Adventure starts in the Carolinas and can take you all around the world – including to western Europe. Scott Wurtzbacher joins the Carolina Outdoors to share his experiences hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc, a 106-mile route through the Alps in Italy, France, and Switzerland. Whether you’re planning on visiting soon or just looking for something else to add to your bucket list, learn more about the Tour Du Mont Blanc on the Carolina Outdoors!
Segment Highlights:
- Scott Wurtzbacher is the host of the Inspire Campfire podcast and author of the book Campfire Within.
- The Tour Du Mont Blanc is a 106-mile hiking route in western Europe, through Italy, France, and Switzerland. Scott and his wife Maria hiked the route in about 10 days, climbing roughly 10 miles and 3000 feet of ascent daily.
- Scott and Maria were inspired to hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc after hearing stories from friends who had been, especially on Scott’s Inspire Campfire podcast. They used it as a celebration trip of anniversaries and birthdays, bringing friends with them.
- The hiking was more difficult than Scott anticipated, but the struggle is what makes the adventure so rewarding and impactful.
- Scott booked the trip through a local tour company which coordinated their accommodations at night, logistics, and other details. However, they didn’t have a guide hiking alongside them.
- There are different options for accommodations, making the Tour De Mont Blanc accessible for a range of people. Scott and family stayed in hotels each night, but other groups camp or stay in refugios along the trail.
- Scott’s “pro tip” is to use trekking poles on the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Crossing rivers and in steeper areas, it is very helpful to have extra support.
- Day pack contents included snacks, wet weather gear, some layers, water, and a first aid kit. Because Scott used a luggage transfer service, they were able to carry a lighter load.
- Chamonix and Courmayeur are the nearby towns to the Tour Du Mont Blanc, and are stunning towns worth visiting even if you’re not hiking. The scenery is like the Sound of Music – Scott calls it magical and like a fairytale.
- One of the distinguishing features of the Tour Du Mont Blanc is the cows surrounding the trails, and the sound of cowbells that rings through the air constantly.
Things You’ll Learn by Listening:
The Tour Du Mont Blanc is a 106-mile hike through the beautiful scenery of Italy, Switzerland, and France. Scott Wurtzbacher hiked the route and joins the podcast to share about accommodations, the trail itself, wildlife, scenery, and more. If you’re considering hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc or planning an upcoming trip to western Europe, give it a listen!
If you Missed This Story:
Want to hear more from Scott Wurtzbacher? Check out his last visit to the Carolina Outdoors to learn more about his new book, Campfire Within. You can find a copy of Campfire Within in-store or online at Jesse Brown’s!
Looking for more adventure? You don’t have to go as far as Europe – just tune in to the Carolina Outdoors! Listen to last week’s story, Off-Roading in the Rockies with Wilson Gabriel.
Jesse Brown’s is your one-stop shop for your next adventure. Stop by to find trekking poles, day packs, hiking boots, or just plain old advice!
