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Tour du Mont Blanc

% singletrack, % rideable (time), total ascent, difficulty (1-10).

• 10 Climbing Scale Very Strenuous 244 FT/MI (46 M/KM)
• - Technical Difficulty
• - Physical Demand
• - Resupply & Logistics

Contributed By

The Wild Side

The mountains before the 18th century were considered arcane places, full of dangers, inhabited by monstrous creatures, where huge white dragons (i.e. glaciers) descended from the heights to haul away and devour those who wished to violate their territory. The conquest of Mont Blanc in 1786 marks the beginning of a different approach to the mountains, still an unknown place yet to be explored — the birth of Alpinism.

A different approach is also necessary when bikepacking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), one of the most popular long-distance circular treks in Europe. The urge to pedal must meld with the attitude of the mountains and to all that it involves. The Tour du Mont Blanc is an alpine voyage that fills the heart and empties the lungs. For a detailed description of the route, click the Trail Notes tab below.

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Trail Notes

• Amazing views on Val Veny and Val Ferret, two beautiful glacial valleys that run along the entire italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif.
• The monuments of the conquest of Mont Blanc (1786) in the Chamonix square. The first of 1887 is dedicated to Balmat De Saussure and the second was opened 100 years later to return M.G.Paccard about who was the real soul of the undertaking.
• The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) it’s one of the biggest vulture which nesting in the old continent. It’s possible to spot this rare bird of prey, recently reintroduced on the Alps, in the most mountainous areas of the route.
• The Marmot (Marmota) a sort of large squirrel, will accompany you along most of the route with its typical whistle. It’s a warning signal used to communicate your presence to the others marmots. It’s indeed the cutest animal of the TMB.
• Weird wooden sculptures along the trail in the wood after Champex-Lac, in Switzerland.
• This route of TMB deviates from the classic route and requires good physical preparation. However, there are several paths to reduce the total ascent and bypass some of the toughest climbs.
• The best time to face the TMB is from mid-June until mid-September. In June the higher mountain passes may still be snow-covered. During July and August the trails are crowded with hikers, while in later September you can experience the TMB in amore intimate way.
• The TMB can be ridden clockwise or counterclockwise. Many people choose to start from Chamonix or Les Houches in France, others from Courmayeur in Italy, but you can choose any point along the route.
• Take high mountain clothes with you. Abrupt changes in weather can lead to sudden snowfalls even in the summer months.
• Don’t’ forget to wear sunscreen.
• The long, steep descents and the weight of the bike in bikepacking mode devour the brake pads. Take with you at least one spare pair.
• In the towns of Chamonix and Les Houches , there are some well-stocked bike shops.
• Wild camping is not generally encouraged , but is tolerated. Set up camp in responsible places. Be discreet.  #leavenotrace
• For those who don’t want to have a self-supported adventure there are many shelters along the route where you can sleep and eat. In the summer months, given the turnout, it’s recommended to book, while from mid-September many of them are already closed.
• The massif of Mont Blanc with its glaciers and permanent snow ensures a steady supply of water along the route. (Rivers and creeks in the mountain/ fountains in the villages).
• You can resupply at the general stores in Courmayeur (Italy), Les Houches and Chamonix (France) and in the small village of Le Fouly (Switzerland).

Trail Description

The TMB starts in a clockwise direction from Courmayeur, a small italian town located at the foot of the southern side of Mont Blanc. It quickly reaches 2,000 meters in altitude and the majestic scenery offered by the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey and the mighty glacier of Brenva that flows down valley from the summit of Mont Blanc. By way of a hike-a-bike trail you reach the Mont Favre at 2400mt before falling back to the most spectacular area of the Val Veny, where Dora of Vény river, the incredible Miage glacier, lake Combal, Aiguille des Glaciers and the unmistakable silhouettes of Calcaires Pyramides on the horizon paint an ice-age setting of incomparable beauty.

A comfortable gravel road runs through the valley and after passing some dilapidated military barracks, reaches the high Val Veny, a vast isolated plateau that allows you to catch your breath before start to climb again along a trail that leads to the Col de la Seigne (2512mt) on the border between Italy and France. Arriving here just before sunset means you will enjoy the most beautiful descent of the whole Tour immersed in a surreal atmosphere: the sweet flowing singletrack, the Vallée des Glaciers and peaks on the horizon, all is dyed of gold. After losing about 1000 mt in altitude and passed the small village of Les Chapieux, it rises again to face one of the toughest stretches of the TMB, the climb to the Col du Bonhomme (2,483mt) where the narrow, steep and often rough track will make you curse every the added grams loaded on your bike. However, the Alpine environment and the scenic views offered by the surrounding valleys will reward the effort.

The singletrack descent, initially tight and technical, becomes smoother and comfortable as you get closer to the valley where a gravel road leading into the town of Les Contamines. From here you’ll climb a steep fire road to reach Col de Voza, then cross the tracks of the Tramway du Mont Blanc to go down to the village of Les Houches, along an old school crumbly downhill track. The route continues on singletrack through the forest, running along the north side of the Arve valley, where through the branches of the pine trees, you see the majestic Glacier du Bossom and overhanging peaks of the Aiguille du Midi and the Aiguille du Dru.

After the traditional alpine village of Chamonix, you will reach the town of Le Tour where a jeep road reaches the Col de Balme at 2195mt on the border of France and Switzerland. From here a long, scenic singletrack runs the west side of the Croix de Fer and then enters the forest, where it becomes rocky and very technical. From the valley of Trient you’ll climb to the amphitheater of the namesake glacier to overcome the glacial river through a wooden bridge and reach the pass of the Col de la Forclaz. A steep narrow path climbs to the Alp Bovine becoming increasingly challenging in the final stretch where boulders along the trail force you to lift the front wheel.

The route continues between alpine pasture and forest to reach the valley bottom through a steep descent on loose rock that winds between boulders and ancient trees uprooted by winter avalanches. Back in the valley you’ll climb the swiss side of Val Ferret, cross the village of Le Fouly and with a succession of trails and fire roads you reach the Col du Grand Ferret at 2,537 mt altitude, on the Swiss-Italian border. From here the view of the Italian Val Ferret is breathtaking. The return to Chamonix is done by traversing the mountain side, a panoramic balcony on the northeastern side of the Mont Blanc massif: from Mont Dolent to the Aiguille de Triolet, from the Grandes Jorasses to the Giant’s Tooth, until the 4810mt summit of Mont Blanc.

With Thanks

Thanks to Adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, EVOC, FiveTen, Genesis Bikes, Madison Clothing, Miss Grape, MSR, Therm-a-Rest, TitanStraps and Vittoria for supporting this trip.

Additional Resources

• autourdumontblanc.com  is a site plenty of useful info about the TMB route.
• Visit MontanusWild.com – For the full set of photos from this trip.

Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines . The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route.

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Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike

Collection by Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere

Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike - Full Route

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. A circular route filled with spectacular glaciers, breathtaking alpine meadows, grand mountain passes and charming valleys. Crossing the borders of three countries; France, Switzerland and Italy.

Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike - Stage 1

Unbeknown to us when we set off, the first 4 hours of the day turned out to be the toughest of the whole trip! The climb, from the carpark in Les Chapieux up to the Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme is hike-a-bike the entire way. Progress slowed nearing the refuge with snow patches growing bigger … read more

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Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike - Stage 2

At first light, we were up and ready to tackle another monster day. Coming straight out of camp was a long but ridable 4x4 track up to the Col de Balme (2195m), on the border of France and Switzerland. (Depending on the time of year, there is the possibility of using a ski lift to ascend to the Col from … read more

Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike - Stage 3

The final day, and two big cols to conquer! The first was the Col du Grand Ferret (2,537m), on the Swiss-Italian border. There was 4x4 service track up to the refuge Alpage de La Peule, where we had a second breakfast on the terrace soaking in the warm morning sun and feasting on the spectacular views … read more

Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike - Stage 3 alternative balcony route

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Collection Stats

• Distance 238 mi
• Duration 28:04 h
• Elevation 55,850 ft

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Bikepacking the Tour du Mont Blanc by Mountain Bike

• January 26, 2021

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. A circular route filled with spectacular glaciers, breathtaking alpine meadows, grand mountain passes and charming valleys. Crossing the borders of three countries; France, Switzerland and Italy.

You might also be interested in:

Tour du Mont Blanc Bikepacking Kit List

With Covid preventing all long haul travel, but European countries just opening up just enough for EU residents to cross borders, I thought this was a once in a life time opportunity to take on the TMB by bike whilst the trails were almost empty.

I asked a couple of friends if they were keen, and a week later we set off to ride the route in 3 monster days. One day to represent each country. Unsure of what would be open in the way of refuges and accommodation due to the pandemic, we opted to load our bikes with everything we needed so that we could be fully self-sufficient and bivouac each night.

What a blast we had! Many of my favourite sections along the stunning route were the hard-earned climbs pushing my bike, the sense of achievement gained earning the spectacular views made any suffering quickly forgotten.

This route predominantly follows the hikers TMB, but in places, it has been tweaked a little to allow for sections to be as rideable as possible. However, as a word of warning, this loop still requires a LOT of hike-a-bike. Uphill and downhill, especially the Col du Bonhomme and La Bovine sections. But for those of you who are not afraid of long climbs and taking your bike for a walk, you will be treated to the most amazing scenery. Postcard worthy views around every corner. With the mighty Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak at 4810 m, almost always in view.

Hikers tend to complete the TMB anti-clockwise, but on bikes, I would recommend going clockwise. I would also highly recommend you don’t do it in July or August, as the trail is incredibly busy. We set off in late June and there was still a lot of snow up high, which made the journey incredibly challenging at times, so I would suggest that September might be the best option.

With it being a loop, you can start/finish where you like, I only chose Les Chapieux because it was the closest point to my home. However, Chamonix or Courmayeur would be obvious start points, both are large towns with great transport links and plenty of amenities.

• The descent from Col de la Seigne 2516m to Les Chapieux.
• Spectacular views from Val Ferret and the balcony traverse that follows, looking out over the northeastern side of the Mont Blanc massif.
• The long, but ‘ridable’, ascent on a 4×4 track up to the Col de Balme, for a morning cuppa at the Refuge du Col de Balme whilst looking back at Mt Blanc.
• Champex du Lac is a picture-postcard Swiss town, great for refuelling and cooling off with a dip in the pretty lake.
• The satisfaction of summiting the Col du Bonhomme after ascending the toughest stretch of the route through a lot of snow.
• A well-earned slice of homemade tart at the Alpage de Bovine, after a gruelling hike-a-bike section.
• Italian pizza in Courmayeur.

Notes From The Trail

Unbeknown to us when we set off, the first 4 hours of the day turned out to be the toughest of the whole trip! The climb, from the carpark in Les Chapieux up to the Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme is hike-a-bike the entire way. Progress slowed nearing the refuge with snow patches growing bigger, and as the temperatures soared, the snow became soft and slippery. However, it was after the refuge, on the undulating traverse round to the Col du Bonhomme (2,483m), when things started to get even more challenging. Continual snow, and the implications of slipping and sliding down the mountain to the cliffs below had become pretty serious, so the utmost care needed to be taken for every step, making sure ones footing and bike placement was spot on. This not only made for slow progress, but it was also mentally exhausting. I was responsible for all the routing and logistical planning for this trip, so I’m pretty sure the rest of the team were seriously questioning what they had signed up for, and whether they should quit while they were ahead at this point. But on arrival at the col, the sense of achievement and the spectacular views quickly outweighed the struggles from the previous hours and excitement started to build about what was next.

The singletrack descent was initially very technical, and there were still snow patches to negotiate, but it soon became smoother before turning into a fast gravel road leading into the town of Les Contamines. Where we eat, drank and consumed copious amounts of ice cream.

Thankfully the afternoons’ Col de Voza (1,567m) was a lot kinder, with both the ascent and descent ridable on a gravel forestry road. (From the top of the Col de Voza there is also a VTT downhill route option into Les Houches which one of us took, but it was incredibly overgrown and difficult to navigate on this particular occasion.)The next stop was Chamonix for a very quick bite to eat, it was starting to get late so we needed to press on to get back out into the countryside before dark, to find a suitable place to bivouac. The vast majority of the route up the valley consisted of very rideable forest trails, with just a small tarmac climb up to Le Tour to finish our day.

At first light, we were up and ready to tackle another monster day. Coming straight out of camp was a long but ridable 4×4 track up to the Col de Balme (2195m), on the border of France and Switzerland. (Depending on the time of year, there is the possibility of using a ski lift to ascend to the Col from Le Tour if you would prefer.) We were all super chuffed to find the Refuge on the col open, and second breakfast and coffee was ordered, which we had looking out over the mighty Mont Blanc.

From here, a long scenic single track runs through high alpine pastures, before entering the forest where it becomes rocky and very technical. At the bottom, we were spat out of the forest into the beautiful Trient valley, where the trail took us into a natural amphitheatre under the huge Glacier du Trient to the Col de la Forclaz, wow! We were all in high spirits at the col, beautify weather, beautiful scenery and so far the day hadn’t been too tough. Well, that last bit was about to change!

The next section, the ‘Bovine Route’, I had described to the others as a traverse that’s a little ’undulating’ (that’s how I remembered it from hiking). It turns out, that with a heavily ladened bike it is a very long and tough hike-a-bike section, to which the word ‘undulating’ doesn’t come close to describing it, or indeed getting you mentally prepared for what lay ahead! Forevermore I will be asked, “is this one of your undulating sections Katie?” After we hauled our bikes up and over big boulder and tree root sections of forest, we eventually popped out at the Porte à l’Ô (2,049m). Hurray, from here we could not only see ridable single track heading off into the Alpine Meadows, but we could see the super lovely Alpage de Bovine refuge and were already salivating at the promise of their fantastic homemade tarts and cakes.

We had hoped to get to Champex du Lac, a large picture-postcard Swiss village, by lunchtime so we could have lunch on the bank of the pretty lake followed by a quick dip. But it was 4 pm when we arrived, so we settled for a quick break to enjoy the view whilst we stuffed our faces with delights from the bakery.A great ridable descent followed into the Val Ferret valley, before the final uphill of the day, a very gentle but slightly relentless climb on tired legs. A little beyond La Fouly, we found a suitable bivouac spot next to the river. Food, beer and bed!

The final day, and two big cols to conquer! The first was the Col du Grand Ferret (2,537m), on the Swiss-Italian border. There was 4×4 service track up to the refuge Alpage de La Peule, where we had a second breakfast on the terrace soaking in the warm morning sun and feasting on the spectacular views. The remainder of the climb to the summit was a mixture of gentle hike-a-bike and rideable single track, which apart from the snow patches wasn’t particularly taxing compared with some of the other climbs on the route. Once at the col, the view into the Italian Val Ferret valley was truly breathtaking and one of the highlights of the whole trip. The mountainside traverse that followed was equally breathtaking, a panoramic balcony, looking out over the northeastern side of the Mont Blanc massif.

We were now on a race against the clock to make Courmayeur, a small Italian town located at the foot of Mont Blanc, for lunch… for that all-important and much dreamt of pizza! We made it, and an hour later, full to bursting point, we swung our legs over the bikes to tackle the last big col of the trip.

Whilst at lunch large clouds had bubbled up, and a massive thunderstorm was brewing! Once the rain started lashing down, we decided to stick with the quiet tarmac and gravel roads that wind up Val Vény, rather than take an additional balcony route. There would have been no views to be had whilst the storm was raging. (I have attached the balcony route alternative in this collection.)By the time we had reached lake Combal the storm had passed, and the landscape revealed itself to showcase a stark contrast of views to anywhere else on the journey. The high isolated plateau, vast glaciers, dilapidated military barracks and the Dora Val Vény river made a damn phenomenal backdrop to ride our bikes through.

With just a small amount of hike-a-bike, we found ourselves on top of our last col, Col de la Seigne (2512m), on the border between Italy and France. We arrived here in the golden hour and what followed was just the best descent of the entire journey. We sped down flowing non-technical singletrack down the Vallée des Glaciers to the tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux for a celebratory drink in Refuge de la Nova.

We loaded our bikes into the vehicles. We were stinky, tired and dirty, but we were grinning from ear to ear. What a fantastic 3 days!

Feel free to ask me any questions, happy to help where I can. 

You will mostly find me over on Instagram @katiejaneendurance but you can also follow along over on Facebook and Pinterest .

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Tour du Mont Blanc Cycle Route

Tour du Mont Blanc

Three tough but epic and rewarding days, biking around this iconic mountain. (all images by Scott Cornish)

Route Information

This is the Tour du Mont Blanc, so what more needs to be said – it’s tough, beautiful and extremely rewarding. Just read the route article below and follow the GPX file, and have an amazing ride!

Stats: 148.8 km and 6,941 metres of ascent

Stats wise, the route was about 151km with 7100m of climbing overall, reaching a high point of over 2600m. We rode from Chamonix, but you can choose any start point.

Day 1 53km 3553m+ (options of 2 télécabine rides reducing climbing by 1800m) Day 2 54km 2133m+ Day 3 44km with 1400m+

Refreshments & Where to Stay

The Chamonix valley is a good base for starting things off, and there’s ample options along the route, but we recommend some using mountain huts, making it a true bikepacking adventure.

Scott and Alan – Tour du Mont Blanc

‘Mountain trails’- Image by Scott Cornish

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most iconic routes in Europe, crossing through 3 countries and made infamous by the annual exploits of 1000’s of ultra runners racing its full 170m length at the UTMB in August. Its technical trails reach heights of over 2600m, for 10,000m of elevation gain with grand views atop every col. High mountain refuges offering hearty feeds are plentiful en route for those opting not to spend the night under the stars, all in stunning locations. It’s not a long route in biking terms, but it’s not to be underestimated for its physical challenge!

Route General

Although the TMB is essentially a hiking path, much of it mountain singletrack, the mtb route options vary in length from the more direct 151km route we followed bikepacking style to 5/6 day 280km+ options, with more lift assisted availability. There is a record, of course, for the fastest self supported traverse of the official 170km route at just over 19 hours, but opting for a more leisurely pace allows you to get the most out of riding this stunning track.

Our chosen variant was a bit shorter, but meant less pushing and more pedalling whilst still retaining the highlights of the TMB. My co-bikepacker for this mini adventure was Alan Colville, a veteran of marathon racing, but who had yet to experience bikepacking. What a great place to start! We opted to be fully self sufficient, carrying light weight tents (I had an MSR 1 person Carbon Reflex), a stove and an Aeropress for the obligatory sunrise coffee. Both of us turned up.in Gore C7 2in1 shorts, ideal all weather long distance wear!

My ride was the Pinnacle Ramin3, a bike with a versatile dual personality. Trail bike one weekend, an ideal bikepacking rig on another. The only part that was swapped out were the tyres; the supplied WTB Trail Boss for lighter, more xc tuned WTB Rangers in a 2.25 width. An alpkit frame bag fitted perfectly into the front triangle, ideal for food and stove portage. All sleeping gear fitted into the front bags, with the tent stowed in the saddle bag along with dry/warm clothes. Despite a forecasted ideal weather window, wet and cold weather gear was still packed. This is the high mountains after all and storms can catch you out unprepared. Besides, this trip was about being comfortable, no suffering here, with warm clothes for evenings and mornings!

Water wise, you’re never far from a source in the Alpes, especially on this popular route, so it’s not necessary to carry much, 2 750ml is easily sufficient.

Image by Scott Cornish

Our route had the option of two lift assists on day 1, significantly reducing the overall climbing, but us being us, we opted to ride every possible vertical metre! The 2nd lift wasn’t open yet anyway, so do check summer opening times if you’d prefer to use the lifts where possible.

Riding anticlockwise from Les Houches, the dirt road climb up to the Col de Voza came all too quickly. This is the 1st lift assist option, missing out this steep track. An 18% average, ramping up to 30%. Need a caffeine refuel after that? The col top cafe is open from early summer! No less steep is the descent, loose and dusty 4×4 track. Caution not to miss the left hand turn, otherwise it’s a tarmac descent into Contamines!

Be wary of shop closing times outside of the official summer season, as they all close between 13h00 and 15h30! We managed to mistime our arrival in Contamines after a relaxed mid morning start, but a few restaurants were open. Being Coeliac, food options were limited for Alan, but we managed to keep him fed along the way. Buckwheat galettes were a great option.

The climb up to the high point of the col de la Croix du Bonhomme is probably the toughest of the route, with a sizeable chunk.of hike-a-bike along the top half, mostly due to the unusual lingering snow from 2200m.

Alps snow & sun – Image by Scott Cornish

High above les Contamines, we approached a bowl surrounded by high peaks, with seemingly no obvious way onwards! It was off and pushing towards the col along tech hiking trail. Not particularly exciting knowing you have a lengthy push ahead, mostly due to the snow, but the endpoint is truly worth the effort. Wet and sometimes deep snow added to.the adventure! From a windswept col du Bonhomme, the snow clad trail to the higher Croix du Bonhomme continued upwards following the mountain’s contours, disappearing into the low slung clouds.

After a couple of sections lugging bikes across steep snow fields, the refuge was a welcome sight through parting cloud. Back on the bikes for a brief descent to the refuge.

Camping day 1 – Image by Scott Cornish

Having arrived later than planned, we took advantage of dinner on offer, having arrived with minutes to spare before they closed the kitchen! A great decision as it turned out, with gluten free polenta and a hearty beef stew on the menu. Not so palatable if you were vegetarian though. Even with the inviting warmth of the refuge, tents provided our accommodation, pitched with a glorious view of the surrounding mountains. Our day’s efforts were rewarded with nature showing off at both sunset and sunrise.

Not being in any particular rush in the morning, we sat back with fresh coffee warming hands to watch the day slowly emerge.

Once back on bikes, the descent in the early morning glow was stunning! Apart from the occasional dismount over more jagged terrain than we could ride on loaded bikes, it was an otherwise real endorphin charge to start the day.

Cul de la Seigne, Image by Scott Cornish

It wasn’t long before the route headed back up. The 360° views from the Col de la Seigne at 2550m made up for the lung busting climb. What a place to linger, warm sunshine and snow capped mountain views in every direction, topped off by yet another cracking big mountain descent.

From here we dropped into Italy, for a ride along valley singletrack and past Refuge Elisabetta, the planned overnight stop, but the mountaintop stop was a way better option!

Now on the opposite side of Mont Blanc, the climb up to the Col Checrouit was mostly secondary road, but the views of the Glacier du Mirage made up for that. Meandering up winding 4×4 tracks that doubled up as ski.piste in the winter, we were soon in the peaks high above Courmayeur. A huge descent dropped us swiftly into the Italian ski resort, non technical, but steep and super dusty! Sunshine glinting off the haze of dust kicked up by our wheels.

A small shop just up from the bus station, en route, provided plenty of gluten free food for Alan with outside seating for a relaxed lunch break. Pricey of course though.

8km of pavement pounding up out of Courmayeur was one of the mtb detours off the official TMB route, avoiding a long hike-a-bike section. Over the top and we entered into a deep sided valley following the river trail. If you have time, the crystal clear waters are perfect for a quick dip! A refuge at the valley’s end provided an ideal refuel and coffee stop before the long climb out up and over Col Ferret, along the trail we could see disappearing up the mountainside.

Coffee & cake – image by Scott Cornish

Switchback fire road eased us in, up to the refuge Elena, before unrideable hiking path took over, pitching up steeply at times! Grand views of the length of the valley and cascading glaciers eased wincing calves.

Despite the windchill, we took our time at the col taking in the 360° views. With the sun on our backs, we flew down lingering snow fields and flowing mountain singletrack, dropping into Switzerland towards Champex, our next destination. Not before stomach’s demanded food though! A well timed refuge just up from the valley floor provided dinner, but at a hefty expense!

Tree lined valley single track followed the flow of the river, the kind of trail you wanted to just keep riding all day long. Wanting to pitch up before darkness fell, we found a quiet spot on the climb out of the valley. The MSR Reflex tent is quick and easy to set up and pretty roomy for a single person tent.

The sunrise ride up through tree lined singletrack was stunning. We rode in silence just the sounds of effort, taking in nature’s show, riding in and out of the sunbeams streaming through the trees.

Another good food store find in Champex, just before the lake, for Alan. Stomachs full with a 2nd breakfast, we bimbled along more river side trail, spinning out the legs in anticipation of the penultimate climb. Well known for its steep slopes bringing UTMB competitors to their knees, we understood why as it became gradually steeper and looser under tyre, forcing defeat and pushing, much to the intrigue of hikers as we hustled past them with our loaded bikes.

Over numerous river crossings and up tight switchbacks, we quickly gained height on the trail’s steep slopes. The final 2km was at least rideable along the ridge edge, and what a view! Now above the treeline, the Valais valley stretched out far infront of us. The ridge top refuge had to be an obligatory stop for coffee and cafe! An ancient summer refuge with the original kitchen, still churning out homemade treats and tasty coffee. Worth a ride out from Chamonix as a day trip.

Trying not to indulge too much in the delicious cake as there was a steep 2km climb to the top of the descent and what a descent. Cracking singletrack, a real mix of flow, technical and steep, all whilst avoiding hikers! Amazing! From the col de Forclaz, it was still downwards, smooth tarmac connecting us swiftly to the final climb up past the hillside hamlet of Les Jeurs. Non technical ski piste tracks brought us to the col de Possettes and far reaching views of the Chamonix valley 1000m below. From here it was all downhill!

Rocky, contoured ski piste dropped us into le Tour and the start of the tree lined singletrack of Petit Balcon Nord trail, flowing all the way into the edge of town.

Alaon on Tour du Mont Blanc

Our endpoint was Moody Café, the best coffee in town, but you’ll have to be there before 17h! Stinking cyclists are probably best using the outside seating! A large, cold fruit smoothie helped soothe tired legs, alongside a coffee of course.

What a ride. Camp out or use the refuges, it’s an iconic trail worth doing despite the hike-a-bike sections. This alternative does employ a couple of detours to minimise pushing, namely the sections Entreves to Planpinicieux and via Les Jeurs instead of Col de Balme which is unrideable in this direction. If the weather allows, overnight up high as the effort is well worth it for the spectacular sunrise.

We rode in early June avoiding the summer holiday crowds as it gets busy on the TMB route. Numerous companies offer guided longer tours if you don’t want to bikepack it and keep off the official route.

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Tour du Mont-Blanc Bike: Vallorcine - Champex-Lac

Explanation

Author’s recommendation

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

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Safety information.

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website. The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

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The Tour du Mont Blanc

Trek overview.

History of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Since the 18th century, explorers, scientists and geologists have been drawn to this area of stunning beauty. The draw of Mont Blanc and all its neighbouring peaks, aiguilles, glaciers and valleys was too hard to resist. Many of the routes through the Alps and over the cols date back to the old trading routes of centuries past.

The first circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc range was back in 1767 by Horace Benedict de Saussure, who set out with a group of friends and porters from Chamonix, on a scientific Mont Blanc expedition to gain further knowledge of its geographical structure. During the Victorian age, the Tour du Mont Blanc became a must-do for the rich and famous, albeit on the back of a mule. Since then, trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc has become one of the most popular long-distance trails in the European Alps.

The Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe

The Tour du Mont Blanc is the most popular long-distance trek in Europe that covers a total distance of approximately 170km depending on which route is taken (some variants can be sorter or longer than the original section). The daily height gain on the Mont Blanc circuit is substantial, and overall the accumulation over the 10 days is in the region of 9,000m.

The Tour du Mont Blanc route takes you over 8 mountain cols and through 3 Alpine regions within France, Italy and Switzerland, circumnavigating the Mont Blanc. The scenery is second to none, from the broken rocky lunar landscape of the Aiguille Rouges to the pasturelands of the Contamines valley; every day has something different to offer, yet there is one common factor - the constant backdrop of the Mont Blanc range.

Villages and Hamlets on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Chamonix, france.

Steeped in history, Chamonix is the mountaineering and off-piste skiing capital of the world. It is truly a stunning place tucked in under Western Europe’s highest peak. For centuries explorers, scientists and mountaineers have travelled here to get up close to this impressive environment.

Les Houches, France

A much smaller and quieter village in the Chamonix Valley, and yet Les Houches shares the same stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. It has good facilities, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and shops.

Les Contamines, France

Les Contamines is a charming little village on the westerly end of Mont Blanc. It has good facilities, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and shops, and offers great views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay and Domes du Miage.

Chapieux & Ville des Glaciers, France

Chapieux & Ville des Glaciers are tiny hamlets on the southwesterly tip of the circuit and probably one of the most remote places on the tour. The valley and its hamlets are totally cut off in winter. Chapieux offers 1 auberge, 1 little shop and a campsite and Ville des Glaciers a refuge and cheese farm which sell fabulous Beaufort cheeses.

Courmayeur, Italy

Charming, Italian-style Alpine town, Courmayeur is definitely on a par with Chamonix with great food, wine and coffee. All facilities are available here.

La Fouly, Switzerland

Small village in the Swiss Val Ferret, La Fouly has great views of Tour Noir and Mont Dolent. The village offers basic facilities, a shop and a few hotels with bars.

Champex-Lac, Switzerland

Champex-Lac is situated at the easterly end of the TMB. This is a typical picture postcard Swiss village with a beautiful lake. A lovely, relaxing enclave with a range of bars, restaurants and shops.

Trient, Switzerland

Trient is a small Swiss village with limited facilities. The village enjoys fabulous views of the Trient Glacier.

Argentiere, France

Situated at the easterly end of the Chamonix Valley, Argentiere is nested under the famous Grand Montets off-piste and extreme ski area. Argentiere shares the same history as the rest of the Chamonix Valley. It is a lively place in peak season and has a good range of restaurants, bars and shops.

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Mountain Bike in the Alps: The Tour of Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) - The classic alpine trail... on a mountain bike!

Discover the world of high mountain biking with a circuit route around the Mont Blanc traversing three countries in 5-6 days. Originally a walkers route,   the Tour du Mont Blanc has become popular with mountain bikers with many tracks in each valley and several variations possible; half on road - half on track - fully on road - fully on track. The classic hikers route alot of unrideable areas and does involve a lot of carrying, especially the Col du Bonhomme and La Bovine sections. 

Care should be taken on some of the mountain tracks and steep slopes - a fall here may have serious consequences!

A spectacular trail which covers several valleys, summits and glaciers - an adventure you will never forget! 

For people of good fitness and stamina;  who don’t mind doing long climbs, carrying their bikes and in some places the steep downhill’s can get technical. The scenery and breathtaking views are well worth it.

You can start the circuit in Courmayeur – Aosta Valley passing through Martigny Valley (Switzerland), Chamonix (France) and back to Courmayeur - Aosta Valley.

• Start: Les Saisies
• Finish: Les Saisies
• 330 km - 8300 m/d+
• Start 1 : Les Saisies Start 2 : Gd-St-Bernard
• Finish 1 : Gd-St-Bernard Finish 2 : Les Saisies
• Leg 1 : 155 km - 4300 m/d+ Leg 2 : 175 - 4000 m/d+

LE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

You are at the starting line, in the heart of the beautiful ski resort of Les Saisies, it is 4:55 in the morning and you turn on your front light. You listen to the latest safety instructions from the speaker. 4:58 , the departure music starts, a lot of thoughts jump inside your head: “What am I doing here? “Why do I hurt myself like that? “Am I really ready for this huge challenge?” “Why do I do that?”

But you know the answer: To become a Hero! “Hero: person who shows great courage.”

Reference among the ultra events, the Tour du Mont-Blanc Cyclo will require you a flawless preparation, extraordinary courage and push you to exceed your limits to become a hero. Because yes, becoming a hero is the goal of every participant of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. “ The world’s toughest one day bike race ”. This is how the cycling press describes the Tour du Mont-Blanc Cyclo. Indeed, riding 330km and face the 8300m of elevation gain that we offer you, in one day, is not an easy task!

On the program again for the twelfth edition, the crossing of 3 countries, France , Switzerland and Italy . You will once again be confronted with a demanding and ruthless route that will await you with constant strength. A unique experience to be sure.

Epic images

Tour du Mont Blanc | Maps & Routes

The Tour du Mont Blanc takes trekkers through France, Italy, and Switzerland on one of the most spectacular trails in the world. Typically completed in 11 stages, the route circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. This post will provide all of the TMB navigational resources you need to familiarize yourself with the route, location, and all things map-related so you can be sure you’re ready to tackle this epic adventure!

What’s in this post?

Where is the tour du mont blanc.

• Interactive Tour du Mont Blanc map
• How long is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• What is the elevation profile of the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• Which maps should I carry?

Tour du Mont Blanc GPS/GPX

• Apps and offline mapping
• Let Us Make Your TMB Trip Success

Let us help plan your TMB

We’re here to help! We offer comprehensive TMB planning support so you can plan your perfect trip!

In addition to our popular guides, we also offer the following TMB planning services:

GPS Digital Download

GPS files for the entire TMB

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Problem-solve your itinerary, bookings, route options, and more!

Why work with us?

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all of the information you need to have your best TMB experience. 

We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is an approximately 101 mile/162 km trek that  takes walkers around Mont Blanc and through France, Italy, and Switzerland.  The closest major city to the TMB is Geneva, Switzerland. The route passes through seven mountain valleys (Val d’Arve, Val d’Montjoie, Vallee des Glaciers, Val Veni, Italian Val Ferret, Swiss Val Ferret, and Vallee du Trient) and is  typically completed in 11 stages.

Looking for more TMB resources? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc here.

The TMB is traditionally hiked in a counter-clockwise direction beginning in the French town of Les Houches, which is adjacent to Chamonix. It is also possible to walk the route in a clockwise direction, and trekkers headed this way typically start in the Swiss town of Champex.

This is a result of the steep climb out of Les Houches that would be required if you were to hike clockwise from there. Best to avoid that on your first stage!

The TMB also passes through the French towns of Les Contamines, Les Chapieux, and Tre-le-Champ, the Italian town of Courmayeur, and the Swiss towns of La Fouly and Champex, while passing near the small village of Trient.

The stages for the traditional counter-clockwise route are as follows:

• Stage 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines
• Stage 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
• Stage 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta
• Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
• Stage 5: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
• Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly
• Stage 7: La Fouly to Champex
• Stage 8: Champex to Col de la Forclaz
• Stage 9: Col de la Forclaz to Tre-le-Champ
• Stage 10: Tre-le-Champ to Refuge La Flegere
• Stage 11: Refuge La Flegere to Les Houches

To help visualize these 11 stages, we created the Tour du Mont Blanc virtual fly-through video below. Give it a watch to get a sense of the route, terrain, and what you can expect!

While for many the mere mention of Mont Blanc conjures up images of the famous French mountaineering town of Chamonix, the route of the TMB does not actually go through the town, instead taking a trail high above the Chamonix Valley.

In addition to staying in mountain huts and hotels along the TMB , it is also popular to camp along the route.

In addition to the traditional route, the Tour du Mont Blanc also includes several ‘alternates’. These trails still connect the same start and finish points, but take walkers on a different route between the two points. Alternates can be used to add challenge, avoid certain sections, or lengthen/shorten a particular stage. The map below shows the common alternate routes on the TMB.

These alternate routes include the following:

• Col de Tricot : Alternate between Les Houches & Les Contamines over the stunning Col de Tricot with up close views of the Bionnassay Glacier.
• Col des Fours : Alternate route between Les Contamines (starts at Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme) and Refuge Des Mottets. Effectively cuts out Les Chapieux stop. This is a rugged and exposed alternate that is best for experienced hikers.
• Tete Bernarda : Alternate route between Courmayeur and Rifugio Bonatti. High level route that has incredible views of the Grandes Jorasses.
• Fenetre d’Arpette: Alterate route between Champex and Col de la Forclaz. Arguably the most difficult stage on the entire Tour du Mont Blanc, but with amazing views.
• Refuge Les Grands : Route that connects the Fenetre d’Arpette alternate route to the Col de Balme via an overnight stay at Refuge Les Grands.
• Le Tour: Alternate route connecting Col de Balme with the village of Le Tour. This is an easier alternate from the main TMB and drops hikers into the valley.
• Col des Montets: Alternate route from Tre-le-Champ that avoids the famed ladder section enroute to La Flegere.
• Lac Blanc: Alternate route that takes walkers to the stunning Lac Blanc and associated refuge.

Interactive Tour du Mont Blanc Map

The interactive Tour du Mont Blanc map below will allow you to zoom in on the various stages as well as view the traditional stops along the route. The map also displays the common alternate routes that are a part of the TMB. You can click on each stage to see the total length, listed in both kilometers and miles.

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Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!

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How We Navigate on the Tour du Mont Blanc

If you’re interested in getting access to the GPS data used to create all of the maps in this post,  we are happy to offer our Tour du Mont Blanc GPX files for sale.  When you download the GPX file, you’ll get route data for each of the traditional stages of the TMB as well as all of the common alternate route, plus waypoints for each stop along the way.

If you want to learn how to use the GPS data to navigate on the trail, be sure to check out our post on  How to Navigate on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

You’ll be able to load the GPX file into the mapping software or GPS phone app of your choice!

How Long is the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is approximately 101 miles or 162.5 kilometers long. This is based on following the traditional route and not taking any shortcuts or alternates. Of course, few if any walkers will stick to this route exactly. You could easily walk less or more depending on your preferences, route choices, and the conditions encountered on the trail.

The maps below show the approximate distance of each stage in miles as well as kilometers. For more detail on each stage be sure to check out our interactive map in the section above!

What is the Elevation Profile of the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Over all 11 stages,  the Tour du Mont Blanc has approximately 37,000 feet or 11,300 meters of elevation change!  That averages out to over 3,300 feet or 1,000 meters of elevation change per stage for those who complete the walk in 11 days.

Of course, there will be days with more elevation gain and days with less. Given that the TMB is a loop trail, you’ll ascend and descend the exact same amount over the course of your trek.

The elevation profiles below, displayed in both imperial and metric units, will give you an overview of what each stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is like in terms of total elevation change and distance. On the charts elevation is shown on the left hand side while distance is shown on the bottom. Each blue dot represents a stop along the traditional 11 stage TMB route, with the stop name shown at the top.

The steepness of the line between any two points shows the steepness of the trail for that particular stage. The distance between the two points shows the length of the the stage. So for instance you can see that the stage from Tre-le-Champ to La Flegere is rather short in distance, while the stage from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux has a lot of elevation gain.

Which Maps Should I Carry on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The TMB is a very well marked trail with frequent signs and trail markers. As a result, when we hiked the TMB we did not rely heavily on any of the various paper maps that are available for the route. Instead, we preferred to utilize GPS maps on our phones, as described in the next section. However, that doesn’t mean we didn’t bring paper maps with us.

While technology has done a tremendous amount to make navigating while hiking easier, there is simply no replacement for carrying a physical map with you. If your phone runs out of battery or you drop it in a puddle you’ll be glad you had your handy paper maps to rely on.

We recommend bringing the  IGN 3630 OT Chamonix  and  IGN 3531 ET St-Gervais  with you, as they provide a detailed view of the TMB route. There is also a single IGN map that covers the entire route , although at a less detailed scale. The table below has an overview of all of the options:

If you want to learn how to use the GPS data to navigate on the trail, be sure to check out our post on How to Navigate on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

You’ll be able to load the GPX file into the mapping software or GPS phone app of your choice!

Tour du Mont Blanc map app/offline mapping

As mentioned above we utilized offline downloadable GPS maps on our smartphones to navigate while hiking the TMB.  This is a great way to navigate on the trail as it allows you to see your progress for the day and also isn’t reliant on a cell phone signal  to display the map. Our  How to Navigate on the TMB  post has all the information you need to get set up using an app for your Tour du Mont Blanc map. This step-by-step article will teach you how to quickly and easily turn your phone into a GPS device.

Want more Tour du Mont Blanc content?

• Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• TMB Packing List
• 10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc
• How to navigate on the Tour du Mont Blanc
• How to find all of your campgrounds on the TMB
• How to train for the Tour of Mont Blanc
• How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free
• TMB Trip Report
• TMB Photo Gallery
• Tour du Mont Blanc Logistics
• How Much it Cost us to Hike the TMB
• Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide
• Tour du Mont Blanc – Shortcuts, Detours, & Public Transit

4 thoughts on “Tour du Mont Blanc | Maps & Routes”

Many thanks a lot for this article. Decided last minute to do the tour with not much time for planning and investigating info on the trek, distance, elevation, etc. This was of a great help. Thx a Lot !

Hey Veronika, So glad you’ve found the article useful! Hope you have a great TMB! Best, Ian

Most helpful site I have visited. Is there such a thing as a time map which shows the average time when walking each stage

Hey James, Glad you are finding our site useful! We don’t currently have a map showing estimated hiking times for each stage, but that is a great idea. In the meantime we do provide approximate hiking times in our Ultimate Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc article here . Let us know if you have any other questions, Best, Ian

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We’re Emily and Ian, outdoor lovers and planning nerds who live in Boulder, Colorado. The only thing we love more than researching and mapping out our next adventure, is actually being out there on the trail. Between the two of us, we’ve been to over 30 countries, and much of our travel in these countries has been on two feet or two wheels. When we’re not in a far-flung destination, we spend a lot of time exploring the amazing camping, hiking, and biking destinations in our home state of Colorado. Learn More About Us

Tour du Mont Blanc

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WHEN YOU MTB THE TMB: Completing the Tour du Mont Blanc on a Bike

By Phil Smith – Ride Morzine  The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most popular long distance walking routes in Europe. But at around 170km in length with ten kilometres of ascent / decent and travels through France, Italy and Switzerland, the tour is no easy endeavour.

We’re adventurous mountain bikers based in the portes du soleil and on occasion we like to get away from resort-based riding on local trails to take on something more challenging. walking the tmb route will usually take in excess of 50 hours, not including rest or overnight stops. we decided to tackle this multi-day backcountry adventure on bikes in just four days..

Starting in Chamonix and following an anti-clockwise route through Les Contamines (France), Courmayeur (Italy), Champex (Switzerland) and returning to Chamonix via Trient and the Col du Rosettes above Le Tour , it promised to be an epic experience.

Each day offers between 1300m – 2000m of vertical ascents; we knew in advance that some of this would be ride-able, but much of it would not. The gradients and terrain are just too steep and technical to ride a bike up and on occasion it’s bordering on scrambling territory. This means not only carrying a significant amount of weight in a backpack to accommodate the four days away, but also shouldering and carrying a bike weighing in the region of 14kgs for hours – literally. To put it in context: the two highest surrounding peaks of Morzine, Ressachaux and Nantaux, are just over 1000m above Morzine. Imagine hiking both of those each day (even without a bike) for four consecutive days and you get a good indication of the mental and physical requirements for this trip.

The flip side of the climbing coin is the amount of descent on offer after each ascent. I love the sense of achievement to be gained from climbing as much as the next rider, but when push comes to shove, we wouldn’t have been so keen if it weren’t for the descents…

Image © Phil Smith

Chamonix – Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme

Starting in the centre of Chamonix, we loaded up on caffeine and pastries ready for the grand depart. High levels of excitement and nerves bubbled around our tried and tested group of four (Goldilocks principle, not to big, not too small). Lots of talk centred around the weight of everyone’s packs – heavy (very) – and suspension was adjusted accordingly.

We headed out along the river trail in the direction of Les Houches and the Telepherique Les Houches-Bellevue, and purchased a one-way ticket to the top. The initial descent to Bionnassay had us adjusting our stopping distances as a consequence of the un-accustomed backpack weight. Here we picked up the TMB route on the map, following it for the whole tour with only occasional variations.

We stopped for an early lunch at Les Contamines. The afternoon would be taken up with a long haul to the col with only the briefest of descents to the refuge as reward. Initially we pedalled easily along the valley with only intermittent sections requiring ‘effort’ to ride. It was interesting to see how everyone approached these normally ride-able sections; some guns blazing, some cautiously conserving energy. Eventually everyone seemed to settle somewhere in the middle, reserving some power for later in the trip at the expense of a little dented pride, pushing our bikes up normally ride-able terrain.

The distant end of the valley was a curtain of mountains with no visible col. We all knew what that meant. Indeed before too long the choice of riding or pushing had been taken away from us. The long, non-ride-able grind had started. The best technique was to push the bike where possible, before the sections of obligatory carrying with bike across shoulders – this was essentially the last 600m. As a bike does not lend itself to being carried, it was uncomfortable to say the least. Already thoughts of ‘can I do this for another three days?’ entered our minds.

The refuge was a welcome sight, as were the beers to be consumed by us weary travellers; a few celebratory drinks were consumed but everyone was restrained for obvious reasons. The food was basic but tasty and consisted of a healthy dose of polenta with meat. Breakfast was bread, jam and lukewarm coffee, but a good offering considering we were 2400m up a mountain with no road access.

Sleeping arrangements were big multi-bed, mixed-sex dorm rooms, meaning your (probably) unknown neighbour is sleeping only inches away. The cacophony of snoring was impressive, earplugs are a must.

Col de la Croix du Bonhomme – Courmayeur

The pick of the days (for me anyway) started with a superb descent to Les Chapieux . A long 1000m drop; sinuous singletrack, multiple lines, switchbacks, steep, technical rocky outcrops with enough flowing mellow in between to replenish the adrenaline stores. No trees and no roots, but I shouldn’t grumble.

We raided the Refuge de la Nova for omelettes and coffee, fuel for the long grind to the Col de la Seigne (a +1000m climb). Fortunately this ascent was mostly ride-able with agreeable views.

The 500m descent into the Vallon de la Lee Blanche was full of more rocky, single-track goodness. It was here we suffered from our only mechanical failure of the trip – a puncture. It’s worth considering what you would do with a more significant mechanical issue, or worse, an injury. We all restrained ourselves on the descents as much as possible to avoid either scenario.

An excellent lunch at Refuge Elisabetta Soldini was spent admiring the stunning glacial environment, a real highlight. Feeling upbeat, we then tackled a detour to the south side of the valley. More character building hike-a-bike (300m worth) was suitably rewarded with a full 1300m of gravity-assisted fun all the way to Courmayeur. This descent had the lot, finishing with tree-lined lower elevations, roots and dirt added to the rocky mix.

That evening’s accommodation was a family run hotel in La Palud above Courmayeur. With a very welcome shower and great Italian food, the contrast to the previous night made it all the better.

Courmeyeur – Champex

A climb of 1200m right from the get go didn’t stop anyone giving the extensive buffet breakfast a good hammering. Fortunately, the climb started out steady on tarmac, giving way to a ride-able gravel track. The final hike-a-bike to the Grand Col Ferret was preceded by a late morning snack / coffee stop at the Refuge Elena .

The cloud had come in a little on this day and cloaked the high peaks and dramatic views; sheltering at the col, the wind was wild and rain threatened. Everyone progressed at their own climbing pace and the group split. For those waiting at the top, the extra layers and rain jackets that had so far been contributing precious grams to backpack weight were gratefully put to use.

Another 900m of epic descent to l’A Neuve was everyone’s favourite part of the trip. Every kind of alpine terrain was on offer, topped off by forest, flower meadows and a bubbling river. Yes, it really was that idyllic. Everyone admitted to getting a little carried away and pushing slightly beyond what was wise on some of the more demanding sections. But we lived to tell a lunchtime tale under the sun, having outrun the rain at the top of the descent.

The terrace trail to Praz de Fort had plenty of exciting exposure to the valley floor and was another highlight in a trip full of highs. It was different from the obvious buzz of gravity assisted descending, although a few technical ups, downs and alongs were a welcome addition to the mix.

We descended the tarmac road knowing lost metres would have to be re-gained on the 800m tarmac climb to Champex. It was a tough slog propelling mountain bikes up tarmac and our slow progress was painfully apparent. Aches, pains, fatigue and general seating area discomfort were all grinding down our previously high spirits.

Our inability to find our digs that night resulted in a wholly unwanted lap of a very scenic lake. The pressure was on that day’s organiser (we took it in turns to make daily arrangements) but he showed admirable cool and eventually led us to our B&B / refuge combination, narrowly averting mutiny.

Image @ Phil Smith

Champex – Chamonix

By now, mentally and physically tempered, the climb to Bovine seemed a mere trifle at 650m. Rumoured to be all hike-a-bike, it turned out work had been done on the trail, and although a significant proportion was un-ride-able, it was possible to push rather than carry the bikes for the most part.

More cracking single track descending to la Forclaz was followed by possibly the most expensive and smallest plate of pasta that it is possible to buy.

The rideable climb to Col des Rossettes was the gravity defying finale, leaving us with the well known and loved descent to Le Tour. At this point our weather window began to close and big, fat, cold drops of rain began to fall. By the time we reached the tarmac at Le Tour it had turned to torrents of floodwater flowing down the road. Biblical weather to end an epic trip.  

The trip tested everyone. Physically, but more so mentally. It was very demanding but equally rewarding. The descents were all truly fantastic and well worth the climbing effort – although it made us appreciate how lucky we are to have an extensive lift infrastructure in Morzine to do the hard work most of the time. The views were stunning. The highs and the lows, the sense of adventure and achievement made this a real once-in-a-lifetime bike expedition.

Our group had previously undertaken many extensive, full day adventure rides, supplemented by various fitness regimes to get into peak shape. We all had experience of overnight stays in basic mountain refuges. We knew what to expect of a trip of this nature and of each other. We prepared for the worst and had emergency bailout back up options. If you’re considering the TMB, I’d recommend you do the same.

For more information on bike-specific holidays in Morzine and the Portes du Soleil visit www.ridemorzine.com

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TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Ride around the highest mountain in Europe!  Every day you have a new view of this spectacular glaciated peak while riding from France, to Switzerland, to Italy, and then back into France.  The route crosses many classic Tour de France cols including Col du Grand Saint Bernard, Col du Petit Saint Bernard, Cormet de Roseland, Col des Saises, Col des Aravis and Col de la Colombière.  We overnight in a charming Swiss village by an alpine lake, an Italian spa town, a quiet French farming village, and of course two nights in the alpine capital of Chamonix.

Electric mountain bike Tour du Mont Blanc

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

• General information
• Group booking
• Private booking
• Further information

We offer you an exclusive Electric mountain bike trip of the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc combining beautiful landscapes, small singles, intimate trails and typical accommodation. Benefiting from logistical assistance, this Tour du Mont Blanc is a real summary intended for riders wishing to travel this mythical route of the Northern Alps, focusing on the most beautiful sections. A unique program with multiple variations to share with family or friends. Set off for a great challenge to discover the Pays du Mont Blanc, the Swiss Val Ferret and the Italian Val d'Aosta. 3 countries, 7 alpine valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits: a grandiose alpine setting to experience real mountain immersion on a mountain bike.  

The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.

Dates : Find all the dates available in the drop-down list below   Price 2024 : 1230€ per person - based on a minimum of 4 participants   This price includes : - supervision by a state-certified mountain bike instructor - private Minivan assistance throughout the trip - 3 nights in half-board accommodation including diner & breakfast (2 nights in Dormitory in Mountain hut + 1 night in a 2* hotel based on 2 people per room) - picnic lunches & snacks - lift passes   Not included in the price : - FULL SUSPENSION (recommended) mountain Ebike rental & helmet - drinks in refuge & hotel and all personal expenditure (make sure you have Euros & Swiss Francs) - personal mountain bike protection (highly recommended) - your trip to Chamonix - repatriation insurance (mandatory) & cancellation insurance  

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.

Prices 2024 : 1 person : 4980€ per person | 5 people : 1395€ par person 2 people : 2740€ par person | 6 people : 1245€ par person 3 people : 1990€ par person | 7 people : 1140€ par person 4 people : 1620€ par person | 8 people : 1060€ par person

The price includes : - supervision by a state-certified mountain bike instructor - private Minivan assistance throughout the trip - 3 nights in half-board accommodation including diner & breakfast (2 nights in Dormitory in Mountain hut + 1 night in a 2* hotel based on 2 people per room) - picnic lunches & snacks - lift passes   Not included in the price : - FULL SUSPENSION (recommended) mountain Ebike rental & helmet - drinks in refuge & hotel and all personal expenditure (make sure you have Euros & Swiss Francs) - personal mountain bike protection (highly recommended) - your trip to Chamonix - repatriation insurance (mandatory) & cancellation insurance

In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).

Meeting point : meet at 9.00 am at the Compagnie des Guides office, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix

Level : This tour is designed for participants with good levels of fitness who regularly go mountain biking (using standard and/or ebikes) with good riding skills on narrow, singletrack-style trails, able to be autonomous on technical sections

Guiding policy :  group of 4 to 8 people

Accommodation : - During the trip : Half-board in hotel on Day 1 (double room) and  mountain huts on Days 2 and 3 (dormitory) - Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix. If you wish to receive information just ask the Randonnée department.

Minibus assistance :  In order to offer a high quality service and to avoid the uninteresting sections of the tour (in particular the sections with roads), a minibus assistance is integrated all along the trip, allowing more flexibility and adaptation according to the profile and motivation of the group

Documentation : - Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up. - Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Organization : The week before your departure, the instructor in charge of the group will contact you to answer all your technical questions.  

Documents available for download

• Information sheet
• Conditions of Sale
• Clients Rights
• Insurance contract

We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.   Back-pack - 20L / 25L backpack (for biking) - Provide enough space for the picnic. A word of advice in case of rain: even if you have an over-backpack, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag inside the backpack.   Clothing For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.

For yourself : NB : ID card or valid passport + small change for personal expenses. - 1 travel bag or suitcase for the hotel - 1 mandatory mountain bike helmet (+ Knee protectors recommended) - 2 mountain bike drinks bottles or 1 camelbak - 1 knife + Flashlight or headlamp - 1 hat/headband + warm gloves - Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen - Spare items (T-shirt, underwear, socks), in synthetic fabric/wool - 1 Long-sleeved technical T-shirt/Cuffs - 1 fleece - 1 Gore-Tex jacket - 1 small down jacket (or 2nd fleece) - Short and long bib shorts (or leggings) - Short and long Mountain bike gloves (compulsory) - Clothes for the hotel - Sleeping bag liner (the most light and comfortable is the silk bag) - Toiletries including technical towel - Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.   Mountain Bike equipment - Electric battery key/battery lock system - Bike lock - 2 air chambers - Patch box + glue - 1 pump - Specific tools for your bike (depending on the eMTB brand, sometimes very specific tools)   Recommended : - Spare brake pads or pads - Front and rear derailleur cable - 1 spare derailleur clip (unless your derailleur is attached directly to the frame) The guide has a first aid pharmacy, an emergency radio, a repair kit, and orientation material. Don't overload yourself! ** Elastoplast, “2nd skin” dressings, compresses, medication for common ailments and your personal treatment!   Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sport Spirit 74 , Sanglard Sports , Ravanel & Co &  Concept Pro Shop Our Equipment Partners : Lapierre , Millet , Dynastar , Julbo , Grivel & Monnet  

Chamonix Alt. 3,395ft - Col de Balme Alt. 7,188ft -  Martigny Alt. 1,545ft - Champex Alt. 4,809ft Meet your guide at 9am in Chamonix. This first day gives us the chance to make the most of the Chamonix valley seen from above, with its legendary glaciers and peaks as a backdrop. Having arrived at the Col de Balme we drop into the Swiss side of the pass for an attractive, fast and winding descent that leads us to Martigny. A cycle up to Champex, through pretty, typical Swiss chalets, awaits us in the afternoon. Night’s half-board in hotel in the village of Champex. Private transfer by minibus from Vernayas to Gorges de Durnant (or higher depending on the group). Elevation gain : 8,500 feet / Elevation loss 9,800 feet (depending on itineraries) - Distance : from 20 to 28 miles  

Champex Alt. 4,809ft - Issert  Alt. 3,608ft - Col Ferret Alt. 8,323ft - Courmayeur 4,074ft We leave the village of Champex via the ‘sentier des Champignons’ (‘mushroom path’) to reach Issert. The day’s challenge will be the ascent of the Grand Col Ferret, which, at an altitude of 8,323ft, is the highest point on the famous Tour of Mont Blanc. The alpine pass allows us to cross, through a high-altitude environment, from the Swiss Val Ferret to the Italian Val Ferret. As a reward for our efforts, there is a long descent beneath the watchful gaze of the Grandes Jorasses and the south face of Mont Blanc, along what are sometimes quite technical singletrack sections. Ariving in Courmayeur, we'll use the Dolonne cablecar to join plan Chécrouit. We'll spend the night in a lovely typical Italian mountain inn. Private transfer by minibus from Issert to Ferret. Elevation gain : 6,500 feet / Elevation loss : 7,500 feet (depending on itineraries) - Distance : from 28 to 35 miles  

Courmayeur Alt. 4,074ft- Col de la Seigne Alt. 8,254ft -  Plan Mya Alt. 6,102ft We return to France via the famous Col de la Seigne (8,254ft). Total immersion in a mineral landscape and grandiose panorama are guaranteed! A day devoted to one of the best singletracks in the area, all the way to the Mottets hut… Explore the Vallée des Glaciers, the Beaufortain trails as well as the area around the Lac de Roseland, along a choice of varied technical and non-technical routes. We spend the night in an authentic mountain pasture hut, complete with local traditions and local products, for simplicity and a return to basics… Night’s half-board in mountain hut. Private transfer by minibus from Courmayeur to Visaille Elevation gain : 4,900 feet / Elevation loss : 4,200 feet (depending on itineraries) - Distance : +/- 28 miles  

Plan Mya Alt. 6,102ft - Col de Gittaz Alt. 7,798ft - Contamines Alt. 3,818ft - Col de Voza Alt. 5,436ft - Back in Chamonix 3,395ft. The final stage takes us back to Chamonix, through the Beaufortain and the Val Montjoie, via a surprising area known as the ‘Grande Pierriere’. A day devoted to high-mountain pastures, technical singletracks and fast trails, as well as the traverse of mountain passes with uninterrupted views across the Aravis range and Mont Blanc chain… A great and intense day, with, it has to be said, quite a bit of distance to cover and a not insignificant positive height gain to honour! Return to Chamonix late afternoon and end of trip. Private transfer by minibus from Contamines to Champel. Elevation gain : 9,200 feet / Elevation loss : 11,482 feet (depending on itineraries) - Distance : +/- 31 miles  

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CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kg In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology , today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually. , or 0€ The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.

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Road bike the tour of mont blanc: cycling - 330km & 8000m d.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic of the road bike long distances trips. This is a tour around the famous Mont Blanc starting in Chamonix via Col des Montets then Col de la Forclaz, Martigny, the Col du Grand St Bernard, Aosta, La Thuile, Col du Petit St Bernard, Bourg St Maurice, the Cormet Roselend, Beaufort, Col des Saisies, Megeve, St Gervais, Le Fayet and return to Chamonix. On the map, it seems nice and easy but in reality you should count 325km and 7400m of altitude gain.

We chose to do the trip in two days. That gave us two big days of 7hrs30mins. Starting early is important to avoid the heat. There are many fountains along the way to fill your water bottle.

The route/itinerary of the Tour du Mont Blanc on Road Bike:

Chamonix - Col des Montets (you are in Switzerland) - Col de la Forclaz - Martigny: 44km Martigny - Champex - Col du Grand Saint Bernard (you are in Italy) - Aoste: 76km Aoste - La Thuile: 41km

1st Day Numbers: 163 km & 4300m D

La Thuile -  Col du Petit Saint Bernard (you are in France) - Bourg Saint Maurice: 44km Bourg Saint Maurice - Cormet de Roseland - Beaufort: 40km Beaufort - Col des Saisies - Flumet: 33km Flumet - Megeve - Chamonix: 46km

2nd Day Numbers: 167km & 3700m D

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