The Ruitor Trek

much overtourism has affected that area. This alternative to the TMB is amazing because you will enjoy similar, if not better, landscapes, but with far fewer people. And when we say far fewer, we mean going from 300 to just 5 people met in a day of hiking. So it's a big difference. Especially if you come in July or early September, this route will be just for you, but even in August you will definitely feel the wilderness on this Ruitor Trek. The huts are pretty basic, so this is not the hike for you if you are looking for fancy accommodation. It's a wild trek, and the Ruitor hut in particular offers basic comfort (with toilets and showers outside), but that is exactly why you can experience a real adventure in the Alps and not an edulcorated tourist route, which is what the Tour du Mont Blanc has become.

Ruitor Trek: an adventurous TMB alternative

On the first day, we hike up to Madonna degli Angeli at 2,900 metres, where, if we are lucky with the weather, we can see one of the most amazing sunrises you'll ever see. The hike on the first day is pretty tough and takes us up into the rocky mountains just below the Ruitor peak. The hut is run by volunteers and has great vibes! All the revenue from the hut goes to poor kids in South America. On the second day, we go down, up, and down again. We will reach Col du Mont at 2,600 metres and go down to France, in Savoie. The manager is very welcoming, and the place is extremely beautiful, with mountain meadows and cows. The Ruitor Trek continues with the easiest day. We will need just 2–3 hours to get to the next hut, the Refuge du Ruitor, also in France. From there, we can also reach a couple of lakes on an extra hike in the afternoon. But if you've had enough hard hikes and want to relax on this possible alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, you can simply relax in the hut, which is in an incredible location overlooking the glaciers of Mont Pourri (3,700 m). The fourth day is one of the most spectacular days of Trekking Alps and, in general, of the entire Alps. We climb up to Col Tachuy, and then we will see so many incredible lakes with views of Mont Blanc that you will be mind-blown. Different colours, different views, and incredible waterfalls. This day's hike is worth the entire trek on its own, and there is nothing as beautiful on any of the days of the TMB. The Deffeyes hut is at 2,600 metres, and it also has very friendly staff and offers a great selection of wines and food. On the last day, we glide down to Colle San Carlo on another spectacular day, looking at the glaciers of Mont Blanc. This Ruitor Trek is not a second choice as an alternative to the TMB. It's simply way better. Believe someone who has lived here all his life.

Fewer people, the same environment, beautiful glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Nothing is missing from this five-day trek that you will remember for the rest of your life.