Mont Blanc with preparation
The ascent of the highest mountain in the Alps
Climbing the highest mountain in the Alps at 4,807 m is not only a special experience, but also a particular challenge for any ambitious mountaineer. It requires a good level of fitness, mastery of the crampon technique and perfect tactics in order to take advantage of a good weather window for the summit day. The conditions on the three normal routes up Mont Blanc have changed considerably in recent years, so that the route via the Grand Couloir and the Gouter hut currently appears to be the best.
The hut ascent to the Gouter hut at 3,835 m offers easy climbing and the always tricky, rockfall-dangerous crossing of the Grand Couloir. Just below the summit of the Aiguille du Gouter sits the modern and architecturally successful mountaineering accommodation, which can be reached after an ascent of over 1,500 m from the Nid d'Aigle cable car station. From the Gouter hut, you set off early the next day in the direction of Mont Blanc. For these last 1,000 m of ascent, you need to be in good physical condition and well adapted to the altitude. If you have both, then the walk over the narrow Bosses ridge to the highest peak in the Alps is pure pleasure.
Depending on the wind and weather, the best and most extensive Alpine panorama awaits you there, but from an unusual perspective: the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and all the other peaks are significantly lower than Mont Blanc and line up unspectacularly in the sea of peaks stretching to the horizon. Private huts or Alpine Club huts with limited comfort (e.g. Rif. Cosmiques, Rif. Chabod, Rif. Torino or similar) await you as bases for this high-altitude tour
Further information: On vivalpin.blog you will find many stories and tips about the mountains of the world!
Program and schedule
- State-certified mountain guide
- 1 x reserve day for bad weather on Mont Blanc
- 1 x mountain guide for max. 2 participants
- Edelrid mountaineering equipment with crampons, ice axe, helmet, climbing harness
- Online training (1 h)
Additional costs
- Overnight stay with half board (paid on site)
- Costs mountain railroads
- Snacks, drinks
- Arrival
Preparation: We recommend independent acclimatization tours at the weekends or directly before the tour to prepare!
Day 1Meeting point at 09:00 in Staffal, on the Italian side of Monte Rosa. Ascent by cable car to "Punta Indren", hike through snow, ice and rock to the Gnifetti hut (3,647 m). Ideal altitude for acclimatization, short glacier training in the afternoon, overnight stay at the Gnifetti hut.
2nd day: Summit ascent of the Vincent Pyramid (4,215 m) and the Balmenhorn (4,167 m), which is virtually "taken along" on the descent. Start at almost 3,700 m, easy day and perfect altitude adjustment, overnight stay again at the Gnifetti hut.
Day 3: Hike back to Punta Indren, descent by cable car to Staffal, drive to Chamonix, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4: Meeting in Chamonix, tour briefing and equipment check, ascent with the Bellevue cable car and cog railroad to the Eagle's Nest and on to the Tète-Rousse hut (3,167 m) in approx. 3 hours.
Day 5: Crossing of the "Grand Couloir", arrival at the Goûter hut after approx. 2 hours, then ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc, overnight stay at the Goûter hut
Day 6: Descent and crossing of the couloir, around noon arrival in Chamonix, journey home.
Note on program changes:
All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified specialists (e.g. mountain and ski guides, mountain hiking guides, etc.). The provisional tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. The final program will be decided by the guide on site.
- Up to 1,800 m ascent and 2,400 m descent
- Stamina for up to 8 h ascent
- Surefootedness and head for heights
- Mountain experience, experience of alpine glacier and high altitude tours, in crampon walking or ice course
You can find information on estimating altitude meters and difficulty information here. If in doubt, please call our office or send us an email!
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