Trail running the Tour du Mont Blanc
Running the Tour du Mont Blanc
The diverse landscapes of the mountain range will be revealed throughout the run, from small mountain villages to the magical spectacle of the glaciers.
The route has been designed by a specialist trail guide to offer you varied stages without technical difficulties.
An exceptional run to be experienced intensely and in comfort thanks to the impeccable logistics of our agency!
Listen to the guide's description of the trip (french)
Your consultant
This trail-running specialist will share his experience and make you live unforgettable moments on the trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Don’t wait to join him!
The advantages of trail running the TMB
The full Tour du Mont Blanc crossing three countries
Supported by a specialist trail guide
Impeccable organisation for a trek with a lightweight pack
Friendly, comfortable accommodation throughout
Luggage transfers
Duration
5 days
Difficulty
4/5
Group
8 max.
Starting from
Les Houches
Date of departure
6 departure dates in summer
Accomodation
Dormitories
Luggage
Every evening
The programme in detail
Day 1: Les Houches – Nant Borrant
6 hrs trail running – Accommodation: Mountain hut – 2,240 m (7,350 ft) ascent / 1,770 m (5,810 ft) descent / 23,5kms
Meet at 9am at the Prarion cable car in Les Houches for the departure briefing and to handover your personal belongings, which will follow you during your trip.
Ascent towards the Col de Voza (1653m) then the Col du Tricot (2120m) from where the view of the Aiguille du Goûter and the Dômes de Miage is breathtaking! Descent to the Miage and Truc chalets. Traverse above Contamines-Montjoie, passing by Tré la Tête, to the refuge of Nant Borrant*.
*In case of unavailability at Nant Borrant, night in the village of les Contamines-Montjoie.
Day 2: Nant Borrant – Col Checrouit
7 hrs 30 trail running – Accommodation: Mountain hut – 2,500 m (8,200 ft) ascent / 2000 m (6,560 ft) descent / 35kms
On the program for this magnificent day, you will cross 3 passes. Climb to the Col du Bonhomme (2325m) then the Col des Fours (2665m) and finally the Col de la Seigne (2516m) where you will leave France and Savoy to enter in the Italian side, in Valle d’Aosta.
Arrival at the refuge, at Col Checrouit, for the night.
Day 3: Col Checrouit – La Fouly
7 hrs trail running – Accommodation: Inn – 1,760 m (5,775 ft) ascent / 2,050 m (6,725 ft) descent / 31kms
Descend to Val Ferret before heading back up to the Petit Col Ferret pass (2,490 m / 8,170 ft) and into the Valais canton in Switzerland, finishing in La Fouly at the end of the day.
Day 4: La Fouly – Trient
7 hrs trail running – Accommodation: Inn – 1,700 m (5,575 ft) ascent / 2,050 m (6,725 ft) descent / 30kms
At the top, the view of the glaciers opens up. You will go back down to Trient to spend the night.
Day 5: Trient – Les Houches
7 hrs 30 trail running – 2,400 m (7,875 ft) ascent / 2,670 m (8,760 ft) descent / 38kms
You will follow a wild route back into France and the Chamonix valley. When you arrive at the ridge that marks the border, the Mont Blanc massif will show up once again!
You then continue in the direction of the Col des Montets pass (1,460 m / 4,790 ft) and the Tête aux Vents (2,130 m / 6,990 ft) to reach Les Houches and complete this fantastic loop!
Useful information
Useful information
Luggage transport
The transfer of one piece of luggage per person is provided every day between the different accommodations: a soft bag, of the duffle bag type, of a maximum of 12kg per person.
You only carry your day’s belongings, in a trail backpack of maximum 20L.
Level
This trip is for you if you’re an experienced runner who regularly takes part in running on varied terrain and other endurance sports activities.
To complete this tour, you must be able to run for at least 7 hours a day during 5 days. The terrain includes some technical and even difficult sections, so a first experience of trail running in the mountains is a mandatory.
The average elevation gain per day is around 2 000 m. It is essential to be able to run on the downhill sections.
An experience of long-distance trail running (between 40 km and 60 km) is recommended, given the distance to be covered each day.
Access and accommodation
Access to the starting point:
Meet at the Prarion cable car, in Les Houches, on the departure day at 9:00 AM.
By car: You can park your vehicle at the TMB parking lot in Les Houches. It is a free outdoor parking area and can get very busy in peak season. Anticipate your parking in high season.
By train: The Prarion is located 10 minutes walk away from the “Viaduc Sainte Marie” train station.
You can check the schedules and fares on the website https://www.thetrainline.com/
By bus: From the city-center of Chamonix, the bus line n°1 takes you to the Prarion, last stop of the bus line.
Return to the starting point: The trip ends at the starting point, in Les Houches.
Accommodation before and after the trek:
- Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – +334 50 54 40 10
- Hotel du Bois – 475 Av. des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – +334 50 54 50 35
- Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – +334 50 54 42 28
Equipment
Even if you choose to do it in summer, it can get cold on the TMB!
We strongly recommend to pack appropriate and veratile clothes that suit a multi-day trail.
Give priority to the equipment you habitually use during your trainings and races, especially for the shoes.
Also to beat the cold:
- A fleece
- A windproof and waterproof jacket
- Walking trousers.
The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons. Sleeping bags are not allowed.
For more information, see our special TMB equipment page.
Insurance
To travel with peace of mind, Trekking Mont Blanc offers two insurance policies in partnership with Assur Travel, specially designed to meet the needs of a trek such as the Tour du Mont Blanc. These options, Cancellation and Multirisk, provide coverage to deal with unforeseen circumstances throughout your trip.
Cancellation Insurance :
This option covers the cancellation of your trip for a valid reason (illness, accident, etc.) before the departure date. You will be reimbursed for the amounts paid, subject to the conditions specified in the policy.
- Cost : 3.15% of the trip price
- Subscription : Mandatory upon registration
- In case of cancellation, you should contact the insurance company directly to file your claim, with our team’s assistance if needed.
Multirisk Insurance :
The Multirisk option offers comprehensive coverage, including :
- Cancellation Insurance
- Emergency repatriation assistance : perfectly suited for mountain treks
- Mountain search and rescue costs : up to €30,000
- Luggage: in case of loss, theft, or damage
- Medical expenses abroad
- Individual accident insurance
- Civil liability abroad
- Inability to return or quarantine in case of an epidemic
- Cost : 4.45% of the trip price
- Subscription : Mandatory upon registration
Whether you choose the Cancellation or Multirisk option, you will benefit from optimal coverage to enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind. The insurance cost depends on the price of your trip, and you can select the desired option when booking.
Booking
To book, you must:
- Click on one of the “book this trek” link and select the insurance, and date options.
- Pay a 35 % deposit to confirm your booking
- The balance must be paid at least one month before the beginning of your trek.
Transfers
Our company helps you arrange private shuttles in order to move around the Mont Blanc region.
Our team can arrange the transfer from your place of arrival (Chamonix train station, Geneva airport, etc) and the place of your stay, the starting point of your trek, for example.
To understand better what we are able to organize, please contact us.
Dates and prices
Trail running the Tour du Mont Blanc – 5 days
Included in the price
- Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
- Accommodation in dormitories, as described in the trek programme
- Half board, as described in the trek programme
- Packed lunches (sandwiches type)
- Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
- Luggage transfer every night
- Showers in the accommodations
Not included in the price
- Transport to/from the starting/ending point of the trek
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- Any private transport or cable car tickets not included in the trek programme
- Trip equipment (sleeping liner, trail poles…)
- Assistance and cancellation insurance, to subscribe at the time of booking
- Anything not listed in “Included in the price”
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