Run the spectacular Tour du Mont-Blanc footpath on this inn-to-inn classic.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc is the most famous trail running route in the world, and for good reason. Wandering over mountain trails from France, to Italy, to Switzerland and back into France, the “TMB” footpath includes some of the most iconic mountain terrain anywhere.
What's Included
This classic Run the Alps tour includes:
- Accommodation for nine nights at 3 or 4 star hotels
- Buffet breakfasts, food and premium nutrition on the trail, and eight multi-course dinners
- Daily guided trail runs with a licensed International Mountain Leader
- Geneva Airport-Chamonix transfers at the start and end of the tour (regardless if you arrive early or stay longer)
- All transfers to and from trailheads that are included on our planned itinerary
- Luggage transfers
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of information and tips from Run the Alps staff and guides
Cost$4,890/person assuming double occupancy
$1,250
single supplement fee for single rooms
Itinerary
Our typical day on the Tour du Mont-Blanc Run starts with a continental buffet breakfast before heading out on the trails. With many passes to cross, the hiking and running is challenging, but there will be opportunities for easier days. Our tour will go counter-clockwise around Mont Blanc, starting in Chamonix, then through Italy and into Switzerland, before coming back to Chamonix.
Day 1
Arrive in Geneva, and transfer to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center in France. Enjoy your first impressive views of Mont Blanc, with time to relax at the pool and outdoor patio of our Chamonix hotel before joining the group for our trip meeting, followed by dinner.
Day 2
We’ll enjoy some of the many excellent trails in the Chamonix valley, as we get oriented and take in the views. We’ll run one of Chamonix’s dramatic “balconies,” with big views of the glaciers of Mont Blanc.
Day 3
An undulating trail leads through alpine pastures and pine forests, over the Tricot pass and through the quiet and quaint Miage valley
Day 4
Following an old Roman trail, we continue the tour with a long, steady ascent across two lofty passes, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme.
Day 5
Leaving France, a gradual ascent through quiet alp pastures leads to the Col de la Seigne and into Italy. Here we’re greeted by an amazing view into the Veny valley and the Mont Blanc range.
Day 6
After one of our favorite breakfasts on the tour, a second day in Courmayeur gives you a chance to rest and soak in the hot spring spa at nearby Pré Saint Didier. For those who want to run, the area around Courmayeur is filled with beautiful, quiet single track and huts serving delicious treats, cappuccino, and wine!
Day 7
We’ll head up to Rifugio Bertone and run some of the best single track on the tour, stopping at the stunning Rifugio Bonatti for lunch. Then it’s time to tackle the ascent of Grand Col Ferret, and cross the border to descend to the quiet Swiss village of La Fouly.
Day 8
Today’s run leads us along the Ferret river then climbs to the pretty lakeside village of Champex-Lac. Next, it’s through woods and meadows to Trient, with views of Switzerland’s Rhône valley and the historic city of Martigny along the way.
Day 9
We climb to the Col de Balme on the border with France to enjoy gorgeous views of Mont Blanc and the entire Chamonix valley as we cross the pass and descend to la Tour. Finish with a run through the Chamonix valley, or hop on a train for the ride back to Chamonix, where we enjoy a delicious celebratory dinner.
Day 10
Today we say “au revoir” to the Tour du Mont-Blanc and the Vallée du Trail, and depart for our post-Mont Blanc destinations.
For more information, please visit our website.
Alternatives
If you're ready for something more challenging, why not try our Express Self-Guided option?
If you're looking for more flexibility on dates, why not go Self-Guided?
Photo credits: Kim Strom, Sam Hill, Mark Brightwell
Event's current local time: 3:17 AM SAT
