5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent

Mont Blanc, the highest peak of Europe is, without a doubt, the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.

The ascent is a relatively simple snow route, but requires a high level of physical fitness for a long high altitude ascent! On the summit day, the ascent and descent require a full day of continuous effort! Climbing Mont-Blanc is not only hiking but Alpinism!

Training

You will be given full training in the use of crampons and ice axes at the start of the course. Some rock climbing experience is useful for non-experienced climbers. During the course, you will be taught necessary ropework and skills, how to improve your balance and the ability to move quickly and efficiently over mountain terrain.

Ascent

Day 1:

• cable car from Les Houches to Bellevue train station, then take the TMB train to Nid d’Aigle, followed by hiking to Tête Rousse mountain hut
• dinner, bed and breakfast at Tête Rousse.

Day 2:

• early start for Mont-Blanc ascent
• climb the Gouter ridge and cross the dangerous 'Gouter Corridor’ early morning when the conditions are at their best - to avoid as much as possible the risk of rock avalanches
• Mont-Blanc ascent followed by descent with a night at Gouter hut

Day 3:

• early start from Gouter hut to climb down the Gouter ridge and cross the dangerous 'Gouter Corridor’ again
• hike down to Nid D’aigle to take the TMB train to Bellevue Station, followed by gondolas to Les Houches

You will require a high level of fitness to take part in this climb!

Requirements:

• physical condition: the ascent of Mont Blanc should be taken seriously with the necessary physical training and preparation, ideally for at least two to three months prior
• experience in mountaineering (summer or winter) and experience using crampons and an ice axe is compulsory
• real mountain boots with rigid soles suitable for crampons, gaiters, harness, ice axe, crampons, helmet, head lamp, good sunglasses, high protection spf, goggles (all equipment available for rent in sports shops discounts are available through their partner shop in Chamonix).
• during the ascent you will be staying in the Goûter mountain hut, where blankets are provided, with dinner and breakfast. Don’t forget drinks, picnic, and energy bars for two days
• to make a successful ascent of Mont Blanc you need good acclimatisation, cardiovascular fitness and plenty of stamina as the summit day will involve 10-12 hours climbing at high altitude.
• prepare well in advance with five to seven whole days out in the mountains plus other regular exercise to ensure you are fully acclimatised and ready to make a summit bid
• it may be possible to ascend other summits and spend an additional night in the mountain hut at altitude to increase acclimatisation prior to the ascent of Mont Blanc

If you wish to only do the three-day ascent and skip the training, the guide in charge of the ascent will judge that the conditions of the mountains (temperatures and snow coverage) allow this ascent with good security.