Trip Report - Tour du Mont Blanc 2026
Another quick post of my trip in August to the Tour du Mont Blanc (tmb). This was my 5th time there and I can safely say, it is still on the top of my list for nature and social vibes. For this trip, I went with one other friend and we completed the tour in 11 days. Below are some key points and findings:
✈️ Airport Transfers - I used the Omio app to book transfers from Geneva to Chamonix on Swiss Tours. There are other providers there too at different times and they all vary in price.
🔥 Camping Gas - I got mine at Technical Extreme Chamonix. You can also get gas at other sporting stores like Decathlon and Smell but just double that you are getting the right connection type for your stove.
💧Water - Super easy and accessible. All rifugios and campsites have clean drinkable water. The only exception to this is at La Flegere where you will need to use a filter as their water is not controlled.
🚿 Showers - With the introduction of showers at Les Chapieux, you can pretty much have a shower every day except for the wildcamp spot at La Flegere.
🚽 Toilets - No need to do any wild poos as you will have access to a toilet at some point each day. The only “danger” time is at La Flegere when the rifugio closes at 10pm and reopens in the morning. During this time, campers will be unable to use the toilets.
🍕Food - Definitely eat at all the rifugio the best experience. Just keep in mind that lunch is usually served between 11:30am and 15:00pm so planned accordingly. If you’re on more of a budget, you can also stock up at the supermarkets as generally, you won’t go more than 2 days without passing one.
💶 Card and Cash - Almost all places accept cards with the exception is the rifugio at Lac Blanc. I would still carry 50 EUR or so as backup money in case the POS machines are down which can happen during bad weather.
📱Phone Reception - Reception was quite good along the trail.
🌲 Scenery - You won’t be disappointed. Snowtop mountains, dramatic cliffs, glacial lakes, cute towns, amazing alpine forest and just generally, good vibes.
❌ Unexpected closures - Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme was closed for renovations.
🏃 UTMB - The ultramarathon festivities kicked off in the last week of August. While that brings larger crowds and busier trails, the atmosphere is fantastic.
🤗 Social tip - Greet fellow walkers on the trail. The TMB is one of the most social long-distance routes in the world, where you’ll meet people from all sorts of backgrounds.
For a more detail breakdown of the trip along with photos, maps (GPX) and a stage-by-stage itinerary check out the following guide:
That’s it for now! With summer drawing to a close I’ll be hanging up my boots for a while, though I’ll still get out for shorter local trips around the UK - and I’m already planning for an even bigger 2027. Stay tuned!
