You’ve heard the legends. Steel rungs clinging to cliffs. Goats applauding. Reality check: the TMB ladders look dramatic in photos but are shorter and friendlier in real life. Both sections can be bypassed. And yes, they’re not as scary as they look when dry.

If you want the planning handled while you enjoy the views, check out our self-guided TMB tours:

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TMB Ladders: Aiguillette d’Argentière Variant

This variant comes first and is generally considered the spicier section. Expect fixed metal ladders and rungs on steeper rock, brief exposure, and big grins at the top.

Take your time, keep three points of contact, stow your poles, and you’ll cruise it. In dry weather it’s not as scary as it looks. In rain or ice, choose the bypass and live to brag another day.

Bypass available
Signed alternatives avoid the ladders completely. You’ll still reach the same general area, minus the vertical photo op.

Tour du Mont Blanc Ladders: Tré-le-Champ to La Flégère via Lac Blanc

This is the second ladder section and is considered easier than the above ladder section. It’s en route to Lac Blanc. Short ups, great handholds, stellar views.

Most hikers find it fun rather than frightening. Again, in good conditions it’s not as scary as it looks. If heights are not your love language or the rock is wet, take the marked non-ladder path.

However, the views from Lac Blanc are epic, so if you’re up for the challenge, it’s definitely worth doing.

Bypass available
There is a signed detour that skips the ladders and rejoins the main route.

Ladders on the TMB: Safety Tips

Aim for dry, settled weather
Three points of contact at all times
Stow trekking poles before the first rung
Give space between hikers
Pack light to stay balanced

Use luggage transfer so your daypack stays nimble

TMB Ladders: When To Avoid Them

Some days your inner mountain goat stays in bed. That’s your sign. Skip the TMB ladders if any of this applies:

Wet rock, fresh snow or verglas – slippery rungs are no fun
Thunderstorms in the forecast – metal + exposure = hard pass
Strong or gusty winds
Early season snow or late season ice reducing footing
You’re carrying a heavy pack or feel off-balance – use luggage transfer so the bag rides, you glide
Fatigue, dizziness, migraine or just a wobbly-legs day
Heights trigger anxiety – your nervous system decides, not Instagram. Check out how to deal with your fear of heights.
Crowded queues where you feel rushed
Solo late in the day or in low visibility
You’re with a dog, very young kids, or nursing an injury
Local updates mention maintenance or issues – ask at your accommodation before you go

Both ladder sections have signed bypasses. You won’t “miss the TMB.” You’ll just choose the smarter line for the conditions and come home with the same bragging rights, plus fewer spicy stories about clinging to steel.

Arpette Window vs Bovine Route

Different topic, same planning thread. On the Swiss side you’ll often choose between these two classics:

Fenêtre d’Arpette
- Higher, rockier, more committing
- Epic on a bluebird day
- Skip in bad weather or if your knees are already filing complaints
Bovine Route
- Lower, gentler gradients through forest and pastures
- Better fallback in poor weather
- Great if you want steady rather than spectacular

Pick based on fitness, weather, and how much drama you want that day.

Plan The Easy Way With Monkeys and Mountains Hiking Tours

Serious about booking the TMB and want zero guesswork? We obsess over details so you don’t have to.

TMB self-guided tours: routes, great stays, on-trail support
TMB packing list: pack smart, hike happy
TMB luggage transfer: hike light while your bag takes the road

Bottom line: The TMB ladders are a memorable few minutes on a world-class trek. Do them if conditions and confidence align, or take the bypass with zero guilt. Either way, you’ll be busy collecting glacier views, not counting rungs.