---
title: "Tour du Mont Blanc – a guide to the iconic loop trek in the heart of the Alps (thru-hiking 101)"
description: "The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most beautiful and best-known multi-day treks in Europe. How do you prepare for this trail and what awaits you on it?"
canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/tour-du-mont-blanc-guide"
last_updated: "2025-09-15"
---

# Tour du Mont Blanc – a guide to the iconic loop trek in the heart of the Alps (thru-hiking 101)

Authors: Petra Kovalčíková

Date: 2025-09-15

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most beautiful and best-known multi-day treks in Europe. How do you prepare for this trail and what awaits you on it?

Glaciers spilling down the white walls of the Mont Blanc massif, sharp granite spires known as the Aiguilles, grassy passes with panoramic views into three countries, turquoise lakes, quiet coniferous forests, the bells of grazing cows, and stone alpine villages scented with cheese and fresh baguettes. We're talking about none other than one of the most popular long-distance treks in the world – the Tour du Mont Blanc. This loop route around the highest mountain in the Alps and in all of Western Europe combines the best of France, Italy, and Switzerland in a single journey. Every day brings different light, different mountain faces, a different language on the signposts – but always the same joy of moving through the mountains. This trail is ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Don't believe it? Set out on it and you might just understand why.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a roughly 170 km loop with about 10,000 m of elevation gain. You can walk it in either direction and start pretty much anywhere – most people begin and end in the Chamonix/Les Houches area. The route circles the Mont Blanc massif along well-marked mountain trails and crosses international borders over high passes. Along the way you'll find mountain huts and campsites, and almost every stage has both easier variants and more demanding detours. It's no surprise that the Tour du Mont Blanc gets fairly busy in peak season – yet it's fully enjoyed both by seasoned hikers with thousands of kilometers behind them and by newcomers setting out on their very first high-mountain long-distance trek.

## **Trail name**

The name **Tour du Mont Blanc**, literally “loop around Mont Blanc,” comes from French and is rarely translated across languages – it's simply kept as is, since it precisely and concisely describes the loop route and is understood internationally. The name is also the source of the most common abbreviation, **TMB**, which you'll see in guidebooks, maps, and discussions about the trek.

[Map](https://mapy.com/s/cupuladufe)

## **Location**

The Tour du Mont Blanc circles the entire **Mont Blanc massif** (4,808 m; the highest mountain in the Alps and in Western Europe) and links three countries in a single loop – **France**, **Italy**, and **Switzerland**. The main border crossings are at Col de la Seigne (France → Italy), Grand Col Ferret (Italy → Switzerland), and Col de Balme (Switzerland → France).

On the French side it runs through the Chamonix valley and the Les Contamines-Montjoie area; in Italy it drops into Val Veny and continues past Courmayeur to Grand Col Ferret; in Switzerland it heads through Val Ferret and Champex-Lac, and, depending on the route chosen, returns to France via the Arpette or Trient valley.

Part of the route on the French side lies within the Les Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve; otherwise it's typical alpine terrain with glaciers, high passes, and inhabited mountain valleys.

## **Total distance**

The basic TMB loop measures around **165–170 km** (103–106 miles). The actual distance can vary depending on which variants and detours you take, so expect small deviations from the “textbook” figure.

## **Total elevation gain**

Total elevation gain on the TMB route is usually given as around **10,000 vertical meters** of ascent (and a similar amount of descent), though the actual figure depends on the variants you choose and can differ by a few hundred to a couple thousand meters.

The route typically alternates long climbs up to high passes with equally steep descents into the valleys, so keep in mind that the large elevation gain over relatively short distances may mean you cover fewer kilometers per day than you're used to from lower mountain ranges.

## **Highest and lowest point**

On the classic TMB route, the highest point is **Grand Col Ferret** on the border between Italy and Switzerland, at an elevation of **2,537 m above sea level.** If you take the official alternative routes, you can get even a bit higher – to Col des Fours (2,665 m) in France or Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665 m) in Switzerland.

The lowest point on the TMB is in **Les Houches** in the Chamonix valley (≈ **1,000–1,010 m above sea level**). Actual figures may vary slightly depending on the line chosen and the map source.

## **Duration**

The whole TMB route can be walked **hut to hut** (it's what's known as a “hut-to-hut” long-distance trail), and in that case the **stages** are usually designed to take **8–11 days**. This length, along with the option of sleeping in huts, tends to suit complete beginners, older hikers, or families with (older) kids especially well. But anyone who'd rather not lug multi-day gear will enjoy it too.

If you decide to hike the TMB with a tent, planning to camp wild or stay at campsites, with the occasional night in a hut, you can probably complete the route faster, in **7–9 days**, depending on your preferences, fitness, the weather, and other factors.

- [Liteway Pokkie Pack](/p/liteway-pokkie-pack.md)
- [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-dry-bag.md)
- [Liteway Choonie Apex](/p/liteway-choonie-apex.md)
- [DexShell Running Lite Sock 2.0](/p/dexshell-running-lite-sock-2-0.md)
- [Liteway Litebag With Dyneema®](/p/liteway-litebag-with-dyneema.md)
- [TOAKS Titanium 450 ml Cup](/p/toaks-cup-450-ml.md)
- [Sea To Summit Frontier UL Long Handle Spork](/p/sea-to-summit-frontier-ul-long-handle-spork.md)
- [Liteway Wash Bag](/p/liteway-wash-bag.md)
- [Sea To Summit Airlite Towel – Medium](/p/sea-to-summit-airlite-towel-medium.md)

## **Direction and season**

Since the Tour du Mont Blanc is a loop, you can walk it **in either direction**. The more common option is **counterclockwise** (gentler climbs and steeper descents, easier logistics with better hut connections, and so on). Clockwise is of course just as legitimate – it suits people who prefer differently distributed climbs and descents, different panoramic views, and fewer hikers going the same direction (though you'll meet more coming the other way).

The main season for hiking the TMB runs **from mid-June to mid-September**. July and August see the most hikers on the trail, and accommodation fills up fast (especially around Courmayeur and in the Chamonix valley), so booking huts early – even several months in advance – really matters. Every year in late August, the area also comes alive for the world-famous mountain ultramarathon, the [UTMB](https://utmb.world/).

Early in the season (June/early July), patches of snow can still linger on the high passes, and some variants (such as Fenêtre d'Arpette) may be temporarily discouraged or closed depending on conditions. Huts usually open in the second half of June and gradually close in September – outside this window, expect limited facilities, colder nights, and the possibility of fresh snow even in autumn.

[Sea To Summit Reactor Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-liner-mummy.md)

## **Start and finish point**

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a loop, so the **start and finish** are in **the same place** – handy especially if you're driving. The official starting point is the village of **Les Houches** at the entrance to the Chamonix valley. The route itself doesn't actually pass through the center of **Chamonix**, but a lot of people set out from there anyway because it's easy to reach. Other common starting points are in **Courmayeur** (Italy) or **Champex-Lac** (Switzerland).

If you're driving from Central Europe to France **by car**, expect the drive to take roughly 10–15 hours. For the Les Houches starting option, the simplest place to leave your car is the **Prarion car park** – the official TMB parking area, which allows long-term parking for up to 15 days (outdoor, free). In Chamonix, longer stays typically use the **Parking Relais du Grépon** (long-term, but paid). Both are connected to local transport, so it's easy to get to the start of your chosen direction. For more details and parking options in the area, check out [this page](https://en.chamonix.com/usual-information-services/transports/car-park).

You can also reach the start without a car. **By air** is the fastest option, flying **to** **Geneva** (GVA, Switzerland) and then taking a shuttle or minibus to Chamonix. The transfer takes roughly 75–90 minutes and runs year-round (advance booking required).

**By train**, the most practical option is to travel to St-Gervais-les-Bains Le Fayet (France) or Martigny (Switzerland) and continue on the [Mont-Blanc Express](https://www.mont-blanc-express.ch/en) to the Chamonix/Les Houches valley – a direct local connection that runs on both sides of the border.

Usually the cheapest option, though also the longest, is traveling **by bus** – whether direct or combining several connections into Geneva and then a regional line to Chamonix. Long-distance operators such as [FlixBus](https://www.flixbus.com) run routes across Europe into Geneva.

## **Official sources of information**

The Tour du Mont Blanc doesn't have a single “central” administrator, since it's a cross-border route. Waymarking and maintenance of individual sections are handled by the relevant regions, while cross-border coordination and safety recommendations fall under the **initiative** [**Espace Mont-Blanc**](https://www.espace-mont-blanc.com/en/).

For practical planning and booking accommodation (huts, refuges, hotels, campsites), use the [montourdumontblanc.com](http://montourdumontblanc.com/) portal – it's the **official booking system for the association of huts** along the TMB. You'll find real-time availability, opening hours, contacts, an interactive map, and a simple stage planner there.

Current operational information (trail conditions, seasonal closures, recommendations) is published by [autourdumontblanc.com](http://autourdumontblanc.com/), run by the Fondazione Montagna Sicura within Espace Mont-Blanc. Alongside route and accommodation information, you'll also find safety guidance and details on wild camping there.

## **Planning and preparation**

### **Permits**

Setting out on the Tour du Mont Blanc is very simple – you don't need any permit or permission to hike it. That said, if you want to sleep in mountain huts, you should book them well in advance.

### **Visas**

As a citizen of an EU country, you don't need a visa or residence permit to stay in France, Italy, or Switzerland – all three are part of the Schengen Area, so a valid ID card or passport is enough. If you're coming from outside the EU, check the entry requirements for the Schengen Area before you travel.

### **Insurance**

Since the TMB follows marked hiking trails (with a few ladders, but no sections officially classified as via ferrata) and its highest points don't exceed 3,000 m above sea level, **standard** **travel** **insurance** with mountain rescue coverage will be enough for you – you won't need extra cover for active or high-risk sports.

### **Navigation and maps**

The Tour du Mont Blanc is very well marked along its entire length. In France, Italy, and Switzerland, you'll come across **red-and-white trail markers** and signposts with place names and time estimates – just like everywhere else in the Alps. In many places you'll also see the **TMB logo** – but don't rely on that alone. Alternative routes are clearly marked on the ground as “**variante**”.

For planning and navigation, hikers most often use apps with offline maps, such as [Gaia GPS](https://www.gaiagps.com/), the thru-hiker favorite [FarOut](https://app.faroutguides.com/guides/Tour%20du%20Mont%20Blanc), [Hiiker](https://hiiker.app/trails/france/bonneville/tour-du-mont-blanc), [AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/lists/mont-blanc-tour--2), and others. All of them let you download maps to your phone and show the elevation profile and route track.

If you don't want to rely on technology alone, you can also pick up a guidebook from [Cicerone](https://www.cicerone.co.uk/trekking-the-tour-du-mont-blanc) or paper maps from IGN. Paper maps are also readily available locally in Chamonix, Courmayeur, or Champex-Lac.

[Liteway UL Wallet DCF](/p/liteway-ul-wallet-dcf.md)

## **Gear**

If you decide to hike the TMB hut to hut (see the Camping and Resupply section below for more), you can cover almost the entire route **completely** **light** – you won't need a tent, sleeping pad, or sleeping bag. Huts usually provide a blanket and pillow, but require your own [sleeping bag liner](/c/sleep/sleeping-bag-liners), or you can bring an ultralight summer sleeping bag instead. If you go with half-board accommodation, you won't even need a stove, and you'll just carry the odd snack.

If you decide to sleep outdoors or at campsites too, you'll need the usual **long-distance trekking gear**. You can read about how to build an ultralight gear list for treks [here](/blog/how-to-build-an-ultralight-gear-list). Get inspired by what we pack for our own treks – our gear list [under 4 kg](/blog/ultralight-gear-list-1-under-4-kg), [under 5.5 kg](/blog/ultralight-gear-list-2-5-5-kg), or our gear list for a wild [mountain trek in Tajikistan](/blog/gear-list-mountain-trek-tajikistan).

In summer, you don't even need heavy leather hiking boots for the TMB – just like on other long-distance trails, you'll walk comfortably in **trail running shoes**. Want to know why trail runners beat hiking boots for treks like this, and how to choose a pair? Check out [this article](/blog/trail-running-shoes-for-long-distance-treks-how-to-choose-and-why-wear-them).

As with any long-distance trail, we also recommend bringing a [**water filter**](/c/gear/water-filters), which gives you a lot more flexibility when using natural water sources.

Don't forget a [lightweight down jacket](/c/clothing/men-s-clothing/men-s-jackets) either – evenings in the mountains around 2,000 m can get quite cold even in summer. Choose your [sleeping bag](/c/sleep/sleeping-bags) or [quilt](/c/sleep/quilts) accordingly – if you tend to feel the cold, you could be shivering at night even in summer, so a lightweight three-season sleeping bag or quilt is the safer bet for some.

As for tents and shelters, in the summer months you could get through the TMB with a simple [tarp](/c/sleep/tarps) (pitched with trekking poles), as long as you've practiced setting it up beforehand and know how to pitch and secure it properly, even in a storm. Otherwise, a classic three-season [ultralight tent](/c/sleep/tents) is always a safe choice.

On the long climbs and descents into the valleys, [trekking poles](/c/gear/trekking-poles) will come in handy. In summer, don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen, or other sun protection – a [sun umbrella](/p/euroschirm-swing-liteflex-silver) or a light, breathable [sun hoodie](/p/turbat-maya-hood-trek-mns) both work well.

If you're setting out on the TMB in June or early July, depending on snow conditions it can be worth packing [microspikes](/c/gear/microspikes) too, for extra safety when walking on frozen snow at higher elevations.

- [Sea To Summit Reactor Fleece Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-fleece-liner-mummy.md)
- [Sea To Summit Breeze Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-breeze-liner-mummy.md)
- [Fizan Compact Pro](/p/fizan-compact-pro.md)
- [Snowline Chainsen Light](/p/snowline-chainsen-light.md)
- [Turbat Maya Hood Trek Mns](/p/turbat-maya-hood-trek-mns.md)
- [EuroSchirm Swing Liteflex Silver](/p/euroschirm-swing-liteflex-silver.md)
- [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul3.md)
- [Liteway Illusion Duo Tent (2024)](/p/liteway-illusion-duo-tent-2024.md)
- [Montane Women's Anti-Freeze Hoodie](/p/montane-womens-anti-freeze-hoodie.md)

## **Trail logistics**

### **Camping**

Is wild camping allowed on the Tour du Mont Blanc? Yes and no. Camping and tenting along the TMB has precise **rules** that vary **by country**. In short, bivouacking (one night from dusk to dawn, no fire, no trace) is usually allowed on the French side if you meet the local conditions (with exceptions for specific spots like Lac Blanc or Lacs Jovets); in Italy, camping below 2,500 m is banned (which covers most of the TMB route), and in Switzerland, wild camping is officially banned altogether. You can find more detailed information for each area [here](https://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/accomodations/bivouac).

That said, camping is fairly common on the TMB and is usually **tolerated**. It's entirely at your own risk, though, with all the possible consequences that come with that. You always need to treat nature **responsibly** and with respect – ideally pitch your shelter at dusk and pack up again at dawn, look for spots that aren't right next to the trail and aren't too exposed, never light a fire, and never leave anything behind. In other words, stick to the **principles of** [**Leave No Trace**](/blog/leave-no-trace).

The good news is that **official campsites** turn up at reasonable intervals in practically every valley along the route (Les Houches/Chamonix valley, Les Contamines, the Courmayeur area – Val Veny and Val Ferret, La Fouly, Champex-Lac, Trient). Most of them also have showers, a cooking area, a way to charge electronics, and sometimes a small shop or snack bar. Booking ahead may be necessary in peak season, especially around Chamonix and Courmayeur. France also has a handful of official, free camping spots known as “**Aire de bivouac**”. Occasionally you can also pitch a tent near some huts by arrangement, though it's never guaranteed – it's always up to the hut warden.

The Tour du Mont Blanc, though, is primarily designed as a **“hut-to-hut” long-distance trail**, so you can walk the whole thing **hut to hut** without spending a single night outside. You'll come across refuges, gîtes, and small hotels and guesthouses every day – some sit right on the route, others are a short detour down into the valley. In peak season (July–August), capacity fills up fast, so early **booking** is practically essential – even several months ahead. Most huts offer half-board (dinner + breakfast), so you don't even need to cook or carry much food. Many huts also offer drinking water, a “lunch box” to buy for the trail, a place to dry gear, and the chance to charge your electronics.

You can plan your hut-to-hut route, including **bookings**, on the [www.montourdumontblanc.com](https://www.montourdumontblanc.com/uk/index.aspx) website. There are also commercial services for **luggage transfer** between accommodations – probably unnecessary for most, but for some it can be a way to enjoy longer stages without extra weight on their back.

### **Resupply**

Resupply on the TMB is **no problem at all**. The route crosses a valley with villages almost every day or every other day, where you can pick up basic supplies – Les Houches and Les Contamines on the French side, Courmayeur in Italy (the widest selection on the whole route), La Fouly and Champex-Lac in Switzerland, with a more limited offering in Trient/Le Peuty. If you're driving to the start, you can bring some supplies from home (snacks, breakfast, [dehydrated meals](/c/cooking/food)) and restock along the way. Shops are usually open seasonally and daily, but expect reduced hours (Sundays/holidays, midday closures in Italy). Gas canisters are reliably available in the Chamonix/Les Houches area and in Courmayeur.

If you hike the TMB hut to hut and use **half-board accommodation**, you'll barely need to carry any food on your back. Small snacks, chocolate, bars, and similar treats can also be bought at the huts, of course with a bit of a mountain markup. Even if you camp wild along the way, there's nothing stopping you from stopping by a hut daily for lunch, dinner, or just a sweet drink, coffee, and dessert.

### **Water**

Water on the TMB is **fairly** **plentiful**, so it's not a major issue. Along the way you'll find drinking fountains, and you can also top up water at mountain huts without any trouble. You'll fairly often come across springs, streams, or lakes too, and for safety reasons we recommend always [filtering](/c/gear/water-filters) the water from those. Most people will be fine with a max capacity of 2 liters (though this always depends on the weather, your individual needs, and your pace).

## **Hazards and difficulty**

### **Weather**

In the valleys, summer temperatures can get quite hot, easily 25–35 °C, but at elevations around 2,000 m expect somewhat lower temperatures instead (10–20 °C). Near-freezing temperatures at night aren't unusual either (especially at higher elevations and in the passes), and wind can make it feel significantly colder still. Summer in the Alps is also prone to **thunderstorms** – they most often roll in during the afternoon, but can arrive at any time. So plan early starts, **check the forecast**, and don't head out into high passes or exposed sections when a storm warning is in effect – take a break at one of the huts instead.

Early in the season (late June and early July), patches of snow can remain on the higher sections, and some variants (such as Fenêtre d'Arpette) may be temporarily discouraged depending on conditions. September tends to have fewer storms and often more stable weather, but also shorter days, colder nights, occasional early frosts, and the possibility of fresh snow. Some huts also gradually close down, so expect a smaller range of accommodation and services.

### **Terrain**

The TMB is generally rated as a **moderately challenging** trek – technically straightforward, but its serious elevation gain can really test your fitness. It doesn't cross any glaciers or via ferratas. The route does include a few sections with **ladders and iron rungs** (above Tré-le-Champ toward La Flégère/Lac Blanc), though these can be bypassed via an alternative path. The alternative route over **Fenêtre d'Arpette** is also more demanding (steeper climbs, boulder-strewn sections).

Most of the time you're walking on well-trodden mountain paths and wide tracks. In places you'll hit rock, scree, gravel, and roots, which get slippery in the rain. The profile is a typical alpine “up-and-down,” with long climbs to the passes and steep descents into the valleys – your knees will feel it. Exposed sections tend to be short and usually have chains, handrails, or railings – no technical climbing occurs on the route. Early in the season, patches of snow can linger in the passes (icy and slippery in the morning), and after heavy rain some stretches get muddy and churned up by livestock.

### **Injuries and health issues**

On the TMB you can run into injuries or health issues just like **anywhere else**. You're in the high mountains, so pay close attention to avoid overuse injuries, trips, slips, or falls. Take extra care in the more exposed spots with ladders and chains.

Drinking **unfiltered water** from natural sources could give you **digestive problems**.

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- [Sawyer Mini SP128 Orange](/p/sawyer-mini-sp128-orange.md)
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- [LifeStraw Peak Series Solo](/p/lifestraw-peak-series-solo.md)

### **Wildlife**

Around Mont Blanc, you won't typically run into any large dangerous predators. The most dangerous animal is probably the **common** **European viper**, which is venomous but usually only bites in self-defense. In meadows and forests, expect **ticks**, especially after rain and on warmer days – insect repellent and a nightly tick check are good habits to keep.

Along the way, you'll most often be kept company by **herds of cows and sheep**, sometimes accompanied by livestock guardian dogs during the season. You can also look forward to spotting **chamois**, **ibex**, and **marmots** in their natural high-mountain habitat. If you're lucky, you might even spot a golden eagle or a bearded vulture circling overhead.

### **Plants**

The TMB passes through typical **alpine** **landscape** – mixed and coniferous forests lower down (spruce, fir, pine, larch), a belt of dwarf pine and flowering mountain meadows higher up, and grassy, rocky slopes above the treeline. In spring and early summer the slopes are literally covered in flowers; as the season goes on, livestock graze the meadows and the colors gradually fade. Picking flowers or plants is prohibited in protected areas.

Dangerously toxic or aggressively irritating plants don't occur along the route to any degree that poses a major risk to hikers. Common sense mostly applies – don't eat unknown berries or mushrooms, and respect fenced-off areas and young growth in pastures. The best way to protect the fragile alpine vegetation is to stay on the trail and avoid cutting new shortcuts.

## **Alternative routes**

The area around the Mont Blanc massif is criss-crossed with trails of every difficulty level, so you can lengthen, shorten, ease, or “sharpen” the TMB depending on the weather, your experience, and your mood. You'll find information on officially marked detours right on the ground (signposts list the variant names), as well as on maps and in printed guidebooks. Before and during the season, always check current conditions (snow/closures) – the higher variants are sometimes temporarily discouraged in June–July.

Some of the harder, more exposed variants include:

- **Fenêtre d'Arpette** (2,665 m) – a steeper, boulder-strewn pass between Champex-Lac and Trient, with gorgeous views, but not suitable in bad weather or with lingering snow.
- **Col des Fours** (2,665 m) – a higher variant between Croix du Bonhomme and the Mottets/Les Chapieux valley; quieter, but more remote terrain.
- **Col du Tricot via Chalets de Miage** on the French side – a very scenic route with greater elevation gain (an alternative to the Les Contamines section).
- **The detour to Lac Blanc above La Flégère** – a short but steep climb rewarded with iconic panoramas.

On the easier and simpler side, variants include:

- **Bovine instead of Fenêtre d'Arpette** between Champex-Lac and Trient – lower, less rocky terrain, better suited to poor weather.
- **The ladder bypass above Tré-le-Champ** toward La Flégère/Lac Blanc via Col des Montets.
- The valley variant between Courmayeur and Rif. Bonatti via **Val Ferret** (instead of the ridge route over Mont de la Saxe).

## **Practical tips to wrap up**

**Budget**: the TMB can get pricey, mainly because of Switzerland and the markups at mountain huts in peak season. You'll spend the least by camping and cooking your own food. A good middle ground is a tent combined with the occasional meal at a hut. If you want to stay only in huts with half-board, expect higher costs and book your accommodation early.

**Payments**: France and Italy use the euro (EUR), Switzerland the Swiss franc (CHF). Most mountain huts accept card payments, but some smaller huts or snack bars may take cash only, so it's worth being prepared for both. Most huts in Switzerland also accept euros (at the current exchange rate). ATMs are reliably available in larger towns (Chamonix, Les Houches, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac).

**Mobile signal and data**: signal is patchy along the route, though you'll probably pick it up for at least a moment every day (more in some sections, less in others). Some mountain huts offer wifi for guests (with variable speed and reliability). Download offline maps and important documents in advance. Keep in mind that Switzerland is outside EU roaming – if you're on a European plan, turn off data roaming in Switzerland or arrange a plan that covers it.

**Language**: French and Italian are the main languages spoken along the route. English is usually enough in tourist spots, but a few basic phrases in French or Italian will definitely be appreciated by the local hut wardens.

**Charging electronics**: watch out for outlet and charger compatibility. France uses type E outlets, Italy's official type is L (though you'll often find combined F/E sockets too), and Switzerland uses type J. A universal adapter comes in handy, especially on a hut-to-hut crossing. Huts tend to have a limited number of outlets, so a good [power bank](/c/gear/powerbanks) never hurts.

**Facebook groups**: if you want to find trail buddies or need advice about the TMB, try searching past posts or asking other hikers in the [Tour Du Mont Blanc](https://www.facebook.com/groups/MontBlancTour) (private) group, or [Tour du Mont Blanc – TMB 🇫🇷🇮🇹🇨🇭](https://www.facebook.com/groups/833061710684410/) (public) group. Both are fairly active, and there's sure to be someone who's already dealt with a similar issue. The comments often have useful tips and advice from people who've already completed the trail.

📷 Thanks to Eva Honcnejmanová and Lucka Kutrová (with Marvel) for the photos used in this article.

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- [Sea To Summit Airlite Towel – Large](/p/sea-to-summit-airlite-towel-large.md)
- [Sea To Summit Frontier UL Collapsible Bowl](/p/sea-to-summit-frontier-ul-collapsible-bowl.md)
- [MSR PocketRocket 2](/p/msr-pocketrocket-2.md)

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