Tour du Mont Blanc Hike — Local services in Bonneville

I cannot tell you how invaluable my zoom meeting was with Mags! We are a family of six trekking the TMB next September, and our group includes folks who have knee, back and ankle issues. Mags designed a plan for us that included short-cuts and ways to get around the steepest areas, and she made recommendations on mileage, huts, rest days, etc... so that we can accomplish our goals. Beyond her recommendations, every time I've hit a snag I've emailed Mags and she's given us tips that saved the day! An example is booking refuges... Because we are hiking with six, booking huts can be tricky! We are in our mid 60's and didn't want large dorm accommodations, but when you reserve for six some of the refuges automatically stick you in there largest spaces. Mag's coached me on how to get around this, and her tips helped us get into one of the best refuges that was seemingly full. Without her aid, we would've had to split our family at different sites for the night! We bought her e-guide to refuges that details each one, and she sent us the updated version free-of-charge! Beyond that, Mags has always answered my email pleas quickly and with up-to-date information. When I learned of the tunnel closure between Chamonix and Courmayeur, it destroyed our original itinerary. We did not think we would be able to do this trek, but Mags helped me devise a new plan! I cannot tell you how wonderful and reassuring it is to have an insider's resource available, and it made all the difference in the world planning this TMB trek! The money you spend on the zoom meeting will save you time, money and headache in the long run, so I highly recommend booking a meeting with Mags before...

Mags has been such an incredible resource for my husband and I in planning our July 2025 TMB itinerary! We are DIY travel planners, rarely using guides and never a trip planning consultant up until now. Having thoroughly explored Mags' helpful website and read her ebook on the TMB refuges from start to finish, as well as the Kingsley Jones TMB guidebook, I was uncertain how much additional value a Zoom call with Mags would provide. Still, I wanted a review of our plan for peace of mind. Our expectations were exceeded by far in our 90 min call - we were blown away by the wealth of new information we received! Mags walked us through our planned itinerary on an interactive map, providing detail on alternate routes in case of inclement weather or lingering snow patches, insider knowledge on best places for lunch, side trips and sunset views, plus unique insights into the character of each refuge on our list, tips for booking and much much more - information that could only come from a local and seasoned professional with intimate knowledge of the area and trails. After the Zoom call, we received a recording and a long email with links to additional resources. I've referred to the recording and notes many times since then. We tweaked our itinerary based on Mags' suggestions and are so pleased and excited with the new plan. Mags has been available to answer questions as we've proceeded with planning and booking and responded very quickly with an alternative when we could not get beds at one of our planned refuges. If you are planning to hike all or a portion of the TMB, I highly recommend booking a call with Mags - it will be time and...

Now, a year later, I can not remember how I stumbled across Mags Nixon. But, thank God I did!

Our TMB plans are unusual and complicated. We wanted to start not in Chamonix but in Courmayeur and we wanted to go backwards, i.e. clockwise rather than the normal counterclockwise. Our hiking party would consist of me (81 years old) and two of my daughters. But, it was also to include my wife and handicapped daughter who must be able to follow our route by car and meet up with us hikers each night. We also wanted refuges that offered relatively high comfort levels. And, we wished to have a few rest days in Chamonix so we needed advice on how to experience the many fun amenities of that famous town. I had read of the nightmares associated with getting reservations at choice refuges and, since our schedule would extend into late September - the time when refuges had begun to close down for the winter - I quickly came to realize that I was going to need some expert help.

I first met Mags on her extraordinary 90-minute zoom call during which I experienced a marvelous tour of the "Tour". This was followed by an exhaustive review of suggested refuges, times and distances, elevation gains and losses between each. Mags enthusiastically revised and advised several itinerary changes until I had a schedule that I was certain would result in a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.

Now, a year later and four months away from loading our packs for the trip, Mags continues to respond to questions about details of the trail and features of the refuges. In my opinion, for anyone planning to do the Tour du Mont Blanc, Mags...