Information
Levels
To help you choose the right TMB for you, we have devised our own scale of difficulty for each of our itineraries.
Want to find out more?
Levels: what for?
Are you a bit lost when it comes to assessing your hiking ability? No need to panic: guiding you is our job!
Very often our clients limit themselves, choosing an itinerary that is easier than what they are really capable of, which can sometimes leave them a little regretful.
This will help you assess your ability precisely so you can choose the right adventure for you!
The criteria we use
Here are the criteria we use, as a general rule, to assess the level of difficulty of our itineraries:
Number of consecutive days’ walking
Several days’ walking in a row can take it out of your body and cause considerable fatigue, depending on the type of trek you undertake.
Duration and ascent/descent
The time given refers to the time spent actually walking, not including breaks, plus ascent/descent.
Technicality of the terrain
This depends on the type of terrain, assessed for the whole of the itinerary.
Remoteness and isolation
This looks at rescue team access and the potential for communication.
Altitude
Altitude affects the body differently depending on time spent and altitude reached.
Rustic character of the accommodation
The level of comfort varies, ranging from hotels to tents!
All our treks follow mountain paths that vary in difficulty and sometimes require a certain level of skill.
Assess your own personal level
1/5 : Easy treks
Accessible treks with relatively easy walking, estimated at 5 hrs / day.
In terms of physical fitness, you are in good health and should be able to climb 500 m (1,600 ft) a day.
Although this type of trek is not very physically challenging, we recommend that you maintain your fitness before departure by participating regularly in an endurance sport.
Besides, exercise never did anybody any harm!
2/5 : Moderate treks
Accessible treks with relatively easy walking, estimated at 6 hrs / day.
You will, however, need to be able to cope with consecutive days’ walking.
You should be able to climb 800 m (2,600 ft) a day, for several days in a row.
We recommend that you maintain your fitness before departure by participating regularly in an endurance sport.
3/5 : Challenging treks
Ideally, you should have some experience (however little) of hiking and/or trekking before you undertake this type of trek.
However, any beginner in good shape can join us. We are here to guide you.
Between 6 and 8 hours of walking a day for the entire trek with some more difficult sections, particularly early on in the season when there is still some snow cover.
You must be able to climb at least 1,000 m (3,300 ft) a day, for several days in a row.
We strongly recommend that you participate regularly in an endurance sport and train specifically for this trek for at least two months before your departure.
4/5 : Very challenging treks
This type of trek is suitable for experienced walkers who can walk for at least 8 hours a day for several days in a row.
The terrain may present some difficult or long sections, which each participant must be able to cope with.
You must be able to climb at least 1,500 m (5,000 ft) a day, with even more than that on some days.
You must maintain your fitness on a regular basis, participate in an endurance sport several times a week, and train specifically for this trek for at least two months before your departure.
5/5 : Extremely challenging treks
This very unique type of trek is undertaken in small groups across difficult terrain.
They are only suitable for very experienced walkers who have already trekked with Watse.
You must be able to climb about 2,000 m (6,500 ft) a day, for several days in a row. You are happy to endure very difficult conditions throughout the trek. You are autonomous and mentally tough.
You must maintain your fitness on a regular basis, participate in an endurance sport (such as walking, running, cycling or swimming) several times a week, and train specifically for this trek for at least two months before your departure.
Are you struggling to assess your level?
As always, the best thing is to ask our advice. Contact us!
Are you ready for your own adventure?
If you love the mountains and the natural environment and you long to travel, come and walk the TMB with Trekking Mont Blanc!
With our range of four to nine-day treks, we have the perfect solution for you, whether you intend to take your time or push yourself to the limit.