12 best Tour du Mont Blanc tips

Introduction

Le Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170km trail that goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, and is one of the most spectacular trails in the world. It is made of 11 stages and over 10 variants, which can be chosen by hikers along the way. Its route passes through beautiful valleys, adorable hamlets, charming landscapes, rugged mountains, crystal clear rivers, and white snow.

It isn’t your regular weekend hike, and that’s why we put together this article about the best Tour du Mont Blanc tips

Read: The Ultimate Half Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide: Your Half Adventure

All our TMB Tips and advice

Is there accommodation all around the TMB?

TMB Tips 1: Yes, there are accommodations around the trail. Refuge/Shelter/hut, Camping/Bivouac, and hotels are available on the trail. As the trail passes through villages and towns, you will often have more than one option. But while in the mountains, the option will drop to the Refuge/Shelter

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

Can we camp on the TMB?

TMB Tips 2: In fact, yes, you can. But you will be looking at some really tough days and will have to give up on some of the variants of the TMB. For a better experience, we would recommend a mix of camping, refuge, and hotel.

The major problem will be in Italy, where there is no camping spots near the trail. At this stage, most hikers give up on camping and enjoy the comfort of a mountain refuge and a good hotel night in town.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

What about the food?

TMB Tips 3: As the TMB passes through many villages and towns, you will be able to resupply every couple of days. And there will be refuge all along where you can always stop. In fact, most of the mountain huts offer breakfast, dinner, and lunch boxes. Some of them even often have lunch at their restaurants.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

And the Water?

TMB Tips 4: Here also, rest assured, you do not need to carry 3L of water. There are wells along the trail, and you can ask any refuge to refill you. They will all be happy to do so for free.

There are also many streams along the way, but it would be better to avoid drinking from them.

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

Is the TMB for me?

TMB Tips 5: Do you love mountains? Walking? Hiking? Then yes, it is for you. Along the trail we met people from all generations. Also, you can take it easy as there is no obligation to do it within a certain time.

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.

What free advice would you give?

TMB Tips 6: Take your time along the trail. Make lots of breaks to enjoy the wild nature around you; it is worth every second.

Lots of hikers are fast on the trail in order to be able to rest more at the end of the day. But taking it easy, taking more breaks throughout the day will also rest you. And on top of everything, you will be spending more time outside in the Alps.

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

Will I see wild animals?

TMB Tips 7: Yes, you might. Near Rifugio Elisabetta, there were tonnes of Marmots. We just stopped quietly, and a few of them popped out of the earth.

Also, Chamois can be spotted on the side of the mountains, but you will need good eyes for it.

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

Do I need a guide, or can it be done self-guided?

TMB Tips 8: The trail is well-marked for most of it. The original TMB has lots of signs, the variants have fewer but you can always find your way. A map could be useful but not mandatory.

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Original Trails or Variants?

TMB Tips 9: Without a doubt, Variants. The Original trail goes up the mountains and down the valleys for most of it. That’s also the reason why you end up in lots of villages and towns.

The variants stay up in the mountains, and the landscape they offer is stunning!

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

What gears should I bring?

TMB Tips 10: In short, good walking shoes/boots, a good backpack, and walking poles. Then, a rain jacket, shorts, merino t-shirts… but the best advice is to bring as few things as possible. The lighter the better.

Read: Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Should I bring a sleeping bag and a towel?

TMB Tips 11: Even if you are staying in a mountain hut, you should bring a sleeping mat or liner plus a microfiber towel, as mountain huts do not provide those.

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

Will I need crampons?

TMB Tips 12: In general, you won’t need it. Mid-June, some parts of the trail might still be covered in snow but those would be mostly variants of the TMB that can be more technical. A friend of us hiked at this time and the Col des Fours variant was fine to use as long as you are careful.

But if you feel better with Crampons, you could bring them; they are not especially heavy gear.

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