Water and Availability on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

Safe and Sustainable Water Sources

The Tour du Mont Blanc offers abundant opportunities to refill water bottles, ensuring trekkers remain hydrated throughout the journey. Tap water is universally safe to drink in the region, covering France, Italy, and Switzerland. Public water fountains, common in Alpine villages and along trails, provide clean, fresh drinking water. These are ideal refilling points as they often tap into local spring systems.

Trekkers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles or filtration systems to minimise environmental impact. Single-use plastic bottles are discouraged to preserve the pristine Alpine environment. Compact filtration systems, such as ‘water-to-go’ bottles, are excellent choices for filtering natural sources like streams when hiking through remote sections without direct access to fountains.

Key Refill Locations

1. Villages and Accommodations:
   • Accommodation stops, including hotels and auberges, typically provide access to clean water. Refill your bottles before heading out.
   • Restaurants and cafes along the trail are often happy to fill bottles upon request, especially in smaller towns.
2. Public Fountains:
   • Look for marked fountains in villages like Chamonix, Courmayeur, and Les Houches.
   • Some trailside refuges and huts also feature fountains; however, these may not always be clearly marked, so carrying a backup filtration device is advisable.
3. Natural Sources:
   • Streams and mountain runoffs can be safe when filtered. Be mindful of upstream activities that might affect water quality.

Sustainable Hydration Practices

• Use a hydration bladder for easy access to water without frequent bottle stops.
• Plan refills in advance based on daily routes and distances between known water points. Maps and guides provided by Salamander Adventures include details of refill locations.
• Always check with local guides about the safety of specific water sources, especially during peak summer when streams might run dry.

Ready to Take on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

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