*Update July 3rd*: New images and update from @jayacobi completing the section from Courmayeur to La Fouly.

Another cold and snowy May has made for some difficult early-season hiking conditions on the Tour du Mont Blanc. While the recent spell of warm weather is causing the snow to rapidly melt, it will still take a few weeks before the trial is completely snow-free. The late snow and warm weather are also causing wet slide avalanches to come down throughout the Alps.

In the last week, a hiker has been caught in an avalanche on what was a snow-free and be considered a safe section of middle mountain trail near the Combins massif. Vigilance and acceptance of the early season hiking risks are required for anyone venturing out in the next few weeks. Know what your plan b is and be prepared to turn around if you’re stepping too far out of your comfort zone - making it home safely is the most important part of the journey :)

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been supporting Sanna to complete a solo hike of the Tour du Mont Blanc. It is earlier than we recommend hiking the trail, however, her experience in the Alps and completing the Pacific Crest Trail meant that she was well-positioned to attempt the trail. We’ve also been in touch with Bruno from Alp Trails who has been guiding a father and daughter on a run (fast walk through the snow) around Mont Blanc. The following images and information come from their journeys between 6th and 15th June. If you ever meet them on the trail - shout them a drink 🙌

*Update July 3rd*: New images and update from @jayacobi completing the section from Courmayeur to La Fouly.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC TRAIL CONDITIONS

Identifying where snow is still covering the trail is always the focus of June and early July updates. The general guidance at the moment is that some snow is still present (but rapidly receding) above 2,000m (6,560 feet) on north-facing slopes. There are always exceptions in sheltered/shaded areas where a build-up of snow has occurred. The following sections of trail lie above 2,000m (6,560 feet) the main trail.

Gear Recommendation

• Microspikes like the Yaktrax summit or Kahtoola microspike

• Poles

If you are hiking in June

• Recommend sticking to the main trail, with the exception of Col du Tricot and Lac Blanc.

• Know and trust your experience and capability

• Have a plan b and turn back if necessary

• Add some extra time to complete sections as the snow will slow you down

• Be aware and prepared to have sections of deep post-holing

• Be vigilant of the weather

• The most up-to-date information is from hikers coming towards you on the trail so make lots of friends along the way :)

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

If you want to understand how COVID-19 travel restrictions could impact your trip, we have a dedicated page focused on this information which you can find here;

SECTIONS ABOVE 2,000M ON MAIN TMB TRAIL

Col du Bonhomme - 2,329m

Col de la Croix - 2,483m

Col de la Seigne - 2,512m

Between Cabane Combal and Rifugio Mason Ville

• Lots of snow but I don’t have images to share yet.

Between Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Elena on the main trail

Snow patches in some of the gullies between Bonatti and Elena are challenging to cross, otherwise a good stretch.

*Update from July 3rd* no more snow on the main trail between Rifugio Bertone and Grand Col Ferret.

Between Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Bonatti on the Col Sapin Alternative Route

Grand Col Ferret - 2,537m

*Update from July 3rd* Snow only on Switzerland side and quickly receeding.

La Fouly to Trient via Alp Bovine

Only a couple of small patches around Alp Bovine in shaded gullies.

Col de Balme - 2,204m

*Update from July 3rd* no more snow on the main trail over Col de Balme

Grand Balcon Sud

Le Brevent - 2,526m

Still very challenging, particularly between Plan Praz and Col du Brevent

SECTIONS ABOVE 2,000M ON Alternative TMB TRAIL

Lac Blanc - 2,352m

Lots of snow but managable

I’ll update the page again as new photos are available

Stay safe out there and enjoy the adventure!

Brendan