Mont Blanc Massif
Ascent to Mont Blanc 3 days
Technical lev. : 4.5 / 5
CONFIRMED MOUNTAINEERING
2 clients per guide maximum.
You have experience in mountaineering and have already climbed at altitude. You are autonomous and master the activity, you can manage a rope on an easy route in the high mountains.
You will learn complex techniques: rescue, weather and cartography (GPS)...
A mountaineering rating may be used in addition.
Physical lev. : 5 / 5
SPORT HIGH LEVEL
You are experienced in the sport activity of the purchased trip!
Effort corresponding to 1700 - 2500 meters of ascent in hiking per day, you are obliged to run or to do 12-hour days.
You are a highly trained and fit athlete at the moment.
The highest peak of Europe over Italy and France represents the acme of a mountain range not too large (only 18 km its development) but extremely severe and sprinkled with many peaks over 4000 m.
The highest peak of Europe over Italy and France represents the acme of a mountain range not too large (only 18 km its development) but extremely severe and sprinkled with many peaks over 4000 m. The peak is represented by a large ice sheet on the French side that goes down to lower altitudes; the Italian side, also characterized by vast glacial surfaces, is however much more severe and impressive. Ambitious arrival point of mountaineers from all over the world, is an interesting place and great satisfaction.
The ascent normally starts from the Refuge du Gouter.
The program is approximate and, in case of bad weather, there might be variations to be agreed between the guide and the participants.
Vertical drop: +700 m
Meeting with the mountain guide at 12:30 in Les Houches, to take the Bellevue cable car and then the tramway to the Nid d'Aigle at 2300m. Then a 3-4 hour hike to the Tête Rousse glacier awaits us.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Tête Rousse hut (3167m).
Vertical drop: + 1700 m / - 1000 m
The longest day of about 10 hours. Departure at 5am via the Tête Rousse glacier to reach the famous Gouter couloir.
The climb passes through rocky sections to reach the Aiguille du Gouter and the Cabane du Gouter, where we can take a short break.
We then climb the Dôme de Gouter and continue to the Vallot hut. Then we start the famous Arête des Bosses, which can be more or less technical depending on the conditions.
The second slope is technically easier, but the effects of the altitude and fatigue will start to show. With motivation we will continue the ascent before climbing the final ridge that leads to the summit of Mont Blanc.
At the summit we will have time to contemplate the view of the Western Alps, take photos, catch our breath and congratulate each other!
Then it's time for the descent, after this long climb we make a short descent and sleep at the Refuge du Gouter. We enjoy the exceptional view for our last night in altitude, the highest at over 3800 metres.
Please note that the Gouter and Tete Rousse huts are interchangeable, depending on when we can get reservations.
Dinner and overnight at the Gouter hut (3800m).
Vertical drop: - 1500 m
The night allows the Gouter couloir to refreeze, we will descend with the first light of day on the north face, quickly reaching the Tête Rousse refuge before the rock falls start again. We will then go back down by the path we took 48 hours before to reach Les Houches and then Chamonix to enjoy a well deserved beer in the mountaineering capital and a spectacular view on the Mont Blanc summit!
Second layer:
N.B. Consider a change for when you are back to the hut (you can leave some stuff at the hut).
Covid 19 Special:
Long route purely glacial that requires good training, good technical level and good ability to concentrate. Some short sections are steep (55 °), sometimes icy, and require a good mastery in the use of ice axe and crampons. Finally, a good adaptability to high altitude is also necessary.
This ascent requires good physical preparation because it takes about 10 to 12 hours of climbing at high altitude; moreover it is necessary to have some experience in the use of ice axe and crampons.
Good altitude acclimatisation is necessary to increase the chances to reach the summit and to avoid mountain sickness: it is necessary to have already climbed a 3500 meters summit or to have slept at altitude one or two weeks before the Mont Blanc.
We recommend to have your own personal travel insurance, covering accident abroad and repatriation.
If you wish, we can arrange a taxi for you from the airport: please ask for details when booking.
Meeting with the guide at 12:30 in Les Houches, at the Bellevue cable car departure point: click here to see the map.
The group will say goodbye in Les Houches, at the Bellevue cable car departure point.
Car parking: you can park your car in front of the Bellevue gondola in Les Houches.
Guiding: 2 people per guide during the 3 days, to optimise your chances of success.
If the group does not reach the summit for any reason (bad weather, bad mountain conditions, tiredness or discomfort of one of the participants...), no refund or compensation is provided. Check our Terms and Conditions.
. Guiding of an experienced mountain guide of our Team;
. The use of equipment for the group (ropes, pitons, karabiners);
. Half board to the hut for yourself and the guide;
. Cable car and Mont Blanc tramway tickets for yourself and the guide.
. Personal technical equipment: crampons, harness and ice axe rental in case of need (it can be organized upon booking);
. Lunch at the huts, so that you can eat as you wish, and the snacks you have to take in the mountains during the race, so that you eat what you want and digest: everyone reacts differently at altitude;
. Drinks and personal expenses;
. All what is not explicitly mentioned in "The price includes".
Any question?
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