6-Day Trail Running Adventure: Complete the Full Tour du Mont Blanc

Experience the ultimate 6-day trail running adventure on the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, covering 105 miles of stunning alpine terrain across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Traverse well-marked trails through majestic peaks, ancient glaciers, and lush alpine meadows. Stay in comfortable mountain inns and hotels, enjoy the convenience of daily luggage transfers, and savor hearty meals along the way. This self-guided journey offers expert planning, including detailed maps, GPX tracks, and route guides, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for seasoned trail runners seeking an epic challenge.

Trip Highlights:

Run Through Three Countries: Explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland on foot.
Breathtaking Scenery: Traverse alpine meadows, glaciers, towering peaks, and charming villages.
Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in handpicked mountain inns and hotels with cozy, welcoming atmospheres.
Flawless Logistics: Enjoy seamless luggage transfers, detailed maps, GPX tracks, and a well-organized itinerary.
Challenging Trails: Cover 105 miles over six days with daily distances of 22–28 miles and elevations gains of up to 7,200 feet.
Cultural Experience: Follow historic trade routes while immersing yourself in the unique heritage of the Alps.
Self-Guided Flexibility: Navigate the journey at your pace with the support of comprehensive route materials.
Hearty Meals: Refuel with breakfasts and dinners at mountain accommodations, with options for picnic-style lunches.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chamonix

Chamonix is easily accessible by train or shuttle from Geneva Airport. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy hotel and take in the stunning mountain town's atmosphere. Stroll through Chamonix’s picturesque cobblestone streets, perhaps enjoying a café or two, while mentally preparing for the exciting days of trail running ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel‍
Meals: None included

Day 2: Chamonix to Les Contamines Montjoie

Begin your journey with an easy start, running through Les Houches before ascending to Bellevue at Col de Voza (1,780 m/5,839 ft), where you’ll be greeted by the towering peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. Traverse the stunning Bionnassay Glacier and run through vibrant alpine meadows to Col de Tricot Pass (2,120 m/6,955 ft). After admiring the views over Contamines-Montjoie Valley, descend to the charming chalets of Miage and continue around Mt. Truc before ending the day in the village of Contamines-Montjoie. An alternate, shorter route is available via the roadbook if needed.

Daily Stats:

Distance: 25 km (15.5 mi)
Ascent: 1,430 m (4,691 ft)
Descent: 1,300 m (4,265 ft)
Running Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel‍
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Les Contamines to Courmayeur (Italy)

Today’s adventure begins with a warm-up before ascending steadily to Col du Bonhomme Pass (2,329 m/7,641 ft). This scenic route offers remarkable views as you pass the southern edge of the Mont Blanc Range, then onto Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2,433 m/7,982 ft), where you’ll see the majestic Mt. Pourri. From there, descend through alpine pastures to the charming hamlet of La Ville des Glaciers before climbing again to Col de la Seigne Pass (2,516 m/8,255 ft) at the Italian border. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of the jagged peaks of Mont Blanc de Courmayeur and the Grandes Jorasses as you make your way down into the Italian Alps, ending your day with a descent into the alpine town of Courmayeur.

Daily Stats:

Distance: 43 km (26.5 mi)
Ascent: 2,820 m (9,251 ft)
Descent: 2,760 m (9,055 ft)
Running Time: 10 hours
Accommodation: Hotel‍
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Courmayeur to Champex (Switzerland)

Arguably the most picturesque day of the tour, the trail from Courmayeur offers incredible front-row views of the Grandes Jorasses as you ascend to the Bertone Hut (2,000 m/6,561 ft). Continue along the stunning balcony trail, passing the Bonatti Hut before descending to the Elena Hut. From here, cross into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret Pass (2,537 m/8,323 ft) and savor your final glimpse of Italy before descending through Switzerland’s serene alpine meadows. A gentle run will bring you to the village of La Fouly, followed by a leisurely hike along the Ferret River, culminating at the charming Champex Lake.

Daily Stats:

Distance: 45 km (28 mi)
Ascent: 2,340 m (7,677 ft)
Descent: 2,080 m (6,824 ft)
Running Time: 10 hours
Accommodation: Hotel‍
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Champex to Chamonix (France)

From Champex, start your run through lush Swiss pastures, famed for their cheese-making cows, as you ascend to Bovine with stunning views over the Rhône Valley. For those seeking a more challenging alternative, the Fenêtre d’Arpette route offers a high-altitude adventure with its dramatic mountain pass (2,665 m/8,743 ft). Crossing back into France at the Col de Balme Pass (2,191 m/7,188 ft), you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley below. The descent offers an option to take a chairlift or gondola down to Le Tour, followed by a gentle trail leading you back to Chamonix.

Daily Stats:

Distance: 40 km (25 mi)
Ascent: 2,020 m (6,627 ft)
Descent: 2,440 m (8,005 ft)
Running Time: 9 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Departure from Chamonix

Enjoy one last breakfast surrounded by the beauty of Chamonix before checking out. Take the morning to explore the town’s boutiques, cafés, or even visit the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car, before departing on your next adventure or journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

Additional Details

Lodging:

Throughout your trip, you'll stay in a selection of simple, comfortable hotels, either in single or double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. If you're traveling in a group of three, rooms may include one double and one single bed, or three single beds. During peak season, private rooms may not always be available, and you could be offered accommodation in a guesthouse in the valley or, as a last resort, in dormitories within mountain huts.

Meals:

Our aim is to ensure you enjoy well-balanced meals suited to the physical effort of each day, while also helping to lighten your pack:

Dinners and Breakfasts: Hearty, hot meals are prepared by your accommodations, except for dinners in Chamonix, which are not included.
Picnic Lunches: You can request picnic lunches from your accommodations, to be confirmed the night before and collected in the morning. There are also grocery stores and small shops along the route where you can purchase additional supplies.

Luggage Transfer:

If you opt for the luggage transfer service, your bags will be transported between accommodations by vehicle, so you'll only need to carry your essentials for the day's hike. Your bags will be waiting for you at your next stop each evening.

Trails:

As this is a self-guided trip, you are responsible for navigation. You will receive a detailed roadbook with maps at the start, but it’s essential to know how to read a map and use a compass. Be sure to check trail conditions with your accommodations daily, as they can provide up-to-date local information.

Access:

The trip begins and ends in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. All our self-guided tours are sold on a "Land Only" basis, providing flexibility for your arrival and departure times. We can arrange airport transfers—just ask our specialists for details.

Additional Trip Info

Accommodations: As outlined in the itinerary, including comfortable mountain inns and hotels.
Luggage Transportation: Your bags will be transported between accommodations, so you only carry what’s needed for the day’s run.
Meals:
- Breakfasts from Day 2 through Day 6.
- Dinners from Day 2 through Day 4.
Roadbook and Maps: Includes reservation vouchers, detailed maps, and a roadbook for groups of 2 to 4 people.‍
GPX Tracks: Available upon request for each day's run, to ensure smooth navigation.

Transportation: To and from the meeting point in Chamonix at the start and end of the trip.
Dinner: Not included for the nights spent in Chamonix
Travel Insurance: We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue
Anything Not Specified: Any items not explicitly listed in the "included" section.

‍Additional Expenses:

Lunches: Can be purchased at local grocery stores or huts for picnic-style meals during your run.
Optional Transportation: Public transportation and chairlifts/gondolas used along the route are not included.
Entrance Fees: Tickets for museums or monuments are not included.
Drinks: Any beverages (alcoholic or otherwise) during the trip.
Gratuities: Tips for service providers or accommodation staff.