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
Mont Blanc
Accommodation
Mountain accommodation typically uses simple refuges. These mountain lodgings are fairly similar in nature across both the Mont Blanc region and the Dolomites.
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.
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!
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.
Have you done a walking tour in the Dolomites or along Mont Blanc? What was your experience like? Share in the comments.