Top Tips for the Tour du Mont Blanc
Aguille du Midi Cable Car - Although you will be spoiled for great views as you walk around the Mont Blanc Massif, if you have the time in Chamonix, it is a great idea to take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi. At just under 4,000m it has some of the best views of Mont Blanc and for once you won't have to climb to get them!
Take some highlighter pens - We provide some great maps for the Tour du Mont Blanc and there is nothing better than sitting over a glass of wine the evening before and marking out your route. While it is great fun, it is also a good way to decide which routes you are going to attempt.
Breakfast in Hotel Bouton d'Or - Sarah, our TMB Product Manager, has fallen in love with the breakfast served in the Hotel Bouton d'Or in Courmayeur. There is a vast range of homemade cakes, pastries and jams all complimented by the best in locally sourced bread, dairy and meats. A real treat and a super-friendly family who run the hotel make it even more special.
Walking Poles - There is a lot of chat about the pros and cons of walking poles, but on the Tour du Mont Blanc they are verging on an essential piece of kit. The nature of the trip is that you climb and descend every day. This is where poles come into their own, providing extra stability on these gradients, taking the pressure off the ankles.
Sample the local fare - Cheese, mushrooms and cured meat are the staples in the Haute-Savoie area and you will come across these on every menu in every restaurant. They are all of a very high standard and we would definitely recommend having at least one Raclette, Tartiflette or Fondue while you are on the trip. There is something about the comfort and heartiness of melted cheese that goes well with walking in the Alps.
Learn the language - While it is not essential to be fluent in French or Italian to take the trip, it always makes a trip more immersive when you can converse with the locals. While many people will speak English, knowing the pleasantries is helpful. We have compiled a list of useful phrases for walking the TMB on our blog.
