Learn more about stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc stages
3
Countries
170 (110)
Kilometres (Miles)
11
Days
Here I will talk about the main stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc. There are 11 étapes (stages). If you’re planning to trek self-guided independently, then you need to get acquainted really well with the trail route and understand it as much as you can before trying to plan your days and where you will stay.
On average a hike takes 11 days, many tourists prefer to complete part of the circle in 7-9 days, or break the whole hike into small weekend outings. Of course, we should not forget that this hike is the most significant place for the trail running world - UTMB, a single-stage mountain ultramarathon, which takes place every year at the end of August and attracts thousands of athletes and fans. These superheroes cover the full distance in a day.
Therefore, when planning your adventure, you should take into account this week of the event, as at this time it will be very difficult to rent accommodation, and the track will be very busy. The main feature of an independent tour is to think over the route in advance, where you will go and in which refugees you will stay. More information about types and quality of refugees can be found here.
On average a hike takes 11 days, many tourists prefer to complete part of the circle in 7-9 days, or break the whole hike into small weekend outings. Of course, we should not forget that this hike is the most significant place for the trail running world - UTMB, a single-stage mountain ultramarathon, which takes place every year at the end of August and attracts thousands of athletes and fans. These superheroes cover the full distance in a day.
Therefore, when planning your adventure, you should take into account this week of the event, as at this time it will be very difficult to rent accommodation, and the track will be very busy. The main feature of an independent tour is to think over the route in advance, where you will go and in which refugees you will stay. More information about types and quality of refugees can be found here.
Start / End | Chamonix. The Tour starts traditionally in Les Houches, a village at the end of the Chamonix Valley and it’s actually possible to hike either way around the loop – clockwise or anti-clockwise. Most hikers hike anti-clockwise so that the views of Mont Blanc are always in front of you, but there are actually advantages of hiking clockwise, namely less traffic on the trail in the mornings.
Getting there | The nearest airport is located in Geneva - 1 hour bus drive from Chamonix. We used Swiss Tours bus company.
What to take | The weather is extremely changeable so be sure to have a light rain jacket and warm layers plus sunscreen and hat.
Getting there | The nearest airport is located in Geneva - 1 hour bus drive from Chamonix. We used Swiss Tours bus company.
What to take | The weather is extremely changeable so be sure to have a light rain jacket and warm layers plus sunscreen and hat.
Tour du Mont Blanc Stage Breakdown and Overview
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the TMB. As we chose 9-stage option below you will find our trekking guide. Each stage of this epic trek offers a unique experience that will take you through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Here is a breakdown of each stage to help you plan your own Mont Blanc trekking itinerary.
Stage Breakdown:
With this detailed overview of each stage, you can easily plan your own Tour du Mont Blanc trekking experience. From Les Houches to Les Contamines, Rifugio Elisabetta to Champex-lac, and beyond, you'll discover the most scenic and awe-inspiring routes through the French Alps.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the TMB. As we chose 9-stage option below you will find our trekking guide. Each stage of this epic trek offers a unique experience that will take you through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Here is a breakdown of each stage to help you plan your own Mont Blanc trekking itinerary.
Stage Breakdown:
- Stage 1: Les Houches (Chamonix) – Les Contamines (16km) in France
- Stage 2: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux (18km) in France
- Stage 3: Les Chapieux (FR) – Rifugio Elisabetta (IT) (15km) in France/Italy
- Stage 4: Refugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur (Rifugio G. Bertone) (18km) in Italy
- Stage 5: Courmayeur (Rifugio G. Bertone) - Rifugio Bonatti (12km) in Italy
- Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti (IT) – La Fouly (CH)(20km) in Italy/Switzerland
- Stage 7: La Fouly – Champex-lac (15km) in Switzerland
- Stage 8: Champex-lac – Trient (16km) in Switzerland
- Stage 9: Trient – Tré-le-champ (FR)(13km) in Switzerland/France
- Stage 10: Tré-le-champ – Refuge La Flégère (8km) in France
- Stage 11: Refuge La Flégère – Les Houches (17km) in France
With this detailed overview of each stage, you can easily plan your own Tour du Mont Blanc trekking experience. From Les Houches to Les Contamines, Rifugio Elisabetta to Champex-lac, and beyond, you'll discover the most scenic and awe-inspiring routes through the French Alps.
Tour Du Mont Blanc Map
Stage 1
Les Houches (Chamonix) – Les Contamines, map
At the very beginning, you will find a rather hard climb up (600m) from Les Houches to the Col du Voza (1653m), and after a rather long descent into the valley. To save energy for the whole day, because the transition is quite long, especially for the first day, I recommend using the cabin car and skip the first ascent - take the Bellevue cable car and reach the same elevation in less than 5 minutes instead of 2 hours. This year (2022) cable car cost €16 one way for an adult and €13.60 for children up to 14 years old/over 65s. Don't worry, there's still a lot of climbs ahead of you, so there will be time to get really tired.
After climbing, you will mainly descend, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the French Alps and get used to the trail and pace a little. A good start to a long hike.
For ourselves, we chose an overnight stay outside the Les Contamines in a refuge Nant Borrant so at the end we still had one more climb to the mountain where it is located.
Les Houches (Chamonix) – Les Contamines, map
- elevation gain 646m
- elevation loss 633m
- 16km
At the very beginning, you will find a rather hard climb up (600m) from Les Houches to the Col du Voza (1653m), and after a rather long descent into the valley. To save energy for the whole day, because the transition is quite long, especially for the first day, I recommend using the cabin car and skip the first ascent - take the Bellevue cable car and reach the same elevation in less than 5 minutes instead of 2 hours. This year (2022) cable car cost €16 one way for an adult and €13.60 for children up to 14 years old/over 65s. Don't worry, there's still a lot of climbs ahead of you, so there will be time to get really tired.
After climbing, you will mainly descend, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the French Alps and get used to the trail and pace a little. A good start to a long hike.
For ourselves, we chose an overnight stay outside the Les Contamines in a refuge Nant Borrant so at the end we still had one more climb to the mountain where it is located.
If you are thinking about how to make your hike a little easier on the stage 2, especially if you shorten it with the Bellevue cable car, then I advise you to go a little further than the Les Contamines and stop at the refuge Nant Borrant (1 hour up the trail). It's incredibly good. Here you will find a beautiful view, a warm shower and a delicious dinner.
Stage 2
Les Contamines - Les Chapieux, map
The descent to Les Chapieux can take about 3 hours, be prepared. We took lunch (picnic option) with us at the Nant Borrant and thermoses with hot tea. Given the many incredibly beautiful views along the way, it was very nice to stop for a short rest with tea and sandwiches.
We stayed overnight in the Refuge de la Nova, in our general opinion, this was the best accommodation for all the days on the hike - very friendly staff, incredibly tasty dinner with some wonderful set of food, starting from the cheese plate, soup and ending with the most tender meat and dessert. Also, the overnight stay pleased with a good hot shower, comfortable rooms and cleanliness. It is worth noting that there is no connection in this valley, so get ready for an info detox.
Les Contamines - Les Chapieux, map
- elevation gain 1316m
- elevation loss 929m
- 18km
The descent to Les Chapieux can take about 3 hours, be prepared. We took lunch (picnic option) with us at the Nant Borrant and thermoses with hot tea. Given the many incredibly beautiful views along the way, it was very nice to stop for a short rest with tea and sandwiches.
We stayed overnight in the Refuge de la Nova, in our general opinion, this was the best accommodation for all the days on the hike - very friendly staff, incredibly tasty dinner with some wonderful set of food, starting from the cheese plate, soup and ending with the most tender meat and dessert. Also, the overnight stay pleased with a good hot shower, comfortable rooms and cleanliness. It is worth noting that there is no connection in this valley, so get ready for an info detox.
On the trail you will meet a Refuge de La Croix du Bonhomme, but according to the stories of experienced people, it is better not to stop there for the night, but still reach the Les Chapieux. Here you can sit and rest, but if you decide to stay overnight, then be prepared for tasteless food and possibly a lack of shower.
Stage 3
Les Chapieux - Rifugio Elisabetta, map
But don't worry, this climb is worth it, along the way you will meet views that will take your breath away and heart. After the ascent, there is about 300 meters of descent down to the Italian valley, where a Tour du Mont Blanc trek, Rifugio Elisabetta will be waiting for you. Look sharp, here we met marmots just next to us, as well as mountain goats.
The refuge itself will greet you with an incredible bird's eye view of the valley, as well as a glacier and a gorgeous waterfall, but be prepared for the harsher conditions than on the French side. There will be only one shower for the entire female half and one for the male with a time limit for using hot water (4 minutes), as well as rather modest rooms and a much less luxurious dinner.
Les Chapieux - Rifugio Elisabetta, map
- elevation gain 1050m
- elevation loss 336m
- 14km
But don't worry, this climb is worth it, along the way you will meet views that will take your breath away and heart. After the ascent, there is about 300 meters of descent down to the Italian valley, where a Tour du Mont Blanc trek, Rifugio Elisabetta will be waiting for you. Look sharp, here we met marmots just next to us, as well as mountain goats.
The refuge itself will greet you with an incredible bird's eye view of the valley, as well as a glacier and a gorgeous waterfall, but be prepared for the harsher conditions than on the French side. There will be only one shower for the entire female half and one for the male with a time limit for using hot water (4 minutes), as well as rather modest rooms and a much less luxurious dinner.
When leaving refuges throughout the trail, do not forget to take lunch bags (picnic) with you, as well as hot tea - this set will deprive you of sad thoughts about food during the TMB guided hikes and will give you the opportunity to stop for a snack with the most beautiful views, wherever you wish.
Stage 4
Rifugio Elisabetta - Courmayeur (Rifugio G. Bertone)
Many people prefer to go to the Courmayeur and stay there for the night in some nice hotel, for ourselves we chose the option of spending the night in the Rifugio G. Bertone, which is located on a mountain outside the city.
Heading through the valley from Rifugio Elisabetta, pay attention to another refuge - Cabane du Combal, it is only a 50-minute walk from Elisabetta, but experienced travelers advise to stay there if at stage 3 you have enough strength to go a little more.
In order not to lose all our strength on the final ascent to the refuge Bertone, we decided to shorten our path to the Courmayeur itself a little, reaching a small Italian town La Visaille and taking a bus to the Courmayeur. This is a good option if your legs are already a little tired from all the days on the track and you want to give them a little break.
As a result, we never regretted it, because after 500 meters of ascent we had an incredible view of Mont Blanc itself and an insanely comfortable overnight stay. Explore more about Mont Blanc circuit trek for an unforgettable hiking experience
Rifugio Elisabetta - Courmayeur (Rifugio G. Bertone)
- elevation gain 460m
- elevation loss 1560m
- 18km
Many people prefer to go to the Courmayeur and stay there for the night in some nice hotel, for ourselves we chose the option of spending the night in the Rifugio G. Bertone, which is located on a mountain outside the city.
Heading through the valley from Rifugio Elisabetta, pay attention to another refuge - Cabane du Combal, it is only a 50-minute walk from Elisabetta, but experienced travelers advise to stay there if at stage 3 you have enough strength to go a little more.
In order not to lose all our strength on the final ascent to the refuge Bertone, we decided to shorten our path to the Courmayeur itself a little, reaching a small Italian town La Visaille and taking a bus to the Courmayeur. This is a good option if your legs are already a little tired from all the days on the track and you want to give them a little break.
As a result, we never regretted it, because after 500 meters of ascent we had an incredible view of Mont Blanc itself and an insanely comfortable overnight stay. Explore more about Mont Blanc circuit trek for an unforgettable hiking experience
What is worth noting about the Rifugio G. Bertone, we had a room for 4 with a bathroom for two rooms. Which is very convenient compared to an overnight stay in Elisabetta, however, be prepared that there will be shower time limits waiting for you throughout the transition in Italy. Here again, coins for 4 minutes of hot water.
However, this is an incredible place to stay - the perfect combination of comfort and stunning views around.
Stage 5
Courmayeur (Rifugio G. Bertone) - Rifugio Bonatti
This is the quietest part of our journey. Only 8 kilometers without any long climbs or descents, a day that will be wrapped in sheer pleasure for you. This is especially valuable after 4 rather intense stages of hiking.
Just several hours with incredible views of the Grands Jorasses opposite until you finally reach one of the best refuge on the entire trail - Rifugio Bonatti.
Here we took off our backpacks, had a small lunch and supplemented the day with small radial exits already without backpacks to Col Entre Deux Sauts & A. Giue Sup.
Make sure you order a lunch pack from Rifugio Bonatti (order the night before). It’s very good and even includes a piece of artisan dark chocolate!
Courmayeur (Rifugio G. Bertone) - Rifugio Bonatti
- elevation gain 506m
- elevation loss 472m
- 8km
This is the quietest part of our journey. Only 8 kilometers without any long climbs or descents, a day that will be wrapped in sheer pleasure for you. This is especially valuable after 4 rather intense stages of hiking.
Just several hours with incredible views of the Grands Jorasses opposite until you finally reach one of the best refuge on the entire trail - Rifugio Bonatti.
Here we took off our backpacks, had a small lunch and supplemented the day with small radial exits already without backpacks to Col Entre Deux Sauts & A. Giue Sup.
Make sure you order a lunch pack from Rifugio Bonatti (order the night before). It’s very good and even includes a piece of artisan dark chocolate!
Stage 6
Rifugio Bonatti - La Fouly
Another momentous day, today we say goodbye to Italy and move on to Switzerland. At first, a quite gentle path along the valley to the Refuge Elena will be waiting for you, where on the one hand you will be surrounded by majestic mountains, and on the other, descending glacier tongues. In Elena itself, it will be possible to take a break and have a small lunch, observing all the majestic beauty of the Pré de Bar glacier before a rather tough climb up the Grand Col Ferret (2537m).
From the top of the Grand Col Ferret it’s all downhill into the Swiss Val Ferret and to the village of Ferret or La Fouly. Landscapes change dramatically from the moment you leave Italy.
For ourselves, we chose the option to stay in the small village of La Fouly in the guesthouse Maya-Joie. This is a fairly large spacious refuge with a hot shower, a lot of dorms and a delicious breakfast. Separately, it is worth mentioning the indescribable views of the mountains from the windows of the rooms.
Here it is immediately worth noting that the cost of living and accommodation in Switzerland is relatively more expensive than in Italy or France, so if you have clear budget restrictions, then I advise you to go through these stages as quickly as possible without staying in the country too much time.
Rifugio Bonatti - La Fouly
- elevation gain 895m
- elevation loss 1410m
- 20km
Another momentous day, today we say goodbye to Italy and move on to Switzerland. At first, a quite gentle path along the valley to the Refuge Elena will be waiting for you, where on the one hand you will be surrounded by majestic mountains, and on the other, descending glacier tongues. In Elena itself, it will be possible to take a break and have a small lunch, observing all the majestic beauty of the Pré de Bar glacier before a rather tough climb up the Grand Col Ferret (2537m).
From the top of the Grand Col Ferret it’s all downhill into the Swiss Val Ferret and to the village of Ferret or La Fouly. Landscapes change dramatically from the moment you leave Italy.
For ourselves, we chose the option to stay in the small village of La Fouly in the guesthouse Maya-Joie. This is a fairly large spacious refuge with a hot shower, a lot of dorms and a delicious breakfast. Separately, it is worth mentioning the indescribable views of the mountains from the windows of the rooms.
Here it is immediately worth noting that the cost of living and accommodation in Switzerland is relatively more expensive than in Italy or France, so if you have clear budget restrictions, then I advise you to go through these stages as quickly as possible without staying in the country too much time.
Stage 7
La Fouly - Champex-Lac
This stage will be more calm and relaxing compared to the previous days. A road through beautiful dense forests and small Swiss villages awaits you, today you can walk calmly inhaling the aroma of the forest and enjoying the views of the mountains. At the very end of the path there will be a small climb to a village on the shore of a mountain lake - Champex-Lac.
This village is slightly larger than all previous places for overnight stays, so the choice of accommodation is quite wide. We stayed in a hotel with apartment type rooms - Hotel Au Vieux Champex. Since the hike was not very intensive, after we settled in we still managed to walk around the village itself and rent a pedalo on the lake. It was the perfect end of the day!
If you feel tired and want to take a breathe, then you can shorten the path and take a bus from the La Fouly to Champex-Lac on this day.
La Fouly - Champex-Lac
- elevation gain 420m
- elevation loss 565m
- 15km
This stage will be more calm and relaxing compared to the previous days. A road through beautiful dense forests and small Swiss villages awaits you, today you can walk calmly inhaling the aroma of the forest and enjoying the views of the mountains. At the very end of the path there will be a small climb to a village on the shore of a mountain lake - Champex-Lac.
This village is slightly larger than all previous places for overnight stays, so the choice of accommodation is quite wide. We stayed in a hotel with apartment type rooms - Hotel Au Vieux Champex. Since the hike was not very intensive, after we settled in we still managed to walk around the village itself and rent a pedalo on the lake. It was the perfect end of the day!
If you feel tired and want to take a breathe, then you can shorten the path and take a bus from the La Fouly to Champex-Lac on this day.
Stage 8
Champex-Lac - Trient
From the Champex-Lac there are two routes towards the city of Trient: a moderate route through the Col de Portalo and a more difficult option - Fenêtre d'Arpette. The first one is considered as a moderately challenging route via unique beauty of the canton of Valais with 829m of elevation.
The alternative route via Fenêtre d'Arpette is very spectacular but much more demanding than going through Bovine. Known as the most challenging stage of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc with the ascent of 1199m up and descent of 1139m down. At the top (2665m) the view of the Trient glacier is impressive. But this route should be avoided in case of a bad weather conditions.
Since we were a bit tired by the 8th day of trekking, we decided to go for the first option with the least ascent and climb. At the same time, we didn't regret our choice, as the views and beauty around were indescribable.
In Trient we stayed at the Hotel Grande Ourse. I note here a rather delicious dinner and breakfast, as well as very hospitable staff. The dorms are clean, but there are only 2 showers and two toilets on the entire floor for each male and female. Considering that there are quite a lot of rooms on each floor, be prepared for queues after coming from the mountains.
Champex-Lac - Trient
- elevation gain 829m
- elevation loss 682m
- 16km
From the Champex-Lac there are two routes towards the city of Trient: a moderate route through the Col de Portalo and a more difficult option - Fenêtre d'Arpette. The first one is considered as a moderately challenging route via unique beauty of the canton of Valais with 829m of elevation.
The alternative route via Fenêtre d'Arpette is very spectacular but much more demanding than going through Bovine. Known as the most challenging stage of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc with the ascent of 1199m up and descent of 1139m down. At the top (2665m) the view of the Trient glacier is impressive. But this route should be avoided in case of a bad weather conditions.
Since we were a bit tired by the 8th day of trekking, we decided to go for the first option with the least ascent and climb. At the same time, we didn't regret our choice, as the views and beauty around were indescribable.
In Trient we stayed at the Hotel Grande Ourse. I note here a rather delicious dinner and breakfast, as well as very hospitable staff. The dorms are clean, but there are only 2 showers and two toilets on the entire floor for each male and female. Considering that there are quite a lot of rooms on each floor, be prepared for queues after coming from the mountains.
Stage 9
Trient - Tre-Le-Champ
This marked our concluding leg, where you'll journey back to France, accompanied by the breathtaking spectacle of Mont Blanc as you ascend the Col de Balme (2191m). The vistas along the route and at the summit are truly awe-inspiring.
Under new ownership, the Refuge Col de Balme has undergone a revitalization, infusing fresh vitality into the refuge. It now stands as an excellent spot for an early lunch before venturing down from Aiguillette des Possettes to the quaint hamlet of Tré-le-Champ.
Having successfully completed our route at stage 9 and indulged in a few days of relaxation in Chamonix, I won't delve into the final two stages, as they fall outside my personal experience. Book you flight and discover the allure of the Alpine trekking TMB - an unforgettable adventure in the Mont Blanc region.
I wish good luck, incredible views and positive vibes to everyone who plans to take the Tour du Mont Blanc. Enjoy in full!
Trient - Tre-Le-Champ
- elevation gain 1069m
- elevation loss 1178m
- 13km
This marked our concluding leg, where you'll journey back to France, accompanied by the breathtaking spectacle of Mont Blanc as you ascend the Col de Balme (2191m). The vistas along the route and at the summit are truly awe-inspiring.
Under new ownership, the Refuge Col de Balme has undergone a revitalization, infusing fresh vitality into the refuge. It now stands as an excellent spot for an early lunch before venturing down from Aiguillette des Possettes to the quaint hamlet of Tré-le-Champ.
Having successfully completed our route at stage 9 and indulged in a few days of relaxation in Chamonix, I won't delve into the final two stages, as they fall outside my personal experience. Book you flight and discover the allure of the Alpine trekking TMB - an unforgettable adventure in the Mont Blanc region.
I wish good luck, incredible views and positive vibes to everyone who plans to take the Tour du Mont Blanc. Enjoy in full!
Start planning your trip!
- Accommodation. From cosy guesthouses in the mountains to lavish hotels, there’s plenty of accommodation options to suit every style of traveller and budget. Check accommodation rates here!
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I’ve got a wealth of information on Tour du Mont Blanc hike, so if you’re planning on visiting, read the below guides and plan the ultimate adventure!
Packing list | Everything you need to know about packing your backpack
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