Walking the Tour des Combins: The Best Long-Distance Hike in the Alps

For those seeking a unique Alpine adventure, the Tour des Combins offers a remarkable alternative to the well-trodden paths of the Tour du Mont Blanc. This 63-mile trail encircles the Grand Combin massif, presenting hikers with stunning views, challenging terrains, and the opportunity to connect with local culture. Along the way, adventurers can learn new skills, meet friendly locals, and form lasting friendships.

Mountain instructor Melanie Müri highlights the trail’s untapped potential while discussing the quieter yet equally beautiful landscapes of the Tour des Combins. Set against the backdrop of the Cabane de Chanrion, a mountain hut nestled at 8,077 feet, Melanie emphasizes the balance between sharing this hidden gem and preserving its tranquility.

On the third day of a six-day loop starting from Bourg-St-Pierre, hikers experience the raw beauty and solitude of the Tour des Combins. The trail meanders through the Valais canton in southwest Switzerland, crossing into Italy. Despite its relative obscurity, the tour's breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped summits and vibrant meadows, rivals more famous Alpine hikes.

The Tour des Combins offers a stark contrast to the bustling Tour du Mont Blanc, which attracts thousands of climbers and hikers each year. The 105-mile TMB loop is known for its crowded paths and environmental pressures. In contrast, the Tour des Combins remains a quieter, more intimate experience, ideal for those seeking serenity and challenge.

Hikers on the Tour des Combins navigate diverse landscapes, from rolling pastures to rocky ascents. On the first day, a storm provides a dramatic start, with hikers taking cover in shepherd's shelters and pushing through rain-soaked trails. This initial stage ends at Cabane Brunet, where a warm meal and a sense of accomplishment await.

Continuing the journey, hikers reach the Fenêtre de Durand pass, guided by Eloi Rossier, president of the Association du Tour des Combins. The 2,797-meter pass offers panoramic views of the Grand Combin de Grafeneire, rewarding the effort with stunning vistas. Eloi emphasizes that the Tour des Combins complements, rather than competes with, the TMB, providing an equally enriching experience.

Plans are underway to extend the trail to an 80-mile, eight-day Grand Tour des Combins, adding new highlights such as the Rifugio Frassati in Italy's Aosta Valley and the Lacs de Fenêtre in Switzerland. The original route is also being promoted for its perfect length for a week-long trip and convenient access via Geneva.

Each day on the Tour des Combins brings new adventures and breathtaking scenes. From spotting wildlife to crossing glaciers and suspension bridges, hikers experience the Alps' raw beauty. Nights are spent in cozy mountain huts, sharing stories and hearty meals with fellow trekkers.

A memorable stop is the Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard, a historic refuge known for its hospitality since the time of Napoleon. The final leg of the trek descends the Pas des Chevaux, completing the loop back to Bourg-St-Pierre.

Reflecting on the journey, the Tour des Combins emerges as a hidden treasure of the Alps, offering a perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and tranquility. As more hikers discover this route, finding the balance between popularity and preservation remains key.