Most hikers take 10 or 11 days to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc. You'll run it in four. This self-guided trail running challenge takes you all the way around the Mont Blanc massif on foot, through France, Italy and Switzerland, covering about 95 miles and more than 28,000 feet of climbing, the kind of distance and vertical the world's best mountain runners race on these same trails every summer.

Each day is a big mountain adventure. Run from Chamonix over Col de Tricot to Les Contamines, then take on the monster stage over Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Seigne into Italy, finishing in Courmayeur. Day three follows the famous balcony trail past Rifugio Bertone and the Bonatti Hut, facing the Grandes Jorasses, before crossing Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland. The final push takes you over Col de Balme and back down the Chamonix valley to where you started.

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on running. Every night you'll have a comfortable hotel room, a hot, filling dinner, and your bag waiting for you, so you only carry a light running pack. You get a detailed roadbook, maps and GPX tracks for every stage, and you can start on any day from mid-June to mid-September.

For experienced trail runners who want the ultimate Alpine challenge, without the race-day crowds, this is the TMB at its most epic.

Trip Highlights

• Run the full Tour du Mont Blanc in four days, about 95 miles around the entire massif.
• Climb more than 28,000 ft over the TMB's great passes, including Col de la Seigne and Grand Col Ferret.
• Cross three countries on foot, from France into Italy, Switzerland and back.
• Run the Val Ferret balcony trail past Rifugio Bertone and the Bonatti Hut, facing the Grandes Jorasses.
• Run on the same trails as Europe's most famous mountain ultra races, on your own schedule.
• Carry only a running pack, with your luggage moved to your hotel every night.
• Refuel in comfortable hotels, with breakfast and a hot dinner included on running days.
• Navigate with GPX tracks, a roadbook and maps for every stage.

Overview

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights / 4 running days
• Daily Running: 6–10 hours / 15.5–28 miles (25–45 km) / up to 9,251 ft (2,820 m) ascent
• Total: About 95 miles (153 km) and 28,248 ft (8,610 m) of climbing
• Accommodation: Hotels and mountain inns, private single or double rooms with private bathroom
• Meals: 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners
• Luggage Transfers: Included every night (carry only your running pack)
• Navigation: Roadbook, maps and GPX tracks for every stage
• Start / End: Chamonix, France
• Nearest Airport: Geneva, Switzerland (GVA)
• Departures: Any day, June 15 to September 15, 2027

Is This Trail Running Challenge Right for You?

This is a serious challenge for experienced trail runners. Expect 6–10 hours on the trail each day, covering up to 28 miles with as much as 9,000 ft of climbing, on four days in a row. You should be comfortable with long days in the mountains, steep climbs and technical descents, and able to look after yourself on remote trails.

Because it's self-guided, you'll navigate with a roadbook, maps and GPX tracks, and carry the mandatory safety kit in your pack. Some stages have shorter alternatives if you need them.

In early season (mostly June), snow can remain on the high passes, which makes the route harder.

Would you rather walk it? See our Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Full Loop Hike (12 days). Too Demanding? See our 8-Day Trail Running Adventure: Complete the Full Tour du Mont Blanc

A good fit if you want: the full TMB in one big week, a true ultra-distance test on your own schedule, and the comfort of a hotel bed and hot dinner every night.