The variants — which high routes earn their ascent
The Tour du Mont Blanc is really a main line with half a dozen higher alternatives hanging off it. Some are worth every metre; one of them is the best day on the trail and also the one most likely to go wrong.
Col des Fours — 2,665 m
Leaves the main route at the Croix du Bonhomme and rejoins it above Les Chapieux, swapping a straightforward descent for a high traverse over the Tête Nord des Fours, which has one of the great panoramas of the Alps from its summit cross. Costs around 200 m of extra ascent. Holds snow into July; ask at the refuge before committing.
Fenêtre d'Arpette — 2,665 m
The famous one. From Champex, 1,200 m up through pasture, moraine and a long boulder field to a narrow notch with the Trient glacier filling the far side, then a steep descent to Trient. Seven to nine hours. In clear, dry conditions it is unquestionably the finest day on the Tour. In snow, rain or doubtful forecast it is a serious mistake — there is no shelter and no easy escape. The Bovine route is the alternative: six hours, forest, an alp restaurant, and a lovely view down the Rhône valley. Taking it because the weather is wrong is judgement, not failure.
Lac Blanc — 2,352 m
About an hour off the Aiguilles Rouges balcony to a lake that reflects the Verte, the Droites, the Jorasses and Mont Blanc when the water is still. It is the single most photographed spot in the range for a reason. There is a refuge if you want to be there at dawn. Skip it in cloud.
Aiguillette des Posettes — 2,201 m
Between the Col de Balme and Tré-le-Champ, a ridge line that trades the valley path for 600 m of climbing and a continuous view of the massif from the Aiguille Verte to Mont Blanc. Good underfoot, no difficulty, and far less busy than the balcony that follows.
Le Brévent — 2,525 m
On the final stage, the high line over the Brévent instead of the direct traverse to Bellachat. The highest point of the western side and the best single viewpoint on the Tour, looking straight across at Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi. Cable cars from Planpraz mean you can also take it one way only.
Chalet du Truc and Refuge de Miage
On day one, the high variant above Bionnassay climbs to the Truc alpage at 1,750 m instead of dropping into the valley — cowbells, open pasture and the Dômes de Miage across the combe. It adds a few hundred metres and gives the best first night of the Tour. The Refuge de Miage sits in the combe below it.
And the ladders
Not a variant so much as an obstacle with an opt-out. Above Tré-le-Champ the trail climbs steel rungs and rails bolted to the slabs — well maintained, not technical, genuinely exposed. The signed alternative via the Col des Montets costs about an hour and no self-respect whatsoever.
Build the variants into your plan
The planner routes through the main line; use the stage pages to see where each variant leaves and rejoins, and book accordingly.
Open the planner →