A few of our TMB groups have already completed their tour, so it’s time to share our June TMB conditions report! You can read our May conditions report here, which includes a detailed overview of the winter season.

If you’re hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) in the coming weeks, now’s the perfect time to start following conditions more closely. As the season progresses, we’ll continue publishing monthly updates from around the route, including photos and detailed information about any challenges hikers may encounter, such as lingering snow, damaged trails, river crossings or landslide debris. We’ll also highlight local events taking place around the massif, from mountain festivals to village markets.

We’re a team of local guides living around the Mont Blanc massif, and by sharing our observations, we hope to help you fully prepare and stay safe in the mountains.

Disclaimer: Mountain conditions can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s important to use your own judgement on the trail and adapt your plans accordingly. If you’re not using a guide, make sure you’re prepared to take alternative routes or adjust your itinerary.

what’s changed since May?

June has been warm! The muddy valleys of spring are now bursting with life. Wild strawberries are beginning to appear beside the trails, and the meadows are filled with flowers. Higher up, the mountains are changing almost by the day. The dry, flattened grass left behind by the melting snow has turned a rich shade of green, while pink alpenrose are starting to light up the hillsides across the massif.

This is good news for TMB conditions. The warm temperatures have accelerated snow melt, opening many higher sections of the trail. There is still snow on the north-facing slopes and on the higher passes, but if you’re hiking in the next few weeks, you can expect predominantly summer conditions along the route. Watch out for snow bridges and river crossings, which are normally more hazardous in June (see our May TMB conditions for more info).

As always, mountain weather can change quickly, and conditions vary considerably depending on altitude and aspect. Below, you’ll find our latest observations from around the TMB to help you prepare for your trek.

June 2026 TMB Conditions : our observations

You’ll find our most recent observations of the TMB conditions below. This information comes from our guides, who’ve been hiking the route with guests or just for fun. Like in our May report, we’ve organised our observations into sections, following the route in the same order that most people hike the Tour du Mont Blanc. For the complete TMB itinerary, visit our general TMB page here.

TMB Conditions in France

The French section of the TMB packs a lot of mountain terrain into just a few days. Between Les Houches and the Col de la Seigne, hikers cross several passes above 2,300 m, including the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,516 m) and the optional Col des Fours (2,665 m). Extensive north-facing slopes between Les Contamines and Les Chapieux receive relatively little sunshine and hold snow well into early summer. This combination of altitude and aspect means the French section is usually where hikers encounter the most significant early-season snow.

Les Houches & Contamines

The Bellevue lift is now running, and the Bionnassy suspension bridge has been put across the glacial torrent! This means you can ride the lift up, then use your fresh legs to hike over Col du Tricot (our preferred route for this stage). Chalet du Miage is now open, which is a fantastic place to try a blueberry tart! The trail down from Col du Tricot is a bit slippy but snow free.

On the 11th June, Sarah hiked over Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Her group wore their micro-spikes on the traverse from Col du Bonhomme, as this section is still difficult and exposed, even though there is a good track in. There is an easy, solid snow bridge just below the top of Croix du Bonhomme. This will soon start to melt and become more difficult.

Col du Fours

This high pass is a TMB alternative (“variant”) route linking Les Contamines with Refuge des Mottets and Les Chapieux. Valentin hiked over there on June 25th and sent across these photos…

There is still a thick snow cover, but the track up is solid and so the hiking is easy.

Chapieux

On the 12th June, Sarah reported a tricky snow patch between Les Chapieux and Ville des Glaciers. There is a steep, exposed section of the snow crossing, especially towards the end. This will become worse over the next two weeks as the snow bridge melts and becomes weaker. Sarah guided her group down the 4×4 road instead, which avoids this hazard.

The bridge from Ville des Glaciers to Mottets has been put in, so there’s no need to stay on the road there.

Col de la Seigne – Maison Vielle

There is an easy river crossing on the way up to Col de la Seigne. It is not strong, but you should expect to get your feet wet! Sarah reported that the pass is still clinging onto some small patches of snow, but the steep parts are dry. There is no need to wear micro-spikes here.

On June 23rd, Kirsti reported that the upper Val Veny track is still very snowy, so she took the lower trail. A few days later, Dave and Kirsti also reported that the bridge over the river near Elisabetta is now in. However, the snow patch is still extensive, and because it is steep it can be dangerous. Both our guides decided to take the lower trail.

TMB Conditions in Italy

The Italian section of the TMB, from the Col de la Seigne to Grand Col Ferret, is often considered the most spectacular part of the route. Although the trail reaches over 2,500 m at Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), much of the route traverses sunny south-facing slopes, meaning snow generally melts earlier than on the French side.

Col de la Seigne

There are a few lingering patches of snow on Col de la Siegne, but there’s no need for crampons.

Grand Col Ferret

Sarah and her group went up on the 4×4 track to Rifugio Elena (just like Charlie did in May), as the bridge below the hut is not yet in and the creek is still covered in snow. The south side of Grand Col Ferret is now clear of snow, while the other side is still snowy but very easy. Sarah and her group slid down that side on their bums, which was a lot of fun.

Petit Col Ferret (Col du Petit Ferret)

This is a variant TMB route; after crossing Grand Col Ferret, you leave the classic route near Rifugio Elena. On June 26th, Kirsti took her adventurous group this way. They had lots of fun sliding down the last big patch of snow…

Rifugio Elisabetta

On 13th June Sarah took her group down the 4×4 track rather than following the shortcut down from Elisabetta to Cabane Combal (the right-hand bank of the torrent). This is because the trail is covered with steep snow patches, so a fall here could be dangerous.

TMB Conditions in Switzerland / France

Fenêtre d’Arpette

Fenêtre d’Arpette is a high pass, and the route over it is a challenging variant between Champex and Trient. On June 26th Rich was the first of our guides to take his group this way. He told us that is’s in great condition already; just one little snow patch before the Champex side.

Col de Balme

On June 20th Fernando reported a few fallen trees on the way up to Col du Balme, and there’s still some snow but there’s a good track in. The lifts are now running!

La Flégère & Le Brévent

The ladders up to Lac Blanc are snow free at the moment. None of our groups have yet been between Chèserys and Lac Blanc.

What’s On in July 2026 :

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc should be more than just completing the physical challenge. Because of this, we like to share a few of the special events going on throughout the summer in the towns and villages. These can add an extra dimension to your tour, and make it more memorable. Here are the highlights for the next few weeks :

• 2nd –5th July: Arc’Teryx Alpine Academy, Chamonix
  This is a climbing, mountaineering and trail-running festival that puts on workshops throughout the valley
  
  
• 10th – 12th July: IFSC Climbing World Cup, Chamonix
  You’ll struggle to miss the massive climbing wall that is currently being assembled in the centre of town! This is one of the biggest events of the summer, attracting thousands of spectators. Join the crowd to watch theses incredible athletes, and for free!
  
  
• 20th – 25th July: CosmoJazz Festival, Chamonix
  This yearly event puts on a combination of free and ticketed festivals in different mountain locations. Settle back with locals in the central park, or ride one of the lifts up the mountain for a more memorable performance!
  
  
• Throughout July: Weekly food markets in Chamonix, Argentière and Les Houches.
  
  
• 31th July: Fête Nationale “TRIENT’AOÛT”
  An evening celebration organised by the Ski Club and local village associations ahead of Swiss National Day, running from 19:00 to 23:00

These events generally won’t affect hiking conditions, but accommodation in Chamonix can be busier than usual around major event weekends.