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Thinking of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Have you been inspired by Rick’s enthusiasm for his 3-day hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, as shown in his new French Alps travel show? Thinking of trying it yourself? If so, you should read through the earlier thread (started 2 months ago) on this topic. I added a post today advocating the use of professional guides for this trek, due to the increased hazard of rockfall and landslides over the past several years, related to climate change.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/rick-s-hike-around-mt-blanc

I posted earlier in that thread about our own 2018 TMB, which was wonderful. We used a guide service, and enjoyed the camaraderie of other hikers as well as the expertise of the guides, and their selection of lodging. But I described both guided and self-guided options, and presented them as equal. After reading an article yesterday in Outside magazine, about a 2017 rock and mudslide in Switzerland, and recalling mention of a glacier in Italy that threatened to collapse in 2019, I have changed my mind. It is best to have a guide for this.

My husband wants to do it again, and I hope we can.

Posted by
15 posts

It's a wonderful trek. Guided or unguided is a personal choice, we went unguided and wild camped and had a great time. As far as inherent risk we didn't see anything out of the ordinary while on the trek, depends on your experience level. Looking at the Haute route next, Chamonix to Zermatt. Any way you do the treks the important thing is that you stay within your comfort level based on your training and experience.

Posted by
3961 posts

Lola,
I read your post from a couple of months ago, and recalled some friends took the Tour Du Mont Blanc trail in 2016. It was with REI, 10 Day -90 mile hike. They raved about it. They had wonderful weather and guide, and stayed in small Inns- so only had to carry a day pack. Hope it works out for you.