5 days
Alps
2 people
Intermediate
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Not specified
Introduction and familiarization with crampon and ice axe techniques. Possible location: Mer De Glace.
Early in the morning, we’ll start our climb to the Mont Blanc Summit. We will enjoy a breathtaking view from the top. We then descend to the Gouter hut and to the Nid D’Aigle train station, and finally back to Chamonix.
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 ascent early (December) I would arrange the hut bookings. Otherwise, you are responsible for booking the mountain huts or I would try to get a last minute spot directly with the hut keeper (this is not guarantee and depends on the availability). If Gouter Hut is fully booked, we would stay at Tete Rousse hut and that means longer days on the mountain.
The 120 spots at Gouter Hut are 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 250 Euros per person for accommodation, meals and other extras during the trip.
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)
I am an IFMGA mountain guide living in Cyprus. I have a passion for exploring the mountains since I was child. Kyperounda, the town where I was born and raised, was my first playground, the place where I started practising different outdoor activities.
First I learnt skiing. Then, I started training and taking part in races and competitions, traveling extensively in Europe. As I am very curious, I kept trying all kinds of sports until I discovered climbing and all its exciting possibilities.
I also developed both my academic and my practical skills in the university, where I studied Outdoor Studies and Sport Science. During that time, I obtained qualifications as a Mountain Leader and a Climber.
Teaching other people is one of the things I like the most. I find a deep joy in helping others to enjoy the mountains as much as I do.
The experience of all these years as well as my technical skills, have taken me closer to my goal: becoming an IFMGA mountain guide.
NEW
Need help deciding?
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures!