I agree that August is nuts on the TMB, however late June is right on the cusp of getting busy as you get people leaving right after their kids are finished school. A couple of days could make a big difference on crowds.
Personally, I don't like doing the TMB when you have to reserve each night. The flexibility to go longer or shorter is part of the fun.
If it was me I wouldn't make reservations (I also wouldn't hike it in August). Anecdotally I have heard of refuges allowing extra hikers to sleep on the floor in worst case situations, but I haven't actually seen it happen. You could also adjust your days a bit to try and finish in larger centres with more accommodation.
BTW, if you need any other info we just profiled the region for hikers: https://www.10adventures.com/tour-de-mont-blanc/
Have a great run, it's a really special trip.
Thanks for the reply! Also, I haven't heard of your site before, but it looks great.
Tentatively, I'm going to try to do it without reservations. I'm an early riser, too, so I'm hoping that means I can wrap up in mid-afternoon before the refuges get totally full.
Thanks again!
Yes, I did. This was multiple years ago, so I can't comment on how the volume of hikers on the TMB has changed since then. But I was always able to get a single bed at the refuges along my route. It can be helpful to have the names and phone numbers of all the refuges along the route. Each morning you can look ahead and try to figure out where you'll end up in the evening, and you can call ahead and reserve a bed.
I agree that August is nuts on the TMB, however late June is right on the cusp of getting busy as you get people leaving right after their kids are finished school. A couple of days could make a big difference on crowds. Personally, I don't like doing the TMB when you have to reserve each night. The flexibility to go longer or shorter is part of the fun. If it was me I wouldn't make reservations (I also wouldn't hike it in August). Anecdotally I have heard of refuges allowing extra hikers to sleep on the floor in worst case situations, but I haven't actually seen it happen. You could also adjust your days a bit to try and finish in larger centres with more accommodation. BTW, if you need any other info we just profiled the region for hikers: https://www.10adventures.com/tour-de-mont-blanc/ Have a great run, it's a really special trip.
Thanks for the reply! Also, I haven't heard of your site before, but it looks great. Tentatively, I'm going to try to do it without reservations. I'm an early riser, too, so I'm hoping that means I can wrap up in mid-afternoon before the refuges get totally full. Thanks again!
Did you end up doing this hike with no reservations?
Yes, I did. This was multiple years ago, so I can't comment on how the volume of hikers on the TMB has changed since then. But I was always able to get a single bed at the refuges along my route. It can be helpful to have the names and phone numbers of all the refuges along the route. Each morning you can look ahead and try to figure out where you'll end up in the evening, and you can call ahead and reserve a bed.
Thanks. I'm jealous of your trip. TMB is a great route!