The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is iconic for a reason: You get to hike through the Alps in France, Italy, and Switzerland, and stay and dine at charming chalets in stunning mountain settings. It’s no surprise that it’s become a landmark hiking destination. And yet, that landmark status has also brought hordes of people.
Around 80,000 people hike at least part of the 107-mile trail each year. Social media videos show lines of hikers on the trail, resembling a group of salmon trying to move upstream. Booking stays in the chalets, refugios, and huts on the trail has become much more challenging in recent years.
Local authorities have complained about littering and disrespectful behavior from tourists, and may even take action. The mayor of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, a French town on the route, told a local broadcaster that they want to implement a reservation system beginning in 2027 to control the crowds. The proposal would require that travelers on the TMB have reservations at huts or designated bivouac zones in advance.
The beauty of the TMB is undeniable. But if you’re looking for a remote, wilderness experience, this trail will likely disappoint. Instead of joining the bustle of the TMB, try one of these three other trails through the European Alps instead.
Slovenian Mountain Trail
This 383-mile trail, which opened in 1953, is actually Europe’s first transversal hiking trail. It showcases the greatest hits of Slovenia, from the coastline to ex-volcanoes to the Julian Alps, as well as multiple historical sites. Camping is not allowed, so hikers stay in mountain huts, which are interspersed every few miles on trail.
If you don’t have time to do the whole trail, the section through the Julian Alps is a great choice. It covers around 110 miles and includes Triglav, the country’s highest peak and its national symbol.
When to go: Many mountain huts are closed from October to June, so the summer is the best time.
For more information: The Alpine Association of Slovenia has resources, maps, and guidebooks to help plan your journey.
HexaTrek
Most people probably aren’t going to do this entire 1,885-mile hike through France, but it’s home to many stunning sections that would make for a great 2-week trip. There are four main mountain portions: the Northern Alps, Southern Alps, East Pyrenees, and West Pyrenees. If your heart is set on hiking Mont Blanc, try the Northern Alps section, which passes by the mountain but avoids the hubbub of the TMB.
For something a bit different, try the West Pyrenees portion, which crosses through the unique Basque region and small, quaint villages like Ainhoa, Sare, Espelette, and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The elevation gain here is strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded with trips to the Garvarnie cirque, a naturally made rock amphitheater that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Roland Gap, a large opening in the mountains between the border with Spain and France.
When to go: Given the high elevations on this hike, snow is the main concern. It’s best to begin in early June, at which point mountain passes should be accessible.
For more information: The HexaTrek has its own website with maps and other resources.
Alta Via 1
If you’re on social media, you’ve undoubtedly seen your feed full of influencers vacationing in Italy’s Dolomites over the summer. This far northern corner of the country is becoming as popular as the TMB, but if you hike more than a few miles from the main drag, you’ll get plenty of solitude.
That’s where the Alta Via 1 comes in: This 77-mile trail is perfect for people who want to complete a grand adventure in 2 weeks, and do so in relative peace.
The trail, which is the easiest and least technical path through this mountain range, passes through the eastern Dolomites. You’ll stay in mountain huts, with the opportunity to try northern Italian cuisine, which is quite different than food in the rest of the country (think more sausage and fewer tomatoes).
The blend of Italian and German culture and language here makes for a fascinating cultural landscape worth exploring.
When to go: June to mid-September. Peak season is July and August.
For more information: Be sure to visit the Italian Alpine Club to book your stays in huts in advance.
