Tour du Mont Blanc
A runner’s dream trip
a bucket list trip for any backpacker or runner
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a world-famous trekking loop that circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Covering about 166 km with nearly 10,000 m of elevation gain, it usually takes 9–11 days to hike and as few as a couple days to run. Along the way, trekkers experience stunning alpine scenery, mountain passes, and charming villages with a mix of cultures, food, and languages.
-
We encourage anyone not running in UTMB (the race) to take anywhere from 5-9 days to run or hike this trail.
-
These are back=to-back days on big mountain passes. Preparation goes a long way in getting your body ready for this trip.
-
TMB is a unique trip because you can go quite a long way without a massive pack. Packing smart will save you weight and energy.
Blog posts
-
How to train for Tour du Mont Blanc
Training for the Tour du Mont Blanc is essential because the trek isn’t just a long walk — it’s a series of big mountain days with steep climbs, long descents, and back-to-back effort. On average, hikers cover 13–20 km per day with 700–1,200 meters of elevation gain, often for 9–11 consecutive days. Preparing your body ahead of time makes the journey far more enjoyable and reduces the risk of injury or burnout. A good training plan includes building endurance with long hikes, strengthening your legs and core for climbing and descending, and practicing with a loaded pack to mimic trail conditions. Adding in back-to-back training days is especially valuable, since it helps your body adapt to the cumulative fatigue you’ll feel on the trail.
-
Packing Light for TMB
Packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc is all about finding the balance between bringing the essentials and keeping your backpack light enough for long mountain days. Since most hikers stay in refuges, gîtes, or hotels, there’s no need to haul camping gear — which makes it possible to hike comfortably with just a 20–30L daypack. By trimming your gear to the essentials, you’ll save energy for the climbs and enjoy the trek without being weighed down.
-
Troubleshoot Injuries Before Your TMB Trek
Old injuries have a way of showing up when you put your body under sustained stress — and the Tour du Mont Blanc is exactly that: long climbs, steep descents, and 9–11 consecutive days on your feet. Ignoring a lingering ankle sprain, knee pain, or back issue can turn a dream trek into a painful grind or even force you off the trail. A little focused rehab now not only reduces your risk of setbacks on the trail, it also gives you the confidence to enjoy every stage of the journey.
