Mont Blanc is more than just a mountain - its 4810m summit is surrounded by secondary peaks, rock needles and glaciers, and isolated by deep valleys that connect via high passes, an "island" in The Alps. The first circuit of the Mont Blanc massif was in the late 18th century, though only in the past 50 years has the trek been defined, linking footpaths, shepherds' tracks, old Roman roads, gravel forestry trails and even the odd section of modern sealed road to form the Tour du Mont Blanc as we know it today. With well-defined trails and a system of mountain refuges, this trek is now within the reach of the ordinary person. However, these are the high mountains and for much of the year, the passes and trails are blocked by snow. Traditionally, the walking season is during summer and early autumn, from mid-June to mid-October. With a number of variants, trekkers can literally design their own walk; some hard, others harder, none easy, but all providing a superb mountain experience.