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TMB Blog

Trail Knowledge & Guides

Practical guides, honest advice, and everything we've learned from multiple completions of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

All Articles

Planning3 min read

The Complete Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2026

Everything you need to know before setting foot on the TMB: permits, seasons, costs, fitness requirements, and the one mistake that ruins most treks.

Mar 15, 2026Read more
Accommodation3 min read

The 8 Best Refuges on the TMB (And 3 to Avoid)

After 12 completions, these are the mountain huts worth booking months in advance — and the ones where the food, beds, or atmosphere consistently disappoint.

Mar 10, 2026Read more
Gear3 min read

TMB Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

The difference between a 7kg pack and a 12kg pack is the difference between enjoying the trail and surviving it. Here's exactly what goes in and what stays home.

Feb 28, 2026Read more
Training2 min read

8-Week TMB Training Plan for Non-Athletes

You don't need to be a trail runner. This progressive training plan gets everyday hikers ready for 170km and 10,000m of elevation gain.

Feb 20, 2026Read more
Planning2 min read

TMB Weather: When to Go and What to Expect Each Month

June crowds vs. September storms. The data-driven guide to picking your TMB dates, with historical weather patterns and refuge availability windows.

Feb 14, 2026Read more
On the Trail2 min read

TMB Route Variants: Which Detours Are Worth It?

Fenetre d'Arpette, Col des Fours, Grand Balcon — every major variant ranked by effort, scenery, and whether the extra elevation is actually worth the pain.

Feb 5, 2026Read more
Food & Culture2 min read

Eating on the TMB: Refuge Meals, Packed Lunches, and Local Gems

From tartiflette at refuge altitude to the best bakeries in Courmayeur. How to fuel your trek without overpacking or overspending.

Jan 28, 2026Read more
Planning2 min read

TMB Booking Timeline: When to Reserve Everything

The month-by-month timeline for booking refuges, flights, trains, and gear rentals. Miss these windows and you'll be camping — or worse, rerouting.

Jan 15, 2026Read more
Planning2 min read

Getting to the Trailhead: Geneva to Les Houches, Chamonix & Courmayeur

Geneva Airport is your gateway to the TMB. Here's exactly how to get from landing to trailhead — FlixBus from €21 or private shuttle for door-to-door comfort. Routes, prices, and timing compared.

Jan 28, 2025Read more
On the Trail2 min read

The Classic 11-Day TMB Itinerary: Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

The traditional way to experience the Tour du Mont Blanc — 11 stages, ~16km per day, perfect for beginners. Complete with trail marking tips, timing advice, and the 20% rule every hiker should know.

Dec 10, 2024Read more
Planning2 min read

Everything You Need to Know About the Tour du Mont Blanc

What is the TMB? When should you go? Where do you sleep? What's the weather like? The essential primer for anyone considering this iconic 170km alpine circuit across three countries.

Dec 10, 2024Read more
Gear2 min read

TMB Packing Essentials: Lessons From Actually Hiking It

After weeks of research and 170km on the trail, here's what we actually needed — and what we wish we'd left at home. Pack light, pack smart, enjoy the walk.

Dec 10, 2024Read more

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