The Tour du Mont-Blanc is our most popular guided and self-guided tour, and for good reason.

The “TMB” follows the route of the world-famous trail race of the same name, as it winds its way from France, through Italy, then Switzerland, and finally returning to its starting point on the steps of the old church in Chamonix, France.




Our classic tour itinerary is typically ten days including your travel days. You will have eight days on the trail, which gives plenty of time for photos, leisurely rests at mountain huts, and a rest day in Courmayeur, Italy. Strong ultra runners with plenty of experience in alpine settings can accomplish the tour in fewer days. Please contact us if you would like to do so. However you run the “TMB”, you’ll enjoy running past glaciers as you circle the Mont Blanc massif. One 30-pound bag will be moved via a pre-arranged taxi service each day, so you’ll have it available at the end of each day’s trail run.

What's Included

• Accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels and/or mountain huts
• Buffet breakfasts each morning and multi-course dinners each evening, except dinners in Chamonix and Courmayeur where restaurant recommendations will be provided
• Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
• A shared shuttle from Geneva airport to Chamonix at the start of your trip, and from Chamonix to Geneva airport at the end of your trip
• Luggage transfers
• A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
  
• In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline

Cost

$3,490/person assuming double occupancy
$890 single supplement fee for single rooms

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Geneva and transfer to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center. An airport pickup is included, making this an easy and relaxing hour and a half journey. Relax at the hotel pool and patio, enjoying your first impressive views of Mont Blanc.

Day 2
Before starting the Tour du Mont-Blanc, you’ll explore the trails around Chamonix. A dramatic “balcony” run will take you along the valley, with big views of the surrounding glaciers, and the Aiguilles Rouges natural preserve.

Day 3
You begin the “TMB” by following an undulating trail over the Tricot pass, and into the Miage valley. This is one of the prettiest corners of the tour! You’ll pass a tiny hamlet of stone houses, which is surrounded by hanging glaciers and grazing animals, before arriving at Les Contamines village.

Day 4
Following an old Roman road, you’ll climb steadily over two lofty passes – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme. You’ll then descend into the Vallée de Glaciers, where you’ll sleep in a shared dormitory at a popular hikers’ inn.

Day 5
A gradual climb will take you from France to Italy via the Col de la Seigne. Amazing views greet you here! You’ll see Mont Blanc and the Veny valley below. Continue down to Courmayeur, a medieval town with narrow, cobblestoned alleyways and a lively center.

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. If you’d like to run, we can provide details for our favorite singletrack routes via huts serving delicious treats, cappuccino, and wine!

Day 7
You’ll head up to Rifugio Bertone, overlooking the beautiful Val Ferret. From there, you’ll run some of the best singletrack on the tour. A steep climb takes you to Grand Col Ferret, on the Italian-Swiss border, and then it’s a beautiful, rolling trail down to La Fouly village.

Day 8
Start by following the Ferret river, then climb to the pretty lakeside village of Champex-Lac. From there, follow a wooded trail to an alpine pasture. You’ll pass a mountain café, before descending to the nearby hamlet of Trient.

Day 9
This last day is a classic! Start by climbing to Col de Balme, which is on the border with France, then drop down to the village of Le Tour, with gorgeous views of Mont Blanc and the entire Chamonix valley. Finish with a riverside run back to Chamonix. Alternatively, hop on a bus or train from Le Tour.

Day 10
Today you’ll say “au revoir” to the Tour du Mont-Blanc and the “Vallée du Trail.” You’ll take a transfer back to Geneva, and depart for your post-Mont Blanc destination.

For more information, please visit our website

Alternatives

Prefer to go with a guide? Sign up for a guided tour here

Photo credits: Kim Storm and Sam Hill

Event's current local time: 3:18 PM WET