Fastpacking the Tour du Mont-Blanc with Willie McBride
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
| Jul 31 - Aug 7, 2026 | 8 days - 7 nights |
Join Willie McBride, one of the world’s most experienced “fastpackers” on this rustic edition of the Tour du Mont-Blanc, mixing huts with hotels as we run the full 170km (105 miles) through France, Italy and Switzerland.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc is the most famous trail running loop 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. We’ll “fastpack” the full 170km (105 mile) route over six-days, carrying our lightweight gear with us, and spending most nights at remote mountain huts, high in the mountains. This pared-back overnight style makes this tour more budget-friendly and a bit more adventurous than our other TMB trips!
Our special guest on this trip is pro trail running coach and athlete, Willie McBride. Willie is no stranger to trail running in the Alps, and has completed both the 200-mile long Tor des Géants and Swiss Peaks 380km trail races. Willie is founder of Portland, Oregon’s The Wellness Movement for All, a coaching and fitness service. He’s a thoughtful advocate for inclusiveness in trail running and is known for his supportive, empathetic approach.
Willie has years of experience on the Tour du Mont-Blanc, having trail run and fastpacked the route for more than a decade. He’s excited to share his trail running experience in the Alps on this adventure.
Joining Willie will be a licensed International Mountain Leader, guiding the way and keeping you safe. On this level 3 tour, we’ll cover around 15 – 20 miles (24 – 32km) and 3500 – 6000ft (1000 – 2000m) of elevation each day. 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.
Top photos: PatitucciPhoto, Kim Strom, Sam Lhermillier
Book this tour
$3690 per person
$400 single supplement (available in Chamonix and Courmayeur only)
Itinerary
Welcome to Chamonix, France! (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 1 - Chamonix
Meet in Chamonix, the world-famous resort and trail-running epicenter in France, easily accessible by train, bus or shuttle transfer from Geneva airport.
On the way to Col de Tricot. (Photo: Aleksandra Janiak)
Day 2 - Les Contamines
Today kicks off our fast-packing around Mont Blanc! Leaving Chamonix, we follow an undulating trail to Les Houches, then climb over the Tricot pass to the quiet and quaint Miage valley, finishing in the small village of Les Contamines.
Steep climb to Col du Bonhomme. (Photo: Jo Sims)
Day 3 - Les Chapieux
Following an old Roman trail, we cross two lofty passes, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme, then descend to the hamlet of Les Chapieux in the historic Vallée de Glaciers.
An old cobbled street in Courmayeur. (Photo: Rhodes)
Day 4 - Courmayeur
Leaving France, an ascent through quiet alp pastures leads to the Col de la Seigne and into Italy. We’ll continue down the valley and into the medieval village of Courmayeur. Tonight, you’ll have access to your baggage and we’ll provide recommendations of the best restaurants in town for a delicious dinner.
Val Ferret. (Photo: Sam Hill)
Day 5 - La Fouly
We’ll leave Courmayeur and run some of the best singletrack on the tour, stopping at the stunning Rifugio Bonatti for a break. Grand Col Ferret is our highest point on the trip, on the Italian-Swiss border. It’s followed by beautiful, rolling single track to the small village of La Fouly.
The famous pink church in Trient. (Photo: Toni Spasenoski)
Day 6 - Trient
Today’s run leads us along the Ferret river and through quiet hamlets, before climbing to the pretty lakeside village of Champex-Lac. We’ll then climb to the Bovine high mountain café before descending to the small village of Trient.
Heading towards Col de Balme. (Photo: Kim Strom)
Day 7 - Chamonix
Our last day running around Mont Blanc is a classic, as we climb to Col de Balme and cross the border to run back into France. Finish with a run through the Chamonix valley. We’ll enjoy a delicious celebratory dinner at a favorite local restaurant and say goodbye to the guide this evening.
Tada! Almost all the way around and back to Chamonix on the Tour du Mont-Blanc. (Photo: Sam Hill)
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 and special guest Willie McBride – one of the world’s top “fast packers”
- 7 nights accomodation – 3 nights in 2* hotel (twin or double room); 4 nights in mountain huts or simple inns (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 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 help 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 standard Run the Alps trips. 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.
- 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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