For Sabrina Bloedorn, nature isn’t just a passion it’s a way of life. Her latest adventure? A breathtaking Mont Blanc hike, covering part of one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails: the Tour du Mont Blanc. Whether you’re curious about hiking solo, planning your first hiking adventure, or dreaming about tackling one of Europe’s most iconic trails, Sabrina’s story offers practical tips, inspiration, and a genuine glimpse into the magic of the mountains
Can you hike the Tour du Mont Blanc solo?
Many adventurers ask: Can you do the Tour du Mont Blanc hike solo, or is it better with a group? For Sabrina, the answer is both yes and yes.
“You can definitely do it solo – but for me, doing it with a group was an unforgettable experience. Meeting people from all over the world and sharing a common love for hiking is something I’ll always encourage. Having friends along made the journey even more enjoyable, but if you’re looking to hike solo and still connect with others along the way, this trail is perfect. There’s a great mix of people out there, so whether you go alone or with friends, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet others and enjoy the experience together.”
What was the total distance you covered?
While the full Tour du Mont Blanc spans over 170 km and circles through France, Italy, and Switzerland, Sabrina’s group focused on the highlights specifically the upper eastern section of the trail.
“In total, we hiked about 50 kilometers,” she explains. “We averaged between 10 to 16 km per day, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and rest.”
This condensed version is ideal for hikers who want the Mont Blanc hike experience without committing to the full 10-12 day loop. It still offers dramatic landscapes, peaceful alpine meadows, and rewarding climbs — all packed into a manageable trek.
What to pack for a Mont Blanc trek ?
Sabrina explains : “I went in mid-June, and aside from a couple of spots with lingering snow on the trail, it was hot every day. For the 4-day trek, I packed two long-sleeve tops. I preferred wearing long sleeves since there isn’t much shade on the trail, and if it’s sunny, you can easily get burned without coverage. My favorites were from Planet Nusa and Roa Hiking.
I brought two pairs of pants and one pair of shorts. Depending on your personal preference, I think two to three bottoms are more than enough. Mine were from Liquix.ism and Roa Hiking. For footwear, I wore my go-to On Cloud Alpine boots – they’ve been my favorite for years. I also packed a pair of hiking sandals to wear after hiking. I always bring the Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandals because they’re lightweight and super packable.
For undergarments, I packed two sports bras from Lululemon and enough underwear for each day and night. Since we stayed in huts, the only sleeping gear I needed was a sleeping bag liner. I always go with Sea to Summit for camping gear; they never disappoint!
I also brought a GORE-TEX shell and a down jacket, but since it didn’t rain at all, I never ended up using them. My backpack was a 33L Osprey, but if you pack light, you could probably get away with a 25L. Our trip was booked through Mapo Tapo, and they provided all meals except for snacks during the day – which turned out to be more than enough!”
Cost breakdown: How much does a trekking Mont Blanc trip cost?
Sabrina booked her Mont Blanc hike through Mapo Tapo, a tour company offering curated hiking adventures. Her package cost €1,290 and included:
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Certified UIMLA hiking guide
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All accommodations in huts
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Half-board (breakfast and dinner)
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Airport and local transfers
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Travel, medical, and luggage insurance
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A welcome dinner
The only extra money she spent was on snacks or lunches during the hike. When it comes to gear and luggage, Sabrina kept it light and efficient a crucial approach for any hiking or trekking Mont Blanc adventure.
Although the tour guide did offer rental options, Sabrina came fully prepared.
“I already owned everything I needed for the trip — a sleeping bag liner, hiking poles, clothes, boots, a backpack, sunglasses, hat, and a CamelBak for hydration,” she says.
Sabrina’s personal tips for first-time hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Planning your first Mont Blanc hike or dreaming of your own trekking adventure through the Alps? Sabrina shared some valuable advice based on her own hiking experience:
From logistics to lodging, having a tour operator manage the details means you can focus on enjoying the journey. Plus, it creates a built-in community of fellow hikers to share the trail with—perfect even if you’re thinking of hiking solo.
1. Spend at least one night in a hut
“If you can, I definitely recommend booking at least one night in the huts – it was such a cool experience! Staying in the huts is also a great way to cut down on the weight you carry on the trail. Be sure to bring your own shower towel; you can buy one at the huts, but having your own is much nicer. And trust me, having a shower after a long day of hiking is a must!” Sabrina says
2. Stay hydrated and use electrolytes
“Make sure to drink plenty of water, and I highly recommend adding an electrolyte tab to your water each day – it really helps with hydration and fighting off exhaustion. Bringing hiking poles was one of the best decisions I made. They provide extra stability and make climbing elevation so much easier.”
3. Book with a reputable organizer
“Lastly, I can’t recommend booking with Mapo Tapo enough – it made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. Plus, meeting new people along the way was incredible and something I’ll always remember!”, Sabrina claims.
The breathtaking landscapes of the Tour du Mont Blanc
One of the most unforgettable parts of Sabrina Bloedorn’s Mont Blanc hike was the ever-changing, jaw-dropping scenery that unfolded with every step.