Mont Blanc Ascent

Anybody with a high level of fitness contemplating a more active visit to Europe could not resist the proposal of climbing the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc (4810m / 15,771 feet). Whilst the range has attracted the attention of world class alpinists worldwide for its challenging routes for centuries, there are also many options available to the novice climber under the guidance of our experienced guides. Please be aware that the training and the ascent of Mont Blanc involve long challenging days at altitude and is only suitable for very fit, strong walkers that are capable of climbing at a consistent speed with short breaks over long periods. If you are in doubt about your level of fitness then please contact your nearest office to discuss.

Acclimatisation and basic technical mountaineering training are our main focus of the first 3 days. This trip is designed with the experienced trekker, winter walker and beginner mountaineer in mind and these days are spent learning or brushing up on the basics of travel on snow and ice to help prepare you for the tough climb ahead. Pre trip fitness preparation is absolutely vital if you wish to get the most out of this expedition and you must arrive in Chamonix on day one in excellent condition as the first 3 days are certainly not fitness training, but demanding preparation for Mont Blanc.

Our summit strategy:

In this itinerary which includes 3 days on Mont Blanc, we have the flexibility in our program to make a longer summit attempt from the Tete Rousse Refuge (on day 6) and staying overnight in the Gouter Refuge on the descent or to make a summit attempt from Gouter (on day 7) and descend to Chamonix. This flexibility gives our groups a significant advantage of 2 windows of opportunity to attempt the summit on either day 6 or day 7 depending upon the weather conditions or forecast. But please note that after attempting & failing the summit it is important to realize that it is not possible to make a second attempt on the summit on the following day. Over recent seasons our preference has been to attempt the summit from Tete Rousse, which means we cross the Grand Couloir early in the morning on both the ascent and descent when it is frozen. Your guides will be well aware of the forecast and will make a decision on when to attempt the summit.