UTracks | The Dolomites or Mont Blanc? A walkers dilemma

The Dolomites or Mont Blanc? A walkers dilemma

Looking up at huge, wildly eroded limestone cliffs in the Dolomites, Italy, where mountain peaks and spires soar above meadows, forests and lakes. | Anthony Holm

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To hike the Dolomites or Mont Blanc? A walkers' dilemma

It's a tough question: do you go on a walking holiday in the Dolomites or in the Mont Blanc region? Both destinations are postcard perfect, and the hikes are equally compelling. In this article, we look at some of the reasons why you may consider a hike in the Dolomites or Mont Blanc. Whichever trail you choose, you're bound to have a great time.

Enjoying the views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Miage Glacier | <i>Ryan Graham</i>

Trekking in the Dolomites | <i>Jaclyn Lofts</i>

Tour Du Mont Blanc Route Mark | <i>Ryan Graham</i>

Trip Grading

Both regions have similar trip gradings on offer, with fitness level expectations ranging from moderate to challenging. There are also options for self-guided or with a professional local guide. If you're looking for a tougher walk, there are trips for serious hikers, as well as more family-friendly trails for those who like to ramble or bring the kids.

Dolomites

> Dolomites Guided Walk | Moderate to Challenging

> Dolomites Self Guided Walk | Moderate to Challenging

> Highlights of the Dolomites | Self Guided | Moderate to Challenging

> Trans Tyrol: Innsbruck to the Dolomites | Self Guided | Challenging

Mont Blanc

> Mont Blanc Guided Walk | Moderate to Challenging

> Mont Blanc Classic | Self Guided | Moderate to Challenging

> Chamonix to Zermatt | Self Guided | Challenging

> Mont Blanc Family Adventure | Guided | Moderate

> Mont Blanc Rambler | Self Guided | Moderate

>>> View all Mont Blanc tours

Accommodation

Mountain accommodation typically uses simple refuges. These mountain lodgings are fairly similar in nature across both the Mont Blanc region and the Dolomites.

Refuge on the Tour de Mont Blanc trail | <i>Dana Garofani</i>

Scenery

When it comes to the scenery it isn’t ‘same, same but different’ at all. The Dolomites are stark and very dramatic. The mood of the place changes with the light and weather which keeps you mesmerised as you walk during the day. They aren’t blessed by the green Swiss villages or snow capped peaks that draw people to the Mont Blanc trails. And unlike Mont Blanc, there is no ‘highest’, ‘longest’, or significant fact about the Dolomites to attract list tickers, so you should find fewer people on the trails in the Dolomites.

Walking the peaks and valleys of the Monte Rosa Alpine Walk in Italy

Church below Tre Cime in the Italian Alps | <i>Jaclyn Lofts</i>

Via Ferrate, The Dolomites, northern Italy | <i>Sylvia van der Peet</i>

To contrast the starkness of the Dolomites are the beautiful, and rare, alpine and meadow flowers. Thanks to its geological make-up, the Dolomites produce an explosion of colourful flora that is considered amongst the most beautiful in the entire Alps. If you love plants, consider the Dolomites in June or July.

The beauty along the Tour du Mont Blanc needs no explanation - the pictures speak for themselves!

Day 1 of the Tour Du Mont Blanc descending into Switzerland | <i>Ryan Graham</i>

Group trekking along the Val Ferret balcony path | <i>Ryan Graham</i>

History

For history buffs, the Dolomites should be the obvious choice. The various UNESCO listed tunnels and WWI history that you will see and touch along the walk adds a further dimension to a walking tour. Find out more about why the Dolomites were considered worthy of UNESCO status here.

Getting there

The Mont Blanc region walks typically start in the Chamonix Valley, which is easy access from Geneva and not too difficult to get to other regions of France by train. The Dolomites, well you can extend your walking holiday with a side-trip to Venice (only 2 to 3 hours away from Cortina).

Conclusion

Everyone is different, that’s why we have so many variations on our walking routes through both the Dolomites and Mont Blanc regions. Self guided or small group, with the kids or by yourself, everyone is catered for. If you need even more information the best thing to do is call one of our team and discuss your preferences so they can ensure your next alpine walking trip is the right one for you.

Dolomites

> Dolomites Guided Walk | Moderate to Challenging

> Dolomites Self Guided Walk | Moderate to Challenging

> Highlights of the Dolomites | Self Guided | Moderate to Challenging

> Trans Tyrol: Innsbruck to the Dolomites | Self Guided | Challenging

Mont Blanc

> Mont Blanc Guided Walk | Moderate to Challenging

> Mont Blanc Classic | Self Guided | Moderate to Challenging

> Chamonix to Zermatt | Self Guided | Challenging

> Mont Blanc Family Adventure | Guided | Moderate

> Mont Blanc Rambler | Self Guided | Moderate

>>> View all Mont Blanc tours

>>> View our complete range of European alpine walking holidays.

Have you done a walking tour in the Dolomites or along Mont Blanc? What was your experience like? Share in the comments.

Mont Blanc, Dolomites, France, Austria, Italy, Alps, Dolomites or Mont Blanc

Comments (9)

Niels

Hi we are a family of 4. Two teenagers 16,17 old and we are all fit experienced hikers. We like self guided options and also like via ferrata. We are looking for a 6 day or so trip with option of summiting a small mountain. We do like good food and sleeping. Any recommendations? We are looking for one of the best hikes possible!
Thanks
Niels

2 years ago

Will

Hi Niels -
Thanks for getting in touch. This sounds like it's shaping up to be a great family holiday. I've put your query to our team and they'll be in touch with some recommendations over email. In the meantime, check out all of our alpine hikes here: https://www.utracks.com/Walking/Alpine-Walking
Cheers,
Will from UTracks.

2 years ago

fefi fofum

I booked with Boundless Journeys back in 2019 and had both July dual luxury hotel 9 day treks cancelled and postponed for peak alpine flower season in 2020 and 2021. I'm 73 and have Done the hostel and hut thing enough! My MD said "go!" Looking forward to 2022 July resy! They do have a few "no single supplements" and do require waterproof boots for hot Summer dry hiking tho most pros advise drier breathable footwear such as Outside Online etc. , and there is a 1 day overlap in trying to do both back to back they won't remove. Both their recommended travel agencies in VT and Co. we're inadequate. Hear their trail guide is Excellent tho. Hope so! Looked at OAT too, maybe next time... Sis got near fatal food poisoning in Bhutan, MediVac out, before Nepal segment!! Rick Steve's travel tv show has new video of him hiking the TMB just 2 days with a young cutie! My many first time questions of BJ on TMB were not welcomed and the Agent passed me to her Mgr! I booked sf to Amsterdam biz flights with an E coast biz travel agency and price was good, service eh. So 3rd try will use US Military-Veteran travel agency for flights and hotels on arrival and departure. And AX card, Not Visa!! Again, I do not understand hiking light, sag wagon, and boot And waterproof requirements for high dry hot Summer walks. Maybe Gore Tex is a sponsor! Good luck!

3 years ago

WilliamC

Wow, sounds like you're going to have a fun trip when you eventually get to experience the Dolomites. Do get in touch if you would like to explore the Alps with UTracks - you can email the team at [email protected].

Cheers,
Will from UTracks.

3 years ago

ANNEKE VANDERTOL WAS

I did both iff them MONT BLANC CIRCUIT with UTRACKS. DOLOMITE by myself. Base was in CORINA and did day trips enjoyed it very much. Next time I like to do the other side off the Dolomites.

3 years ago

WilliamC

Great to hear you enjoyed walking Mont Blanc and the Dolomites. And yes - there are many more beautiful trails to explore. Take a look at Monte Rosa, it could be of interest. https://www.utracks.com/Blog/monte-rosa-be-in-it

Happy travels!

Will from UTracks

3 years ago

Mark Langsworth

We did the Mont Blanc classic 6 day trek in early September 2019 with you guys. It was incredible. What made the difference for us (we are of the ‘older’ variety!) was the fact that we could pay the extra supplement for our own room, rather than share. As I understand it, there is no similar availability on any of the Dolomite walks, as the chalets are smaller and hence no individual rooms. Is this correct as we would love to do the Dolomites!

3 years ago

WilliamC

Hi Mark,

Thanks for getting in touch - the Dolomites are certainly worth the hike! As far as I'm aware, all guided trips in the Dolomites stay in dorms, however they are smaller (mostly 6 beds), and arguably nicer than the refugios on the Mont Blanc classic.

If you do want private rooms, it is possible on the self guided itinerary. View the trip here: https://www.utracks.com/Italy/Self-Guided-Walking/Walking-in-the-Dolomites. The only catch with this is that these accommodations are lower on the trail, so the views aren't quite as grand.

Best thing is to give the team a call/email to discuss your options. [email protected] or 1300 303 368.

Cheers,
Will from UTracks.

3 years ago

Ray Allen

Interested in these trips, I live in the U.K but would like to meet with and travel with a friend from Australian...could you advise me please...Ray Allen.