Good practices

On the Tour du Mont-Blanc, it also means respecting the mountains, the refuges and the people who live there.

Nature worth protecting.

Hiking responsibly

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is a unique experience. For it to stay that way, everyone has a part to play. Before, during and after your hike, adopt the right habits to respect the massif, respect the refuges and make the most of your adventure.

Plan my Tour

Protecting the mountains

The mountains are a fragile environment. Every action counts to protect biodiversity, limit trail erosion and safeguard wildlife. On the Tour du Mont-Blanc, staying on the trails, lighting no fires, respecting grazing herds and bivouacking only in authorised areas are essential habits.

I respect wildlife and plant life

I do not pick plants

I do not disturb animals

I keep my distance

I do not swim in mountain lakes.

I limit my impact

No fires
No bivouacking outside authorised areas
I keep a low profile in nature

I stay on marked trails

I avoid soil erosion

I protect sensitive areas

I plan a safe route

Bivouac: I follow local rules

Bivouacking is regulated on the Tour du Mont-Blanc. Depending on the area, it may be limited, banned, or permitted only close to certain refuges and within specific hours.

Leave no trace

Waste management

In the mountains, nothing disappears. Everything you carry up must come back down with you, including food scraps, tissues and packaging. Good habits protect the landscapes of the TMB and everyone's experience.

I carry all my waste back down

Nothing left behind!
Not even biodegradable waste
I pack a dedicated bag in my rucksack

Litter left behind can stay in the mountains for years.

I choose reusable containers

A water bottle rather than a plastic bottle

Reusable boxes for picnics

Unpackaged products whenever possible

Less packaging means less waste to carry.

I sort my waste whenever I can

I use sorting points at refuges or in villages

I follow local instructions

I separate recyclables / compost / waste

Not all refuges are equipped, so I plan ahead.

A refuge is a shared experience

Life in a refuge

A refuge is a shared living space. Keeping to the timetable, taking your boots off at the door, keeping noise down in the dormitories and leaving spaces clean makes the experience pleasant for everyone, hikers and wardens alike.

I book ahead

I let the refuge know if I am late or cancelling

I keep to the timetable (meals, quiet hours, departure)

I do not wear my boots indoors

I leave the spaces clean

Adapting your hike

Every hiker moves at their own pace. Adapting your route, anticipating the weather and taking your group's needs into account lets you enjoy the Tour du Mont-Blanc safely.