Climbing Mont Blanc is achievable if you are reasonably fit and well acclimatised; no previous mountaineering experience is essential though clearly it would be useful. Mont Blanc can be climbed in two days but we allow three. We also prepare our clients with three days of acclimatisation and technical instruction. We include in the price all the accommodation in Chamonix or Argentiere, all the mountain hut accommodation (normally three nights in total) all the lift charges, and the services of our guides. Climbing ratios for Mont Blanc are 4:1 for acclimatisation and technical instruction and 2:1 for the actual climb on Mont Blanc itself. There are a variety of routes up the mountain and we will discuss the various options; clearly these will reflect the levels of fitness, experience and aspiration of our clients.
Arrival
Arrive in Chamonix. Welcome briefing.
Day 1
Equipment Check and hire boots, crampons, ice axes etc, as needed. Ascend to Refuge Albert Premier (2,706m, about 700m of ascent usually taking around 2 1/2 hours). Technical instruction using crampons and ice axe on the glacier du Tour in the afternoon. Evening meal.
Day 2
4:00am breakfast. Climb Aiguille de Tour 3,542m / Tete Blanche 3,429m / Petit Fourche 3,520m. Then traverse in the afternoon to Triente Hut 3,170m. Evening meal.
Day 3
Return to Le Tour via another summit not climbed the previous day. Evening in the valley. Recovery.
Days 4, 5, and 6
These days are reserved for climbing Mont Blanc itself. The route will be chosen after discussion between the guide and the clients and will be based on the performance of the client during the three acclimatisation days. The three most climbed routes to the summit are: The Trois Monts Traverse, (Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudi and Mont Blanc via the Aiguille du Midi and Cosmiques Refuge); The Gouter Route (via Tete Rousse and Gouter Refuges); The Pope Route (Val Veni, Miage Glacier, Gonella Hut). The route can be done in two days but we allow three to provide some flexibility for the weather.
Departure
The course finishes on day 6, though you’re welcome to stay another night if you prefer to travel the following day.
Arrival
Arrive in Chamonix and welcome briefing.
Day 1
Meet in Chamonix to check equipment and hire additional boots, crampons, ice axes etc. as needed. Drive to Pont in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Ascend to Vittorio Emmannuelle hut (2,775m) or Chabod hut (2,750m, about 900m of ascent usually taking around 2 1/4 hours). Evening meal.
Day 2
Depart hut around 4:00am. Ascend Gran Paradiso (4,061m, 1,300m of ascent over 4-5 hours). Descend to valley and transport back to Chamonix. Night in Chamonix.
Day 3
Cragging in the Chamonix valley or a short Alpine peak around the Mont Blanc Massif.
Days 4, 5, and 6
Climb Mont Blanc as above.
Departure
The course finishes on day 6, though you’re welcome to stay another night with us.
Price: 1995 Euros.
This price includes half board in Chamonix and in all the refuges; lift passes and transport to climbing areas. It does not include extra drinks or food bought in the refuges or kit hire (we get discounts).
