So having done TMB 1 time and AV1 3 times….Here’s my short guide on the highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc vs the highlights of the Alta Via 1 trek.
You really can’t go wrong on either one for a magical summer hiking vacation.
What You Will Learn
TMB Highlights
The good:
- More Americans on trail to talk to
- More glaciers!
- More dramatic up/downs
- More villages and towns
- paragliding
- slightly cheaper
- way easier to navigate (av1 signs are sh*&t)
- easier logistically to get to
- a lot more older people on trail
- way more awesome cows
- more water features (waterfalls, streams lakes execpt braies)
- bigger mountains
Read my guide on the difficulty of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike.
AV1 Highlights
The good:
- Scenery is epic and varied
- Warmer hosts at rifugios
- Food is twice as good
- wine is better
- more places on trail where you’re alone
- interactions with rock climbers
- less crowded around gondolas
- depending on hut better linens
Final Verdict
They both are a pain in the ass to book, which is a good thing to keep away instagrammers. But they are both iconic European hut to hut hikes that should be on your bucketlist.
Go and take your kids. Take your friends, take your family.
But don’t take your dogs. The huts will not allow them inside. Learn more about hut to hut hiking trips.
Final Verdict: Ways to Book a Hut to Hut Hiking Trip
Self-Guided Tour Planning Service
- [Self-Guided] - You're on your own once you start
- Must book in Oct to Jan of year prior to hike
- Fully done for you route
- Service finds and books your huts
- Maps provided on app
- small groups (<10 typically)
- local Chamonix guides
- all transfers/breakfast/dinner/accommodations included
- airport transfer included
- stay in the insanely beautiful Rifugio Bonatti and other huts at high elevation
Camping
- campgrounds can be crowded
- reservations often needed in advance
- Wild camping is prohibited or limited by elevation
We hope this quick guide on Trekking the TMB vs AV1 has given you a little insight for your summer planning.
More Tour du Mont Blanc Travel Blogs
More Alta Via 1 Travel Blogs
- 5 Day Alta Via 1 Itinerary
- Best Self Guided Planners on AV1
- Dolomites Hut to Hut Hiking Tips
- Best Rifugio on the Alta Via 1
- Hut to Hut Hiking in Europe
- AV1 Minimalist Packing List
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.