Here are some photos from Joy's walks as part of our pre-season research on the TMB, taken towards the end of June. The TMB was unusually snow-free for that point in the year.


Above Les Houches, the long view down the Arve valley


Bright Italian signposts above Refugio Bertone


Early summer brings colourful flowers in the Alps


Looking towards the Grand Col Ferret and the Swiss border

Places are available on two guided TMBs this summer, from 6 to 20 August led by Keith and from 20 August to 3 September led by Allan. Please join Keith's or Allan's group for a superb trek around Mont Blanc.

Tour du Mont Blanc (Guided) - our guided TMBs led by our IMLs

(Simon writes) As every year, we check out the TMB immediately before the summer season. This means recces in late June, which this year were spread among Joy, Pete, Anna-Maria and Chris, and me, covering various sections each.


Col du Bonhomme from an unusual angle, by Pete

Our TMB clients are receiving our Season Update, which collects our notes from these recces. We update everyone on changed logistics around the route and on the snow level. Snow this early summer is almost non-existent on the TMB, in great contrast to 2010 when it was abundant still at the end of June.


Walking up towards Lac de Combal and Rif Elisabetta

Many day walkers were out and about near Lac de Combal in some splendid late-June sun.


Bavarian Gentians in the sun


Refuge Bonhomme under a cloud

Please join us on the TMB, whether in 2011 or 2012. We have spaces left on some of our guided TMBs this summer, and availability for self-guided trips at various points. It's exhilarating to see the season start again.

Tour du Mont Blanc (Self-Guided)
Tour du Mont Blanc (Guided)

The Tour du Mont Blanc's routing has changed on the final descent to Courmayeur, to spend less time on the steep ski tracks. Alpine Exploratory's Pete Ellis has researched this section and we have been sending out updated routecards with the latest info.

Tour du Mont Blanc