TMB Trail Running – Shorter Version - Classic
Experience the Magic of the Tour du Mont Blanc – with shorter distances and less elevation gain
2026
Jul 28 - Aug 4, 2026 (Just Launched)
Price: 3450 EUR (All-Inclusive*, read details below)
A 25% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the expedition.
(View the cancelation policy below in the section ("Price and Details")
Dreaming of running the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc but unsure about tackling the full daily distances? Want to experience the magic of the Alps and this iconic route? We’ve got you covered.
Introducing the Tour du Mont Blanc Shorter Version for trail runners — a carefully crafted version of the classic TMB adventure. Shorter daily distances, less elevation gain, but all the breathtaking beauty and unforgettable moments that make the TMB world-famous.
We combine trail running with selective bus transfers and cable cars to connect the most spectacular sections of the route, giving you the essence of the Alps’ iconic landscapes.
Make no mistake — it’s still a challenge. You’ll push yourself, feel your strength grow, and finish each day with that deep sense of joy and accomplishment only the mountains can give.
This all-inclusive adventure includes:
✅ Shared transfers to and from Geneva airport
✅ Hand-picked hotels and mountain huts with stunning views and warm hospitality
✅ Daily luggage transfers so you can run light and free
✅ Delicious meals to fuel your body and your adventure
Our Tour du Mont Blanc, Vagabond Trails style, is all-inclusive*, fully curated, and deeply meaningful.
We handle every detail with care, so you can focus on what truly matters: the trail beneath your feet, the beauty around you, and the transformation happening within.
Just train, pack your bags, and show up ready to run.
*See more details below.
Why travel with us
At Vagabond Trails, we’re a family-run business, and that means we care deeply. Every trip we craft carries our personal touch, because we know this isn’t just a vacation. It’s your dream. It’s your time away from loved ones. It’s the result of months of training and planning. We’re here to honor that.
We’re dedicated to creating unforgettable, meaningful adventures at fair value, making sure every step, every view, every moment feels worth it. Your trust means everything to us. We’re honored to be part of your journey.
Don’t just take our word for it. Read here what past guests have said about their experience with Vagabond Trails. The memories made, the friendships formed, the transformation felt.. And feel free to reach out to them directly to hear their experiences.
Is This Tour Right for Me?
If you’re a road runner, trail runner, or simply someone who loves moving through nature, then yes—this adventure is for you.
Our trips aren’t just about miles. They’re about growth, connection, and joy. This is where challenge meets purpose, where you’ll feel deeply alive, grounded, and transformed.
What’s the Pace Like on a Trail Running Trip?
Think of it like a long, adventurous weekend with friends: You’ll hike the uphills, run the downhills, and jog the flats.
You don’t need to be a fast or elite runner. But you should feel confident covering the daily distances and elevation gains outlined in the itinerary below (shorter versions available).
This isn’t a race—it’s an experience.We’ve designed the trip to give you time to savor the journey. Once you reach your next refuge or hotel, you’ll have time to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine, journal, read a book, or simply take in the view. On some days, you can even shorten the route using public transport or cable cars, just ask your guide.
What if I am traveling solo?
More than 40% of our guests join solo, and many of them tell us it was the best decision they ever made. You’ll quickly feel part of a tribe of like-minded adventurers.
We don’t charge single supplements for solo travelers, because adventure should be accessible, no matter how you arrive.
I’m a Woman Traveling Alone. Is This Trip for Me?
Absolutely. Many of our female guests join solo. You don’t need to wait for a friend or partner to say yes. You’ll be surrounded by supportive runners, incredible guides, and the freedom to reconnect with yourself in the mountains.
We understand that traveling solo can feel intimidating. But it might help to know that our tours often have a 50/50 gender split, and a welcoming, inclusive vibe from day one.
Take the leap, you won’t regret it.
You’ll feel empowered, free, and wonder why you didn’t travel solo sooner.
I have never done a multi-day trail running adventure
In fact, 95% of the runners who join us have never done a multi-day adventure before.
If you can handle the distance and elevation outlined in the itinerary below, you’ll be more than ready.
The multi-day journey builds strength and confidence, mile by mile, day by day—and that’s part of both the challenge and the magic.
Bags Transfer
To keep your run light and joyful, we’ll transfer your main luggage from hut to hut daily. All you need to carry is your running vest and the essentials.
Expert Guides
You’ll be guided by some of the best and most experienced guides in the Alps, all certified International Mountain Leaders. They’re passionate about their work and committed to keeping you safe while ensuring you fully enjoy the adventure. For trips with more than 9 runners, we provide two guides, ensuring a personalized and well-supported experience. Group sizes are capped at 14 runners per trip. Read more about our guides here.
One Last Thing…
Please review the itinerary carefully and make sure your fitness aligns with the daily requirements. If you have any doubts or questions, we’re here to help.
This is your adventure. Let’s make it everything you hope it will be.
Reach out anytime here. We can’t wait to welcome you to the trail.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Chamonix
Transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Depending on your time of arrival you'll have time to walk around the vibrant village of Chamonix, make last-minute gear shopping, or just relax at our chosen hotel in Chamonix. In the evening we will have a group safety briefing. Dinner tonight is not included.
-
Accommodation: Hotel Alpina, Mercure, or a similar 4* hotel. Twin or double rooms
Day 2 | Chamonix – Les Contamines
Today, our epic journey begins. We take a short bus transfer to Les Houches and the cable car to Bellevue. We continue towards the Tricot pass on a path that offers constant and beautiful views of the Bionassay Glacier. Once at the pass, we descend towards the beautiful Miage Valley, one of the most picturesque corners of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We head to our overnight destination near Les Contamines.
-
The route: 10 mi / 16km - High gain/loss +2332ft/711m | -3704ft/1129m approx
-
Highest point at 2110 m / 6922 ft
-
Approximate time 6 - 7 hours
-
Accommodation: Refuge Nant Borrant (mountain hut) in shared dorms or Hotel Gai Soleil in rooms of 3 or 4 people.
Day 3 | Les Contamines – Les Chapieux - Refuge de Mottets
We have a long and steep ascent leading to col Croix de Bonhomme at 2440 meters of altitude, where we will enjoy amazing views of the valleys on both sides. A beautiful serpentine trail takes us downhill to Les Chapieux. We will spend the night here or in Refuge de Mottets.
-
The route: 11.18 mi / 18km - High gain/loss +4419ft/1347m | -3195ft/974m approx.
-
Highest point at 2440 m / 8000 ft
-
Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
-
Accommodation: Refuge Les Mottets or Auberge La Nova (mountain huts). In shared dorms
Day 4 | Refuge de Mottets – Courmayeur
The day starts with a steep trail, but the views will be our boost to continue and finally cross the border into Italy at Col de la Seigne. Once on the col, you will admire the views of the French and the Italian valleys. On the Italian side, we will have a long descent into Val Veny. If we are lucky, the valley will be covered in yellow flowers with sparking glaciers descending off Mont Blanc. A long flat path will take us to the start of the steep trail towards the ridge on Mont Favre, and then on to the Col Checrouit where we take the cable car down to Courmayeur. To give you the freedom to explore Courmayeur on your own terms, dinner is not included tonight.
-
The route: 12.4mi / 20km - High gain/loss +4166ft/1270m | -3832ft/1168m approx.
-
Highest point at 2500 m / 8200 ft
-
Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
-
Accommodation: Hotel Crest et Duc, IH Courmayuer Hotel, or a similar 4* hotel. Twin or double rooms
Day 5 | Courmayeur – Val Ferret or Refugio Elena
We start the day with a vertical climb towards Rifugio Bertone. After admiring the views, we follow an almost flat, beautiful, easy but high trail towards Rifugio Bonatti where we will stop for a coffee. We continue our way down to Arnouva and then towards the beautiful Rifugio Elena or Chalet Val Ferret, where we will spend the night.
-
The route: 12.4mi / 20km - High gain/loss +5085ft/1550m | -2335ft/712m approx.
-
Highest point at 2108 m / 6916 ft
-
Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
-
Accommodation: Refugio Elena or Hotel Val Ferret. In shared dorms
Day 6 | Rifugio Elena – Trient
We continue our way towards the high Gran Col Ferret. Once at the col, you'll contemplate the spectacular views of the Swiss and the Italian valleys. A beautiful descent on a single trail will take us to the Ferret valley where we will take a short private transfer to Champex Lac - Plan de l’Au where we start a steep ascent traversing around the mountain to la Giete. Once at the highest point, we start a descent towards Col de la Forclaz and continue to the last Swiss village and its iconic pink church in Trient, where we will spend the night.
-
The route: 12.4mi / 20km - High gain/loss +4553ft/1388m | -4665ft/1422m approx.
-
Highest point at 2537 m / 8323.4 ft
-
Approximate time 7 - 9 hours
-
Accommodation: Auberge Mont Blanc, Le Grande Ourse. In shared dorms
Day 7 | Trient - Chamonix
We climb up to reach the French border at Col de Balme 2191m / 7188ft. From the col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière glaciers. We reach the Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve and sightings of ibex and marmots are common. Once we reach La Flegere we will take the cable car towards Chamonix.
We will celebrate this epic journey with a final dinner together.
-
The route: 13.3mi / 21.5 km - High gain/loss +5311ft/1619m | -3802ft/1149m approx.
-
Highest point at 2130 m / 6988 ft
-
Approximate time 7 - 9 hours
-
Accommodation: Hotel Alpina, Mercure, or a similar 4* hotel. Twin or double rooms
Day 8 | Chamonix (out)
We enjoy a last breakfast together and then time to pack all the memories back home.
The entire tour is done in English.
*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, huts availability, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
How Challenging ?
High effort. This is a challenging adventure where we can expect 4 - 6 hours of running/hiking per day, with up to 1200 meters of elevation gain. Previous trail running experience is highly recommended.
How Challenging ?
This trip requires a moderate level of effort. Expect to be on the trails for 4 to 6 hours per day, covering a mix of terrain with up to 1,200 meters (3,940 feet) of elevation gain and loss daily. Previous trail running experience is required.
Price and Details
The tour includes:
-
Everything described in the tour
-
All of the scheduled activities
-
Transport from Geneva Airport to Chamonix
-
Transport from Chamonix to Geneva Airport
-
All accommodations during the tour (total of seven nights)
-
4* hotel in Chamonix ( two nights )
-
4* hotel in Courmayeur ( one night )
-
Mountain huts or refuges in shared dorms ( four nights)
-
All luggage transfers between accommodations
-
All main meals during the tour (7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches, 5 dinners)
-
Online Safety Briefing before the tour
-
Personal attention before and during your trip
-
General Training Plan
-
Packing List
-
Cable cars and transfers that are part of the trip
-
Guiding from a certified International Mountain Leader
-
Amazing trails & beautiful landscapes
The tour excludes:
-
Transport to Geneva (e.g. flights)
-
Single room supplement, applicable only in Chamonix and Courmayeur
-
First night dinner in Chamonix
-
Dinner in Courmayeur
-
Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for outdoor sports; such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
-
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
-
Expenses for extra activities, such as; massages, spas, sauna, hot tub
-
Any accommodations for extra days in Chamonix
-
Any private transfer
-
Tips for the guide
Price: 3450 EUR
A 25% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the trip. Once the trip is confirmed your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trip.
Participants:
Min 5 - Max 14
Guide Ratio:
If there are more than 9 runners, there will be two guides, with a maximum of 14 runners.
Start: Geneva (Cointrin Airport)
End: Geneva (Cointrin Airport)
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
Cancellation policy:
-
Trip Pending: Your 25% down payment is fully refundable.
-
Trip Confirmed: Your 25% down payment is non-refundable, but can be transferred to any other Vagabond Trails trip within one year, if you notify us at least 90 days before the trip start date.
-
Within 90 Days of Trip Start: No refunds or transfers available.
Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances).