Mont Blanc Ascent

Any experienced adventurer contemplating a more active visit to Europe could not resist the proposal of climbing the highest peak in the Alps, Mt Blanc (4807m / 15,771 feet) at some stage of their lives.

Whilst the range has attracted the attention of alpinists worldwide for its challenging routes for centuries, there are a myriad of options available to the novice climber and very fit trekker.

This trip is designed to allow very fit people who have little or no experience in mountaineering to reach the summit of the famous Mont Blanc above Chamonix, France. Acclimatization and basic technical training are part of the program for the first 3 days.

This trip is designed with the beginner mountaineer in mind with the aim of the first days on the trip to learn the basics of travel on snow and ice to help prepare you for the tough climb ahead. You will also discover many aspects of the amazing Mont Blanc range.

Days 5 & 6 are for the ascent of Mont Blanc itself.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 Join Chamonix
Please make your way to the group hotel which will be advised in your final documentation (any airport transfer service will take you direct to the hotel reception). A group briefing will be held at 6pm at the hotel reception, it is essential that you attend and bring
your equipment with you; you will then proceed to the gear hire shop, Snell Sports, with your guide. Please ensure that your travel arrangements will have you in Chamonix at this time. Overnight at the group hotel.

Note: Hotel details subject to change, your final documents will confirm the group hotel.
Meals: D

DAY 2 Introduction to mountaineering
The day will be spent learning mountaineering basics on the Tour glacier, including the use of crampons, ice axe and ropes on the glacier, and rope management skills. We hike up to the Albert 1er refuge (2702 m with 700m of those on telepherique) for our nights accommodation. Overnight mountain hut.
Schedule: 3-4 hours. Vertical: +570m.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3 Ascend Aiguille du Tour via the Tour Glacier
Ascent of the Aiguille du Tour (3529 m) by the Tour Glacier, the superior pass of Tour (3289 m) and the Trient glacier. (If there are more than 4 persons in the group then we do not climb the Aiguille du Tour) Technical focus is on belaying in steep snow slopes. We then traverse to the Trient Refuge (3170 m) while crossing the Trient glacial plateau, underneath the Aiguilles Dorées. Overnight
mountain hut.
Schedule: 6 to 7 hours. Vertical : + 820 m and -370 m.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 Traverse the Fenetre de Saleina
Weather permitting, we traverse 2 passes (Fenetre de Saleina and Fenetre superieur du Tour) before continuing down the Tour glacier to reach the Albert 1er hut. From here we can admire the Argentiere North Face and the Saleina glacier basin surrounded by many peaks. Our return trek takes us to the original starting point. Here we will then take the chairlift down to the village of the Le Tour and transfer back to Chamonix. A nearby café offers a range of food and drink if you are required to wait. Overnight Chamonix hotel.
Schedule: 5 to 7 hours, Vertical: + 550m and - 1400m.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5 Hike to Gouter Refuge*
Transfer to Les Houches, your guide, who will organise the telepherique and train trip to take us to the Nid d'Aigle at 2300m. From here, a 2 hour trek brings us to a short, steep path leading to the Tete Rousse Glacier, after which we will rope up and cross the Grand Couloir. A 2 hour scramble in steep rocks then takes us up to the Gouter refuge at 3800 m. Overnight mountain hut.
Schedule: 5 to 6 hours. Vertical: 1400 m

*PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the season there are times when the Gouter hut is overbooked.
Availability is controlled by the French Alpine Club and allocation of beds is on a random basis and released in mid April each year. Please note that booking in advance is highly recommended but still does not guarantee a bed in the Gouter Hut. If we are unable to secure beds in this hut we will use the Tete Rousse Refuge. The Tete Rousse is a larger, new hut which is located 700m below the Gouter Hut. Although this makes for a slightly longer summit day, a better nights sleep is likely at this lower altitude, as well as a wider variety of good quality food. Your World Expeditions reservations consultant or travel agent will advise with your final documents if the Gouter Hut is not available for your group.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6 Attempt Mont Blanc Summit
An alpine start this morning (3am), over snow and ice slopes and traversing ridges we ascend to the summit of Mont Blanc, first we will reach the top of the Dome Du Gouter at 4300m. We then pass the Vallot shelter and hike up the Les Bosses ridge and finally after 4 -5 hours, the summit of Mt Blanc. The long descent requires concentration and endurance to reach the Nid d' Aigle where we can allow an intermediary rest and quick snack before continuing on to the Bellevue and then by cable car to Les Houches. Overnight at Chamonix hotel.
Schedule: 8 to 12 hours, Vertical: + 1000 m / - 2435 m
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 Trip concludes in Chamonix
The trip concludes after breakfast in the hotel.
PLEASE NOTE: The above route and estimated times must be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to weather, snow conditions or other reasons. Your guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with the group members.
Meals: B

Other Details

Accommodation Details

3 nights accommodation in a 3-star Chamonix hotel on a twin-share basis
3 nights accommodation in mountain huts