course! Just let us know what your diet is when you book so that we can notify the mountain refuges and prepare your picnics accordingly.

Equipment

What hiking boots do I need for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

We recommend that you wear hiking boots suitable for walking in the mountains for several days.

Choose shoes with high uppers that protect your ankles well, as they will be put under great strain.

Your shoes should also have a sole that is flexible enough to evolve on all types of terrain, a good grip and be waterproof (Gore-Tex membrane or equivalent).

What hiking bag is recommended for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are going to trek for several days, we advise you to carry a bag that is very comfortable to carry, even if it means carrying a few extra grams compared to a bag designed for lightness.

Choose a bag with wide shoulder straps, a waist belt that follows your walk and one that is adapted to your morphology.

In terms of volume, a 40 litre bag is perfect for doing the Tour du Mont Blanc in refuges. Choose a well-compartmented bag to store and find your things quickly.

Where can I find the check-list to do the TMB?

On all pages of our guided tours, you can download the technical sheet in PDF format. On it, you will find a list of recommended equipment.

For more information, you can also consult our page dedicated to trekking equipment.

What should I wear for a trek?

As for a day hike, we recommend that you adopt the three-layer technique:

  • a breathable first layer: a t-shirt made of synthetic fibres or merino wool (anti-bacterial)
  • a second layer that insulates and preserves body heat: a fleece, for example.
  • a third layer to protect against wind and rain: a waterproof hiking jacket.

In this way, you can easily adjust your outfit according to the temperature and weather conditions throughout the day.

If you have a question or doubt, you can ask your guide in the morning!

Booking

How can I book a trip?

The reservation of our stays is done online, by informing :

  • the details of the person booking
  • the identity of each traveller (first and last name)
  • additional information such as allergies, diet, special needs, etc.

At the time of booking, you must choose your travel insurance (without insurance, cancellation insurance, comprehensive insurance, Covid) and pay a deposit of 30% of the price of the holiday.

The balance is to be paid from your personal space at least 30 days before departure.

How far in advance of departure can I book a trek?

We accept registrations up to the last moment if possible. For last minute registrations it is best to call us to discuss the possibilities.

If I book a stay, is the departure guaranteed?

There are two possible scenarios:

  • The departure is guaranteed at the time of booking, quite simply.
  • The departure is not guaranteed and/or there are not enough people registered for this trip. In this case, we will do everything possible to enable you to travel on the dates you have chosen. Alternatively, we can offer to reschedule your trip or provide you with a credit note.
What is included in the price when booking?

For all our guided tours, the following are included in the price of the booking

  • Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
  • Nights and showers in the accommodation of the stay
  • Meals (morning and evening half-board, picnics and home-made snacks)
  • Luggage transfer as indicated in the programme
  • Possible transfers by vehicle and cable car

Travel insurance, transport to and from the departure point and drinks other than water in the accommodation are not included in the price of the trip.

Health and preparation

How can I be sure that I have the right level for the trip I am planning?

If you are unsure of your level of hiking, we invite you to refer to our Levels page. There you will find information that will help you determine your level.

That said, physical preparation is strongly recommended. We advise you to keep in shape by regularly practising an endurance sport (swimming, running, etc.) before setting off.

How can I prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are going to trek for several days, we recommend that you prepare yourself physically in the months before to the day of departure.

To do this, practice sports that will improve your lung, heart and muscle endurance.

Walking, cycling, swimming, running and, of course, hiking are all very effective physical activities. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your efforts over the days and weeks.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself and listen to your body to avoid injury!

If I get sick during the trek, what happens?

In the event that you become ill during your trip, you can be taken to hospital. Your guide will be there to manage the situation until you are safe.

We advise you to take out travel insurance to cover this.

Insurance

Is travel insurance required?

No, insurance is not mandatory to travel with us.

However, we strongly recommend it. A glitch is never impossible, even if we do our best to avoid them!

All insurance policies must be taken out at the time of registration.

Can I take out travel insurance when I book?

o leave with peace of mind, we offer you three insurance packages taken out with our partner. To find out more, go to our Insurance page.

If you wish to benefit from one of these contracts, please indicate this when you register.

What risks do your travel insurance policies cover?

The Comfort Cancellation policy includes :

  • Cancellation of the trip before departure

The Comfort Multirisk contract with Sports and Leisure extension includes:

  • Trip cancellation before departure and trip interruption before departure
  • Cancellation before departure and interruption of the trip
  • The luggage and personal effects option included
  • Repatriation and travel assistance throughout the world
  • Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
  • Individual travel accident cover
  • Civil liability abroad
  • Impossible return and early return

Finally, the “Health Protection” option includes :

  • Cancellation due to illness declared in the month prior to departure in the event of an epidemic or pandemic
  • Cancellation for refusal of boarding following a temperature test
  • Teleconsultation before departure
  • Medical repatriation (including in the event of an epidemic or pandemic)
  • Unability to return
  • Hotel expenses following an impossible return
  • Medical expenses outside the country of residence following an illness, including in the event of an epidemic or pandemic
  • Payment of a local telephone flat rate
  • Psychological support following quarantine
  • First aid kit
  • Household help
  • Delivery of groceries
  • Psychological support following repatriation
Can I take out insurance other than yours?

Of course! You are free to take out other insurance policies, you just need to check the conditions offered.

Concerning insurance, we are only intermediaries. We have selected our partner for its contracts adapted to mountain trekking.

How much do your insurance policies cost?

The price of our insurance contracts varies according to the price of your trip and its duration. You can choose the option that suits you best when you book your trip.

Are you ready for your own adventure?

If you love the mountains and the natural environment and you long to travel, come and walk the TMB with Trekking Mont Blanc!

With our range of four to nine-day treks, we have the perfect solution for you, whether you intend to take your time or push yourself to the limit.