The Tour of Mont Blanc // The First Fifty

I love a trail that loops. Even better if it loops around the iconic Mont Blanc. The Tour of Mont Blanc or TMB is one of the most popular treks in Europe. Which is fitting since it circumnavigates one of the most popular mountains in Europe as well. The TMB is 107 miles in length with approximately 33,000ft of climbing. It's an amazing network of well maintained paths and some pavement. It provides a multi day 360 view of the Mont Blanc Massif and crosses through three countries, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Along it's manicured paths you can find a network of huts or rifugios that I hear provide great nourishment and rest. I wouldn't know about that. I decided to attempt the Tour of Mont Blanc in the middle of October when all the huts were closed for the season. This meant I could either camp, or stay in hotels. Staying in hotels required me to do the first 50 miles in one day, rather than the usual 5 or so days required for the casual trekker. Maybe I should have camped.