Offline Tour du Mont Blanc GPS – why every TMB hiker should download the GAIA app

The TMB is a high altitude trekking circuit and every hiker planning to walk this incredible trail needs to be aware of the risks high mountains pose. Whilst the route is very well marked and hikers blessed with glorious weather would never need a GPS, it is crucial that you take one regardless. In bad weather or in the event of an emergency, being able to plot your position or find out where and how far the nearest refuge is, could be a life saver.

A Tour du Mont Blanc GPS doesn’t have to be a hand held separate device anymore. These are expensive to buy or you can rent them locally before your departure. However, there’s a much cheaper option nowadays – there are plenty of apps for your phone that can do the same job.

We use the GAIA GPS app and cannot recommend this app enough. We urge every TMB hiker should download it before embarking on this epic trail. Why? Because it’s a detailed map that works offline, meaning you don’t need a connection to the internet to pin point your location.

The Tour du Mont Blanc trail winds through high mountain ranges where severe weather can affect visibility. The trail is very well marked and in good weather it’s simple to follow the signs and the well worn trail with little difficulty.

Caught out in bad weather on some of the more exposed sections, simply veering off the path could mean falling to your death. Hypothermia is also a real risk should you get lost and night falls.

The GAIA GPS app is exceptional and very easy to use, even for technophobes.

Here’s the lowdown on why the Gaia GPS app works so well and why I’d recommend it to anyone hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

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