Trail running the Tour du Mont Blanc

You only carry your day’s belongings, in a trail backpack of maximum 20L.

This trip is for you if you’re an experienced runner who regularly takes part in running on varied terrain and other endurance sports activities. To realize this stay, you have to be able to run for at least 7 hours a day during 5 days. The terrain includes some technical and even difficult sections, so a first experience of trail running in the mountains is a mandatory. The average elevation gain per day is between 1 500 m and 2 000 m. It is essential to be able to run on the downhill sections.

An experience of long-distance trail running (between 40 km and 60 km) is recommended, given the distance to be covered each day.  

Access to the starting point : 

Meet at the parking lot in front of the Prarion cable car, in Les Houches, on the departure day at 9:00 AM.

By car : You can leave your vehicle at the Prarion parking lot in Les Houches. It is a free outdoor parking area. There are no free parking spaces in Chamonix.

By train : To reach Chamonix, it takes approximately 3.5 hours by train from Lyon, 8 hours from Paris, and 2 hours from Geneva. In just a few hours, you can be at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the center of Chamonix, without having to worry about parking, tolls, or heavy traffic. By choosing the train, you are opting for the most environmentally friendly mode of transport, while enjoying a comfortable journey, ensuring you arrive in great shape for your Tour du Mont Blanc.

You can find schedules and prices on the SNCF website : https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/home/search.

Return to the starting point : The trip ends at the starting point, in Les Houches.

Accommodation before and after the trek :

• Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 40 10
• Hotel du Bois – 475 Av. des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 50 35
• Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 42 28

Even if you choose to do it in summer, it can get cold on the TMB! We strongly recommend that you pack clothes suitable for a multi-day hike, such as:

• A fleece
• A windproof and waterproof jacket
• Walking trousers.

The terrain is varied and we recommend you wear walking boots that protect your ankles.

The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons.

For more information, see our special TMB equipment page.

To travel with peace of mind, Trekking Mont Blanc offers two insurance policies in partnership with Assur Travel, specially designed to meet the needs of a trek such as the Tour du Mont Blanc. These options, Cancellation and Multirisk, provide coverage to deal with unforeseen circumstances throughout your trip.

Cancellation Insurance :

This option covers the cancellation of your trip for a valid reason (illness, accident, etc.) before the departure date. You will be reimbursed for the amounts paid, subject to the conditions specified in the policy.

• Cost : 3.15% of the trip price
• Subscription : Mandatory upon registration
• In case of cancellation, you should contact the insurance company directly to file your claim, with our team’s assistance if needed.

Multirisk Insurance :

The Multirisk option offers comprehensive coverage, including :

• Cancellation Insurance
• Emergency repatriation assistance : perfectly suited for mountain treks
• Mountain search and rescue costs : up to €30,000
• Luggage: in case of loss, theft, or damage
• Medical expenses abroad
• Individual accident insurance
• Civil liability abroad
• Inability to return or quarantine in case of an epidemic
• Cost : 4.45% of the trip price
• Subscription : Mandatory upon registration

Whether you choose the Cancellation or Multirisk option, you will benefit from optimal coverage to enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind. The insurance cost depends on the price of your trip, and you can select the desired option when booking.

To book, you must:

• Click on one of the “book this trek” links and select the insurance, and date options.
• Select your payment type (cheque, bank transfer, debit card): There are several ways to pay.
  • To pay by cheque: please make it out to WATSE and send to: WATSE – 63 avenue de la gare – 74170 Saint Gervais les Bains Le Fayet – France.
  • To pay by bank transfer: contact us for our bank details.
  • To pay by debit card: your invoice will be in your online account as soon as your payment has been confirmed by the bank. You will then be able to pay the balance directly from your account.
• Pay a 35 % deposit or the balance for your trek. Your reservation will only be effective when 35 % of the total cost is credited to WATSE’s bank account.
• Print out the booking form then fill it in, sign it and send it back to us by email or post.
• The balance must be paid at least one month before departure without a reminder from us.