Essentials Tour du Mont-Blanc Guided
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
| Jul 25 - Aug 1, 2026 | 8 days - 7 nights |
Run the iconic 170 km loop around Mont Blanc, staying mostly in mountain huts with hearty, communal meals and simple comforts.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc – or “TMB” – is the most famous trail running route in the world, and for good reason. Wandering over mountain trails from France, to Italy, to Switzerland and back into France, the footpath includes some of the most iconic mountain terrain anywhere.
Our Essentials Tour is our most accessible way to run this legendary route. Over eight days, we’ll complete the full 170 km (105 miles) circuit of Mont Blanc, crossing at least one mountain pass each day. You’ll experience the same awe-inspiring landscapes as on our Classic and Deluxe trips — glaciers, alpine meadows, quiet valleys, and world-famous views.
Inspired? Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll get to experience:
What makes this trip “Essentials” is the style of travel: simple and authentic. Most nights are spent in shared mountain huts or modest village inns, where hearty meals and rustic charm set the tone. Luggage is available in Chamonix and Courmayeur, but you’ll need to pack light for hut stays. This pared-back style makes the adventure both budget-friendly and close to the heart of what trail running in the Alps is all about.
On this level 3 tour, we’ll cover around 15 – 20miles (24 – 32km) and 3500 – 6000ft (1000 – 2000m) of climbing each day. With your licensed International Mountain Leader guiding the way, expect big climbs, thrilling descents, and plenty of time on the trail — with the camaraderie of a small group of like-minded runners to share it all.
At the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the starting and finishing point of our tour. In this video Run the Alps staff and friends show you around our home of Chamonix, France.
Highlights
- Complete the full 170 km circuit in 6 running days
- Stay in a mix of rustic huts and 2★ hotels
- Hearty breakfasts and dinners most nights
- Daily support from a licensed International Mountain Leader
- Luggage available in Chamonix & Courmayeur
- Digital guidebook + trail nutrition welcome pack
Alternatives
If you’d prefer more comfort and added extras, check out our Classic or Deluxe guided tours. If you’d like even bigger days out, check out our Express Tour du Mont Blanc tour, which completes the TMB in just four days.
Top photo: Sam Lhermillier, Kim Strom Majell Backhausen
Book this tour
$2,995 per person
$200 single supplement (available in Chamonix and Courmayeur only)
Make it privately guided
Prefer to go guided with your own group? Inquire here.
Go self-guided
Run on your own schedule, without a guide, and let us take care of the logistics! See details here.
Looking for more comfort and extras along the way?
Itinerary
Welcome to Chamonix, France! (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 1 - Arrive in Chamonix
Meet in Chamonix, France, easily accessible by train, bus, or shuttle transfer from Geneva airport. Evening briefing and welcome drink with your guide and group.
On the way to Col de Tricot. (Photo: Aleksandra Janiak)
Day 2 - Les Contamines
Your first day on the Tour du Mont-Blanc begins! We follow an undulating trail to Les Houches, climb over the Tricot Pass, and into the beautiful Miage Valle, before continuing to Les Contamines.
Steep climb to Col du Bonhomme. (Photo: Jo Sims)
Day 3 - Les Chapieux
Following an old Roman trail, we cross to two lofty passes, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme, before descending to the hamlet of Les Chapieux.
Looking back up to Col de la Seigne. (Photo: Tonya Gray)
Day 4 - Courmayeur
Over the Col de la Seigne and into Italy, with an amazing view of the Mont Blanc range. Down valley, the medieval village of Courmayeur is our stop for the night.
Val Ferret. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 5 - La Fouly
Up to Rifugio Bertone, along some of the best singletrack on the tour, past Rifugio Bonatti and over the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland, with a quiet night spent in La Fouly.
The famous pink church in Trient. (Photo: Toni Spasenoski)
Day 6 - Trient
Along the Ferret river and up to the lakeside village of Champex-Lac, before climbing to the Bovine high mountain café, and descending to the small village of Trient.
Heading toward Chamonix. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 7 - Chamonix
Climb to the Col de Balme pass on the border with France, descend to Le Tour, and finish with a run through the Chamonix valley. Celebrate with a group dinner back in town.
Coming back to Chamonix after a big loop. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 8 - Depart from Chamonix
Your tour ends after breakfast at the hotel. We wish you smooth and safe onward travels!
Regional map
- Daily guided trail runs with a licensed International Mountain Leader
- 7 nights accomodation – 3 nights in 2* hotel (twin or double room); 4 nights in mountain huts (shared dorms)
- Welcome briefing and drinks on first night
- All breakfasts, 5 multi-course dinners
- Transfers to and from trailheads as per itinerary
- Luggage transfers (luggage available in Chamonix and Courmayeur).
- Run the Alps’ Digital Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages of information about where you’ll be running, what to pack, how to train, and plenty of other insider information from Run the Alps staff and guides
- Welcome pack of trail nutrition from our partners
- Personalized support before and during your tour
- 20% discount in the Run the Alps store
- 20% discount code at The Hub Chamonix for pre- or post-tour accommodation
- Contribution to our Net Positive initiatives
- Flights / Travel to and from Chamonix; recommendations provided
- First night dinner in Chamonix and dinner in Courmayeur
- Lunches and additional trail nutrition
- Drinks at dinners
- Transport to and from trailheads if you shorten a run
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Tips for guides
- Trip insurance
Plan to arrive in Chamonix the day your tour starts, at the latest. Chamonix is easily accessible by bus, train and airport shuttle. Geneva, Switzerland is the closest airport. We’ll provide you with a handy travel guide, with links to the companies and tools we recommended. Note that flights from the US typically arrive the following day, so schedule accordingly.
Plan your departure for the day the tour ends at the earliest. Since the Geneva airport is only ninety minutes away by shuttle, it is possible to leave the day the tour ends. We’ll provide you with a handy travel guide. Please note: if your flight departs before 9:30am, you’ll likely need a private shuttle (~275 euros).
- Want to extend your trip with more running? We can provide self-guided run descriptions for nearby regions of the Alps, and/or trail race options.
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. Check out our Alps Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes– read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all Run the Alps trips, excluding those with guest runners. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Tour Balance: Your tour balance is due 90 days before your tour starts. We will send you an invoice about a month before that due date. However, you can pay your balance at any time. If you’d like the simplicity of paying in full sooner, or would like to pay in installments, please contact us.
- Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but can’t afford it,check out our Tour Grants Program.
- Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
- Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.
Guides for this Tour
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