Walk the Tour du Mont Blanc route
Experience the very best of one of the world’s most iconic long-distance walks - the Tour du Mont Blanc. Crossing three countries and three cultures the Tour du Mont Blanc route is a celebration of alpine heritage, natural beauty, and adventure.
We begin in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the world, before setting out on a trail that weaves through dramatic mountain passes, charming valleys, and vibrant alpine communities. Along the way, discover the history, folklore, and wildlife that give these mountains their unique character.
Highlights
- 6 days of hiking around the highest peak in the Alps
- Visit three countries - Italy, Switzerland and France
- A night in the lovely Italian town of Courmayeur
- Hotel-based tour with full luggage support
- Experienced, knowledgeable and professional guide
Along the Tour du Mont Blanc route we will take in remote farms, welcoming mountain refuges, ancient Roman towns and serene lakeside villages, every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable landscapes. This is the essence of the Alps - captured in one extraordinary journey.
For those with limited time, this one-week version of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike, offering superb trekking in France, Italy and Switzerland, along with a wealth of unforgettable Alpine experiences.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Advanced
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2670m (8757ft) |
| Countries Visited | Italy, France, Switzerland |
| Meet In | Chamonix, France |
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Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTM1 |
24 Jul 2027
Saturday |
31 Jul 2027
Saturday |
8 days |
£2,775
Deposit: £750 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
What's Included
- 6 nights half board hotel accommodation: breakfast, and dinner, based on two people sharing
- The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader
- 1 night in an auberge where we may have to use dormitory rooms
- Cable car down to Chamonix on the day we walk to Lac Blanc
- All buses and transfers that are part of the itinerary
- Cable car up to Bellevue on our first hiking day
- Daily luggage transfers to your accommodation
What's Not Included
- Lunches
- Travel insurance - required
- Miscellaneous personal spending
- Travel to meeting point & from departure point
- Transfers & cable cars - not part of the itinerary
Itinerary
Your guide will meet you at the hotel in Chamonix, France, at approximately 1800 hrs. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are amazing from the start! Before dinner, you will meet your trip leader to have an informal chat about the days ahead and check out your clothing and gear to decide if you will need to pick up any further items of equipment before setting out in the morning.
A stunning first day with glorious views of the Mont Blanc range - its glaciers, jagged spires and peaks, and an introduction to the history of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We hop on the local bus to head for the village of Les Houches where we have a relaxed and speedy ascent to the mountains via the Bellevue Cable Car. We arrive at the Col de la Voza and begin a brief descent through the forest to the Bionassay torrent which we cross on a suspension bridge. Always a major photo opportunity! There are views along the way of the Bionassay Glacier and the Aiguille de Bionassay mountain towering above the valley. After a climb to the Col de Tricot we have views to the Chalet de Miage where we plan to stop for some lunch. A pastoral valley where herds of cows, and sheep are to be found grazing on the alpine wild flowers. After another brief ascent, we are on our way down to the lovely alpine village of Les Contamines where we will spend the night.
Ascent: 680m (2230ft) Descent: 1300m (4264ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
This morning we pick up the trail near the ancient chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge. Following the river our trail takes the tree-lined ‘paved’ Roman road thought to have been a route taken by Hannibal and his army. You definitely feel as though you are following in the footsteps of history. Eventually we leave the forest and enter alpine meadows where the sound of cow-bells welcomes us. Each cow is given a 'tone' and throughout her life she will continue to wear the same bell with the same tone. Our first stop is at the Le Balme refuge, a good place to contemplate the climb to the Col du Bonhomme and enjoy a morning coffee. The route to the Col, which sits at 2469m (8098ft) is a long, steady climb and the pass itself often has snow patches early in the season. Arriving at the Col we have views right into the Beaufortain region and thankfully the climbing is almost over for the day as we traverse round to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. We then drop steeply down to our remote auberge at Les Chapieux. If you need fuel we can always stop for cake at the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme before our descent! From here we will take a transfer to our accommodation for the evening.
Ascent: 1350m (4428ft) Descent: 960m (3148ft) Distance: 19.6km (12.2 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
We leave the hotel in Bourg St Maurice and take a transfer to Ville des Glaciers where Bernard, the farmer, is usually on hand to sell us some farm produced cheese. We will stop and chat about his Tarine cows who produce milk for the famous Beaufort cheese. We then stroll along the valley, usually accompanied by the cry of marmots hiding in the rocks, heading for the high point of our day at the Col de la Seigne which sits at 2513m (8242ft). This is a significant Col bordering France and Italy, and it is always tempting to do the classic photo with one leg in France, and the other leg in Italy! We then descend from the Col on a trail that gives superlative views of the infamous Peuterey Ridge on Mont Blanc. This is the hardest and most fearsome route to the summit of the mighty Mont Blanc with over 4500m (14,760ft) of rock climbing. An easy descent takes us past the Rifugio Elizabetta and down into Val Veny. We will then take the local bus, always good fun with lots of gesticulating 'locals', and descend to the vibrant town and mountaineering centre of Courmayeur.
Ascent: 790m (2942ft) Descent: 898m (2919ft) Distance: 16.5km (10.25 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
After breakfast we will take a transfer up the stunning Val Ferret lined with sparkling glaciers and snow capped mountains. A short climb to wake us up and then we set off on a lovely traversing path which leads us to a morning coffee/cake stop at the lovely Rifugio Elena. From here we climb the steady zig-zag path that leads us to Switzerland and the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m (8321ft). From this pass, there are views of the snow-capped Grand Combin and also Mont Dolent, the summit of which is rather unique as it is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. The views in both directions from this Col are really spectacular. After lunch we enter Switzerland, no need for passports here, and discover that the terrain becomes less rugged and more meadow-like as we descend to La Peule. This small farm produces cheese throughout the summer months, and also runs a 'buvette' the name given to a 'snack bar/small cafe' in the mountains. Many farmers offer food and drink to the hikers as a way of supplementing their income. We always feel it is incumbent upon us to support them, though there is a limit to how much tea/coffee/cake we can consume in one day. A final traversing trail to the small village of La Fouly and it is here that we catch our private taxi transfer to our overnight halt in the beautiful lakeside village of Champex.
Ascent: 811m (2660ft) Descent: 975m (3196ft) Distance: 16.7km (10.38miles) Duration: 7h00 - 8h00
Today we have options and your guide will make a decision on the best trail based on fitness, ability, and the weather. The climb up to the pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette, which sits at 2670m (8757ft) is one of the most demanding days of the tour, but there are compensations. On reaching the rocky col, the spectacular view across the Trient Glacier to its seracs and crevasses is quite breathtaking.
Ascent: 1480m (4854ft) Descent: 1760m (5772ft) Distance: 15.5km (9.6 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
Alternatively, we take the beautiful Bovine trail through the high meadows where the famous Swiss fighting cows spend the summer months. This is a lovely walk which begins by meandering past old Swiss chalets with their bright window-boxes filled with geraniums, and on into the larch forests. After a steep ascent we aim to stop at the farm to chat with Nathalie who tends the cow herds and the hikers! Nathalie has a large herd of Hérens cows, the so called Swiss Fighting Cows. They love to tussle and essentially the one that runs away first is the loser. They are wonderful animals with a lot of character for cows! After the farm, our route continues to offer fantastic views down the Rhone Valley and on to the Bernese Oberland. It is very different from the Arpette, but is by no means 'second best'.
When we reach the Col de la Forclaz we will transfer to Chamonix Valley and the village of Argentiere. The Col de la Forclaz is the former frontier between France and Switzerland, before Switzerland acquired more territory and the border was pushed back to Le Châtelard-Frontière.
Ascent: 819m (2687ft) Descent: 758m (2586ft) Distance: 16.18km (10.05 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
NB: The choice of route will be at the discretion of your guide.
A stunning last day with glorious views of the Mont Blanc range - its glaciers, jagged spires and peaks, and a chance to reflect on your Tour du Mont Blanc with the entire massif laid out before you. We begin our hike from Argentière wandering up through the larch woods to the foot of a rock wall where we take a ladder (not difficult) to climb this spectacular section. En route there are lots of wild flowers, granite outcrops, and often Chamois or Ibex grazing by the trail as we make our way to the Lacs des Cheserys, a great spot for our picnic lunch and where you can enjoy fabulous views to the highest mountain in Western Europe. After the obligatory photo 'op' we descend via a rocky trail to the mid-station at La Flégère, and return to Chamonix by cable car where we will spend our final night.
Ascent: 1000m (3280ft) Descent: 650m (2132ft) Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00
Tracks and Trails services end after breakfast.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use, but requires early booking and will incur a supplementary charge. For further details refer to Trip Information > Single Supplements. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking and is an indication of our accommodation, not a guarantee. Note it is unusual to have air conditioning in bedrooms in the mountain areas where our trips take place. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Due to the demand for accommodation on this particular trip we may transfer at the end of our hiking day to the nearest available hotel in the local towns and villages. This can involve a drive of around 20 - 30 minutes. There is the possibility that we have to use dormitory accommodation, normal practice in mountain areas, but we aim to avoid this if possible. If this is the case those guests who booked first will be given priority when allocating bedrooms.
Heliopic Hotel & Spa, Chamonix
The Heliopic Hotel and Spa is located in the centre of Chamonix at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
We love the look and feel of the 4-star Heliopic hotel for it's modern but traditional design. Wooden architecture, luxury rooms, in house restaurant and a NUXE spa make this a fabulous all year round retreat. For most trips we book the bright and comfortable 'Standard' rooms at The Heliopic Hotel and Spa these accommodate up to two people in either a twin or double bed. Each room has a cosy feel with wood panelling and a balcony, storage space as well as cosy bedding with soft pillows and duvets. The facilities include: a bath, hair dryer, Nespresso coffee maker, kettle and teas, high speed wifi and bathrobe and slippers for the spa. Single rooms are available.
Enjoy free access to the Nuxe Spa. Go for a relaxing dip in the indoor lap pool, experience the ice cave, bubble bath, cold-water baths, hammams, sauna and tea room! Treatments and massages can be booked via the hotel reception.
Chalet Hôtel La Chemenaz
We have worked with this family run hotel for a number of years. The 4**** Chemenaz is a modern hotel in Les Hameaux du Lay on the outskirts of Les Contamines.
The Hotel La Chemenaz, has a swimming pool, offers 36 bedrooms and 4 suites. The bedrooms have en suite facilities, and are non-smoking. The hotel is in a great location for the start of our most challenging day, in that it gains us some km's first thing in the morning as we have less distance to walk to join the first climb of the day.
Hôtel Angival, Bourg St Maurice
The Hotel Angival is a newly renovated small hotel which has retained its unique style, offering both comfort and charm.
The Hôtel Angival is situated in the centre of Bourg St Maurice near the main pedestrian street, providing an opportunity to visit the local shops and cafes after your day in the mountains. Afterwards you can rejoin your group at the hotels restaurant and sample dishes that are based on the produce of the area.
Hotel Edelweiss, Courmayeur
The Hotel Edelweiss is right in the heart of Courmayeur with easy access to the town centre, while being tucked away in a quiet street where you will not be disturbed by the crowds.
The Hotel Edelweiss has a lovely sunny garden area at the front, and a spacious lounge bar to enjoy a drink. All the rooms are en suite and dinner is very Italian with local dishes and plenty of pasta. Other hotels which we use in Courmayeur include the Hotel Bouton d'Or, and the Hotel Walser.
Hotel Splendide, Champex
The Hotel Splendide sits high in the mountains with great views from the terrace down to the valley below.
The historic Hotel Splendide was built between 1934 and 1938 by the grand-father of the owner. Please note that not all of the rooms here are en suite but we do book as many as possible. For example, in some cases single rooms share a bathroom located on the same floor. There are some large family rooms available with adjoining rooms with en suite bathrooms which make a twin. We eat dinner in the lovely old-fashioned dining room, a real touch of history to be found in this family run hotel.
During the Second World War the army from the nearby artillery fort were stationed at the hotel. Those perfect views down the valley were appreciated by more than just the tourists! It gave the army an excellent position of strength for protecting the route through to Italy.
Hotel de la Couronne, Argentière
Our hotel in Argentière is the most historic in the village built in 1865 when there was an influx of mountaineers and therefore a demand for accommodation.
With the first ever Winter Olympics held in the valley in 1924 tourism continued to grow and the now 3* Hotel de la Couronne has played its part ever since. In the 1930's the hotel was one of the first to install central heating, and it has continued its modernisation ever since with it's last upgrade and new extension being built in 2024. The Hotel de la Couronne is the only hotel of the nineteenth century in the Chamonix valley that has not changed activity since its construction. Right in the heart of the village it is ideal for exploring the characterful bars and shops, and for the start of our hike the next morning.
Hôtel Le Jeu de Paume
A stunning 4* chalet hotel in the Mont Blanc Valley.
The family run Hôtel Le Jeu de Paume has ecology and architecture at the centre of its ethos and has been in the Prache family since 1989. After a day in the mountains this is a peaceful setting to relax and reflex on your journey so far. The wellness spa offers a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor spa.
Trip Information
This trip starts and finishes in Chamonix, France which is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.
If travelling by train we recommend booking through RailEurope or Trainline. For coach travel we recommend using Flixbus. For more information on travelling by public transport, please see our travel blog.
If travelling by plane, Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.
A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website.
Reaching Chamonix from Geneva airport is straightforward with many transfer companies operating this route throughout the day. Either consider a scheduled bus which will drop you at Chamonix Sud Bus Station, such as easybus.com, or use a private transfer company such as Haute Transfer, or Mountain Drop-Offs which will drop you at your accommodation. If booking with Mountain Drop-Offs you receive a small discount on the route by using our company code of TAT01. This code only applies to transfers in ’normal’ working hours. It does not apply to early morning, or late evening transfers.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Microspikes - if your trip dates are early summer there can be snow patches to cross and microspikes can be useful.
Equipment
Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers
Emergency foil blanket
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
Shorts/skort
Sun hat
Warm hat
Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
Fleece jacket/shirt
Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
Thermal leggings - optional
Comfort
Sunscreen
Lip salve
Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
Tissues
Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers
Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
Book/Kindle/Music
Documentation
Passport, plus a paper copy
Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
Travel Insurance
Credit Card
Cash - Euros/Swiss Francs
Waterproof bag for documents
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Personal First Aid
Personal medication - if required
Antiseptic cream/spray
Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
Glucose tablets
2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
A few throat lozenges
Blister plasters
Blister tape eg. Strappal
Bandaid plasters
Additional Items
Camera
Slippers for use in accommodation
Clothing for use at accommodation
AirTag or similar device to track luggage
Travel Kettle - if required
Hair dryer - if required
Padlock - for luggage being transferred
Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
1 Medium sized - kit bag/holdall/suitcase
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The legal maximum weight limit is 15kg (33lbs) per person. If your luggage exceeds this limit it will not be collected. You can take only ONE luggage bag on the trip. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single supplement for this trip is £490 in 2027.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
This classic journey picks out the best of the daily stages and links them by short vehicle transfers. Please be aware this does not mean it is 'easier' than the full ten day version of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The trip takes in the highlights, while leaving out the easier valley walks. Our route will tackle several major pass crossings, such as the Col de Bonhomme, and the Col de la Seigne.
This trip is graded 'Advanced'. It is suitable for those of you who consider yourself ‘hill-walkers’, these trips involve longer days at an altitude of up to 2800m (9184ft) on good paths and tracks. A good level of fitness is required as these treks can involve considerable amounts of ascent and descent and the occasional difficult day on rougher paths. There may be an occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1350m (4428ft). We would expect you to have previous experience of walking on consecutive days in the mountains, and have experience of hiking in bad weather. Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day.
Your luggage will be transferred daily to the next accommodation and you only need carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for guidance on the size of rucksack required.
Your luggage, ONE bag per person, will be moved along the route by taxi and should not exceed the legal maximum weight of 15kgs (33lbs). If your luggage exceeds this weight limit it will not be collected and will be left behind.
Be aware that you will have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea, and the taxi companies prefer a soft bag. They cannot accept responsibility for damage to any hard-shell suitcases. You are asked to avoid leaving valuables in your luggage, fragile items, personal medication or official documents, such as passports.
If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel in Chamonix it is possible to leave extra luggage at the hotel for your return. However, we cannot guarantee at this point in time that we will be using the same hotel at the beginning and end of your journey as it depends on availability. Contact us for details.
Your bags will be collected each morning at 0800 hrs and if your bag is not ready it will not be collected. The bags will be delivered by 1730 hrs to your next accommodation. Earlier delivery cannot be guarantee due to the volume of luggage moving around the Tour du Mont Blanc.
We recommend that you consider a device such as an "AirTag" which allows you to track your luggage in the event of it being misplaced.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route:
IGN 89025: Tour du Mont Blanc 1:50,000
or
IGN 3630 OT: Chamonix Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000
IGN 3531 ET: St Gervais-les-Bains Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
