Tom AllwrightConversation with VIP Tour du Mont Blanc Guide
Updated: Aug 11
Conversation: Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most popular treks. Listen in with our VIP Mountain Leader, Gary and take notes from his experiences.
Conversations: Tour du Mont Blanc
Apologies for the sun – just want to show you how amazing it is!
“I often pass trekkers who are ill-equipped and I know they just don’t have enough protective layers in their packs…”
Top takeaways
Only use an IML (International Mountain Leader) licensed guide
Pack for all weather conditions
Every day is a new experience – France, Italy and Switzerland
Wear your boots in before you trek
You pay for what you get
Take a good sunkit and sunglasses
Guided vs Self-Guided
IML guides are your safety net who know the area, understand weather patterns and are a wealth of knowledge.
Guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, satellite phones, emergency shelters, safety ropes and are your best chance of a best-case scenario out of a worst-case emergency.
Guides know people that run huts and accommodation, which can be advantageous.
No trip is ever the same. Having a detailed guidebook is great for your preparation but cannot help you when you need it.
If you are going with a company like Adventure Abroad or trying to organise your own tour, check that your mountain guide is an IML (International Mountain Leader) qualified. IML is the second highest guiding qualification behind being a recognised guide for summiting Mt Everest, they’re known as Carpe Professionals. It’s a legal requirement that guides operating in the European Alps are IML registered and if they’re not they will be removed from the mountain leaving you on your own.
Favourite Place
Val Veny – is located on the outskirts of Courmayeur. It has fantastic views and the hospitality of the local refugios can’t be denied. The scenery is picturesque, so make sure you have your camera fully charged and enjoy your stroll into the Italian side of the TMB. Arguably, the best views of Mont Blanc.
Most Essential Packing Items
Waterproofs and warm clothing
Good gloves and hat
Sunkit
Personal first aid kit – with blister protection
“It’s not uncommon to be trekking at 30 degrees Celsius and the next minute walking into a blizzard...People forget that you are still in the mountains and while there is civilisation around you, it’s still a long way away at times, it’s important to be prepared”
VIP Luxury Tour du Mont Blanc vs Standard Tour du Mont Blanc
Expert, knowledgeable and experienced IML licensed guides
Exclusive access to places that others don’t get to go
Luxury accommodation
Additional opportunities and activities not available to others
Top-end adventure days with wineries and helicopter experiences
“Nothing is ever an issue…if there is an issue, we can fix it straight away…instant solutions to instant issues” Gary Daines