Trail running the Tour du Mont Blanc

An exceptional run around the full Tour du Mont Blanc

Running the Tour du Mont Blanc

A 5-day trail run that takes you round the TMB through the valleys of France, Switzerland and Italy.

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
Pierrick Delattre, guide Watse
Mathieu 06 65 93 29 29 contact@watse.fr
Mathieu is always looking for adventure and sharing. Exploration is his watchword!

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

full Tour du Mont Blanc The full Tour du Mont Blanc crossing three countries
trail running guide Supported by a specialist trail guide
organisation Impeccable organisation for a trek with a lightweight pack
comfortable accommodation Friendly, comfortable accommodation throughout
Luggage transfers Luggage transfers

Duration

duration5 days

Difficulty

difficulty4/5

Group

group size8 max.

Starting from

starting fromLes Houches

Date of departure

date of departure4 departure dates in summer

Accomodation

AccomodationDormitories

Luggage

luggageEvery evening

The programme in detail

Day 1: Les Houches – Nant Borrant

6 hrs trail running – Night in a refuge with luggage – 2,240 m (7,350 ft) ascent / 1,770 m (5,810 ft) descent
Meet at 9 am in Les Houches for the departure briefing and to load 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. Crossing at 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.

Trail running the TMB Day 1

Day 2: Nant Borrant – Col Chécrouit

7 hrs 30 trail running – Night in a refuge with luggage – 2,420 m (7,940 ft) ascent / 1975 m (6,480 ft) descent
On the program for this magnificent day, you will travel around the 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 arrive in the Italian side, in Valle d’Aosta.

Arrival at the refuge, at Col Checrouit, for the night.

Trail running the TMB Day 2

Day 3: Col Chécrouit – La Fouly

7 hrs trail running – Night in a refuge with luggage – 1,800 m (5,905 ft) ascent / 2,100 m (6,890 ft) descent
Your route for today is a pleasant descent to Courmayeur. You will then climb back up to the Bertone refuge at 2,000 m (6,560 ft) on a superb high-level traverse that offers incredible views of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses.

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.

Trail running the TMB Day 3

Day 4: La Fouly – Trient

7 hrs trail running – 1,800 m (5,900 ft) ascent / 2,100 m (6,890 ft) descent
On this fourth day, you will cross Val Ferret in Switzerland to arrive in Champex and begin the ascent of the technical and mythical Fenêtre d’Arpette at 2,665 m (8,740 ft).

At the top, the view of the glaciers opens up. You will go back down to Trient to spend the night.

Trail running the TMB Day 4

Day 5: Trient – Les Houches

6 hrs 30 trail running – 1,500 m (4,920 ft) ascent / 1,800 m (5,900 ft) descent
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 be revealed once again!

You will 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!

Trail running the TMB Day 5

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 realize this stay, you have to 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 between 1 500 m and 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.  

Directions and accommodation

Directions to the starting point: Meet at the bottom of Bellevue cable car in Les Houches, at 9 am, on Day 1.

You can leave your vehicle in the Prarion car park a few meters above. It is a free outdoor car park.

> Map to get to the starting point

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 – 04 50 54 40 10
  • Hotel du Bois – 475 Av. des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 50 35
  • Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 42 28
Equipment
Even if you choose to do it in summer, it can get cold on the TMB! We strongly recommend that you pack clothes suitable for a multi-day hike, such as:

  • A fleece
  • A windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Walking trousers.

The terrain is varied and we recommend you wear walking boots that protect your ankles.

The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons.

For more information, voir notre our special TMB equipment page.

Insurance
To ensure your TMB goes off without a hitch, Watse Trekking Mont Blanc offers three insurance policies with our partner April International Voyage, and a comprehensive Covid-specific contract.
These contracts are designed especially for treks like the Tour du Mont Blanc.

The Comfort cancellation contract covers you in the case of cancellation before your departure and/or a missed flight.

The Comfort multi-risk contract includes:

  • Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
  • Missed flight and flight delay
  • Luggage and personal belongings option
  • Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
  • Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
  • Individual travel accident option
  • Third-party liability abroad
  • Impossible return and early return

The COVID contract includes:

  • Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
  • Missed flight and flight delay
  • Luggage and personal belongings option
  • Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
  • Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
  • Individual travel accident option
  • Third-party liability abroad
  • Impossible return and early return
  • Cancellation due to illness 30 days before departure
  • Cancellation due to denied boarding
  • Remote consultation before departure
  • Medical repatriation
  • Hotel costs and medical fees
  • Psychological support
  • Grocery deliveries and home help

The price varies according to the Tour du Mont Blanc you choose. To take out one of these two contracts, just select the option when you book your trek!

Booking
To book, you must:

  • Click on one of the “book this trek” links and select the insurance, and date options.
  • Select your payment type (cheque, bank transfer, debit card): There are several ways to pay.
    • To pay by cheque: please make it out to WATSE and send to: WATSE – 63 avenue de la gare – 74170 Saint Gervais les Bains Le Fayet – France.
    • To pay by bank transfer: contact us for our bank details.
    • To pay by debit card: your invoice will be in your online account as soon as your payment has been confirmed by the bank. You will then be able to pay the balance directly from your account.
  • Pay a 30% deposit or the balance for your trek. Your reservation will only be effective when 30% of the total cost is credited to WATSE’s bank account.
  • Print out the booking form then fill it in, sign it and send it back to us by email or post.
  • The balance must be paid at least one month before departure without a reminder from 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 prepared by a chef
  • Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
  • Luggage transfer every night
  • Showers in the accommodations
Not included in the price
  • Transport to and from the start of the trek
  • Drinks other than water served with meals
  • Any private transport or cable car tickets not included in the trek programme
  • Assistance and cancellation insurance, to subscribe at the time of booking
  • Anything not listed in “Included in the price”

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Contact us!

Do you have a question about this trek? Write us a message and one of our guides will get back to you!