Self-Guided Hiking Tours

Italy, France & Switzerland | TMB Vitesse

A quicker version of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc.

Italy flag France flag Switzerland flag
  • TMB VITESSE
  • Aiguille Chardonnet and Verte
  • TMB VITESSE
  • TMB VITESSE
  • TMB VITESSE
  • "We started our trip in Chamonix. We traveled to Courmayeur over the alps by the cable cars. We used large capacity backpacks for luggage, so they were allowed on the cable cars. We then walked to the hotel in Courmayeur. There was about a mile or so without sidewalks, but most of it was quite nice. Experiencing the massive scale of Mt. Blanc from the cable cars greatly enriched our experience of the mountain. We were really happy that we started our hike with an aerial view. It was a tremendous perspective that can't be gained from the ground."- William Pable
  • "I loved the physical challenge of the hike. I enjoyed the amazing views of the alps and getting to visit so many different places. The food was delicious and it was a great experience to taste a variety of traditional dishes from different countries."- Evelyn Wallace

Trip Highlights:

  • Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in seven days.
  • Behold Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak.
  • Walk through three different countries, Italy, France and Switzerland.

For those who want to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, but have a limited amount of time, we offer the Tour du Mont Blanc Vitesse. Vitesse means “speed” in French, and this shortened TMB itinerary covers the greatest highlights of our standard itinerary in five hiking days instead of eight.

Our abbreviated TMB begins in Courmayeur, Italy, hikes around the east side of Mont Blanc, and finishes in Chamonix, France. Along the way, we take advantage of some little known variations that offer spectacular and unique views of the range, and we use comfortable accommodations, primarily three and four star inns and hotels, as our bases, with the exception of two nights in simpler inns high in the Alps. Hiking days are challenging, but the scenery is breathtaking, and at the end of the day a comfortable bed, hot shower and four or five course dinner await.

The unique combination of good accommodations and spectacular hiking makes this tour a wonderful reward for the physically fit.

Trip Itinerary

Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.

Independently transfer to Courmayeur. Overnight in a well-appointed four-star hotel not far from the pedestrian zone.

As you traverse from Courmayeur to Val Ferret, across Mont de la Saxe, you are treated to ever-improving views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc, its most impressive and imposing aspect on our remote, rarely traveled variation.

Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3300/2100 ft.

The language changes back to French as you ascend the Grand Col Ferret into the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Stunning views of the Grand Combin massif make this a spectacular hike. Descend through pristine meadows to the Swiss Val Ferret. At the end of the hike there is a short transfer to the idyllic lakeside town of Champex.

Distance: 11.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2600/3100 ft.

We offer two options today. Either climb into the gorgeous side valley of Le Barmey and stop for lunch at Alpage de Bovine hut, above the beautiful Rhone Valley, or climb over the Fenêtre d’Arpette. Both routes end in Trient where you are accommodated in a simple inn with shared showers. Private rooms are subject to availability; you have access to your luggage here.

Col de La Forclaz (Bovine hut) distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2400 ft.
Fenêtre d’Arpette distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4500/4450 ft.

From Trient, hike via the Col des Posettes, a pleasant variant of the TMB, and finish in Argentière.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/2700 ft.

This hike along the stunning Grand Balcon Sud offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles, or needles, of Chamonix.

Distance: 7 – 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500 ft. Options to extend or shorten the hike are available.

Awaken to a delicious French breakfast, then depart. An early afternoon flight from Geneva can easily be met.

TMB Vitesse | Italy, France & Switzerland

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