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France, Italy & Switzerland

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

Experience the Ultimate Trail Running Challenge Around Mont Blanc

Self Guided

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

Experience the Ultimate Trail Running Challenge Around Mont Blanc

Take on the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc, a legendary alpine circuit traversing France, Italy, and Switzerland. This 8-day self-guided trail-running journey offers the chance to experience the entire route without vehicle transfers, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and the spirit of the trail.

Why Choose This Adventure?

Designed for trail-running enthusiasts, this adventure offers a non-technical yet challenging route through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Alps. With carefully planned logistics and comfortable accommodations, you can focus on enjoying the journey while tackling one of the world’s most celebrated alpine circuits.

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 8 days with daily distances of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) per day.
  • 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.
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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Chamonix!

Getting to the charming town of Chamonix Mont Blanc is simple, whether by train, taxi, or shuttle bus. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, take a relaxing stroll through Chamonix's picturesque cobbled streets, and soak in the peaceful alpine atmosphere before embarking on your unforgettable trail-running adventure.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: None included

Day 2: From Chamonix to Les Contamines-Montjoie via Tricot Pass

Your journey begins gently from Les Houches, ascending through Bellevue and the Col de Voza (1,780 m / 5,839 ft), where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding majestic peaks. The route takes you past the Bionnassay Glacier and through breathtaking alpine meadows to Col de Tricot (2,120 m / 6,959 ft). After a break to admire the Contamines-Montjoie Valley, descend to the charming Miage chalets and continue around Mont Truc (1,811 m / 5,941 ft), ending your day in the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.

Trip Stats:

  • Distance: 27 km (16.7 mi)
  • Ascent: 1,600 m (5,249 ft)
  • Descent: 1,450 m (4,757 ft)
  • Running Time: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Mountain Inn
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: From Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux via Bonhomme Pass

Start the day with a warm-up on the scenic path to Notre-Dame de la Gorge. A gradual ascent brings you to Col du Bonhomme (2,329 m / 7,641 ft) where stunning views await. Continue to Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (2,433 m / 7,982 ft), where you'll enjoy sweeping vistas of Mont Pourri (3,779 m / 12,398 ft), a spectacular backdrop as you descend toward the charming village of Les Chapieux.

Trip Stats:

  • Distance: 22.5 km (13.9 mi)
  • Ascent: 1,350 m (4,429 ft)
  • Descent: 1,050 m (3,444 ft)
  • Running Time: 5.5 hours
  • Accommodation: Mountain Inn
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: From Les Chapieux to Courmayeur via La Seigne Pass

Begin the day with a warm-up to the hamlet of La Ville des Glaciers. Continue through alpine meadows to Col de la Seigne Pass (2,516 m / 8,255 ft) and cross the border into Italy. Marvel at legendary summits like Mont Blanc de Courmayeur and Grandes Jorasses as you descend through Val Veny, eventually reaching Courmayeur, the heart of the Italian Alps.

Trip Stats:

  • Distance: 28.5 km (17.7 mi)
  • Ascent: 1,530 m (5,020 ft)
  • Descent: 1,850 m (6,070 ft)
  • Running Time: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: From Courmayeur to La Fouly via Grand Col Ferret

One of the most scenic days of the tour, starting with a climb to Bertone Hut (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) for unparalleled views of the Grandes Jorasses. Follow the balcony trail to Bonatti Hut before descending to Elena Hut. From there, cross into Switzerland via Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m / 8,323 ft) and descend through Switzerland’s gentle alpine meadows to La Fouly.

Trip Stats:

  • Distance: 31 km (19.2 mi)
  • Ascent: 1,900 m (6,233 ft)
  • Descent: 1,530 m (5,052 ft)
  • Running Time: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Mountain Inn
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: From La Fouly to Trient

Enjoy a leisurely hike along the Ferret River before ascending through forests to Champex Lake. Continue through Swiss alpine meadows, famous for their cheese-making cows, and soak in the views of the Rhône River Valley from Bovine. For those seeking a more adventurous route, the Fenêtre d’Arpette offers a challenging high-altitude option.

Trip Stats:

  • Distance: 31 km (19.2 mi)
  • Ascent: 1,250 m (4,100 ft)
  • Descent: 1,550 m (5,085 ft)
  • Running Time: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Mountain Inn
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: From Trient to Chamonix via La Balme Pass

Cross back into France by ascending to Col de Balme Pass (2,191 m / 7,188 ft), where panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace, and the Argentière Glacier await. Descend into the valley and make your way to Chamonix, where your epic adventure concludes.

Trip Stats:

  • Distance: 25.5 km (15.8 mi)
  • Ascent: 1,260 m (4,133 ft)
  • Descent: 1,530 m (5,052 ft)
  • Running Time: 5 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Au Revoir, Chamonix!

Enjoy your final breakfast in Chamonix. Take time to explore the town or relax before saying farewell and heading home.

Additional Trip Info

  • Accommodations: As outlined in the itinerary, providing a mix of cozy mountain inns, huts, and hotels for comfortable rest each night.
  • Meals:
    • Breakfast: Included from Day 2 through Day 8 to fuel your mornings on the trail.
    • Dinners: Included from Day 2 through Day 6, offering hearty, well-balanced meals after a day of running.
  • Luggage Transfers: Your bags will be transported each night, so you only need to carry what’s necessary for the day’s run.
  • Navigation Materials: A detailed roadbook with maps and reservation vouchers for groups of 2 to 4 people. GPX tracks for each day’s route are available upon request.
  • 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.
Tour du Mont Blanc - Official Trail Map
Tour du Mont Blanc - Official Trail Map

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