Climbing Mont Blanc in 3 days from the Italian side

Mont Blanc ascent requires a very good physical level and a very good previous experience on glaciers in mountaineering activities (in particular, confidence in progression with crampons on glacier areas and some climbing ability on rocky terrains, with snow and ice).

About your fitness, you should consider that it will be a very demanding ascent. We still recommend that you train seriously in the months leading up to the trip, so you can experience the adventure to the fullest.

To attempt the ascent of Mont Blanc you need a solid physical and technical preparation that is achieved by training consistently over many years. You should already have a good background and be familiar with the high altitude, the severe conditions of temperatures during the first hours of climbing, without light and on very impegnative terrain, very steep to hike even with crampons on. This means that you have had recent mountaineering experiences in which to practice.

The best preparation for mountain sports always involves a good amount of cardiovascular exercise (running, biking, mountain biking, etc.) and, whenever possible, long walks in the mountains even on challenging trails. Working out only at home or in the gym is not enough compared to an outdoor running or biking routine. If it becomes really difficult for you to go regularly in the mountains, the advice is still to walk uphill with a positive elevation gain of at least 1,000 meters. Also, training at altitude (at least above 3000 m) becomes essential, especially if overnight stays in a refuge are also planned.

Feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to recommend the best option for your level and training.

The loan of the shared safety equipment such as rope, ice screws, daisy chains, and carabiners.is included in the tariff: the Guide provides it on the day of departure.

The personal technical gear is NOT INCLUDED so you need to check and bring bring yours (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, trakking poles).

As well as the mountaineering clothing, including technical mountaineering boots, waterproof, with rigid soles, warm and comfortable (please avoid bringing new ones, if you have never used them before the ascent!). After your booking confirmation, we will send a complete and detailed list of recommended equipment and clothing and, if you need anything for rent, we will recommend some shops where you can hire the necessary gear. Boots renting is around 20-22€/day, and trekking poles are 8-10€/day.

Absolutely no porters are expected for the ascent to either Mont Blanc or Gran Paradiso. Each participant should bring a personal backpack and technical equipment, including thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.

We will take care of the reservations for all the overnight accommodations in half board formula, including breakfast and dinner, but NOT the beverages/drinks or extra meals.

For this reason, any other meals or beverages (water, beer, sparkling beverages, etc.) are NOT included and have to be covered by the customers directly on the spot and for Guide/Guides too.

On mountains, weather and conditions can change unexpectedly and very fast, especially in recent years, due to the climate changes: in general, forecast and conditions have to be appropriate to try the attempt, but the final decision regarding the ascent belongs to the Guide, who is responsible to evaluate the risks and the safety conditions for all the team. Safety is our priority, both for the Guides and for the customers: if weather is not good and the forecast is not favorable for the attempt, we prefer to plan an alternative ascent to nearby mountains with better conditions and better chances for a safe summit attempt.

Please note that confirming the trip you are booking the professional’s availability for all the duration of the tour: this means that it will not be possible to cancel at last time, due to poor conditions or bad weather. The Guide fee could not be refunded. For this reason, in case the Mont Blanc is out of reach, we guarantee our availability to arrange an experience that lives up to your expectations. We knows very well and totally understand that this may be a frustrating outcome, however, safety is a top priority for our team of professionals, and every mountain has a lesson to teach to all climbers. Customers and the Guides safety is more important than any summit.

Some detailed alternatives to replace Mont Blanc attempt, in case of bad weather or restrictions to the climbing due to safety reasons, are listed in the options below:

• “Monterosa 4K Seven Summits collection” (Pyramide Vincent, Balmenhorn, Schwarzhorn, Ludwigshöhe, Parrot, Zumstein, Signalkuppe/Punta Gnifetti) - 3 days

• Pollux + Castor starting from Cervinia (overnight staying at refuge Guide del Cervino) - 3 days

• Gran Paradiso and Tresenta summits (overnight staying at refuge Vittorio Emanuele) - 3 days

The maximum number of clients per single Guide is two, thus giving a ratio of 1:1. This is in order to ensure the safety during the trip and it is established by local regulations. Under any circumstances, we are not going to take more than 1 people for each guide.

If you are more than 1 person, we have more Guides available to undertake the adventure: we will be happy to support your group with other professionals of our team!

The ascent of Mont Blanc from the italian route can be planned during the Summer season, from the beginning of June until mid-July, in relation to the opening of the refuge and the improved general safety conditions related to snowfall and temperatures.

No, due to guide-to-client ratio (1:1), we can only accept private requests for the ascent. If you are more than 1, you necessary requires to have more than 1 Guide.

Depending on your country of origin, you can decide to arrive from:

• Italy; the nearest airports are Turin Caselle or Milan Malpensa. Once you arrive at the airport, you can move to Courmayeur by bus (Flixbus and Arriva operate coach runs every day), by private transfer, or (better choice) by renting a car.

• France or Switzerland; Geneva Airport (Switzerland) is the closest to Courmayeur (around 100km), so it only takes about 2 hr by bus. You can move to Aosta Valley by car, bus, or private transfer from Chamonix, passing through the Mont Blanc tunnel.

Also Lausanne Airport is the closest to Aosta (around 150km), so it only takes about 2hr 10 mins to drive by car or private transfer, passing through the Great St. Bernard Tunnel.

For beginners without any previous mountaineering experience, and for those who prefer a longer time for acclimatization and training before the Mont Blanc summit, we strongly recommend at least making the ascent of a technically easier 4000-meter peak, such as the Gran Paradiso or Capanna Margherita.

The renting of the personal technical gear, trekking poles and boots is NOT included.

We will send you more details in case of need.

IMPORTANT!

In case the conditions (for weather or timing reasons) require the descent on the French side, the Guide will decide to descend along the route best suited to ensure safety (Gouter or Cosmiques route), with use of cable car for the descent to Chamonix. The return in this case will determine an additional cost of the lift tickets for the client and the Guide and the cost of the private transfer to Italy.

After the ascent, we generally have a light lunch to have something to eat together and a beer to celebrate the experience with the guide. The costs for the lunch and beverages are NOT included and have to be covered on the spots, sharing the guide’s fee between all the participants.

The meeting with the Guide on the first day will be around 8:00/8:30 am at the parking area in Val Veny; please remember to check the bus timetable, in case you need to reach the meeting point by public transport. If you need a private transfer, please check it in advance; we can support you, but we need to know in advance of your time arrival in Aosta Valley. This extra service is NOT included and has to be covered on the spot by the customers.

Time back to the parking area on the 3rd day is expected around 12:00/12.30