Last Updated: July 7, 2026
As of July 4, 2026, conditions on the Tour du Mont Blanc have transitioned to typical summer hiking with only limited snow fields on the route. Most of the standard route is now snow free, and hikers can expect typical summer trail conditions across the vast majority of the circuit.
The rapid snowmelt over the past several weeks has eliminated nearly all of the continuous snow cover that was present earlier in the season. On the standard TMB, the only remaining snow is confined to a few isolated areas, including patchy snow near the Col du Bonhomme/Croix du Bonhomme, several persistent snow-filled gullies between Champex and Trient, and a handful of short snow crossings near Le Brévent. In each of these locations, the surrounding terrain now presents a greater challenge than the amount of snow itself.
The higher variants continue to hold more lingering snow than the standard route. The Col des Fours and Fenêtre d’Arpette remain the two routes requiring the greatest caution, although conditions have improved dramatically and many hikers are now successfully completing both under favorable conditions.
The observations below are based primarily on satellite imagery captured in early July 2026, combined with current weather patterns and our knowledge of the route. Actual conditions on the ground may vary depending on recent weather, overnight freezing, and foot traffic.
Quick Summary:
- The standard Tour du Mont Blanc is now in full summer hiking conditions.
- Most hikers will encounter little or no snow on the standard route.
- Small patches of snow remain near the Col du Bonhomme/Croix du Bonhomme, Le Brévent, and in several persistent snow gullies between Champex and Trient.
- The Col des Fours and Fenêtre d’Arpette variants still require additional caution due to lingering snow.
- Trekking poles remain useful, but hikers no longer need microspikes on the standard TMB.
- Conditions continue to improve daily, and the remaining snow on the standard route is expected to diminish further over the coming weeks.
Let’s take a look at each section of trail using satellite imagery from July 2nd and 4th, 2026.
Need help evaluating your itinerary?
Current trail conditions vary dramatically depending on your start date, route choice, and experience level. If you’re planning a June or early July hike, we can review your itinerary and help you determine whether any changes are needed.
Review your planned stages and accommodation bookings
Discuss current snow conditions and alternate routes
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We’ve helped hundreds of hikers plan their TMB itineraries and navigate changing trail conditions throughout the season.
Les Houches to Les Contamines
Satellite date: July 4th, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The standard TMB route via Col de Voza is snow free.
- The Col de Tricot route is now completely snow free.
- The trail from Refuge de Miage to Les Contamines is snow free.
What this means for hikers
This section of the Tour du Mont Blanc presents no snow-related challenges. Both the standard route via Col de Voza and the scenic Col de Tricot variant are fully clear of snow and can be hiked under normal summer trail conditions.
Hikers should expect dry trails throughout this section, though as always, weather and recent rainfall may still affect trail conditions independently of snow.
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
Satellite date: July 4th, 2026
What we’re seeing
- Nearly all of the remaining snow on the standard route has melted.
- The Col des Fours variant has transitioned from significant snow fields to smaller, patchy snow that is getting smaller by the day.
What this means for hikers
The standard route still has a few small snow sections to cross but it not posing any significant challenges. The main snow filed is just before Col du Bonhomme and then the trail is clear as it ascends further to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.
The Col des Fours variant has improved considerably but continues to hold several large snowfields. It remains a challenging route and snow bridges are a considerable risk still on this route. While many hikers are now taking this variant, we only advise it for experienced and well equipped hikers for another week or so.
Need help evaluating your itinerary?
Current trail conditions vary dramatically depending on your start date, route choice, and experience level. If you’re planning a June or early July hike, we can review your itinerary and help you determine whether any changes are needed.
Review your planned stages and accommodation bookings
Discuss current snow conditions and alternate routes
Get personalized gear recommendations for your trip
We’ve helped hundreds of hikers plan their TMB itineraries and navigate changing trail conditions throughout the season.
Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta
Satellite date: July 4th, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The route is now snow free on both sides of the Col de la Seigne
What this means for hikers
This section of the Tour du Mont Blanc presents no snow-related challenges.
Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
Satellite date: July 4, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The route is now snow free
What this means for hikers
This section of the Tour du Mont Blanc presents no major snow-related challenges. We hiked this route on July 10th and it was complete snow free.
Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
Satellite date: July 4, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The climb from Courmayeur to Rifugio Bertone is snow free.
- The balcony trail between Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Bonatti is now snow free
- The Mont de la Saxe variant is now snow free.
What this means for hikers
The standard TMB route between Courmayeur and Rifugio Bonatti is now snow free.
We hiked the Mont de la Saxe variant on July 10th and the route has a few snow patches just off the trail, but is snow free for all intents and purposes.
Grand Col Ferret
Satellite date: July 4, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The Grand Col Ferret now appears to be completely snow free on both sides of the pass.
What this means for hikers
This section of the Tour du Mont Blanc presents no snow-related challenges.
Champex to Trient
Satellite date: July 4, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The standard TMB route between Champex and Trient appears largely snow free, with the exception of several gullies along the traverse that likely still hold a bit of snow.
- The Fenêtre d’Arpette appears to be snow free on the Trient side, although satellite imagery makes it difficult to determine exactly how much snow remains on the upper slopes.
- On the Champex side, there appears to be a shrinking snow field in the upper boulder field below the pass.
What this means for hikers
The Fenêtre d’Arpette has improved substantially since earlier in the season, but caution is still advised. Although the Trient side appears to be nearly snow free, the remaining snow within the boulder field on the Champex side may actually become more problematic as it melts, with hidden gaps between rocks increasing the likelihood of punching through the snowpack.
However, many hikers are now completing the Fenêtre d’Arpette and we expect it to be snow free within the next 7 – 10 days.
Trient to Tre-le-Champ
Satellite date: July 4, 2026
What we’re seeing
- This section of trail is now completely snow free.
What this means for hikers
This section of the Tour du Mont Blanc presents no snow-related challenges.
Tre-le-Champ to Les Houches
Satellite date: July 2, 2026
What we’re seeing
- The ascent to Flégère, including the ladder section, is snow free.
- The route to Lac Blanc is snow free
- The Le Brévent area appears to have a small amount of snow, though this should be completely melted within the week.
What this means for hikers
Most of the route from Tré-le-Champ to Le Brévent is now in typical summer hiking conditions. Snow is unlikely to be a concern on this stage.
Wrap Up
Overall, the Tour du Mont Blanc has now transitioned to full summer hiking conditions. Most of the standard route is snow free, and hikers beginning in July should expect typical summer trail conditions across the vast majority of the circuit.
The only remaining snow-related challenges on the standard route are limited to a few patchy snowfields near Col du Bonhomme/Croix du Bonhomme, several persistent snow gullies on the traverse between Champex and Trient, and a handful of short snow crossings on the approach to Le Brévent. In each case, the surrounding terrain now presents a greater challenge than the amount of snow itself.
The higher variants—including Col des Fours and Fenêtre d’Arpette—continue to hold more significant snow, although conditions have improved dramatically over the past several weeks and many hikers are now successfully completing both routes. Anyone choosing these variants should still be comfortable assessing mountain conditions and traveling on lingering snow.
With continued warm weather, the remaining snow on the standard Tour du Mont Blanc will continue to diminish over the coming days. Aside from a few isolated north-facing patches, the route has now entered its typical summer hiking season.
Need help evaluating your itinerary?
Current trail conditions vary dramatically depending on your start date, route choice, and experience level. If you’re planning a June or early July hike, we can review your itinerary and help you determine whether any changes are needed.
Review your planned stages and accommodation bookings
Discuss current snow conditions and alternate routes
Get personalized gear recommendations for your trip
We’ve helped hundreds of hikers plan their TMB itineraries and navigate changing trail conditions throughout the season.
Thanks so much for the info. Going in July so hopefully things will be better.
July should be just fine! There might be some lingering snow in a few places, but nothing to concern yourself with, especially given the forecast for high temperatures.
Big Thanks for the comprehensive information!
Our group of 8 people is planning to hike the TMB from June 19th to June 29th, starting in Courmayeur and finishing there. Do you think we will need microspikes?
I would bring them. You may not need them much, but better to have them just in case.
I’m starting on June 29th. I hope it gets better🙏
There will be A LOT less snow by June 29th!
Thank you! And you will also send weather from the radar?
Hey there, thank you for the information. I am starting this Friday (June 12th) and will be bringing poles and spikes. Any recommendations on specific sections I should avoid and how to best do that? I plan to follow your 11 day itinerary but don’t mind changing up my plan.
Hi Marta, if you’re starting on the 12th conditions will be much much better compared to what they were on May 28th. It is too early to say for sure, but I think most the route should be in good shape if you’re traveling with spikes and poles. I would be especially cautious for snow bridges and also around Le Brevent. You can take a lower trail between Planpraz and Refuge Bellachat that avoids the high section at Le Brevent. However, the section around Brevent will have a lot less snow, especially if you are hiking counter-clockwise and not hiking that trail until June 23rd.
Thank you, Ian. I appreciate the insights!
Hi! Curious what the temperatures will be at the higher elevations? We are hiking starting on the 24th. Should we plan to bring really warm clothes and wind breakers? Coming from Colorado
Hi Hannah, the high elevations can definitely be chilly, especially at night. I think a puffy jacket and some sort of long pant layer is generally all you’ll need. Temperatures during the day can get really warm, and the sun can be quite intense. Overall, I’d say pretty similar to Colorado, but probably a bit warmer since the elevation is lower. Hope that helps!
Thank you!!
Hello!
My friend and I are planning to start hiking on the 27th do you think that microspikes will truly be necessary, or will the typical hiking poles be enough? We have a pretty good physical condition but not much experience in snow-covered hiking.
Btw the updates are extremely informative and helpful so please continue doing them!
Hey Anton, It will be a bit of a toss up starting on the 27th. Most likely you will be okay without microspikes. You still have two weeks of melting and so long as you are okay going slow on some of the sections that will still have snow, I think you could probably leave them behind.
Ian
Hello!
My daughter and I are starting the tmb on July 3rd. From reading your report it looks like there are only a few spots left at the moment that might require microspikes. Do you think by the time we start on the 3rd that even these spots would be ok without spikes? Trying to make the decision to pack or not in our luggage.
Would appreciate your insight. Thanks!
Hi Maria,
I think by July 3rd there should be a pretty limited amount of snow left, so you can probably skip microspikes. Of course, a lot of that decision is personal preference and experience, but most hikers won’t need them at that point.
Ian
If we skip Fenêtre d’Arpette in favor of the easier Alp Bovine route, would it be a viable option to do the Les Grands variant the next day from Trient to Col de la Balme? I’ve heard there is some exposure and snow, but we won’t be there until late July. I assume it will be clear of snow by then. I’ve also heard there are cables to hold onto on the exposed sections, is this true or are there some treacherous sections?
Hey Jodi,
By the end of July, the Les Grands route should be snow free and good to go! There are definitely some exposed sections, but the main exposed section does benefit from a fixed cable along the rock face for added stability.
Ian