Tour des Combins Blog - Everything you need to know about the Tour des Combins
The Fenêtre de Durand pass (2804m) between Cabane de Chanrion and Rifugio Champillon
We’ve put together a list of many questions we get asked about the Tour des Combins (along with the answers, of course!). However, if there is something you want to know which isn’t covered, please just get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help out!
Shortcuts
1. What is the Tour des Combins?
The Tour des Combins is a clockwise circuit around the Grand Combins Massif - a mighty and glaciated mass of mountains which straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. Generally the route “stays high” amongst open mountain terrain - only once dropping below 1800m (5900ft) altitude. Most nights are spent at Alpine huts, high amongst the craggy peaks.
It's the very definition of a hidden gem. With just 7 nights on the standard itinerary, this compact trek comes with a huge number of spectacular views, icy mountain lakes and cosy hut nights. It sits amongst some of the highest peaks of the western Alps and whilst it is just a few valleys over from the Tour du Mont Blanc, it sees a much lower number of hikers.
Visit small mountain villages like Bourg St Pierre and St Rhémy, and historic sights such as the Hospice of Grand St Bernard, which has been offering shelter to pilgrims and travellers for nearly 1,000 years. In quiet valleys you’ll come across traditional mountain farmsteads and cow herds. All in all a trek that ticks all the boxes for us, and one of our favourites!
Tour des Combins waymarker
2. How long does the Tour des Combins take?
Our standard TDC-1 itinerary is 7 nights and 6 hiking days. This is the itinerary we usually walk on our research trips, and the one we’d recommend as the best balance of time and difficulty.
However, if you’re looking to break down a couple of the longer days, we also offer our TDC-2 itinerary over 9 nights and 8 hiking days. This splits the stage of Cabane FXB Panossière to Cabane de Chanrion (17.5km & 1019m ascent) with a stop at the tiny village of Mauvoisin. And does the same for the stage from Rifugio Champillon to Hospice du Grand St Bernard (19.7km & 1197m ascent), by adding a stop at St Rhémy.
If you’re short on time, we can also offer part-sections of the trail. All our holidays are completely open to customisation - just get in touch and we’re more than happy to create the itinerary that works best for you.
3. When is the best time to walk the Tour des Combins?
The season for the Tour des Combins is generally early July to mid-September. Earlier than this and the high passes might not be clear of snow, and later the weather begins to cool and snow showers become a risk. Also, most of the refuges you’d stay at won’t open outside these months.
Each month has its own advantages. In July, the wildflowers and meadows are at their most vibrant, and the temperatures are at their highest. August weather is pretty much as warm as July, and tends to be the most popular month due to the summer holidays. In September, things tend to be a bit quieter, cooler, and average rainfall decreases.
Overlooking the Corbassière Glacier, just above Cabane FXB Panossière
4. Do I have to stay in Refuges on the Tour des Combins?
Basically, yes! One of the main attractions of the Tour des Combins is that the route “stays high”, and on most of the hiking stages there is no alternative but to stay at the huts. Cabane de Mille, Cabane FXB Panossière, Cabane de Chanrion and Rifugio Champillon are all unavoidable (not that you’d want to avoid them!).
Our TDC-2 (9 night) itinerary does add in a couple of hotel stays in small villages, at Mauvoisin and St Rhémy.
Both itineraries include a night at the Grand St Bernard Pass, where those on our basic packages are in the hut-like dormitories of the Hospice, but those on our classic packages will stay across the road in private rooms in the Auberge (guest house).
5. What are the Huts and Refuges like on the Tour des Combins? Can I get private rooms?
Refuges (aka huts or Cabanes) are relatively basic accommodations, in remote locations. Whilst some are accessible by cable car or 4x4 vehicle along a rough track, many can only be reached by foot, helicopter, or mule. This limits the level of facilities, and variety of food they can offer.
Food ranges from rustic to brilliant, but almost all are enhanced by an amazing view. Another common feature is the communal nature of dinner - where tables and often dishes are shared between yourselves and other guests who have been randomly allocated to the same table.
In terms of sleeping, almost all the refuges on the Tour des Combins have only shared dormitories. So there are no private rooms available at Cabane de Mille, Cabane FXB Panossière or Cabane de Chanrion. Only Rifugio Champillon has one small double room, which does of course get booked up rather early.
Cabane de Mille
6. Can I skip or shorten stages on the Tour des Combins?
Due to the remote nature of the Tour des Combins, it is not possible to skip or shorten most of the stages. Only on the stage from Hospice du Grand St Bernard to Bourg St Pierre would this involve a straightforward bus.
7. Where should I add rest days on the Tour des Combins?
There are no large towns or villages along the route which make obvious locations for rest days. Therefore, if you are looking for a rest day along the route, we’d recommend Cabane de Chanrion or Rifugio Champillon, which are roughly halfway along the route. Both refuges are in remote and beautiful locations amongst the mountains, where you can relax on a terrace with a good book.
Approaching Bourg St Pierre
8. How tough is the Tour des Combins? How fit do I need to be?
The Tour des Combins isn’t the toughest trail we offer, but it’s also not the easiest - it’s somewhere in the middle! On our 7 night TDC-1 itinerary, you will do more than 1000 metres of ascent on 4 of the 6 hiking days, which does require a good level of fitness - you would need to be doing regular hiking to do this comfortably. Our 9 night TDC-2 itinerary splits two of the toughest stages in half, making it achievable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and occasional hiking experience.
Whilst virtually all trails in the Alps are clear and well signposted, there are sections of the Tour des Combins which pass through remote and wild terrain, so you’ll need to be comfortable navigating with map and compass if necessary. There are also occasional sections of steep and rocky trail, where a good head for heights is required.
9. How high does the Tour des Combins go? Is altitude an issue?
The highest point on the Tour des Combins is the Fenêtre de Durand pass, at 2804m (9200 ft). This kind of altitude is safe - you won’t feel any significant effect of the height, and altitude sickness is not a risk. However we certainly recommend a sun hat and plenty of sun cream - sun rays are stronger at higher altitudes and not to be underestimated if you are out all day!
Above the Lac de Mauvoisin, not far from the Cabane de Chanrion
10. Do I need to pre-book accommodation on the Tour des Combins?
You definitely need to pre-book, however, compared to other trails such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, the accommodation along the Tour des Combins doesn’t become fully booked so far in advance. Most summers we are able to take a booking just a few weeks in advance for the Tour des Combins, though this can vary.
11. Are there luggage transfers available on the Tour des Combins?
No. As most nights on the Tour des Combins are spent at refuges which are not road-accessible, we do not offer luggage transfers on this trail. However, as the trail starts and ends in the same place, you will stay in the same hotel on your first and last night, so luggage can be stored here for free.
Cows near Rifugio Champillon
12. How busy is the Tour des Combins?
Not very. Much of the trail takes you through remote areas - whilst there will be some other through hikers around, there won't be many. Whilst the Tour des Combins is spectacular, it isn’t very well known yet. The most remote parts of the trail, such as the Fenêtre de Durand, are far from the reach of daytrippers - we have often hiked here for a few hours at a time without seeing any other people at all.
The only area you may see a few more people is around the Grand St Bernard Pass and on the stage down to Bourg St Pierre - this area is road-accessible and does see some tourists.
13. What is the weather like on the Tour des Combins?
Temperatures vary by height and season, but to give a rough answer, it usually ranges from about 20 to 30 degrees celsius (68 to 86 fahrenheit) down in the valleys, and 10 to 20 degrees celsius (50 to 68 fahrenheit) up on high points of the trail.
Generally hikers doing the trail will experience mostly warm and dry days, with the occasional rain shower - though sometimes these rain showers can develop into thunderstorms, usually in the afternoons.
It’s very important to pack for all weathers - carrying a waterproof jacket and trousers with you is just as crucial as your sun hat, sun cream and plenty of drinking water.
Forest trail between Rifugio Champillon and Grand St Bernard
14. What do I need to pack for the Tour des Combins?
We have a comprehensive kit list of essential and recommended kit to bring along - just get in touch and we’ll be happy to share it!
15. Should I wear Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes on the Tour des Combins?
This is completely down to personal preference. The most important thing is that you have worn them in with plenty of walking before setting out on the trail. Some hikers find the ankle support of boots to be beneficial over long distances, whilst others prefer the lightweight nature of trail shoes. Whichever you choose, just make sure they have good tread/grip on the bottom. Whilst footpaths here are well maintained, you are still travelling in high mountain terrain where potential snow patches or wet rocks are likely to occur.
Cabane de Chanrion
16. What is the best section of the Tour des Combins?
For pure wow factor, the stage from the Cabane de Mille to the Cabane FXB Panossière is hard to beat - start off with views of the Mont Blanc Massif in the distance, and finish on a rocky promontory overlooking the Corbassière Glacier.
For a feeling of being a million miles from civilisation, the stage from Cabane de Chanrion to Rifugio Champillon is our favourite. The lone footpath here snakes its way through a wilderness of high rocky mountains, glaciers and small mountain lakes.
17. Is there an extension to the Tour des Combins?
Our current itineraries cover the original 98km (60 mile) circuit of the Tour des Combins, which fits neatly into a week of trekking, and does a great job of “staying high”.
A few years ago the local tourism associations which promote the trail decided to add three extra overnight locations to their suggested itinerary - namely Rifugio Frassati, La Fouly, and Cabane de la Tsissette.
The extra stage to Cabane de la Tsissette, via the beautiful Lacs de Fenêtre, is a worthwhile addition. The leg to Rifugio Frassati is scenic, but does feel a bit circuitous and doesn’t really add anything different in terms of scenery. The stage to the village of La Fouly involves a huge descent into a valley, to then climb all the way back out of that valley the next day, which we don’t think is worth it. Also, the only published guidebook for the trail doesn’t cover the new extensions.
Due to this mixed picture, we decided to stick with the classic circuit as our advertised itineraries. However, we are always happy to tailor our itineraries to what clients want, so if you would like to add any of the extra legs to your itinerary, please don’t hesitate to let us know!
The Grand Combins Massif, on the approach to Cabane FXB Panossière
18. How do I get to the Tour des Combins?
As it starts and ends in Orsières in Switzerland, the trail is well connected by rail to the major Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva, where you can connect with international trains and airports. We’ve sketched out some approximate journey times by train below:
Geneva to Orsières: 2.5 hours
Zurich to Orsières: 4 hours
19. Can you just organise this all for me?
Of course! We’d love to take all the hard work out of organising your hike on the Tour des Combins, allowing you to get on and enjoy the hike. Just get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to send you a quotation, and answer as many questions as you might have about the trail.
Looking across to the Grandes Jorasses, near Cabane de Mille