Good practices
The TMB is one of the busiest treks in Europe. To keep it beautiful, a few simple rules make a real difference.
Updated
Six rules for the trail
Carry your waste down
Everything you carry up comes down with you, including peel, tissues and toilet paper. Huts are not there to deal with your rubbish: everything leaves by helicopter or on someone’s back.
Stay on the trail
Cutting switchbacks erodes slopes and creates gullies. With tens of thousands of hikers every summer, every shortcut ends up showing.
Respect wildlife and herds
Watch ibex and marmots from a distance, without feeding them. Walk around herds, close gates, and keep away from livestock guardian dogs: stop, stay calm and let them see you are not a threat.
Nature reserves
The TMB crosses the Contamines-Montjoie and Aiguilles Rouges reserves: dogs banned or on a lead depending on the reserve, no picking plants, bivouac only in designated areas, no drones.
In huts
Boots at the entrance, quiet after lights out, pack ready the night before so you do not wake the whole dorm. Warn if you cancel: the bed will go to someone else.
Share the trail
Hikers going up have priority. On narrow sections let groups and trail runners through, and say hello: it is the mountain custom.
Going further
Sleeping in a tent? Read the bivouac rules. And before each stage, check weather and safety.