

Ski Touring: Adventurers can complete a ski tour around Mont Blanc in the winter and spring months (December through May depending on the season). If this type of Tour du Mont Blanc is for you, mountain bike rental stores (such as Intersport) in Chamonix will rent you everything you need to complete the journey. While the steep gradient of some climbs and rocky sections require riders to push or carry their bikes at times, hikers and runners typically prevent mountain bikers from having clear downhill runs. Mountain Biking: One method gaining more hype is mountain biking around Mont Blanc, using some of the same trails as hikers and runners. Winners complete the trail in under 24 hours - averaging 7km/hr (4 mi/hr) - and while about 2,500 trail runners cross the start line, the challenging route means only a little over half typically reach the finish line!

While trail runners can complete the tour at anytime throughout the summer, the premier event is the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) held at the end of August. Trail Running: Over the years, completing the tour in a multi-day running journey has increased in popularity. Hikers typically take between 7 and 10 days to complete the journey.

Hiking: By far the most popular method for completing the Tour du Mont Blanc given its accessibility to the broadest base of adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Over time, people have identified different ways to complete a lap of the Mont Blanc Massif. Yes! Unlike the Walker’s Haute Route that shares its name with events and adventures in other locations, there is only one Tour du Mont Blanc. This is not the only option though, with 7 main route variations allowing hikers to choose extra trail highlights, alternative accommodation, or a shorter path if pressed for time. The “main” trail distance is 166km (103mi), with 10 mountain passes and just under 10,000m (32,700ft) elevation gain. The Tour du Mont Blanc has a well marked main trail that most hikers follow to complete the journey. With each side offering contrasting landscapes of unparalleled beauty and host countries welcoming hikers from around the world with their alpine hospitality, it is not surprising that the Tour du Mont Blanc is the most popular hut to hut hiking trail in Europe. The tour follows well maintained trails through France, Italy and Switzerland as it leads hikers around the Mont Blanc massif. Mont Blanc (French), Monte Bianco (Italian), or “White Mountain”, is the highest mountain in the European Alps at an imposing 4,810m (15,781 ft). Tour du Mont Blanc (known on the trail as TMB) is the most famous multi-day alps hiking journey in Europe.
