You want to do a hut-to-hut trek in the Alps, but you’re not sure: will it be the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Alta Via 1?
A luxury dilemma, because both are among the most beautiful multi-day hiking routes in Europe.
Still, they differ quite a bit — in landscape, difficulty, comfort, and atmosphere.
In this comparison, you’ll read exactly what to expect from each route, so you’ll know which Alpine hut-to-hut trek suits you best.
| Route | Countries | Duration | Difficulty | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour du Mont Blanc | 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇨🇭 | 10 days | Moderate | Chamonix / Les Houches |
| Alta Via 1 | 🇮🇹 | 8 days | Challenging | Lago di Braies (Dolomites) |
Both routes are classics, but the Tour du Mont Blanc offers more comfort and variety, while the Alta Via 1 feels wilder and more authentically Italian.
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is the ultimate Alpine classic. In ten days, you walk a 170-kilometer loop through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The scenery changes constantly — from flower meadows to glaciers, forests, and rocky mountain passes. You literally see a different Alpine landscape every day.
The Alta Via 1, on the other hand, is pure Dolomite magic. For eight days, the trail winds its way past limestone towers, turquoise lakes, and narrow ridgelines. The terrain is steeper and drier, but also more dramatic — as if you’re walking through a movie set.
“The Tour du Mont Blanc feels like a complete Alpine journey – glaciers, valleys, forests, and three cultures in one trek. The Alta Via 1 is more intense: more rock, more silence, and that wonderful Italian atmosphere in the rifugi.”
— Annemiek, Alps specialist at Bookatrekking
Both routes are a culinary delight, each with its own character. On the Tour du Mont Blanc, you taste three cuisines: fondue in Switzerland, tartiflette in France, and pasta with views of Courmayeur in Italy. The huts range from simple mountain refuges to cozy hotels serving full dinners. The atmosphere is lively and international – perfect if you enjoy meeting other hikers.
The Alta Via 1 is pure Italy. The rifugi serve pasta, polenta, and local cheeses, often accompanied by a glass of house wine. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and familiar, with a slightly slower pace.
In short: on the TMB, you taste three countries. On the Alta Via 1, you taste Italy.
The Tour du Mont Blanc stands out for its excellent organization and comfort. Through Bookatrekking, you can choose between a Classic and a Comfort package: your accommodation, breakfast, and navigation are arranged, and in the Comfort version, daily luggage transport is included. You hike with only your daypack and follow the route via the Bookatrekking app, which includes offline maps and GPX tracks.
The Alta Via 1 is a bit more adventurous. You’ll mostly stay in rifugi (mountain huts) and carry your own luggage. This route is also available in our app, with offline navigation and daily stage descriptions, but the infrastructure is less developed than on the TMB.
Both routes require early booking — especially in July and August, when popular huts are often fully booked months in advance.
We take care of all the arrangements for you, so you can focus entirely on the trek.
The TMB is slightly more comfortable, while the Alta Via 1 is a bit more adventurous — both are unforgettable.
| Route | Duration | Luggage Transport | Price (from) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour du Mont Blanc Classic | 10 days | Optional | €1,595 p.p. | 9 nights, breakfast, app, route, support |
| Tour du Mont Blanc Comfort | 9 days | Yes | €1,850 – €2,200 p.p. | 8 nights, breakfast, luggage, app, support |
| Alta Via 1 (Dolomites) | 8 days | No | €1,295 p.p. | 7 nights, breakfast, app, route, support |
The Alta Via 1 is more compact and slightly more affordable, but on the Tour du Mont Blanc you get more comfort, service, and logistical convenience.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is the perfect choice for those seeking comfort, variety, and three cultures in one adventure. The Alta Via 1 is ideal for those who love peace, simplicity, and Italian flair.
| If you're looking for... | Then choose... |
|---|---|
| Comfort, variety, and luggage transport | Tour du Mont Blanc |
| Wilderness, silence, and Italian charm | Alta Via 1 |
“The Tour du Mont Blanc is the classic that everyone should experience at least once. The Alta Via 1 is the natural next step: a bit tougher, a bit purer, and just as unforgettable.”
— Annemiek, Alps specialist at Bookatrekking
The Alta Via 1 is generally a bit tougher due to its rocky terrain and greater daily elevation changes. The Tour du Mont Blanc is longer, but better developed and logistically easier.
No, on the Alta Via 1 you carry your own luggage. Luggage transport is available on the Tour du Mont Blanc Comfort version offered by Bookatrekking.
The Tour du Mont Blanc. Thanks to its excellent trail marking, app navigation, and comfort options, it’s the ideal first multi-day hut-to-hut trek in the Alps.
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