Climb Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc Sunset

Climbing Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc misty glacier view

Mont Blanc Sunset

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Climb Mont Blanc

Climb the highest peak in Western Europe (4810m)
Summit Gran Paradiso (4061m) on training days
Stay in the famous mountaineering town of Chamonix

Why Choose Cloud 9 Adventure

Outstanding fully-qualified guides
B&B chalet accommodation in central Chamonix
Authentic mountain refuges

AT A GLANCE

7 nights

5-6 days' climbing

Group size 4-10

Join: Chamonix

Nearest Airport: Geneva

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in chalet or hotel

4 nights in refuges

DIFFICULTY GRADING

10

Extremely tough

Climb Mont Blanc: Dates and Prices

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TRIP NOTES

Climb Mont Blanc: Overview

Mont Blanc (4810m) is the highest peak in Western Europe, drawing mountaineers from all over the world, who come to attempt this highly sought-after summit. The views from the top are, as you can imagine, simply breathtaking.

Our course is based in Chamonix, which is a true mountaineering town; some call it the capital of alpinism. We stay in a traditional chalet, and because it is so central we don't include dinner on the nights we are in Chamonix; there are so many choices in all price ranges, and it is great to get out into the town in the evenings.

The first half of our week will be spent training and acclimatising. For this we will head through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy, and climb Gran Paradiso (4061m). This is a fantastic way to gain and practice the skills needed to climb Mont Blanc, and will also give you another summit above 4000 metres during your trip.

The Mont Blanc climb usually takes 2 days, with 2 nights spent in refuges, but we do have an extra day in case of bad weather, which gives us a greater chance of success. The guides will monitor the weather and other factors throughout the week, and will make changes to the itinerary if necessary. They are highly qualified and extremely experienced, and any decisions they make will be in the safety interests of the whole group.

What to expect

Mont Blanc is a feasible goal for anyone with a good level of fitness and previous hill walking experience. No previous mountaineering experience is required, as we will teach all the necessary skills during the training days. You will, however, need to have an ability to learn and develop new skills quickly, such as walking in crampons, and walking while roped up to other climbers. On the ascent you will spend many hours walking at altitude, and in crampons, so you will need a good level of endurance fitness, and be able to exercise at a moderate intensity for several hours. Climbing Mont Blanc is still a challenge for all mountaineers, from beginners to the very experienced.

Climb Mont Blanc: Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Chamonix

Our trip starts in Chamonix. We hold a trip briefing in the chalet, where you can ask questions and check kit, before heading out for dinner.

Accommodation: Chalet, no dinner included

Luggage access

Day 2 - From Chamonix to the Rifugio Chabod

We will have a little time this morning to rent/buy any last-minute kit or supplies we need, before taking our transfer through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy. After being dropped off we have a relatively short 2-3 hour ascent to our base for the night; the Rifugio Chabod (2750m). After lunch at the refuge, we will have an outdoor training session covering scrambling, walking in crampons, and being roped up.

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Day 3 - Summit Gran Paradiso

This will be a big day, as we ascend 1300 metres to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061m). This is excellent training for Mont Blanc, and a great summit in itself, with fantastic views of the Gran Paradiso National Park and the surrounding mountains. After summiting we will return to the Rifugio Chabod. Staying here for a second night is important for acclimatisation, and also means we can travel more lightly as we can leave belongings at the refuge for the day.

Accommodation : Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Day 4 - From Rifugio Chabod to Chamonix

After breakfast we leave the hut and descend gently for around 2 hours. We can stop for an Italian coffee before our transfer picks us up and takes us back to Chamonix. It is very important to take this opportunity to rest, in preparation for the coming days.

Accommodation: Chalet, no dinner included

Luggage access

Day 5 - From Chamonix to the Refuge de Tête Rousse

Our day starts with a short transfer to Les Houches, at the lower end of the Chamonix Valley. We take the available uplifts, then ascend to the Refuge de Tête Rousse (3167m), where we will stay for the night. We will be in good company as the majority of climbers staying in the hut will be aiming for an ascent of Mont Blanc.

Accommodation: Refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Day 6 - Summit Mont Blanc

We usually have a very early start, before attempting our summit via the Goûter/Bosses ridge. The climbing is not technical but the final ridge is narrow and exposed. We will descend via the same route as far as the Refuge du Goûter, where we will spend the night. This amazing construction was opened in 2013 to replace the old refuge, and perches on the mountainside at a height of 3835 metres. If we have not summited today there may be the option to make a second attempt the next day, but this will be the guide's decision and will depend on conditions, weather and fitness.

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access