Take On the Tour Du Mont Blanc

 

Do a complete circuit around the European Alps' highest mountain, wandering through three countries as you go, and crossing a succession of passes in sight of some of the finest rock spires and peaks on the continent.

Distance: 167 KM

Location: France, Switzerland and Italy

Ideal Time Commitment: 10 to 14 days

Best Time of Year: Mid-June to Mid-September 

• Spending a night at Rifugio Elisbetta, almost in touch of the ice falls of the Glacier de la Lee Blanche.
• Border hopping as you cross Col de la Seigne and Grand Col Ferreyt.
• Peering down onto the heavy crevassed Glacier du Tirent from the 2665m Fenetre d'Arpette.
• Marvelling at the ever-changing view of Mont Blanc along the trail's final stretch, the aptly named Grand Balcon Sud on the slopes of the Aiguilles Rouges.
• Reflecting on the mountains-literally-as you gaze across the surface of Lac Blanc.

The Chamonix Valley is arguably the European Alps' most appealing and fashionable destination. This international route has sections in France, Italy and Switzerland, and the views encapsulate the entire Alpine landscape, taking in the valleys, passes and mountains that crowd its rim.
The TMB is a challenging route. Even the easiest variations mean you'll be ascending and descending more than 8000m. If you take the most strenuous route, it becomes as much as 11,000m of climbing. That means you'll be ascending and descending at least the equivalent of Mt Everest from sea level as you circuit this European Mountain icon.
The climb at Col de la Seigne is long and steady- more than 600m of ascent since lunch. Wind whips up from the valley but you've not only reached a pass, you've reached another country.
If the views seem good now, it's just a foretaste of things to come. Two days from now, at the head of yet another 600m climb, you'll step out from the front door of Rifugio Bertone into a broth of dawn and cloud.