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

 

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.

 

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.

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.  

 

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

 

Fall in love with Europe, all over again.

So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we are showcasing the best itineraries and activities for those who just want to fall in love with Europe, all over again.

Let Iceland take your breath away

It will be "love at first sight" when you first set eyes on the remote, breath-taking landscapes along Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail. Considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful treks, the Laugavegur offers something different every day – volcanic mountains, steaming hot springs, pristine glaciers, black deserts, great canyons and lush green valleys. Best of all, on our five-day guided Laugavegur Trail Walk you will be spending each night in rustic but cosy mountain huts. This itinerary is the perfect walk for those short on time, but want to see the best of Iceland - and great for solo travellers too. 

>> view Laugavegur Trail Guided Walk

Discover the magic of Mont Blanc

The spectacular vistas of Mont Blanc will have you “up where you belong” on our seven day guided walk through Switzerland, France and Italy. Brimming with incredible landscapes from high mountain passes to lush valleys and highway-sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this. Joining an international group led by a bilingual mountain guide, the emphasis is on full immersion into the sublime mountain culture, with overnight stays in mountain refuges or charming village gîtes on a mixed dormitory-share or double-room (supplement applies) basis.

>> view Mont Blanc Guided Walk

Be swept away by Ardèche

You will want to “stay just a little bit longer” after your time walking in the Ardèche, one of the most remote, beautiful and scenically-blessed regions in France. Surrounded by ancient volcanoes, the region offers exceptional natural sights including volcanic domes, deep gorges, vast valleys and an abundance of flora and fauna. Based in a specially-designed hiker’s hotel, our Walking in the Ardèche guided itinerary offers a fine balance of activity and indulgence. After each day’s walk you can explore the village to buy local cheese and honey, relax on the terrace with a glass of wine, play bowls on the hotel green, swim in the pool or take a sauna. Perfect for lovers of classic French countryside and the camaraderie of other travellers. 

>> view Walking in the Ardèche

Cycle to your heart's content in the Loire

“Nothing compares to you…" tracks when it comes to a cycling holiday through the famous Loire Valley. Enjoy the charms of the quiet French countryside as you cycle each day stopping to explore quaint villages, world famous vineyards and magnificent chateaux on our self guided Loire Valley cycling itineraries. Enjoy the highlights and hidden gems of this spectacular region. Join us as we discover the historic heart of France! And we even offer electric bikes for those who are not as bike-fit as they would like to be. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc in the European Alps is a 10 day, 177km (110 mile)trek circling one of the most well-known massifs in the world. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in western Europe at 4,808m (15,774 feet). Our wonderful, competent French guide, Sebastian, guided the diverse group of French, Australian, New Zealand and Americans on the hike, and boy, did they have some fun!

Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

What is the most popular walk?

Having said that, we do have a comprehensive range of Mont Blanc tours that suit different fitness levels and desires, so be sure to view all our Mont Blanc walking tours. You can also read real UTracks Traveller reviews on our Mont Blanc tour review page.

Is it possible to circumnavigate Mont Blanc?

Yes, and if you have the time, we highly recommend choosing one of our three walks that completely circle the Mont Blanc massif:
 

1. Tour du Mont Blanc – a 14-day self-guided trip with two rest days built in, staying in 2 and 3-star accommodation most nights
    
2. Mont Blanc Circuit – a 10-day self-guided walk staying in dorms in gîte-style accommodation
    
3. Mont Blanc Encompassed – our 10-day guided version of the Mont Blanc Circuit

 

Is it safe for kids?

We offer alpine walking holidays for families and experienced mountain walkers alike. Our family friendly Mont Blanc walks have been specially designed so that the whole family can enjoy them. They are a wonderful way to introduce children to active holidays and the pleasures of hiking in the outdoors.

 

How fit do I need to be?

Our alpine walking holidays range from moderate to challenging, with 5-9 hours or 8-15 km of walking required each day. There are challenging stages in every alpine walk, with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. 

 

An excellent level of fitness is required for more challenging trips, while our moderate walks are more suitable for families and people with a reasonable level of fitness. Consult our honest Trip Grading System for more information about how we grade our different tours.

 

What's the most challenging walk?

There isn’t a straight forward answer to this question. As all the trips walk on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, the level of challenge depends on the length of time you are on the trail, the time of year (early season departures will have snow on the passes which makes things a bit more challenging) and whether you take a harder variant route. 

 

Some of these variant routes will have you climbing ladders and traversing ridge-lines. Self-guided walkers will have the option of one or two routes each day, while guides will decide what route your group will take on a guided tour, depending on conditions.

 

What's the most comfortable accommodation option?

The Tour du Mont Blanc trip has hotel accommodation instead of mountain refuges, so it is the most comfortable option. On this tour there are 3-star hotel accommodation throughout. 

 

What is the accommodation like?

The accommodation on all of our Mont Blanc walking trips is in mountain huts. They are part of the experience, offering clean, warm beds, hearty food and the opportunity to share a drink with your new friends at the end of a long day of walking. Read our ‘Dorms or Private Rooms’ post to see which style of room is best for you.

 

 

Is there a chance I'll get altitude sickness?

The mildest forms of altitude sickness can occur above 2500m (which is the same height as many ski resorts), but given your slow ascent on foot it is very unlikely that you will feel any change. Generally, most of our alpine walks are between 1000m and 2500m.

 

 

How far in advance should I book?

In order to secure your place on your chosen Mont Blanc hike, we recommend that you book as soon as possible as the season for hiking in the Alps is relatively short and our Mont Blanc walking holidays often book out well in advance. Bookings open for the following year in mid-September.

 

When should I go?

The season for walking around Mont Blanc is from June to September. As with every destination, there are pros and cons to travelling at different times of the year. People hiking at the start of the season are likely to be affected by snow coverage, which looks great in your photos but presents more of a challenge for walking. There is also the possibility that passes will be closed during this early period, meaning you could be re-routed. 

 

The wildflowers are at their most splendid in June and July. August is the busiest month to embark on a Mont Blanc hike, because the weather conditions are generally the most favourable. Many towns and villages hold festivals to celebrate summer being in full swing in August. The temperature may be cooler in September, but there are fewer people walking the trails. 

 

Are there signposts to help self-guided walkers?

The paths are easily identifiable and there are signs everywhere, making it easy for self-guided walkers to find their way. We also provide maps and detailed route instructions, so getting lost should not be an issue for anyone with reasonable navigation skills and who is comfortable with the outdoors.

 

How do I get there?

Geneva is the closest airport. To reach the Chamonix Valley from the airport, we recommend you take a shuttle transfer, which takes 1 hour. Alternatively, there are scheduled bus services between Geneva Airport and Chamonix. 

 

Zurich has excellent train connections with a couple of changes, taking about 4 hours. Our trip notes provide detailed information advising how to get to the start of your chosen walking tour.

 

How do the luggage transfers work?

On our guided trips we use mules to transfer your luggage between your lodgings each day, which spares you from having to carry your luggage for long distances and through challenging terrain. We provide you with special bags and are strict in imposing a 7kg maximum per bag to ensure that mules’ loads are within the ethical pack carrying guidelines. 

 

For early or late season departures, and for all of our self-guided trips, we use vehicles to transfer your luggage.

 

 

Mont Blanc Walking Tours

>> Book your Mont Blanc Walk or contact us for help choosing your perfect Small Group or Self Guided tour 

 

>> Browse our full range of Alpine Walking Holidays in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, the French and Spanish Pyrenees, Italy's Dolomites, the Bavarian Alps, the Balkans, Slovenia's Julian Alps and Austria's Dachstein Alps

 

  

Which Mont Blanc tour is the right trip for you? Let us know in the comments, plus feel free to ask any other questions you may have and our team of active travel specialists will answer you.

 

 

  

The Tour du Mont Blanc [TMB] is consistently ranked as one of the best treks in the world, and for good reason too. There surely are many contenders with some fantastic treks all around the world, but at UTracks we believe that none strike such a perfect balance as the circumnavigation around Mont Blanc. Read on to find three reasons why the Mont Blanc walk ranks so high.

#1 The Route Makes It One of the Best Treks in the World

 

The circumnavigation of Mont Blanc takes you through the Val Ferret, which on a clear sunny day is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The potential downside is that the circumnavigation of Mont Blanc is a popular trekking route. There are plenty of people on the trail but by no means is it overcrowded. It can’t be due to limited accommodation on the route. The TMB is traditionally trekked anti-clockwise, which 90% of people do. However, the majority of UTracks departures trek the route clockwise against the flow of traffic. This means that in the mornings and late afternoons you will have the trail virtually to yourself with a rush of traffic around midday when you pass the trekkers heading in the opposite direction.

#2 The Level of Walking

Some treks around the world are extremely difficult and require months of intensive training to prepare for. Other treks can feel like a leisurely stroll and do not offer much of a challenge. The trek around Mont Blanc hits a sweet spot where a reasonably fit person with adequate training and the right attitude can complete the trek. Having said that, the trek will for most of us still be out of our comfort zone and there can be a great sense of achievement when completing this Mont Blanc walk.

The days are not too dissimilar to a 9-5 working day. Starting around 8-9am, an hour for lunch around midday, and finishing around 5 or 6pm every day. At the end of a hard day’s trekking, you are happy to put your feet up and enjoy a hard-earned glass of wine. The well-known TMB takes around eleven days to complete, our Mont Blanc guided walk covers a section of the TMB in seven days - or you can join the longer, guided Mont Blanc Encompassed over 10 days. Exactly the right amount of time to take up a week’s holiday and escape to some of the most stunning mountains in the world.

#3 Infrastructure on the Tour du Mont Blanc Is Incomparable

Patagonia or the Himalayas may be superior trekking regions in the opinions of many, but they are remote areas that can take some considerable time and effort just to get to. The Mont Blanc region on the other hand, with three nearby airports, is easy to reach for most people.

The TMB takes you through three developed countries with excellent infrastructures that few trekking regions in the world can compete with. Chamonix, where most of our Mont Blanc walks typically start and end, is a charming resort town with world-class facilities and is just over a one-hour drive/bus ride from Geneva International Airport.

The accommodation on the Mont Blanc walk, whilst not five-star, are comfortable and have everything you could ask for; warm showers, great food, and well stocked bars, not to mention incredible views. There are a couple of towns you will visit along the route which have ATMs, outdoor stores, and supermarkets so you can pick up any essentials if necessary. One of our group went to buy a new pair of hiking boots in Courmayeur whilst the rest of the group enjoyed some Italian gelato and WiFi.

There is no such thing as the best trek in the world. Each trek has its own strengths and weaknesses, and what one person may judge to be a strength, another may deem a weakness. We all have personal reasons why we might choose to trek, for some it might be to escape the city and connect with nature, for others it may be to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, whilst some may simply want to soak up the stunning nature and take some cool pictures to bring back home.

There may be a trek that better serves each of these needs than walking around Mont Blanc, but in my opinion perhaps no other trek in the world serves them all better than the Mont Blanc guided walk.

This article was contributed by Ryan from our UK office. He joined the Mont Blanc Guided Walk in August 2019.

>> Read the 'Quick Guide to Choosing Your Mont Blanc Hike'

Our guide made sure that we were walking at a comfortable pace

"The trip was absolutely well above expectation in every respect-fabulous. The walking was fine and our guide was good at setting the pace. The ascents were strenuous, but completely in line with what I expected from the pre-tour information. 

I would certainly advise anyone doing this trip to prepare by following a fitness programme and doing some hill or mountain walking in the weeks leading up to departure. 

Our guide, Christophe was excellent in every respect-very friendly, along the way making sure we knew what we were looking at, pointing out and explaining about many of the alpine flowers, sharing the route with us on maps, settling us in to our accommodation, pacing the route to accommodate everyone. 

The accommodation was above expectation. Obviously we knew we would largely be staying in refuges and huts, but it was certainly less basic than I had thought it might be and we were well looked after. 

The scenery was of course stunning. We were lucky in one sense in that we couldn’t have asked for a better group on the trip-we all got on really well. So in short a fantastic trip and no complaints at all. I should add that the support from your UK office from booking the trip on was really excellent".

Inspired by this Mont Blanc review and keen on joining a walking holiday in the European Alps yourself? Find a complete overview of all Mont Blanc walking holidays & start planning today.  

Europe offers a plethora of walks, but where to start if you want to go hiking in the Alps? Here are 10 breathtaking alpine walks that are very popular among UTracks Travellers and should be 'high' up on every keen hiker's bucket list.

1. Chamonix to Zermatt 'Trekkers Haute Route'

 

Excellent guide - very knowledgeable and experienced. Thank you. ~ C. Gorrick WA, Australia

The scenery and wildflowers, absolutely amazing. ~ Edward Schelegle, Montreal, Canada

 

2. Mont Blanc Encompassed

Like most of our Mont Blanc treks, the Mont Blanc Encompassed walk takes you right around the Mont Blanc massif, from France through Switzerland and Italy. However, this 10-day version allows you to walk every step of the classic circumnavigation.

 

We have trekked and hiked many places (Nepal, NZ, South America to name a few) and this has been our favourite trek by far. The views of the Mont Blanc massif were just so incredibly stunning and right in your face. Walking through wild flower fields and gravel trodden paths it really is one of the best hikes in the world you will ever do. You don't have to be super fit to do it either although recommended training will help you but we had plenty of rest stops on a couple of the steeper climbs. The refuges where we stayed every night had absolutely unbelievable views to the mountains and beyond. The food was delicious and Max our guide was an absolute champion! Walking through villages with our red packed mule was a highlight too. We highly recommend this trip. ~ P. Lehrke, QLD, Australia

If you can't commit to 10 days, check out our popular Mont Blanc Highlights and Mont Blanc Guided Walk.   
 

3. Mont Blanc Rambler

If you prefer taking it easy and are new to walking in mountain regions then our comfortably paced ramble through the Mont Blanc region is for you. As you wander through the villages and alpine meadows you’ll experience everything the Mont Blanc region is famous for, with ample time to stop and photograph the stunning scenery, have leisurely picnics and absorb the alpine culture. There is a 7 day self guided Mont Blanc Rambler tour and a 7 day small group guided Mont Blanc Rambler tour.

 

It was a wonderful experience. The views and our photos were so beautiful at first they seemed unreal. Our guide Sebastien was excellent. He struck the perfect balance of giving us information that would be helpful and interesting then allowing us to enjoy the peace and beauty. The mix of people on the trip was interesting and fun. The food was delicious regional fare. The accomplishment of completing a challenging hike then arriving at a new place with a shower, a beer, and a soft bed was perfect. This would be a very reasonable trip to do solo. In the last couple years I have spent 10 days in Bora Bora and a week rafting the Grand Canyon. Mont Blanc is not only bucket list material like those, but a trip I would (and plan to) do again. ~ D. Sink. Phoenix, AZ, USA

 

4. High Trails of the Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is dominated by some of the highest peaks in Switzerland, including the Eiger, Jungfrau and Finsteraarhorn. Following a section of the Alpine Pass Route, the High Trails of the Bernese Oberland rewards hikers with magnificent views of these peaks, vast glaciers, and the otherworldly lakes surrounding Interlaken. Experience Swiss alpine hospitality in mountain huts in traditional villages and the famous ski resort of Grindelwald.

 

Everything was great. The route was amazing and the guide and van driver where a pleasure to be with. The huts were nice and the food was substantial. ~ C. Tilmann Madison, WI, USA

 

5. Gran Paradiso Adventure

Walk through rugged valleys carpeted in wildflowers, over snow-covered passes and past glacial lakes on the Gran Paradiso Adventure, which crosses Italy’s first national park and be rewarded with unparalleled views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn on this 7-day guided walk. Walk on trails that have seen more animals (including the alpine ibex and chamois) than humans.

 

Gran Paradiso is a lesser known walk than the Dolomites and one worth doing. It was a wilderness experience as the tracks were less trodden and very few other walkers encountered, except at the refugios. Little contact in a couple of villages - passing through - refugios located in remote locations. Scenery spectacular, sighted wildlife - Marmot, Ibox, Chamois. Our guide (Tal) was engaging and attentive, and was good with directions, instructions and special points of interest. Organisation ran smoothly and the weather was great. Meals were adequate and accommodation comfortable - glad we paid the double room supplement. This was a more challenging walk than Mont Blanc, would be top end of Grade 4. This walk will increase in popularity once the word gets around. ~ G. Dauncey, NSW, Australia

 

6. Tour de Monte Rosa

Follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci on this alpine trek along ancient mountain trails linking Switzerland to Italy. This has been described as one of the best walks in all of Europe, taking you around the highest peak in the Pennine Alps and the second highest in the entire European Alps, the Monte Rosa (4634m). Trek through an amphitheatre of awe-inspiring 4000m peaks, marvel at the tumbling glaciers that feature in this fascinating world of rock and ice, and appreciate this serious walking challenge in a gorgeous alpine setting. There's the 7 day guided Tour de Monte Rosa Walk as well as self guided alternatives that go for 6 days and 8 days.

 

This trek took my breath away. It was without a doubt one of the most challenging hikes I’ve done but by far the most rewarding. Max our guide was so knowledgeable. The second we touched down in Zermatt, I started planning my next alpine walking holiday ~ D. Bates, London, UK

7. Dolomites Guided Walk

Every year, the jagged spires of the ‘Pale Mountains’ inspire thousands of climbers and walkers. Admittedly, it’s not hard to stay motivated when you’re overwhelmed with such displays of vivid and changing scenery every day. Our 7-day Dolomites Guided Walk allows you to explore the region’s network of trails that weave between typical villages, woods, alpine lakes and vistas.
 

The Dolomites walk was a challenging and enjoyable trek trough some amazing and varied mountainous regions. In contrast to the snow and greenery of the Mt Blanc trek there was a lot of trekking through ‘moonscape’ type areas with some loose shale and good climbs. It is not technically difficult but some of the climbs certainly got the heart going a bit. As usual with UTracks trips, everything was very well organised and the guides were fantastic, having no hesitation in sharing their experiences and history of the area. ~ C. Bushby, WA, Australia

 

View our full range of Dolomites walks and cycling holidays. 

 

8. Via Ferrata Guided Walk

If you have a head for heights then consider the Via Ferrata Guided Walk, where you will experience the Dolomites from the top down using a network of iron ladders and cables is something you must try at least once. Certified mountain guides will lead you to the top of the Dolomites’ famous pinnacles, from which you’ll witness views enjoyed by few others. No previous climbing experience is required.
 

The guides for Via Ferrata were outstanding and made the trip so enjoyable. I would recommend bringing you own harness if you have one. As I left mine at home which is super comfortable and the hire ones, although good were not that comfortable. The local guide lent me his spare one which was fantastic and much appreciated. I really felt like the Via Ferrata guides were committed to ensuring we enjoyed the trip. ~ E & M Langridge Maylands, WA, Australia

 

9. The Alpine Pass Route

The classic 14-day self guided Alpine Pass Route walk, that takes you past some of Europe’s most famous and photogenic peaks, should be at the top of any long distance walker’s list. The snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau, Monch, Eiger, the Wetterhorn and the Blumisalphorn will take your breath away as you make your way through the most spectacular section of the Alpine Pass Route.
 

The most memorable part of the trip was the steepness of the mountains. Walking through fields of cows with bells. Feeling like I was going to fall off into oblivion on the edge of a mountain of scree! The incredible views that looked so amazing they looked fake! How unexpectedly hot it was... except when it was freezing! ~ Natalie Moore, Sydney, Australia

10. Tyrol | Austria & Germany

On the Trans Tyrol - Garmisch to Innsbruck tour, you will ascent up to 1500m and have days on which you will traverse a distance of 19km (12 miles). The hike from Garmisch in Bavaria to Innsbruck in Austria is demanding at times and requires a good level of experience in alpine terrain. This walk is a perfect balance of comfort and alpine hiking though. Will you decide to try? There is also the longer 8 day tour, from Innsbruck to the Dolomites, to consider.

 

We've done several self-guided walks and this one was probably the best. Apart from the spectacular, jaw dropping scenery....the maps and directions were very straight-forward and each place we stayed was comfortable. We would highly recommend this route to anyone up for a challenge.

J. Walton | Knockhold, UK

 

  

View our full range of Mont Blanc walks and Alpine walks or get in touch to find out more.

  

Is a hike in Europe's Alps on your to do list? Which one has gotten you inspired? Let us know in the comments!