Embracing the Majesty of Mont Blanc

October 25, 2023

From UTMB Racing to Savoring the Scenic Journey.

If you're an avid hiker with a passion for awe-inspiring landscapes, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) might just be the adventure you've been yearning for. The TMB, short for Tour du Mont Blanc, is a captivating circular trail that winds its way around the majestic Mont Blanc massif, the towering peak of Western Europe. This trail, spanning approximately 110 miles, takes you on a journey through three stunning countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. Along your path, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of glaciers, valleys, serene lakes, and lush forests. You'll also have the chance to explore charming alpine villages and cozy refuges where you can recharge your spirits and replenish your energy.
However, the TMB is not a stroll in the park by any means. It presents a challenging terrain with over 30,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, featuring steep and rocky sections that demand physical fitness and appropriate gear.

What sets the TMB apart is that it doubles as the stage for one of the world's most prestigious ultramarathon races: the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB).

The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, or UTMB for short, stands as a pinnacle in the world of trail racing. Covering a whopping 170 kilometers and conquering more than 10,000 meters of elevation, this race spans across the same trio of countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. Each year, in the final days of August, thousands of athletes from all corners of the globe gather to partake in this grueling competition, striving to complete the entire circuit in under 46 hours. It's a phenomenal test of endurance and skill that attracts some of the finest athletes in the field.

I, personally, have undertaken the UTMB 170km race three times, yet I have yet to cross that illustrious finish line. My farthest achievement was reaching 90 kilometers, at the Refuge Bertone. But my pursuit of completing the UTMB loop remains undeterred.

My dream of completing the UTMB loop persisted, even after three thwarted attempts.
During those three UTMB attempts, I found that I couldn't truly savor the splendor of the trail. The necessity to focus on the path ahead and have to run through the night, under the veil of darkness, prevented me from relishing the picturesque scenery. My connection to the trail remained incomplete.

Therefore, instead of vying in the race again…..I opted to hike the complete UTMB course at a leisurely pace over several days. This approach would allow me to genuinely appreciate the landscapes and capture as many photographs as I desired. Remarkably, I found that many of my hiking comrades shared the same sentiment. Even those who had completed the UTMB race felt they hadn't fully soaked in the beauty of the surroundings. Thus, the idea of an extended hiking expedition was born.

While most people opt for an 11 to 12-day hike along the TMB route, staying in refuges along the way, we opted for a slightly different approach. Our plan was to complete the entire loop in just seven days, returning to our basecamp in Chamonix each evening. This decision meant we didn't have to lug around heavy backpacks during the day. We also had a group of friends who didn't partake in the hiking but instead lent their culinary expertise, whipping up delightful dinners for the weary hikers each night in our cozy basecamp.

For our accommodation, we secured a spacious chalet in Chamonix capable of housing up to 18 individuals, with each room boasting an ensuite bathroom, ensuring our comfort and convenience.

I plan to document our entire journey in a series of blogs, I will recount our journey, sharing all the fascinating details of this unforgettable adventure, so you can experience all the details along with us. Stay tuned for the adventure!

Check out these stunning snapshots >>> Embracing the Majesty of Mont Blanc