Tour des Combins FAQ

We offer a GPX track package that includes the full route and individual stage tracks. The overall map is key for understanding the route and geography, knowing where you'll be, and bailouts. The individual stage tracks will be your go-to on the route.

These GPX tracks can be loaded into your map app of choice and/or your watch. Each person on the tour should have the same route loaded to their phone.

There are many variations that can be made to the route, primarily:

• The start or finish can be changed to either Mauvoisin or the Grand St. Bernard Pass. Both of these options are on the route and reachable by car or public transportation.
• There are numerous trails to short cut our route - but, you are on your own for this.
• The overall route can be made longer by doing the full 140km trekker's Tour des Combins.

Maybe. We don't know your skill level so we really can't answer this very important question. While the route is relatively easy to follow with the GPX track, poor weather can make things serious, especially on the Fenêtre Durand, where you are high and far from any shelter.

If you lack mountain experience and it's your first trip in the Alps, consider a guide.

Just the right amount of not too much! You'll need to have enough warm gear if things turn ugly, but you'll also need to consider weight vs. running comfort. The Tour des Combins is a superb trail for running---it would be a shame for your pack to be unnecessarily heavy for enjoyable cruising. Ultra light running gear is critical. And remember, if you want to do Mont Avril, it's 3350 meters, and in the Alps, that can be cold, even in summer.

You can see what we took, and use it as a packing list, at our Pack & Prepare page.

Phones work almost everywhere in the Alps, but there are holes. Also, American phones sometimes do not work in Europe, check with your provider to be sure you'll have a functioning phone. And, download those maps for offline use prior to heading into the mountains!

Swisscom is the best provider in Switzerland for mountain connections.

While phones work on much of the tour, unlike many areas of the Alps, the Tour des Combins does have some holes. It is possible to be without service and of course there is always the possibility of a dead battery. A Garmin InReach type device might be your solution.

The number to call for emergencies in Europe is 112.

Visitors to the Alps should consider getting Rega, a Swiss emergency rescue program with an app function that immediately initiates a rescue based on your position. Rega mountain rescue can be reached at 1414.

This is a big question, best to use our Alps Hut System page.

And remember, reservations are required at all huts and hotels. Most huts have online reservation booking, but be sure to put all the hut phone numbers in your phone. If you don't show up for your reservation the hut may initiate rescue services.

Hut fees include your overnight, dinner, and breakfast. Carry cash, huts don't take credit cards.

In Switzerland, expect to pay about CHF100/person for a hut stay.

In Italy, Rifugio Champillon costs about €70 and includes a shower and even a sauna option.

Carry additional money for drinks, lunch, and extras.

Maybe! Most huts have power strips these days for guests to use, but, they can be busy, or the hut keeper may need to switch them off if their batteries are low. Be independent and carry your own power pack.