Mont Blanc Acclimatization and Ascent

Join us for an exciting start to your ice and snow school adventure on the right bank of the Tour glacier. Upon arrival, you will meet with your guide at the equipment rental store for individual equipment setup (retrieval for those who have pre-requested it), as well as a briefing session.

Afterward, we'll start our journey to the village of Le Tour, approximately 20km away, via minibus. From there, we'll ascend via the Col de Balme ski lifts, eventually reaching the Albert 1er refuge at an altitude of 2702 meters on the right bank of the Tour glacier.

In the afternoon, near the refuge, the snow and ice school awaits, providing a captivating learning experience against the backdrop of the stunning glacier.

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 500m
• Maximum Altitude: 2702m
• Accommodation: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the picturesque Albert 1er refuge

Setting off from the Albert 1er refuge, we prepare our crampons in preparation for the ascent of Tête Blanche, a peak culminating at 3429 meters above sea level. Our journey continues as we traverse the Col Supérieur du Tour, ultimately arriving at the Trient cabin situated at 3170 meters.

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 850m
• Elevation: Around 850m
• Maximum Altitude: 3429m
• Accommodation: Indulge in dinner and spend the night at the welcoming Trient cabin.

Starting from the Trient cabin, we'll ascend the Col Supérieur du Tour. Then we'll return to the Albert 1er refuge for a brief interlude before starting our descent towards the village of Le Tour.

Once in the village, we'll continue our descent back to the refuge and eventually to the village of Le Tour. Upon our return to the lodge, the guide will gather with the group to discuss the remainder of the itinerary, taking into account the current weather forecast and mountain conditions.

Additionally, the guide will provide training for the teams preparing for the ascent of Mont Blanc.

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 400m
• Elevation: Around 1000m
• Maximum Altitude: 3235m
• Accommodation: Spend the night in a lodge at the Tour.

Starting from the Mont Blanc tramway station to Nid d’Aigle, we climb towards the Tête Rousse refuge, perched at 3167 meters. This initial stage serves as a gentle introduction to our Mont Blanc ascent.

Our journey begins in the late morning as we head towards the village of Les Houches, where additional guides join the group and ropes are prepared for the climb.

We ascend to Bellevue via cable car, then continue to Nid d'Aigle aboard the Mont Blanc tramway. The route initially leads us beneath the Rognes ridge, followed by a hike across the north face, before emerging onto a snowy plateau leading to the Tête Rousse refuge.

Once there, the afternoon is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, affording us the opportunity to revel in the exquisite vistas of the north face of Bionnassay.

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1300m
• Maximum Altitude: 3167m
• Accommodation: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Tête Rousse refuge.

This challenging Mt Blanc ascent follows the rocky slope of the Aiguille du Goûter. A wide corridor at the base of the slope is susceptible to rockfall, emphasizing the importance of following the guide’s instructions.

The climb will then feature sections equipped with cables or ropes. As night falls, time seems to dissolve, and we ascend to the Dôme du Goûter at 4304m. Here, the Vallot bivouac refuge, though unattended, provides a potential sanctuary for mountaineers in need.

With the dawn, renewed energy accompanies the warming sun as we draw closer to the summit. The Bosses ridge emerges. Your guide will ensure the rope is securely taut as you navigate this awe-inspiring ridge.

After surmounting the final hump, the ridge broadens, unveiling the vast and inviting summit. Welcome to the pinnacle of Mont Blanc at 4810m!

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1700m
• Elevation: Around 1000m
• Maximum Altitude: 4810m
• Accommodation: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Goûter refuge.

Returning to Chamonix, the descent follows the familiar path towards Nid d'Aigle, where we catch the Mont Blanc Tramway. Upon reaching Les Houches via cable car, we rendezvous with our vehicles.

Lunch can be enjoyed either upon arrival of the cable car at Bellevue or in Chamonix after returning your equipment.

• Elevation: Approximately 1300m
• Maximum Altitude: 3167m