10 Easy Ways to Escape the TMB

Introduction: Escape the TMB

There could be many reasons why you might need to stop your Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) trek, and it’s important to know your options if you decide to cut your journey short.

Injuries or emergencies can arise during the trek, or something may come up back home that requires your immediate attention, making it necessary to halt your adventure.

Another common reason is the weather. While we experienced sunny days on the TMB, there were also long stretches of rain. When you’re stuck with three days of continuous downpour, it may be a wise decision to pause the trek. The rain often brings fog, making visibility poor and the trail harder to navigate.

In this guide, we’ll go over each stage of the TMB and explain how to return to Chamonix if you decide to cut your trek short.

Read: The Ultimate 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide

Be Aware: Escape the TMB

The options for cutting your TMB trek short can vary depending on the time of year. During the high season, you’ll typically have more alternatives available, including bus routes, cable cars, and train connections. However, in the low season, some of these services may be reduced or unavailable, so it’s essential to plan ahead.

Make sure to check the latest schedules and availability of transportation options before you set out, especially if you’re hiking during the off-season.

Tip: Always travel with a filtered water bottle — it saves money, reduces plastic waste, and keeps you hydrated wherever you go.

Escape the TMB

Stage 1: Les Houches – Les Contaminés

If you need to stop the Tour du Mont Blanc at Stage 1 at Les Contamines, there’s an easy way to do so. You can take Bus 84 from Les Contamines to Saint Gervais, and from there, hop on the Mont Blanc Express Train that will take you to Les Houches or Chamonix.

Bus Line 84 is a convenient option for those who need to cut their trek short, offering a straightforward way to reach these towns and continue your journey back to Chamonix.

Tip: We use Black Diamond walking poles for Men and Women — sturdy, lightweight, and perfect for both easy trails and tougher hikes.

Stage 2: Les Contaminés – Les Chapieux

On Stage 2, if you need to stop the TMB, one option is to walk back to Les Contamines and then follow the route to escape Stage 1. This allows you to head back without continuing the full stage.

Another option is from Les Chapieux, where you can take a bus to Les Mottets, then follow the TMB route up to Cabane du Combal. From there, you can exit the TMB route and head towards the Val Veny valley, where you can take a bus to Courmayeur. Once in Courmayeur, catch a bus to Chamonix. This approach works similarly to Stage 3, providing an efficient way to shorten the trek and return to Chamonix.

Tip: We used this MSR tent — super reliable, easy to set up, and held up perfectly in all weather conditions.

Stage 3: Les Chapieux – Rifugio Elisabetta

If you’re looking to escape the TMB, one option is to leave the trail about one hour after Rifugio Elisabetta at the Cabane du Combal. From there, exit the TMB route and follow the road that leads into the Val Veny valley. Once you’re in the valley, you can take the bus from La Visaille to Courmayeur. Afterward, you can continue on Stage 4 from Courmayeur. This provides a good option if you need to cut the trail but still continue your journey.

Tip: We hike with Osprey backpacks and can’t recommend them enough — the Talon 44 and Tempest 40 are comfortable, durable, and great for any adventure.

Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur

From Courmayeur, you have the option to take the bus to Chamonix, passing through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This is a great way to save time and skip some parts of the trail. Once you arrive in Chamonix, you can easily take a local bus to get back to your car or explore the city further.

Tip: Make sure to pack quality waterproof jackets — one for him and one for her — they’ll make all the difference on rainy days.

Stage 5: Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti

If you’re looking to skip part of Stage 5 of the TMB, you can take the trail down to the Val Ferret Valley from Rifugio Bonatti or along the stage itself. Once you’re in the valley, catch the bus to Courmayeur. From there, you can take the bus through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix, providing a convenient way to continue your journey without completing the entire stage. This option allows you to bypass some of the more strenuous parts while still experiencing the beauty of the region.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti – La Fouly

If you’re still in the Italian part of the TMB (before reaching Grand Col Ferret), you can hike back down to Val Ferret Valley and catch the bus from Arp Nouvaz to Courmayeur. From there, you can follow the Stage 4 escape plan to continue your journey.

However, if you’ve already crossed the border into Switzerland, you’ll need to follow the TMB trail down to Ferret (before La Fouly). From there, you can take bus 272 to Orsières and then follow the escape route from Stage 7 to reach Chamonix or your destination. This allows you to bypass some sections of the trail while still staying on track.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Stage 7: La Fouly – Champex

From Champex, take bus 271 to Orsières. Once in Orsières, you can hop on a train to Martigny. From Martigny, transfer to the Mont Blanc Express, which will take you directly to Chamonix. This route allows you to bypass part of the trail and quickly reach Chamonix for a convenient exit from the TMB.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Stage 8: Champex – Trient

From Trient, take bus 213 to Châtelard VS, Frontière. From there, you can easily connect to the Mont Blanc Express. If the bus isn’t available, hitchhiking is a common and accepted practice in this area, so you can also consider that option to continue your journey to Chamonix.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Stage 9: Trient – Tre-le-Champ

From Tré-le-Champ, you can walk to the Mont Blanc Express station called Montroc-le-Planet. From there, hop on the Mont Blanc Express train, which will take you directly to Chamonix. 

Tip: Make sure to pack quality waterproof jackets — one for him and one for her — they’ll make all the difference on rainy days.

Stage 10: Tré-le-Champ – La Flégère

From La Flégère, you can take the cable car down to Chamonix. Once in Chamonix, simply hop on a local city bus to get to your desired destination, whether it’s your accommodation or another part of the town. The cable car offers a quick and scenic ride, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you descend into Chamonix.

Read: The Ultimate 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide