15 Proven ways to shortcut the TMB

Introduction: Shortcut the TMB

There are several reasons why you might want to cut or shortcut the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) trek.

The TMB consists of 11 stages, which would typically take 11 days to complete, but you might not have that much time. If you’re an experienced hiker, you could double up on stages or simply skip some portions to shortcut the trek.

The weather can also play a major role in your decision. We experienced both sunny days and rainy weather during our TMB adventure. After several consecutive days of rain, it might be wise to skip a stage, especially since heavy rain often brings fog, making it nearly impossible to see the stunning views around you.

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

Be Aware

Depending on the time of year you’re hiking the TMB, your options for shortening the trek may vary. Most shortcut options are available during the high season, but in the low season, it could be trickier due to weather conditions or limited transportation. You must check the latest information and timelines for all alternatives before you embark on your hike.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Shortcut the TMB

Stage 1: From Les Houches

If you want to avoid the initial uphill section of stage 1 from Les Houches, you can take the cable car from Bellevue to Coupe du Monde and then switch to the cable car at Maison Neuve. This option will bypass the forest section of the trail and bring you almost directly to Col de Voza, saving you a lot of elevation gain.

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

Stage 1 or 2: From Les Contamines

There is a free shuttle bus available in Les Contamines. If you want to conserve some energy, you can take it at the end of Stage 1 to reach Les Contamines. If you’re staying in town, you can also use it to get a head start on Stage 2, saving some walking time.

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

Stage 3: From Les Chapieux

You can take the Les Chapieux Shuttle between Les Chapieux and Ville des Glacier or Parking des Mottets. This option allows you to skip a section of Stage 3, making the day easier or allowing you to combine Stage 3 and Stage 4 to save a day on your TMB journey.

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

Stage 4: From Cabane du Combal

On stage 4, one hour after Rifugio Elisabetta, you’ll come across the Cabane du Combal. If you divert from the TMB route and follow the “Via Val Veny,” you’ll reach the La Visaille bus stop. From there, you can take a bus to Courmayeur or a nearby camping area, offering an alternative shortcut to skip part of the trail.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Stage 4: Cablecar to Courmayeur

At the end of Stage 4, you can skip the challenging downhill from Plan Chécrouit by taking the cable car down to Dolonne or Courmayeur. The TMB trail passes through Dolonne before reaching Courmayeur. We personally stayed in Dolonne, and the cable car provides a more relaxing option to avoid the steep descent.

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 5: Head Start

If you’d like to shorten Stage 5 and combine it with Stage 6, or if you’re aiming to skip an overnight at Rifugio Bonatti (or came from camping in the Val Ferret valley), you can take the bus to the “Rif. Bertone Bivio” stop. From there, you can pick up the trail and continue to join the main TMB route

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: Cutting it and Stage 6 head start

If you’d prefer to skip Stage 5 entirely (though it’s one of our favorites), you can take the bus from Courmayeur’s main station to the Val Ferret valley and get off at the terminus, Arp Nouvaz. This will allow you to bypass the entire Stage 5 and give you a head start for Stage 6.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Stage 5: Cutting it.

Alternatively, you can take the same bus and stop at “Freboudze bivio.” From there, you can take the trail up to Rifugio Bonatti, effectively cutting Stage 5. However, this would mean you start Stage 6 in its entirety.

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

Stage 6: From Ferret

Once you’re in Switzerland, heading toward La Fouly, you can skip the end of Stage 6 by taking the bus 272 from Ferret to La Fouly VS. The bus ride takes just 10 minutes, making it an easy way to bypass the final stretch of the stage.

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 7: Skipping it

If you prefer to skip the entire Stage 7, it’s definitely an option, especially since we found it to be less enjoyable. To do so, take bus 272 from La Fouly to Som La Praz or Orsières, then transfer to bus 271, which will take you directly to Champex-Lac. The total journey takes around 2 hours, allowing you to save time while bypassing the stage.

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

Stage 8; Skipping it

If you’d like to skip Stage 8 of the TMB, it’s possible but it requires more time. The entire journey can take between 2 to 5 hours, depending on connections. Start by taking bus 271 from Champex to Orsières, then catch a train to Sembrancher and Martigny. From Martigny, take bus 213 to Trient village. This option will help you bypass Stage 8, though it does involve several transfers.

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

Stage 9: shortcut

Once at Col de Balme, you can join the official TMB variant. Once you reach the village of Le Tour, take the Line 2 bus to Chamonix. This option allows you to bypass a portion of the trail and return to Chamonix without completing the entire Stage 9.

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

Stage 10: Avoiding it

If you wish to skip Stage 10, here’s an option for you: From Tré-le-Champ, head down to Argentière. From there, take the Mont Blanc Express Train to Les Praz de Chamonix. Once in Les Praz, you can catch the Flégère cable car to pick up the trail at the next stage, bypassing a portion of Stage 10.

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 11: Avoiding the last summit

If you prefer to skip the final summit of the TMB Stage 11 to Brévent, you can take the Brévent cable car, followed by the Planpraz cable car, to reach the city of Chamonix. From there, you can either take a short walk down or explore Chamonix and enjoy the town without completing the final summit.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc