Mont Blanc 3-day climbing course

Intermediate

Fit

We'll meet the evening before the start of the program at the gondola station in Chamonix or another meeting point of your preference.

If you book and pay your Mont Blanc ascend early (December) I would arrange the hut bookings. Otherwise, you are responsible to book the mountain huts or I would try to get a last minute spot directly with the hut keeper (this is not guarantee and it depends on the availability). In a situation that Gouter Hut is fully booked we would be based in Tete Rousse hut and that means longer days in the mountain.

The 120 spots in the Gouter Hut are being distributed via an online booking process with scheduled release dates starting as early as mid December. Once a contingent on available spaces goes online at 8AM Central European Time on the release date, core season spots tend to book out within 15 minutes. Other than that, last minute spots are available 3 days before the scheduled night at the Gouter Hut by calling the hut keeper directly. Hence reserving your Mont Blanc package sooner rather than later is to your advantage!

The Tete Rousse Hut is also an online booking process, which we are able to book no earlier than 45 days to your hut date. We can also manage to pick up unconfirmed spots on shorter notice, even inside 3 days prior to your trip date.

Extra Expenses: You can expect to spend around 200 Euros per person for accommodation, meals and other extras during the trip.

Please note: Departure time will be arranged the evening before with the guide.

Gear List

1. Technical Equipment

 Leather or plastic mountaineering boots* sturdy with RIGID soles crampon compatible

 Backpack (30 - 40 liters)

 Climbing helmet*

 Ice axe for glacier travel (50-75cm, classic pick)*

 Crampons that fit your boots or can be easily adjusted*

 Collapsible ski poles* (One pole is very useful and recommended)

 1 harness*

 1 locking carabiner**

 Crevasse rescue equipment, if you are familiar with using it. (Prusik slings, webbing, pulleys, auto-locking device). **

All items marked ‘*’ can be rented from a rental shop locally.

Items marked ‘**’would be provided by the guide. Please bring your own equipment if you have it.

2. Clothing We suggest using the ‘layer system’: Light technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly if sweaty or wet. Layers can be put on and taken off fast if weather conditions change during the day.

 Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore Tex or similar)

 Wind and waterproof over pants with side zippers (Gore Tex or similar)

 Mountaineering pants

 Fleece or heavy jacket

 Medium weight fleece sweater

 Long underwear or running tights

 Undershirt – preferably long sleeves

 Warm socks for mountaineering boots (wool/synthetic outers)

 Warm hat, covering your ears

 Lightweight gloves (fleece or leather)

 Warm, waterproof pair of gloves

 Gaiters (unless pants lock tightly to your boots)

 Sun hat, with a wide brim if possible

 Bandana (optional)

3. Hut lodging

 Spare underwear, socks

 Down vest or light insulated jacket (optional)

 Light-weight sleeping bag liner (preferably silk) – wool covers are provided by the hut

 Light stuff sacs or zip lock bags to keep your backpack organized (optional)

 Toiletries : only tooth-brush and tooth-paste

 Alpine Club Membership Card (if you hold membership)

 Ear plugs (optional but very useful)

4. Other Items

 Sun glasses (heavy duty – glacier use, with very good UV protection)

 Sun screen and lip protection

 Water bottle, preferably insulated, minimum volume: 1 liter

 Head lamp with spare batteries and bulb

 Blister kit (optional)

 Snacks (candy bars, dried fruit, sandwiches, nuts, etc.)

 Personal items (prescription medicine, extra contact lenses and maintenance equipment, extra pair of prescription glasses, etc.)

 Pocket knife or Leatherman (optional)