Tour Du Mont Blanc: Insights for Hikers

It is estimated that about 20,000 people hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc each year making it one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. Recently, we invited thousands of hikers from all over the web to come and take part in our 2023 TMB Survey.

1. TMB Completion
2. Planning for the TMB
3. Types of Accommodation Used and Booking Methods for the TMB
4. Gear and Navigation used on the TMB
5. Backpack Brands
6. Trekking Poles Usage
7. Luxury Items and Spending
8. Demographics and Experience
9. Social Hiking Dynamics
10. Conclusion

Based on our survey data from hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc, we’ve uncovered some interesting statistics that may help you in your TMB planning. In this survey we asked thousands of hikers to answer questions about their experience on and off trail, the gear that they used and how they navigated on the trail.

We also asked them about how the planned ahead of the trip, including how they booked accommodation and planned their resupply stops along the way. here are the findings.

TMB Completion

Sign pointing to the Col de la Seigne on the TMB

• 85.5% of hikers successfully completed the trail, highlighting the trail’s accessibility for a range of hikers.
• Approximately 83.6% of the respondents hiked the trail in a counter-clockwise direction.
• August appears to be the most popular month to start the TMB. Choosing this time ensures favourable weather conditions, albeit with higher foot traffic.
• The most popular starting point for hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2023 was Les Houches / Chamonix, followed by Courmayeur as the second most popular starting point. These locations are well-known for their accessibility and facilities, making them preferred choices for beginning the trail.
• The average time taken to complete the trail is around 9 to 12 days. This timeframe should be considered for planning accommodations and supplies.

Planning for the TMB

• 34.5% began planning their hike 2-6 months in advance, and 30.9% planned 6-12 months ahead, highlighting the importance of early preparation.
• Around 21.8% started planning just a month before, suggesting spontaneity or flexibility among some hikers.
• A significant 80% shopped for their own food in local stores, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and the opportunity to explore local cuisines.

Types of Accommodation Used and Booking Methods for the TMB

Flowers in bloom outside a luxury hotel on the TMB

• Campsite and Dormitory were equally popular, each chosen by 18.2% of hikers. This reflects a preference for more immersive, nature-oriented stays.
• Dormitory, Campsite, and Hotel combinations were used by 10.9%, suggesting a mix of comfort and adventure.
• A notable 9.1% opted for dormitories only, while 7.3% chose campsites with occasional hotel stays.
• A significant 87.3% booked their accommodations directly, indicating a preference for self-organized trips.
• Only 12.7% used a tour company, which might appeal to those seeking a more guided experience.

Tent pitched by a lake on the TMB

Gear and Navigation used on the TMB

• 56.4% of hikers brought paper maps, suggesting that traditional navigation methods are still valued despite digital alternatives.
• Approximately 30.9% used HiiKER exclusively as their primary form of navigation.
• When it comes to footwear, 41.8% preferred hiking boots, 38.2% chose trail runners, and 20% wore trail shoes, indicating diverse preferences based on comfort and trail conditions.
• A whopping 90.9% used trekking poles, underscoring their importance for balance and support on varied terrain.
• Of those that used a guide book for the route, over 66% used Cicerone press – Tour du Mont Blanc book

TMB on HiiKER

Backpack Brands

• Osprey was the most popular backpack brand, used by 41.8% of hikers, known for its comfort and durability.
• Lowe Alpine and Gregory followed, each preferred by 7.3% and 5.5% respectively, showing varied brand loyalties.
• Ultralight brands such as Atom packs, Hyperlight and zpacks took up 18.2% of hikers, showing a strong representation of those looking for lightweight options.

Trekking Poles Usage

• An overwhelming 90.9% of hikers used trekking poles, emphasizing their importance in providing stability and reducing strain on challenging terrains.

Luxury Items and Spending

Tables set at restaurant overlooking a valley on the TMB

• The ‘one luxury item’ varied greatly, with choices ranging from phones, kindles, cameras to unique items like a lightweight dress or a cheese board (yum), reflecting personal comforts and priorities.
• Spending on gear, accommodation, and local supplies varied, indicating a range of budgeting styles and preferences among hikers.

Demographics and Experience

TMB hikers

• The gender split showed 60% male and 38.2% female, with a small percentage identifying as non-binary.
• Age groups were diverse, with the largest group being 25-32 years at 27.3%, followed by fairly even representation across other age brackets.
• In terms of experience, 54.5% were seasoned hikers with previous multi-day trail experience, while 21.8% had intermediate experience, indicating that the TMB attracts both experienced and moderately experienced hikers.
• A diverse range of nationalities participated, with a notable presence of hikers from Canada and the United States.
• A good number of hikers possessed “Good level of Navigation skills”, which is crucial given the trail’s challenging navigation in parts.

Social Hiking Dynamics

Solo hiker on the TMB

• 38.2% hiked alone, showing a preference for solitude, while 25.5% hiked with a friend and 21.8% with a partner. Group hiking was less common but still represented.
• Approximately 14% of the hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2023 that started their hike alone ended up hiking with others they met along the way.

Conclusion

These detailed statistics from the Tour du Mont Blanc survey provide a comprehensive view of the hiker’s experience. From gear choices to hiking dynamics, these insights reflect the diverse preferences and approaches of those who take on this iconic trail. Whether a solo adventurer or part of a group, a seasoned hiker or someone seeking a new challenge, the TMB offers something for everyone. This data can be invaluable for future hikers in planning and preparing for their journey, ensuring a memorable and well-informed experience.

Bonus image – here’s a dog hiking the TMB (from HiiKER user Ruth Erez)

Good boy on the TMB

Here’s a blast from the past. A rare podcast conversation between yours truly (Eoin) and HiiKER CEO Paul Finlay, discussing the Tour Du mont blanc.

Did you find this useful? Are there questions you still have about planning or hiking the TMB? Let us know in the comments.