Mont Blanc Ascent
8 Days Starting in Chamonix and ending in
Visiting: France
From:
$3922
$3746 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$176
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Anybody with a high level of fitness contemplating a more active visit to Europe could not resist the proposal of climbing the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc (4810m / 15,771 feet). Whilst the range has attracted the attention of world class alpinists worldwide for its challenging routes for centuries, there are also many options available to the novice climber under the guidance of our experienced guides. Please be aware that the training and the ascent of Mont Blanc involve long challenging days at altitude and is only suitable for very fit, strong walkers that are capable of climbing at a consistent speed with short breaks over long periods. If you are in doubt about your level of fitness then please contact your nearest office to discuss.
Acclimatisation and basic technical mountaineering training are our main focus of the first 3 days. This trip is designed with the experienced trekker, winter walker and beginner mountaineer in mind and these days are spent learning or brushing up on the basics of travel on snow and ice to help prepare you for the tough climb ahead. Pre trip fitness preparation is absolutely vital if you wish to get the most out of this expedition and you must arrive in Chamonix on day one in excellent condition as the first 3 days are certainly not fitness training, but demanding preparation for Mont Blanc.
Our summit strategy:
In this itinerary which includes 3 days on Mont Blanc, we have the flexibility in our program to make a longer summit attempt from the Tete Rousse Refuge (on day 6) and staying overnight in the Gouter Refuge on the descent or to make a summit attempt from Gouter (on day 7) and descend to Chamonix. This flexibility gives our groups a significant advantage of 2 windows of opportunity to attempt the summit on either day 6 or day 7 depending upon the weather conditions or forecast. But please note that after attempting & failing the summit it is important to realize that it is not possible to make a second attempt on the summit on the following day. Over recent seasons our preference has been to attempt the summit from Tete Rousse, which means we cross the Grand Couloir early in the morning on both the ascent and descent when it is frozen. Your guides will be well aware of the forecast and will make a decision on when to attempt the summit.
Highlights
Itinerary
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 3 star group hotel (or similar).
Please note: Hotel details are subject to change, and your final documents will confirm the name of the group hotel.
Day 2 : Introduction To Mountaineering, Overnight At Albert 1Er Refuge
Meals Included: B, L, D
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel we take the Charamillon Cablecar and spend the day learning mountaineering basics on the Tour glacier, including the use of crampons, ice axe and ropes on the glacier, and rope management skills. We climb to the Albert 1er refuge (2702 m) for our nights accommodation. Overnight mountain hut.
Schedule: 3-4 hours. Vertical: +570m.
Day 3 : Mountaineering Training, Overnight At Trient Refuge
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we continue to learn the skills necessary to prepare for Mont Blanc itself. We climb on glacier through the Col supérieur du Tour and weather permitting we ascend the magnificent Aiguille du Tour (3529 m) which provides a spectacular outlook on the whole range, on both the French and Swiss sides. Your guide will take 3 at a time to the top. Today the technical focus is on belaying on steep snow slopes and learning basic rock climbing. Following our first major peak we then cross to the Trient Refuge where we stay for a second night of acclimatisation. The sunrise on the Aiguille du Tour and the Chardonnet will be a marvellous souvenir from our mountain hut.
NB, In June at the start of the season, it is possible that the Trient Hut in Switzerland will not open until later in June. If this is the case, then we will stay 2 nights in Albert 1er Refuge. It is also not uncommon for some lifts not to be running in early June, which will mean walking an extra couple of hours to Albert 1er hut.
Schedule: 6-7 hours. Vertical: + 820 m and – 370 m.
Day 4 : Ascend Petite Fourche
Meals Included: B, L
This morning we hope to rise to a marvellous backdrop of peaks before setting out on a challenging traverse across the Col de Neige under the dramatic peak of Tête Blanche. Our aim today is to make an attempt on the summit of Petite Fourche which provides excellent training on ice and snow and another opportunity to hone our skills before attempting Mont Blanc. Descend down the Tour glacier via the Albert 1er hut to the cable car and return back to the village of Le Tour. Drive back to Chamonix by bus and a comfortable night at the group hotel (or similar).
Schedule: 6-7 hours. Vertical: + 550 m and –1400 m.
Day 5 : Climb To Tete Rousse Refuge (3167M)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Following last minute preparations we transfer to the train or cable car to the Nid d’Aigle at 2372m. Please note that in the beginning of June, it might be necessary to take a lift and then walk an extra 2 hours to get to Nid d'Aigle, before continuing onwards to Tete Rousse. From the Nid d’Aigle, we commence the trek onto the lower flanks of Mont Blanc. It is a relatively short 3 hour hike that brings us to a short and steep path leading to the Tete Rousse Glacier and the Tete Rousse Refuge (3167m). As we climb higher above the valley we enter an alpine environment of snow, ice and rock. The views as we approach the Tete Rousse Refuge are breathtaking. The Tete Rousse is a new hut perched on the edge of the glacier in a stunning mountain setting. Today is not a long day, but still quite challenging due to the increasingly rugged terrain. We can expect to reach the hut by mid afternoon, giving plenty of time to recover for the climb to the Gouter Hut the next day. It is important to keep well hydrated. Meals at the hut usually begin with soup accompanied by bread & cheese, followed with a hearty meat casserole and dessert of fruit puree or similar, normally served around 6.30pm.
Schedule: 3-4 hours. Vertical: + 800 m.
Our summit strategy:
In this itinerary which includes 3 days on Mont Blanc, we have the flexibility in our program to make a longer summit attempt from the Tete Rousse Refuge (on day 6) and staying overnight in the Gouter Refuge on the descent or to make a summit attempt from Gouter (on day 7) and descend to Chamonix. This flexibility gives our groups a significant advantage of 2 windows of opportunity to attempt the summit on either day 6 or day 7 depending upon the weather conditions or forecast. But please note that after attempting & failing the summit it is important to realize that it is not possible to make a second attempt on the summit on the following day. Over recent seasons our preference has been to attempt the summit from Tete Rousse, which means we cross the Grand Couloir early in the morning on both the ascent and descent when it is frozen. Your guides will be well aware of the forecast and will make a decision on when to attempt the summit.
*PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the season there are times when the Tete Rousse Hut and/or the Gouter Hut are overbooked, although this has vastly improved since the new Gouter Hut was completed. Availability is controlled by French Alpine Club and allocation of beds is on a random basis each year. Please note that booking in advance is highly recommended but still does not guarantee a bed in these huts. From time to time, we may need to stay both nights in Tete Rousse and it may be necessary to camp outside either hut (equipment will be provided).
Day 6 : Ascend To Summit At 4810M And Return To Gouter Refuge (3800M)*
Meals Included: B, L, D
By utilising both the Tete Rousse Refuge and the Gouter Refuge, we give ourselves the best chance of making a successful summit bid. An early alpine start this morning is steeper and more demanding, and we will be roped up when we leave the Tete Rousse. We soon come to the famous Grand Couloir and after safely crossing over we continue to ascend through steep rocky terrain involving rockscrambling. We continue past the old Gouter Hut and after 3 hours we shall arrive at the recently built new refuge set in a spectacular location where we will stop for a tea break. From Gouter we ascend over snow and ice slopes and traversing ridges 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 continue our challenging climb up the Les Bosses ridge and finally after 4 - 5 hours, the summit of Mont Blanc. Weather permitting we savour the stunning mountain views for only a short time before making our descent to the Gouter Refuge.
Schedule: 10 to 12 hours, Vertical: + 1600 / - 1000 m.
Day 7 : Descend To Nid D'aigle And To Chamonix
Meals Included: B, L
Our descent on steep rock and ice and across the Grand Couloir requires concentration. After the Tete Rousse the terrain becomes easier enroute to the Nid d'Aigle station where we board the train down to the valley and the town of Chamonix. Overnight at group hotel (or similar).
Schedule: 4 hours, Vertical: - 800 m
Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Chamonix
Meals Included: B
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, group fitness or other reasons. Your guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with the group members. On any climbing trip in the Alps it is important to understand that weather can be changeable and can sometimes affect your chances of summitting. On any climbing trip it is the experience of the climb, learning new skills, your safety and the magnificent scenery that are most important and if you are able to reach the summit due to good weather then that should always be considered as a bonus. Whilst ultimately your decision, we often feel it is recommended to stay an additional night in Chamonix at the end of the trip in case poor weather means a delay of your climb on Mont Blanc. This contingency day can be well worth the extra time and modest cost and if not used the Chamonix is a great town to relax after the climb.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER ON MONT BLANC?
Your guide will choose between the following options:
1. Climbing of Gran Paradiso (4060 m) in Italy if there is a bad weather on the Mont Blanc Range.
2. Cancellation if there is a bad weather on the French and Italian ranges,our partner in Chamonix may give you a credit for any unused services. Please liaise directly with our local partner with regards to this credit and the validity of the credit. The credit will not apply to any future World Expeditions trips.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM NOT FIT OR STRONG ENOUGH TO CLIMB MONT BLANC?
During the training days your guide will assess your ability, fitness and suitability to climb Mont Blanc. If you are deemed unsuitable then you will not be able to get a refund of any services or hut fees. Depending on your fitness and skills, your guide may give you the opportunity to climb to Tete Rousse Refuge. If this is not possible then any hotel in Chamonix would be at your own expense.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights hotel -
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
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3 nights accommodation in a 3-star Chamonix hotel on a twin-share basis (sometimes we would use triple or quad share to avoid single rooms)
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4 nights full board accommodation in mountain huts
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Qualified UIAGM high altitude mountain guide (ratio of 1 guide to 2-6 climbers from Days 2-4 and 1 guide to 2 climbers on Days 5-7)
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All common climbing gear (ropes etc)
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Internal transfers in Chamonix Valley
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telepherique and ski lifts
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Pre-departure guide to assist you with preparing for the climb
What's Not Included
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dinners in Chamonix
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Any flights
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Rental of climbing gear or clothes (to be paid directly in Chamonix)
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Bottled water
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Aerated or alcoholic beverages
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Travel insurance
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Visas
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Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
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Airport and departure taxes
Accommodation
3 nights hotel
Your hotel in Chamonix is a good quality 3-star hotel. Accommodation is on a twin-share basis (At times we may use a triple room). If you prefer a single supplement for the hotel in Chamonix, please ask us for more information. We will always try to match you with another group member of the same gender however should there be an odd number of people on the tour it may be necessary to use a triple room to avoid a single supplement.
Our accommodation in the mountain huts is dormitory style with blankets and sheets provided and dinner is usually served by 6.30pm. It is simple but wholesome, but not all dietary requirements are easily catered for. Drinks are available for purchase in the huts. Please note that drinking water is not available for free so please bring some money with you to buy some where appropriate. Lights are usually turned out by 9.00pm. Also please be aware that despite our booking of accommodation at the mountain huts, there will often be 3 people for every 2 mattresses.
What You Carry
Because you will be carrying all your own equipment plus your food and water (approx 10-12kg), it is essential to keep the weight down. A heavy backpack will diminish your pleasure and make the climbing a struggle. The backpack should be about 35-40 litres maximum (it is possible to rent this in Chamonix). Everything should be pared down to the bare essentials with a change of clothes in case you get wet. No cotton clothing should be taken as it dries slowly. Inside the huts footwear is provided.
Grading
To participate in the Mont Blanc Ascent prior mountaineering experience is definitely an advantage, and whilst we prefer people to have previous crampons and ice axe experience, it is not essential. Most important is an excellent fitness level, with good stamina and a good level of experience walking in the mountains on snow/ice. The walking is often on uneven rock and ice, with exposed sections of trail for a vast majority of the climb, balance and tenacity are very important. A flexible and relaxed attitude is also important.
Mt Blanc is often underestimated, a high level of fitness and experience walking/scrambling over uneven and steep terrain is essential, so we would recommend you prepare well as all group members will need to walk at good speed. A good speed is the ability to walk/ascend 400m in 1 hour at altitudes in excess of 3000m. To undertake this trip you must be very fit and a good walker on rough terrain. You can expect to hike for 6 to 12 hour days with up to 800 to 1600 metre vertical gains in elevation. The snow slopes will be up to 35-40 degrees in parts and there is also rock climbing involved in some sections, (Alpine grade PD: 'peu difficile' - not very difficult)- this combined with exposure and possibly adverse weather conditions can be difficult for those who have not experienced this type of climbing before. Additionally you will be wearing stiff mountaineering boots and crampons which take some getting use to. During days 2-4 you will have one guide for every 4-6 participants. During these days we hope to attempt the relatively easy summits of Aiguille du Tour or Petite Fourche (only with 4 clients at a time which may require the guide to make 2 trips), to give you the best practice for the actual ascent on Mont Blanc. On days 5-7 one certified UIAGM High Mountain guide will accompany 2 participants. We recommend undertaking some long hill walks on uneven and rough terrain, before the trip, to get used to walking for long periods on steep slopes, with a pack of about 8-10kg, and get used to trekking in bad weather. At the completion of your training days, your guide will assess if you are capable of attempting the Mont Blanc climb. There are many other climbing options in the Alps, and on the odd occasion that an attempt on Mont Blanc is not possible your guide will consult with you and make alternative arrangements if necessary. Our guides on Mont Blanc are accomplished and experienced guides, if your guide decides not to allow you to attempt Mont Blanc this decision must be taken as final in the interests of your own safety and the safety of the group and the guide.
Preparation- the best preparation for this ascent is extended periods of hard paced walking with a pack in mountainous terrain. Legs and lungs should be the focus, as mentioned above the ability to ascend quickly at a rate of 400m in 1 hour is a minimum requirement. If you are not fit and strong your chances of summitting are vastly reduced. You should aim to start your preparation 6 months or more in advance of taking the trip. Practice on uneven ground, so that you are accustomed to uneven footings, basic rockclimbing, and at the least, scrambling should also be a part of your training regime. Incorporating running and cycling in hilly regions into your program will further prepare you well for this trip. We can teach you the basic skills to get you to the top, however your fitness and preparation is your responsibility and key to a successful climb.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Dates & Availability
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Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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