TMB 2026 — 6-Day Comfort Trail Runner

The cable car from Chamonix to Planpraz (2,000m) cuts the valley floor entirely, delivering you directly onto the Grand Balcon Sud — the high traverse above Chamonix where the north face of Mont Blanc fills the skyline for the opening kilometres. The trail runs east, undulating above the treeline, with sustained views across to the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace. The climb to Col de Balme (2,204m) is sustained and rewarding, marking the Franco-Swiss border and the first major effort of the circuit. Refreshments at the refuge on the col.

The descent into Switzerland drops steeply through open alpine terrain to the hamlet of Trient — fast ground, good underfoot. A clean opening day that sets the rhythm without breaking you.

The longest day of the trail runner itinerary, linking two stages that walkers typically split. From Trient, the Fenêtre d'Arpette variant (2,665m) is the natural choice: a sustained technical climb over scree to a narrow col with the Trient Glacier filling the valley below, then a steep descent into the Praz de Fort valley. The Bovine route — higher pasture, broader terrain, better underfoot — is the better option in poor visibility or after wet weather.

Champex-Lac is the logical refuel point mid-morning before the route continues down through the Ferret valley. The terrain from Champex south to La Fouly is runnable and relatively flat — a welcome change of gradient after the morning's climbing. La Fouly has a small supermarket and a refuge. Arrive early and the afternoon is yours.

The high crossing into Italy. The climb from La Fouly to the Grand Col Ferret (2,537m) follows the upper Ferret valley through progressively wilder terrain — the last trees fall away well below the col, leaving open pasture and then scree beneath the Grandes Jorasses. The col is a wide saddle with clear views in both directions, unhurried despite the altitude.

The Italian descent is long and largely runnable, traversing the valley flanks with the Aiguilles du Mont Blanc above and the broad valley floor far below. The Refuge Bertone, perched on the ridge just above Courmayeur, is worth the short detour — it has one of the great viewpoints in the Alps. The final descent into Courmayeur is steep and technical. The town is well set up for runners, with good food and reliable accommodation.

The most demanding climbing day on the circuit. The ascent from Courmayeur to Col de la Seigne (2,516m) gains over 1,400m — sustained, serious, and beautiful. Refuge Elisabetta sits just below the col on the Italian side, the last opportunity for food and water before the crossing. The col is the highest point on this itinerary and the view into the Vallée des Glaciers is wide and austere.

The descent to Les Chapieux is long and broadly straightforward — runnable on good surfaces, the valley opening steadily as you lose altitude. Les Chapieux is small: a handful of buildings, a refuge, and not much else. Tomorrow is another big day; sleep accordingly.

The French legs of the circuit in a single push. From Les Chapieux, the climb to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) follows a clear path through alpine meadow — steady and increasingly runnable as the gradient eases in the lower sections. The optional extension over Col des Fours (2,665m) adds thirty minutes and sweeping views into the Beaufortain; take it if the weather is clear. From Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,483m), the descent drops into the Bon-Nant valley.

The path passes the historic Pont Romain and Notre-Dame de la Gorge before following the valley floor through forest and pasture, with the Dômes de Miage (3,673m) visible to the south. Les Contamines-Montjoie has restaurants, a boulangerie, and everything needed after a long day.

A fitting finish. A shuttle from Les Contamines returns you to Notre-Dame de la Gorge — confirm timing locally, typically around 8am. From the gorge, the path climbs through forest before opening onto the high flanks above Bionnassay village, where the Glacier de Bionnassay hangs directly above the path and Mont Blanc's summit ridge fills the horizon. The Col du Tricot crossing (2,120m) involves a short aided section on chains and cables — exposed but manageable in dry conditions.

The descent beyond the col drops through alpine meadow to the hamlet of Le Champel, then threads through traditional hamlets to Les Houches. The circuit is complete.