Top Tips for Hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB)

The Tour Do Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of Europes most popular long distance hiking trails. It runs for 105 miles around the Mont Blanc massif. Many start their journey at Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley and walk anti-clockwise, but it doesn't really matter where you start or end this walk, since every section boasts astonishing and mind-boggling views in all directions.
I walked the trail in 7 days in July 2019. Here is a discussion with top tips to help you plan your own trip.
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[@clarefriend1376]

I did this hike in 10 days at 60yo august 2011. It was a life changing trip for me because I had just survived a heart attacking 5 years before. Thanks for the video. The scenes almost brought tears to my eyes. The trails that I had walked were there again , bringing back so many emotions and accomplishments. Can’t wait for the documentary.

[@johnbailey3351]

Hats off to you! I did it this summer at 62, but no heart attack. Doing it after a heart attack took both guts and hard work. Great Job!!!!!

[@ekimpp]

I did after femur fracture 2018. Hiked 2019 solo at 64. Yes, life changing and accomplishment as well. Tears, aching in my heart want to be there...again

[@TheMaecki]

Before the trip: (Research information online 2:15) 1. Training 3:40 2. Packing 6:00 3. Money (cash) 9:55 4. Getting a guidebook 11:23 5. Language skills 12:35 During the trip: 6. Socialize 13:50 7. Start early 14:57 8. Route variants 16:53 9. Weather 18:50 10. Self-care (hydration, nutrition, foot-care, skin care) 20:23 11. Food 24:49 12. Trail behaviour (leave no trace) 26:00 Enjoy the process 26:42

[@peterralph6112]

My daughter and I did the hike in 2001 and we had a great time. On one of the high passes my daughter began to suffer from altitude sickness. This is something to watch too. It wasn't severe and we were able to quickly descend and her episode passed, fortunately.

[@ICENI-Britannica]

Thanks for the channel that just keeps on giving; you just make the subject so enjoyable. Everyone who is remotely interested in walking/hiking should have your channel on their subscriptions list. Thankyou, as always. Safe travels to you and everyone.

[@anorthosite]

Great Video ! I did the TMB (mostly the higher routes, in 11 days) back in early Sept 2012. Stayed in refuges or (in Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur) hotels. 1) I understand that camping regulations/ restrictions vary considerably from country to country. 2) Some of our refuge arrangements were last-minute. But I hear that the ever-increasing popularity of the TMB now means you need to get/confirm ALL your refuge reservations several months in advance (like, in Autumn). On really bad weather days, some folks get a ride (if possible) to their next stay. 3) I wore heavy, rigid Scarpa boots, to protect my ankles, but a companion did the whole thing in trail runners. 4) There are route options for virtually every segment: You don't HAVE to climb those ladders (@3:57) to Lac Blanc (or that ledge @3:51 !). We did, and I was anxious beforehand. But only the very first two ladder runs were actually "exposed". 5) Finally: Heartbreaking to see just how far the glaciers (esp Mer de Glace !) have Receded in just 11 years !

[@ChefKristiThymetoCook]

I’m looking forward to your full video of the TMB. This is a dream hike for me! Thanks for the information.

[@polarlondon]

Really looking forward to the full documentary of this trip. It's one I will be doing next year. 😁👍

[@annaspringbear]

Brilliant. The TMB has been on my list since I heard of it a few years ago but I find it so intimidating! Thanks so much for the approachable video, proper lovely, made me feel like yes, I might actually be able to do this in a couple of years.

[@miffyonabike]

great video, really useful. Especially looking forward to that one about the trekking poles.

[@richardrambles6259]

Very good video Abbie... I did the TMB two years ago and had a great time... Your video is very informative and will be a great resource for people planning it. And the scenery you captured will hopefully encourage others to get out there. Great work! All the best, Richard

[@Sheety33]

Thank you for providing this information - very helpful in planning our tour du Mont Blanc trip!

[@karimtutu9130]

Thank you so much for this vid. Better than most on youtube.

[@kjartanottarsson3715]

Thank you for grate help and all the fantastic videos! They are realy fun to watch, informative, insperational and keeps my dreams alive 😉

[@MultiSuzy13]

I just did this trek in September with Outward Bound Canada. It was a fundraiser for Outward Bound Canada charitable programs. It was with a great group- epic journey, was hard for me- I'm just your average person and would do it again in a heart beat.Thanks for sharing,,just came across your videos...great to watch during the snowstorm :) I also live with mental health challenges and good on you for doing what you are doing.

[@GSME_Adult_Learning]

Thanks for this delightful prep!

[@DudeWheresMyCardz]

I'm so bloody excited for this!! Been addicted to going to kinder scout doing 9 miles, going in June, going to train for 6 months and hope I can get fit enough to enjoy this to the full. I want to do this without any trekking poles though, I want my body to do the work 😝

[@jillgrannon5149]

Thanks for a very informative session, it’s n my list

[@garynoble4320]

Abbie, we just love your videos..... please please keep going

[@aimamun3969]

You are such an incredible passionate lady. I love watching your videos as they are full of information with nice pictures and videos. I used to do roadtrip a lot back in days but now I prefer go for a hike. Hope one day I will meet and sit with you just to listen to your stories haha.

[@steamdean100]

This is on my list for next year. Met a few who did this when I was walking the Camino last year. They all said how nice it was.

[@CraigOliver64]

I did the Camino in 2016. This is next on my list in 2020.

[@khalidsr1]

I do appreciate 🙏 making a video about this lovely quite beautiful place. I have visited twice before and willing to go there again in future. God bless you and good luck to u 🙏

[@PaulWillcocks]

Great video Abbie, lots of useful info.

[@esperoutdoors9421]

this looks amazing! I want to this this! - thanks for sharing

[@captainblacktoe1328]

All great information. This trip is on my list for 2022, Dingle Way in Ireland this year and the Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon next year

[@gainesy_walks]

Looks epic! I have to do a long distance European trail, very inspiring

[@TheMrsKKB]

Looking forward to your full video. Been loving the guide book I received from you 😁 I’d love to do it in the next 5 years (Pennine Way first though 😉) Thanks for a great video again!!!

[@alansmith3733]

Thanks for the info. cool video, hopefully I’ll be putting these tips into action this July!

[@jahvaults6500]

Keep up the good work 👍👍 enjoy watching your hikes

[@brndumsvandrehistorier3486]

Good info - Great teaser 😊 Now the TMB is on my bucketlist 😍 As for the information on watersources and safety on drinking it, i learned this year by the locals in Lapland (around Kebnekaise) that water from glaciers and moutainstreams can be filled with very fine gravel and dust that can give you intestinal loop, if you drink a lot of it directly from the stream 😣 You can prevent this by doing what you did; filter your water or by trowing the last 1/4 out, as the gravel and dust tends to sink to the bottom of your bottle. Looking forward to your full documentary 👍 Stay wild

[@peterbassel6888]

Great video, very reassuring! Thanks a lot.

[@MichaelDevery]

It's so impressive how you manage to keep focused on the topic for almost 30 minutes. I can't record a 2 minute voice clip without rambling and forgetting what I'm talking about! Great video, so much useful information condensed in the time

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

My voice messages to friends and family are totally unfocused!!! Its time and place haha

[@lauriecleary4677]

Thanks Abbie for the great video. Planning our trip for July 2020!! Please add the packing video and training. We would really appreciate it.

[@tourwithalimark4799]

Hi Abbie. My previous comment said I had just don a taster and was getting ready for the full TMB, then Covid 🥲 We are now in full walking mode again and finishing the Cleveland Way and have many walks planned for my training, mountain huts booked and campsite for the motorhome in chamonix. Been following you now for 4+ years. Love All the videos ❤️ stay safe and wild 👍😀

[@Benjaminyates1984]

Great vid to refer to 😁 thanks. And this trail is deffinatly on the list 😉

[@JoExplore]

Thanks for the great tips. Thanks!

[@davidjkittner]

Great info. Thank you for sharing Abbie. Will be there in 2020.

[@tictachikes6156]

Trail training videos sound amazing!!!

[@paulfastbikes361]

Looking forward to this feature length film

[@andrewohare7055]

Thanks for the tips video Abbie. I'm hoping to do the east highland way next year and the tdmb the year after and your video has been a great help. Take care. Andy.

[@zoellar11]

Great video. A friend and I will be hiking Mt. blanc in a month.....looking forward to it. Thanks

[@dpax100]

Thanks Abbie, now definitely on my list after the WHW inspired by you.

[@pheasantknoll]

Trekking poles definitely a must! Stayed at the Edelweiss in La Fouly. Was very nice!

[@kenhenley7599]

Whilst I have no current plans to attempt the TDMB, this was a very informative, helpful and useful video and one that is very relevant to any LDW whether in this country or abroad so thanks very much...and some of the scenery was just stunningly beautiful. A training video would be really helpful especially for us "oldies"! P.S. For reasons too numerous and boring to go into, I have fallen behind with my video watching but at least I have now caught up with your channel!

[@carloszenteno]

Great video ! Thanks a lot !!

[@karlstewart8731]

Can't wait to do this next year . Your clips of the scenery looked amazing looking forward to watching the film. Been a bit overwhelmed myself with some of the planning some conflicting information out there

[@aafgahfah]

@karl stewart I did a few days: courmayeur to Les Houches. Each refuge has a phone and the staff will help you book the next one. My backpack had a water pouch, a bivvy bag, a sleeping mat and maybe a down jacket, toiletries and that’s it. I’d wear a soft shell jacket and have a waterproof in reserve. I never used the bivvy or the mat: I stayed in the refuges every night! I had pages from cicerone but no map. There are loads of people. You won’t get lost. It’s not complicated. You’ll need sun cream and a hat too

[@user-ce3mf5de5s]

Thanks - important tips

[@patrickmoore2031]

Hey Abbie, thanks for the useful info. Im headed for the Rockies in two days for a five day trek. Looking forward to some similar sights. Cheers from a fellow introvert in Arkansas.

[@vegaflor8830]

Loved it .thanks

[@anna__bella_k]

Thanks Abbie, really useful information! I’d better get planning 😀❤

[@NickandRachel]

Nice video! That place is beautiful! Hopefully, I can get out that way one day and get some footage of my own to put up on the channel.

[@pauljones5066]

I have been thibking about the TDMB for ages but haven't got off my backside yet. I could have walked with Abbie! :-) look forward to series.

[@monkeymintaka]

Thanks for the great tips. I am planning to do this for my 40th birthday in 3 years! It might be a bit early to start planning now though haha

[@maybelline888]

Great video!

[@WeiJiang-cg4rj]

Thanks Ebbie I like it !

[@user-gz3tf9lo4t]

Thanks, Abbie! Cheers from Ukraine )

[@Arthur-Silva]

I’m glad we’re allowed to camp out in the woods 👍

[@annaclover3088]

Yes to training videos!

[@Ripper218]

Cheers Ab 👍

[@pulchralutetia]

Awesome! For a moment there I thought the Lake District looked suspiciously like the Alps...

[@tourwithalimark4799]

Hi Abbie, just completed a short version as a taster. Learned from a few days walking and your videos now feel confident enough to do the whole thing. Many thank as always, mark

[@X_explorer]

Very good vid!

[@AdventuressAli]

Great vid. Wow you motored through! For anyone else who finds this later- Europeans are clear to filter ALL water on the TMB because it's all cow pasture, and there are SO MANY hikers = giardia - even way high up. The risk is quite high for belly bugs - tho traditional hiking teaching is fast-flowing is safer, or straight out of the earth springs. But ooohhhheeee it SUCKS to try to hike with the lack of energy and cramps from those issues. Best to just take water purification....What I need to find is the info for (wild) camping in Italy and Switzerland!

[@danlalor623]

Subbed !! Doing this trek in Sept 2020 😩

[@nseight]

WoW Abbie* Thank you so much for sharing* :-)

[@randyshart5160]

Looking forward to the other videos looked to this one/your trip! I'm planning the TMB for early July this year and having problems working out if I can camp the whole thing, any advice?! Cheers!

[@andyw9043]

Hi Abbie, some good tips there, ever thought of doing some walking training exercise vids...aimed at say...overweight 57 year olds, relatively new to hill walking 😁

[@daveworthington7596]

defo doing this next year looks awesome ,finish my final wainwright in october ,really looking to your video on hiking poles as i managed to b snap one of my leki poles after only a few hikes ,so must be doing something wrong when using them

[@deanmc178]

this one looks interesting to watch,, currently in the uk its very wet and windy :-(

[@christinahowland6101]

Walked this in 5 days 2 years ago, best experience ever, all the flora & fauna in Italy was extra incredible. Do you have a full documentary on your walk?

[@elenatimofeeva7710]

Hi, Abbie we met with you in Chamonix before your Climbing Mont Blanc 5 august .. I'm sure that everything worked out for you and you are happy 😊 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨❤️ And i happy then met you in Chamonix in my last day after trip TMB 🥰 we did this hike from 26.07 to 08.082023 it was great and an unforgettable adventure and not difficult at all. Personally, I didn't prepare for it )) I wish all lovers of hiking and adventure good luck and good weather 🏔✨☘️🌸🌞

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Was great to meet you! Well done on your hike!! 🥰

[@sohailahmed4560]

Dear abbie I just watch ur video its really useful for us who loved hiking..abbie just few days before we had also great hiking.. It took 9 hours (hiking).. If u want I can share the pic wat we got the experience.. And plx plx when ever u visit Pakistan let me u get to my village ( chitral) and have experience and chance to learn for from u.. Love u

[@hansschenker]

Tip 1: Walking up and down and wearing a backpack (about 5kg) for training before doing the Mont Blanc Tour! Tip 2: Packing: tent or no tent, max 8kg in total, rain and cold protection Tip 3: Calculate your budget, food need, sleep need Tip 4: Orientation, Guide Book, plan the route, learn some french and italian (Bonjour, Bon giorno) Tip 5: Socialize, connect with people, exchange information Tip 6: Start your day early, 08:30 should be your starting time (most animals you see early in morning) Tip 7: Choose your route, high route or low route, change depending on wether conditions (sudden changes) Tip 8: Food, Hydration, stay hydrated!(carry water bottle with you, always 1 litre in plus) Tip 9: Nutrition, not too heavy food, nuts, bananas, always cheese and bread on the way Tip 10: Your feets are your friends, care for them each day Tip 12: Take your rubbish with you home Tip 13: Abbie miss the bonus!!!

[@robertfitzsimmons7099]

Thank you for video, Abbie. It was great to get more tips as I prepare for the TMB at the end of June 2020. I've been using the Trailblazer book by J. Manthorpe and plan to take it with me on the hike. You mentioned there were a couple of errors in the book. Do you remember what they were. My main concern is going off my planned trail. Thank you.

[@edklingenik]

Thanks a lot for this video! I started watching you before my WHW.. I am planning TDM n'est year, so I will absolutely come back here:)) Btw., Dont you plan G20 for next year? It's another hike on my list 🤣

[@susieyoon404]

Can you please provide information about showers at campsites? Thank you. Great video! Susie

[@hansschenker]

Beautiful video quality: what camera did use?

[@Rosstaism]

So I’m doing this in two weeks and I don’t feel physically prepared at all. I’ve got naturally strong legs and I’ve done the Lycian way which had countless hills, and el Camino de Santiago pretty easily, but I’m having to get into shape quite sharply. This will definitely be the most strenuous thing I’ve ever done. Nervous!

[@josephclout3633]

How did it go?!

[@hejiranyc]

I’m currently on Day 2 of my TMB trek (started from Courmayeur) and it definitely lives up to the hype. I agree with basically all you’ve said; however, it would have been very helpful to get tips on minimizing knee involvement with downhills. I am lying on a bed in my hotel room (with a lovely view of the massif!) in agony from the long descent from Rif. Bonatti to La Fouly.

[@marmolko]

Hi Abbie, thanks for the video. I'm doing the trail next month and just wondering about the availability of the food? Done my research and got my guidebook but would like to know more about how many food/supply stores you find a long the way. Thank you!

[@daveworthington7596]

Hi abbie what is the best way to get from Genava to Les Houches ,as after watching your video planning this for next year thanks

[@flipstricksfliptricks9386]

I’ve backpacked about 10 days later n Colorado. That is about the most of my experience. Are there things I should do or think differently if I were to do the TMB

[@AR-wn8gw]

Hi Abbie, We're wondering how frequent the campsites/bivouac sites are. We'd like to camp every day, and are wondering if the campsites/other places we can camp are clearly marked and are reachable from one day to the next. Are the campsites in the guidebook? Cheers!

[@petercarson9008]

Really informative video, thank you! I'm looking forward to doing this next summer, but I'm planning to stay in refuges and book private rooms. Do you know how easy it is to do that? Also, how often do you come across toilet facilities on the trail?

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thanks for watching! There aren't too many loos to be honest. Only in towns and refuges...!

[@thegearshed2128]

I trained alot before in the gym i found it a doddle! Take bugger all! I camped bit of wild camping and camp grounds i took 8kgs base weight and would do it with 3 kgs less next time! I used trail runners and they were perfect. All English backpacker carry way to much weight! The locals go running past with tiny packs and just stay at refuges.

[@user-pe4go6ko6f]

Hello. What kind of training would you recommend as preparation for the trek?

[@daveworthington7596]

looks

[@edklingenik]

How is the temperature during the night there? I mean in general, during the summer..

[@curiousnomadic]

Will you be showing us more of the video you took here without so much talk? It looks so beautiful and would love to see it all.

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Of course. This is a tips video so I need to talk otherwise there are no tips shared! Each walk I do is fully documented and realised in a feature length film. Watch this space. Abbie

[@fahdzaa]

Thank you for the great tips. Want to do the tmb in the summer hopefully. I was asking, ...what are your tips if i would wildcamp? You said it could be difficult. Is that hard or? Cuz i have no experience on that but would like to it most days and some in hotel like in chamonix. Some advice woud be helpfull... ?

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Check out the TMB Facebook group. They are a great help :)

[@Julus65]

Thanks for the video,do you know how is the phone coverage around the mont blanc? Thanks

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Patchy but better than expected!

[@jeanpauldebaene]

Is Isostar good for electrolites ?

[@stevewturnbull]

Really interesting and great tips. If I can offer a tip with your delivery: calm down and talk a bit more slowly :)

[@kpmac0]

Did I see a kitesurfing kite at 8:20? 😱

[@yvonnetull4843]

What are the scariest parts of this Tour. You had two small parts in there. One with a lot of ladders ( looks scary) and one way along a high edge :0 Are there more?

[@tari0048]

Does every store have gas canisters?

[@Thecornishhiker]

where did you get your 1L smart water bottle? im from the UK and i cant find one for me filter

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Tesco :)

[@thewildsilence4097]

Tesco have them.

[@Thecornishhiker]

Dang I can only find the 850ml bottles

[@Thecornishhiker]

I can only find the 850ml bottles :(

[@TanukiParis]

Will you do the GR20 in Corsica ?

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Soon!!

[@roadnottaken2780]

How to book the refuzios?

[@demonerq]

small advise from me. I went Haute Route last year. starting point in Chamonix. and advise! Dont buy coleman perfomance gas in Chamonix! This thing didnt burn at +5 degree! just my experience =(

[@TamaEnergy]

I'd love to do this in a trek group if there are any organised tours anyone could recommend where I can meet other hikers and do it together let me know! 😁

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk/wildwalks