When planning a European trekking adventure, two routes often stand out for their breathtaking scenery, sense of adventure, and challenge: the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and the Alta Via 1 (AV1) in the Dolomites. While both are famous and stunning in their own right, they offer different experiences in terms of length, difficulty, crowds, terrain, and scenery. So, which is the better fit for your next trek?

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):

Circling the Mont Blanc massif, the TMB stretches across ~170 km (105 miles) and takes an average hiker 10 to 12 days to complete. Along the way, you’ll traverse three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—adding a diverse cultural layer to the adventure.

Alta Via 1 (AV1):

The AV1 runs through the Dolomites in northern Italy, covering ~120 km (75 miles) and takes an average hiker 8 to 10 days. It’s slightly shorter than the TMB, but don’t let that fool you—the AV1 offers its own set of challenges and rewards.

Which is longer?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is the longer of the two, giving you a more extended journey through varied alpine landscapes.

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):

Rated as moderate to difficult, the TMB includes many steep ascents and descents, though it doesn’t involve any technical climbing. The trail is well-marked, and the highest point, Col des Fours at 2,665 m (8,743 ft), ensures that hikers experience substantial elevation gain and loss.

Alta Via 1 (AV1):

The AV1 is also considered moderate, but its rugged, rocky terrain makes it feel more challenging, particularly in exposed sections where sure footing is crucial. While technical gear isn’t necessary unless you opt for optional via ferrata routes, the Dolomites' jagged peaks demand more careful attention to the trail. The highest point, Forcella Lagazuoi at 2,573 m (8,440 ft), brings dramatic, vertical landscapes into view.

Which is more difficult?
Both are similar in difficulty, but the AV1 feels more challenging due to its steeper, exposed terrain and more rugged feel.

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):

Being one of Europe’s most popular treks, the TMB sees a lot of traffic, especially in the peak summer months of July and August. Its accessibility and fame draw trekkers from around the world, and sections close to Mont Blanc or major passes can feel quite crowded. It is also gain popularity for trail runners, due to the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc (UTMB) race that takes over the Chamonix valley during end September.

Alta Via 1 (AV1):

Though also well-known, the AV1 typically draws fewer trekkers than the TMB. However, many day hikers flock to easily accessible areas along the route such as Lago di Braies, Lagazuoi, and Cinque Torri, particularly in the high season. The remoteness of Southern sections (from Passo Giau south) makes AV1 feel quieter overall.

Which is more crowded?
The TMB tends to be busier, particularly in peak season, while the AV1 offers a more tranquil experience (particularly in the Southern sections).

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):

Expect iconic alpine views, including glaciers, lush valleys, alpine meadows, and towering peaks. The Mont Blanc massif is the constant backdrop, offering expansive vistas of the highest peak in Western Europe. As you cross into different countries, the cultural and architectural shifts add another dimension to the already stunning surroundings.

Alta Via 1 (AV1):

The Dolomites provide a more dramatic and rugged landscape, dominated by jagged limestone spires and towering rock faces. The verticality of the peaks is one of AV1’s signature features, with stark contrasts between green valleys and pale rocky mountains. The Dolomites’ unique silhouettes are unforgettable, offering a completely different visual experience from the Mont Blanc area.

Difference in views?
The TMB is all about classic alpine scenery with glaciers and meadows, while the AV1 delivers the dramatic, rugged charm of limestone peaks in a sharper, more vertical landscape.

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):

The TMB’s trails are well-maintained, with a good mix of forested paths, open meadows, and rocky mountain passes. The ascents and descents are challenging but not overly technical, making it accessible to most hikers with a good fitness level.

Alta Via 1 (AV1):

The AV1’s terrain is steeper, rockier, and more exposed than the TMB. Certain sections are particularly rugged, and the Dolomites’ rocky paths require careful footing. Though technical gear isn’t needed, the AV1 does involve more challenging hiking, especially in exposed, high-altitude areas.

Difference in terrain?
The TMB offers a more varied and accessible terrain, while the AV1 is steeper and rockier, demanding more from trekkers in terms of footing and exposure.

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):

The infrastructure around the TMB is excellent, with 130+ mountain huts, hotels, and villages spaced at comfortable intervals. This means you can enjoy plenty of options for rest, food, and accommodation throughout your journey.

Alta Via 1 (AV1):

The AV1’s facilities, while still good, are more limited, with well-spaced mountain huts (rifugi), but fewer services between stops. The remote nature of parts of the trail makes it feel more like a wilderness experience compared to the more well-traveled TMB.

Which hike Should You Choose?

• If you’re looking for a longer trek with diverse scenery, easy access to amenities, and the chance to cross country borders and experience multiple cultures, the Tour du Mont Blanc is for you.

• If you prefer a slightly shorter but more rugged trek, with dramatic, vertical landscapes and a more remote feel, the Alta Via 1 is the perfect choice.

Ultimately, both treks are breathtaking in their own ways, and the choice depends on what kind of landscape, challenge, and experience you’re seeking.