Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, Western Europe and European Union. It rises 4,810 m (15,781 ft) above sea level and is ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence. It is also sometimes known as “La Dame Blanche” (French for “The White Lady”).
The mountain lies between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy and Haute-Savoie, France. The location of the summit is on the French-Italian border.
The drive takes a minimum of 3.5 hours if the weather and subsequent road conditions are favourable. In inclement weather the drive has been known to take up to 6.5 hours.
DAY 2 – Meet guides in Chamonix
DAY 3 – 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.
DAY 4 – 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.
DAY 5 – 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.
DAY 6 – 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.
DAY 7 – Attempt Mont Blanc Summit
An alpine start this morning (1am), 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.
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc – geographical information
The mountain lies between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy and Haute-Savoie, France. The location of the summit is on the French-Italian border.
To learn more about Mont Blanc please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Blanc
The Climb
DAY 1 – Arrive Zurich and transfer to Chamonix.
The drive takes a minimum of 3.5 hours if the weather and subsequent road conditions are favourable. In inclement weather the drive has been known to take up to 6.5 hours.
DAY 2 – Meet guides in Chamonix
DAY 3 – 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.
DAY 4 – 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.
DAY 5 – 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.
DAY 6 – 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.
DAY 7 – Attempt Mont Blanc Summit
An alpine start this morning (1am), 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.
DAY 8 – Trip concludes in Zurich