Classic Tour du Mont-Blanc Guided
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.
Our Classic Tour blends challenge and comfort. After a warm-up day running one of Chamonix’s famed high “balconies,” we’ll spend seven days completing the TMB. As a level 3 tour, you can expect daily distances of 15 – 20 miles (24- 32km) and one mountain pass each day, with 3500 – 6000ft (1000 – 2000m) of climbing. Our overnights will include a mix of charming mountain inns and comfortable hotels in and around the Mont Blanc Massif, including Chamonix, France; Courmayeur, Italy; and La Fouly, Switzerland.
Inspired? Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll get to experience:
A typical day on our Classic Tour du Mont Blanc Run starts with a continental buffet breakfast at our hotel, before heading out on the trail. With many passes to cross, the hiking and running is challenging, but there will be a rest day to enjoy in Courmayeur and opportunities to shorten days later in the tour. Your bags will be transferred separately and available each day.
In the evening we’ll enjoy dinner together at our hotel or a nearby restaurant. These are multi-course feasts featuring local French, Italian and Swiss specialties, and will be hearty, well-earned, and very delicious. We will leave one dinner in Courmayeur free, where you will have a chance to explore on your own.
Our route differs slightly from the standard Tour du Mont-Blanc and the famous ultra trail race of the same name. Where the race course takes less scenic routes, we diverge for better views and more enjoyable running.
One opportunity of note: the tour at the end of August will overnight in Courmayeur on the evening that racers pass through the village on their way around Mont Blanc, so there will be a unique opportunity to cheer on the world’s best mountain runners.
At the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the starting and finishing point of our tour.
In this video Run the Alps staff and friends show you around our home of Chamonix, France.
Highlights
- Complete the full 170 km circuit in 7 running days
- Enjoy 1 warm-up day in Chamonix and 1 rest day in Courmayeur
- Stay in 3* and 4* hotels
- Hearty breakfasts, packed lunches, trail nutrition and multi-course dinners
- Daily support from a licensed International Mountain Leader
- Luggage available every day
- Run the Alps’ guidebook and welcome pack
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly tour, check out our Essentials Tour – or if you’d prefer extra comfort and finer dining, check out our Deluxe Tour. Experienced trail runners who’d prefer to complete the TMB in just four running days can check out our Express Tour du Mont Blanc Tour.
Lead images: PatitucciPhoto, Sam Hill, Kim Strom
