What Is the Hardest Stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The hardest stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc depends on which direction you are hiking. If you are trekking the TMB trail clockwise, many find the climb from La Fouly up toward the Grand Col Ferret to be the most demanding. This section features the steepest and most sustained vertical gain on the Swiss side of the Mont Blanc circuit, with nearly 900 meters of ascent to one of the highest points along the route.

If you are moving anti clockwise on your Tour du Mont Blanc hike, the most challenging stage is often the climb out of Courmayeur up to Rifugio Bertone, and then along the balcony path toward Rifugio Bonatti. Starting directly from the valley floor, you gain almost 800 meters over a relatively short distance, making it a relentless and demanding start to the day.

That said, the real difficulty of the TMB hike is not just about elevation profiles and steepness. It is shaped just as much by the conditions you encounter on the day.

Challenging weather can turn an easier day on the TMB trail into a real test of patience and resilience. A rolling valley section can feel exhausting under intense heat. Rain can turn a gentle path into a slippery climb. Strong winds can make high passes feel much more exposed and tiring. On the other hand, cool temperatures, clear skies, and a steady breeze can turn even the steepest ascents into some of the most rewarding moments of the trek.

The Tour du Mont Blanc trail is not simply a path marked by distance and elevation. It is a living adventure shaped by the moods of the mountains and the mindset you bring with you each day. Some days will stretch your endurance, others will invite you to move slowly and steadily. The true beauty of the Mont Blanc circuit lies not only in the landscapes you cross but in the resilience you find along the way. It is not just about how hard a stage is on paper. It is about how you rise to meet whatever the trail brings and discover what you are truly capable of.