4-day Mont Blanc course and ascent

Gear List

1. Technical Equipment  Leather or plastic sturdy mountaineering boots with RIGID crampon-compatible soles.  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 it. (Prusik slings, webbing, pulleys, auto-locking device). **

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