1-Week Mont Blanc Summit with Training and Acclimatisation
Join a certified mountain guide on this fantastic 6-day training and ascent of the iconic Mont Blanc in the French Alps for a truly spectacular mountain adventure!
Group
Alps
6 Days
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Fit
Beginner
Highlights
- Summit the highest mountain in the Alps
- 360 ° panoramic views of the surrounding beauty of the Alps Mountain Range
- Several days of the highest quality mountaineering and acclimatising training
Description
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and its peak soars over its surroundings at 4810m. Located on the French-Italian border and some 70 km from Geneva, this iconic peak looms over the spectacular mountain landscape to the horizon.
This trip will see you spending the first 4 days training and acclimatizing to the conditions and altitude. This allows you time to absorb the beautiful surroundings whilst you learn the skills and techniques that you’ll need to ascend the mountain on day 5.
Your preparation will begin on the fabulous Glacier du Tour which provides the perfect setting to begin your acclimatization. Then, we will go to one of the 3000m mountains in the region, such as the Petit Fourche at 3520m or Aiguille du Tour at 3542m, in order to ready your body for the altitude and conditions.
After learning the mountaineering techniques and acclimatizing for two days, we will descend to Chamonix to rest before the big climb. On the fourth day, we will head to the Tête Rousse’ hut at 3167m where we’ll spend the night and begin our summit attack the next morning.
We will climb via the ‘Voie Normale du Goûter’. If weather conditions are not favorable, then you will be able to try again on the 6th day. From 4810m at the summit, we’ll have 360 ° panoramic views over the surrounding mountain range, utterly spectacular!
You should have a good fitness level and be comfortable wearing a backpack to join this program.
The opportunity to summit the highest mountain in the Alps doesn’t come along every day, so if you're excited by this challenge, then send us a message now and we can start planning your adventure!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
- Lift tickets
- Breakfast
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles
Price details
- Guiding fee
- Liability insurance
- Accommodation at the refuge in half board
- 2 packed lunches (at Gran Paradiso refuge)
- Lift tickets for customers and Guides
- 1 night in a B&B after the Gran Paradiso ascent
- Hiring of technical gear (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, trekking poles)
- Loan of shared safety material
- Info and support for refuge booking
- Booking assistance service (including refuges and lifts)
- Customer care support for logistics and planning
- Dedicated chat with Guide and Customer care to define the last details before the trip
- Shared photos and video of the trip
- Administrative fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome and Rock Training
After a welcome presentation, we will teach you or simply review mountaineering techniques such as progressing on steep rocky terrain wearing mountaineering boots.
Day 2: Glacier Workshop
We will carry out a glacier workshop in which we will teach you how to safely progress on glaciers with crampons on your feet!
Ascent: + 850 m (up to + 1300 m)
Day 3: Acclimatization climb
Early morning start for our first summit! The guide will decide on the mountain to climb depending on the group and weather conditions. En route, we will practice the fundamentals of summertime mountaineering.
In the afternoon, we will return to Chamonix and prepare for the rest of the course. In the evening, the guide will give some feedback on this first part of the course and a quick briefing on the next part.
Ascent/descent: + 1100 m / – 1800 m
Day 4: Chamonix - Tête Rousse (3167m)
In the morning, we will have an easygoing start. Depending on conditions, we will either leave at the end of the morning or early afternoon for the cable car at Les Houches up to the Bellevue stop (1800 m), followed by the Mont Blanc tramway up to the Nid d’Aigle (2372 m). From there, we will hike up to the Tête Rousse mountain hut (3167 m). We meet up with the other guides and organize rope teams. Early night and rest to prepare for the big day!
Ascent: + 795 m
Day 5: Summit day!
We will set off extremely early (3 am) and head up to the Goûter hut (3835 m) crossing the Goûter couloir then following the shoulder partly equipped with cables (a 3 hrs climb). After a rest at the hut, we go onto the glacier and head off to the Goûter Dôme (4260 m). After a short climb, we will reach the Dôme mountain pass. As we continue, we will reach the Vallot shelter (4362 m) (a 2 1/2 hrs climb). From there, we will have 2 more hours to go via the famous Bosses ridge to finally reach the roof of the Alps! We will descend via the same route and spend the night at the Goûter hut (2 1/2 hrs).
Ascend/descent: + 1750 m / – 1075 m
Day 6: Goûter hut - Tête rousse (3167 m) - Chamonix
We will set off at 8 am to the Tête Rousse hut and Chamonix. If we don’t reach the summit on day 5, we will have a second possible attempt on day 6 after a night in the Goûter hut (3835 m).
Descent: – 1463 m
Details
More info « IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUMMER 2020: Following the request of the Prefecture of Haute-Savoie, the reservation of shelters located on the normal route of Mont-Blanc is possible only by filling in the complete identity of the participants (surname, first name, date of birth and nationality). These details will not be editable. All Mont-Blanc ascent bookings are subject to huts availability. During the last two weeks of March, mountain professionals will be able to make groups' bookings for these shelters: Le Goûter and Tête Rousse. As a result, spaces in Le Gouter and Tête Rousse shelters cannot be insured at registration. The places are very limited in these shelters, so we advise you to register before mid-March! Bookings for huts begin in mid-March for professionals. We will keep you informed throughout the booking process, from March 31, 2020. Please note: this itinerary is an example of a mountaineering course in the Mont Blanc mountain range and should only be used as a guide. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions and participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision. We may also change accommodation, maintaining identical standards, according to logistics and availabilities, except at Tête Rousse hut: if no spots are available in the hut, we might use the campground next to the hut. You will need to bring a good sleeping bag with the rest of the equipment detailed in the technical trip page details. Of course, we will keep you informed. We'd recommend conditioning yourself by jogging for 1 hour at least 3 times a week for 2-3 months before arrival. You'll need to have mastery over the basics of mountaineering. Some snow slopes will be at an angle of 35 -40 °. Class 3 level of rock traversing. |
Equipment you will need to bring
Other gear: Technical equipment needed: - Clamps, Harness, Ice axe, Helmet, Walking poles (we recommend Z-pole - compact and light. If you don't have the necessary equipment you can rent it from us: Complete Pack (Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Harness and Shoes)- 150 € Helmet - 35 € Ice Axe - 40 € Crampons - 50 € Harness - 35 € Mountaneering boots - 55 € Walking Sticks - 30 € We recommend you bring the following clothes (Or the closest match that you own): Warm hat or bandana/scarf Ski mask and glasses with UV protective lenses. Glasses with “transition” lenses to adapt to the level of light and Ski helmet Breathable under-layer with long sleeves to conserve heat, a tip: Merino wool is breathable and has anti-bacterial properties therefore it’s less likely to smell than synthetic materials. Light polar vest or synthetic vest for an extra layer of heat during stops. A Gore-tex or similar type vest with a waterproof and breathable membrane. Make sure it is lightweight and compact as not to take up too much space. Trousers with a breathable and waterproof membrane (Gore Tex or similar), trousers that allow an air flow around the legs. Light fitting polar or soft shell gloves with silk gloves to go underneath. Mittens are always a good idea for those of you who feel the cold! Swimming costume or bathing suit: Please avoid “swimming shorts” as these are not usually permitted. Ski socks: Merino wool. Slippers recommended for evening wear. A 1 litre Flask (Thermos or Camelback). A pocket knife. Duct Tape Factor 50 sun cream. A duffel bag holding up to 90 litres to leave at the hotel. No suitcases.
About the guide
Gauthier and his team of IFMGA/UIMLA-certified mountain guides & leaders and rock climbing instructors (Anabelle, Andrea, Andrej, Claire, Christophe, Daniel, Elis, Enrico, Etienne, François, Guillaume, Ivan, Jessy, Julia, Mathis, Mitja, Olivier, and Robin) are some of the top outdoor adventure professionals in Europe.
Whether you wish to climb some of the best mountains in the Alps or go on an exciting bouldering adventure in Fontainbleau, among other amazing options, they will be able to show you the top spots and the ropes to ensure you have an unforgettable and safe adventure.
Gauthier will be your main point of contact during the booking process and will be able to help you with all the questions you have in order to make sure you receive the best possible guiding service.
Pick one of the programs featured for E-S Adventure Guides and start planning an awe-inspiring experience in the mountains!
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