Tour du Mont Blanc: Myths vs. Reality – Part 1 🏔 |
Thinking about hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)? Great choice! But let’s clear up some common myths before you go👇.
1️⃣ Part 1 (this one!): We’re busting the biggest myths about the TMB, from "it’s just a walk" to "only ultra-runners survive this thing."
2️⃣ Part 2 (coming next week!😉): We’ll dive into the real logistics—how to book huts before they sell out (spoiler: early), what gear you actually need (and what’s just extra weight), the best apps for navigation, and all the practical tips to make your trek unforgettable (for the right reasons😌).
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Myth #1: "The TMB? It's Just a Long Walk." 🚶❌ |
✅ Reality: Oh, sure—if your idea of a "long walk" includes climbing up and down the Empire State Building about 70 times! (yes, really😬).
📏 Distance: 170 km (105 miles)
⛰ Elevation Gain/Loss: ~10,000 meters (32,800 feet)
The TMB is a serious physical challenge, not a casual stroll. But don’t panic! With the right prep and pacing, it’s totally doable for most hikers.
👟 Tip: Train with long hikes, add some uphill climbs, and test your gear before you go!
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Will you join us this summer? 🥰
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Myth #2: "It’s Just a French Hike." 🇫🇷❌ |
✅ Reality: Think again! You’ll be trekking across three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—each offering a totally different experience.
🍝 Italy: Espresso, pasta, and breathtaking views over Courmayeur.
🥖 France: Classic Alpine vibes, delicious cheese, and hearty mountain meals.
🧀 Switzerland: Stunning lakes, smooth trails, and a chance to spend all your money on fondue.
🗣 Tip: A little French, Italian, and German can go a long way. But let’s be honest—pointing at pastries works everywhere😉.
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Myth #3: "Mountain Refuges? Just Fancy Tents." ⛺❌ |
✅ Reality: These aren’t your basic campsites—they’re high-altitude havens with beds, hot meals, and wine (yes, wine 🍷).
🏡 What to Expect:
✔️ Shared dorms (so bring earplugs—snorers are inevitable!)
✔️ Family-style dinners that hit the spot after a long hike
✔️ Incredible sunrises from your doorstep
💡 Tip: Book early—refuges fill up fast in peak season!
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Myth #4: "The TMB Has Been Around Forever." 🕰❌ |
✅ Reality: While the Alps have been here for millions of years, the TMB as we know it today is relatively modern.
⛰️ The first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc? 1786, by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel Paccard.
👩🦰 The first woman? Marie Paradis, a French innkeeper, made history in 1808 as the first woman to summit Mont Blanc—but not exactly by choice. Exhausted and struggling, she was half-dragged to the top by her climbing partners. She later admitted she never planned to go that far, but hey, sometimes history just happens! 🏔😅
🌍 Fun Fact: The TMB officially became a popular hiking route in the mid-20th century—so you’re part of a tradition that’s still evolving!
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Imagine the feeling of standing on top of it all🏔
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Myth #5: "The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) Is Just a Longer Hike." 🏃❌ |
✅ Reality: Nope. The UTMB is an ultramarathon, meaning people run (yes, RUN) the entire TMB route. The fastest runners complete it in under 21 hours.
🏅 The UTMB in Numbers:
✔️ 171 km (106 miles)
✔️ 10,000 meters of elevation gain
✔️ 2,300+ runners from all over the world
😮 Perspective Check: Most hikers take 7–10 days to finish. UTMB runners? Less than a day. Madness.
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If you love adventure, epic landscapes, and a bit of type-2 fun (the kind that’s hard in the moment but unforgettable after), YES. The TMB is tough but rewarding, and every step is worth it.
🥾 So, lace up those boots and get ready—the mountains are calling! ⛰
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🚀 If you'd love to start planning your next adventure, we are here for you, just text Giulia on WhatsApp and she'll help you out 🥰👇
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🏔️ 🌟 New Swiss Adventure Alert! |
If you’re looking for an epic multi-day trek with breathtaking alpine views, we’ve got just the thing—our brand-new Tour des Dents du Midi in Switzerland is here! 🏔️✨
🏔️ Fun fact: The Dents du Midi (aka “Teeth of the South”) is one of the most legendary mountain ranges in the Alps, standing over 3,000m high. This trek takes you all the way around the massif, through insane alpine scenery—glaciers, meadows, rocky ridges, and mountain huts straight out of a postcard. 😍
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I wanna wake up to this view🥰
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📸 Pics from the community |
Discover Mapo Tapo through our travellers' eyes! In each newsletter, we'll be featuring a selection of our favourite snapshots taken during our trips worldwide.👇 Here's a sneak peak of our last trip to Norway
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@ Mapo Tapo S.r.l. at Viale Piceno 6, 20129, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
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