Mont Blanc Acclimatization and Ascent
Summit Western Europe's highest peak - Mont Blanc - on this epic 6-day guided adventure! Master glacier travel, acclimatize to the altitude, and experience breathtaking landscapes with certified guides before reaching the iconic summit.
Group
Alps
6 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Description
Have you ever dreamed of reaching the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe? This 6-day program is designed to make your dream a reality!
Maximize your chances of reaching the summit by dedicating the first three days to acclimatization and acquiring essential glacier hiking techniques - learn how to walk with crampons, use an ice axe, and rope up for safety on the mountain!
Explore the stunning Tour and Trient glaciers during your acclimatization hikes. You'll also climb Tête Blanche, a beginner-friendly summit at 3429 meters (11,247 ft). This climb is a perfect opportunity to practice your crampon technique and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. After your acclimatization hikes, you'll return to the valley for a well-deserved night's rest before the big ascent of Mont Blanc.
The ascent of Mont Blanc will take place over the next three days. You'll follow a gradual climb that takes you through the Dôme du Goûter and the ridge of Bosses. Finally, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit and an unforgettable adventure shared with your experienced guide.
Don't miss this opportunity to turn your dream into a reality! Contact us to start your Mont Blanc journey.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Albert 1er refuge
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
Day 2: Ascending Tête Blanche
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.
Day 3: Col Supérieur du Tour
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.
Day 4: Climb to the Tête Rousse refuge
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.
Day 5: Conquer Mont Blanc!
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.
Day 6: Descent to Chamonix
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
Details
Accommodation
Shared rooms (dormitories) with blankets provided. You can bring a sheet for extra comfort (like a sleeping bag liner).
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to go on this trip?
Mont Blanc's demanding ascent requires a very good fitness level due to its length and high altitude (over 4,000 meters). Prior experience with high-altitude environments is recommended.
What technical skills and experience do I need to have for this Mont Blanc trip?
No technical experience is necessary, as all skills will be taught during the week. The most challenging part of the trip is the ascent to the Goûter Refuge, which involves using your hands for climbing (with the aid of cables). The exposed Arête des Bosses includes short, steep sections that require solid experience with crampons.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment?
Yes, you need to bring the following equipment:
-Mountaineering boots that you can fit crampons onto (with rigid soles)
-A comfortable mountaineering backpack (40/45L)
-Ice axe, crampons, harness with locking carabiner, helmet
-One or two collapsible walking poles (depending on what you are used to)
-A water bottle (1.5L )
Most equipment is available for rent at shops in Chamonix.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Accomodation will be in mountain refuges in Shared rooms (dormitories) with blankets provided. You can bring a sheet for extra comfort (like a sleeping bag liner).
The Meals included are Lunch picnics and Diners at the huts. We recommend you bring some snacks according to your own tastes (cereals bars, chocolate bars, dry fruits,…). You can buy some in Champex village if you need.
Keep in mind Personal drinks are not included in the trip's price and water is not for free in refuges (from 5 to 8 euros one bottle). We advise you to bring some water purification tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur) in order to drink tap water.
Bring some Swiss francs for coffees, fruit juices, coke or beers during breaks… Shelters usually don’t accept bank card payments and Euros.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
For this trip, you must be fit : you can train with other sports such as running, cycling, swimming or sportive walk. To have a reasonable chance of success, a high degree of fitness and stamina, some previous experience of altitude is highly recommended.
General Training advices: six months before departure, try to do at least 1 to 2 endurance sport sessions a week (each one must last at least one hour) and do a 6 hours trekking during the week-end with an elevation of 400m/hour during three hours. Three months before departure, try 2 to 3 endurance sport sessions a week and increase your trekking time during the week end from 7 to 8 hours.
How much will I need to carry in my backpack? What size backpack do I need to bring?
During the training and the climb, you will carry our own personal equipment and packed lunches in your backpack (40-45L).
The rest of your luggage will stay in Chamonix and can be kept in another bag (travel bag).
Can I join a group? What is the group size?
Yes, this is a group trip. You can check the available dates and select the group departure you'd like to join. Groups are from 4 to 6 people, and guide to client ratio is 1:2 for the Mont Blanc ascent.
About the guide
Montagne Expédition
1.0
(1)
Guide Agency
Languages
English | French
What people are saying about this trip
Oliver
The trip is properly organized and includes the necessary bookings and administrative tasks. For unexperienced participants there could be some more explanations about how things work and what to take care of. The guide himself for sure is a nice person, but is really not suited for a such a role. Some actions were slightly annoying and some were just dangerous and nothing else. Additionally there should be at least a really short introduction to people who never stood on crampons how to walk on them or how you do rock climbing if you are tied together to and therefore responsible for other people.
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