Mont Blanc summit with snow and ice skills (6 days)
Your IFMGA-certified guide Tal will lead you on one of the most popular and classic trips in the Alps, an ascent of Mont Blanc preceded by acclimatization in Chamonix. A climb that been luring visitors in for years with its spectacular scenery.
Group
Alps
6 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Beginner
Highlights
- Climb the famous Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in the Alps!
- Acclimatize in the stunning Chamonix - charming visitors for decades!
- Stay in gorgeous and cosy mountain huts!
- Beautiful scenery and sweeping panoramic views over Europe!
Description
Ascending the majestic and world-famous Mont Blanc is something that every mountaineer has to experience, and I invite you to join me on a guided tour that will entail the most classic way of doing this, as we acclimatize in Chamonix and follow the beautiful, archetypal path to the top.
Mont Blanc towers high above Europe, and is the highest mountain in The Alps. It has long been considered a climbing mecca, and such is its prominence it is being considered as a World Heritage site due to its raw beauty and perfect alpine terrain bringing large quantities of crowds each year.
After meeting on the first day in Chamonix/Argentiere for a safety briefing and gear check, we head off the next morning to the absolutely mesmerizing Grand Montets glacier, a tranquil slice of beauty, where we complete a snow and ice course. Afterwards we spend the night in the Argentiere hut.
The next two are spent acclimatizing to altitudes over 3000m, and the 4th night is spent at either the Cosmique or Tete Rousse huts, both picturesque places nestled amongst the snow and idyllic surrounding landscapes.
The 5th day is when we ascend to the top of the truly grand Mont Blanc, and once you are at the top you will never feel more alive as you look out on the sweeping views across Europe and beyond, the crisp air filling up your lungs adding to the euphoria.
After spending the night in the fun and refreshing Gouter Hut, we then descend back down to our starting point, where the trip finishes, hopefully feeling happy and satisfied that you have completed such a historical and traditional adventure.
Ascending Mont Blanc is a tradition every mountaineer should complete – book now to tick it off your list!
I also offer a Mont Blanc ascent with acclimatization on Gran Paradiso, here!
Alternatively, try my tour of ski mountaineering on Mont Blanc, here!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide expenses
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Ice axe
Price details
- Price includes:
- 5.5 guided days in the mountains.
- Planning and guiding by an IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guide/Aspirant.
- Transportation throughout the activity
- Guides expenses (included in the price for groups starting from 2 participants. NOT Included in the price for 1 person).
- Climbing gear (ice exes, ropes, harnesses, helmets etc.)
- Guiding in a in a min/max 1:2 guide-client ratio on the Mont Blanc
- Price does not include:
- Flights and insurances
- Cable cars (twice through the week, up to 60 € per day)
- Mountaineering boots (rental)
- Overnights in mountain huts- Montblanc "Normal Way" (2 times 105 € )
- Overnight rif. Torino (Italy) 70 €
- 2 Overnights in the Chamonix valley (1/2 pension at 85 € a night in a shared room)
- Guides expenses NOT Included in the price for 1 person.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet
Meeting at 17:00 in Chamonix/Argentiere- the exact hotel’s address will be sent to you before the activity – for a briefing and a gear check.
Day 2: Grand Montets Glacier
With the Grands Montets lift we travel quick to the Grands Montets glacier (3200 m)- for a snow and ice course, after which, we descent to the Argentiere hut (2769 m) for an overnight (about 450 meters descent, max 2.5 hours walk).
Day 3: Acclimitization
A short climb in the huts area- the idea is to spend some hours above 3,000 meters- and descent to the valley (overnight in a hotel in the valley).
Day 4: Mont Blanc mountain hut
After resting well in the valley, we will head up to our Mont Blanc mountain hut- the Cosmique or the Tete Rousse huts are both good candidates for our Mont Blanc ascent. The destination will be decided about a week before our activity depending on the conditions on the mountain. (1100 meters elevation gain, about 4 hours walking to Tete Rousse hut)
Day 5: Ascend Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc ascent and an overnight in the Gouter (depending on the hut between 1400 meters climbing to 1100 meters, the summit day is usually calculated as a 10-12 hours day).
Day 6: Finish
Today’s plan is to get back down to the valley where our activity will be concluded! Estimated time to reach the valley- 12:00-14:00.
Details
More info
No previous experience in snow/ice or rock is required.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
No previous experience in snow/ice or rock is required.
This is a very physically demanding activity, so a very good level of physical fitness is required.
Previous experience in trekking or hill walking and scrambling is required. Sure-footedness and adaptation to exposure are essential.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
It is advisable to train as early as you can to maintain a constant basic fitness level. Walk! the best training for mountaineering is not at the fitness studio but outside, walking in nature (trekking) with light to medium weight. Mountaineering days are long, reaching a level of 6 hours of constant physical activity.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
No, the technical gear (excluding mountaineering boots) is provided by us.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
No, in the Alps we use fare, which means you pack it in and you pack it out. In addition, the food and beverages in the huts are a huge help in maximizing your chances of success
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Based on hotels (in the valley) and huts (in the mountains) both times with half board.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
We will come as fast as we possibly can with suitable alternatives.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
Non.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
During the training min 1:2, max 1:4, and during the ascent max 1:2.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
Summer months: From July to September.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can and should!
What's included in the price I'm paying for this tour? What extra costs will I need to cover?
The price includes:
- 5 days in the mountains
- Planning and guiding by an IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guide/Aspirant
- Transportation throughout the activity
- Guide’s expenses
- Climbing gear (ice axes, ropes, harnesses, helmets, etc.)
- Guiding in a min/max 1:2 guide-client ratio for the Mont Blanc ascent
The price does not include:
- flights and insurance
- cable cars (twice through the week, up to 60 € per day)
- mountaineering boots (rental)
- overnight in the mountain huts and hotel in the valley (1/2 pension in the Mt. Blanc huts at 110 € Chamonix valley estimated at 90 € a night)
How much experience do I need for this 5-day program? What are the requirements to join this adventure?
Climbing Mont Blanc is a physically demanding activity, so you will need:
- a very good fitness level
- endurance and the capacity to maintain stable performance on long, successive days out. People who define their level at “C” ("very good" fitness level) should be able to ascend a 1,200 m slope on a normal day while maintaining a minimal incline of 300 meters per hour with a heavy backpack (10 kg).
- Trekking, hill walking, and scrambling experience is an advantage
- No snow/ice or rock is required
Who is taking care of booking the huts?
We book all the accommodation starting from the night that the activities begin to the night before the activities end. For example, if a tour starts on the 10 and ends on the 15.08, we book all the overnights from the 10-14.08. The overnight on the 15.08 is not included and is not handled by us.
What happens if we are 2 for the ascent and the 2nd climber can't make it to the summit? Will we turn back?
It depends on the situation, but if it is too risky to leave someone alone on the glacier/mountain, we will all have to turn back. However, if it is safe to leave someone in Refuge Vallot for example, it is possible to continue with one client and pick the second client up on the way back.
What gear do I need to have with me? Will you provide part of it? Where do you recommend me to rent the equipment I don't have and that you don't provide?
We provide all the technical gear:
- crampons
- helmets
- harnesses
- ice axes
- even a rucksack
You'll need to have care of your clothing and footwear.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Tal
5.0
(10)
Mountain Guide
I am in the mountains all year-round, either guiding a trip or exploring on my own. Mountain guiding is not only my profession and passion but also my inner calling. I am a qualified IFMGA mountain and ski guide.
In 2012, I established my mountaineering school "Mountains" with the motto: Quality guiding on snow, rock and ice. You can count on a low client to guide ratio, reliable gear and high quality programs led by our talented team of guides. We are not adrenaline junkies - we put safety first and strive to meet and exceed all of our clients' needs.
We take great pride in having more than 30% returning clients and would be thrilled to welcome you to our "Mountains" family during your next rock, snow or ice adventure!
Languages
| German | English | Arabic
Certificates
VDBS | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Arindam
It was a very good experience. Will return to Tal for more climbing projects.
Neil
Great trip that I'll remember forever, Tal did a great job of managing the logistics of a puzzle with many moving pieces! Both leading guides Jeff and Andi were first class and made the trip. Overall, top notch I would be happy to recommend!
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