Every year Mont Blanc (4808 m) is the main goal for thousands of athletes around the world. Every climber dreams of standing on the highest peak of Western Europe and observing the Alpine mountain ranges from there.
We invite you to the best adventure with climbing to 4810 meters. Technically, the route is not difficult, but it requires a high level of physical fitness and experience working with crampons and an ice ax.
Beautiful alpine landscapes, the atmosphere of colorful towns, new experiences, ease of travel, short duration, developed infrastructure, positive reviews and reports make this event one of the best trips for climbers.
The first mention of the ascent of Mont Blanc, by Jacques Balmat and physician Michel Packard, is dated August 8, 1786. This ascent was carried out on the initiative of Horace BΓ©nΓ©dicte Saussure, who established a prize for anyone who would discover a method for climbing Mont Blanc. The first lady to reach the top was Maria Paradis in 1808. The future President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, also led an expedition to climb during his own honeymoon in 1886.
Mont Blanc is geographically located in Italy and France, in the regions of Haute-Savoie and Courmayeur. The highest point of the Alps and Europe, excluding the Caucasus mountains. The Tour du Mont Blanc, a popular hiking route in Europe, runs around Mont Blanc. And at the foot of the mountain there are cities: Chamonix, France and Courmayeur, Italy.
How to avoid difficulties on Mont Blanc?
The climb to the most attractive peak of the Alps, Mont Blanc, has 5 classic routes. The difficulty category of the easiest route to the top is from 2A (post-Soviet classification). For those just starting out in the world of mountaineering, it is best to choose a relatively easy route. The most popular routes: Mont Blanc via Guthe, conquest βthrough three peaksβ, Mont Blanc from Italy.
Despite the fact that Mont Blanc is lower than the popular peaks: Elbrus, Kazbek, Ararat, Kilimanjaro, it is much more difficult due to its terrain. The climb to the top is first along rocks, then out onto a snow-ice ridge, which is quite steep and narrow in places. Therefore, all risks must be assessed. Considering the complexity of the mountain, we recommend that novice tourists seek the services of professional guides. On average, more than 10,000 people try their hand at Mont Blanc every year.
Reviews indicate that climbing Mont Blanc with a guide is much safer and also more enjoyable, because the guide will tell you a lot of interesting things that this seemingly well-known route hides. Moreover, he will help you collect a set of equipment and personal clothing, you will get trained on the glacier and undergo acclimatization with climbing to the peak of 3500-4000 m. The likelihood of a successful ascent with a guide is many times greater. In addition, the local standard for guide work is 1:2 participants, which greatly increases safety.
In addition, we pay a lot of attention to your preparation and selection of the necessary equipment.
When to plan to climb Mont Blanc?
The optimal period for climbing Mont Blanc is mid-June – mid-September. At this time, there is minimal snow in the mountains, stable weather, no precipitation.
However, even when the period is favorable, you must be prepared for the weather to turn bad. If you rise to an altitude of 4,000 m, you may experience snowfalls, precipitation of up to 20 cm, and strong winds. Mont Blanc can be a very treacherous mountain, despite its apparent simplicity. Can you imagine what it could be like here in winter?
For extreme sports enthusiasts and experienced climbers, we have winter climbing programs. In addition, we offer a program: School of Mountaineering + Climbing Mont Blanc, within which you can improve your skills in moving on snow, ice slopes, rocks, as well as practicing rescue operations.
Benefits of climbing with ExtremeGuide
- well-thought-out acclimatization, we have no problems with altitude;
- mountaineering training;
- training climbs that will allow you to test your preparation before the mountain;
- support at all stages of preparation;
- experienced guides who have been working in the Alps region for several seasons;
- guide-client is 1:2, no more (maximum safety). According to the requirements of local guide associations;
- all nights in shelters;
- in the Chamonix Valley we live in apartments, not tents;
- consultations on training and equipment selection.
Which route to Mont Blanc should you choose?
Our company has developed several program options, which necessarily include a sufficient number of exits for acclimatization, training the skills of moving in teams along the ice field and various terrain. You can book an inexpensive climb to Mont Blanc in any season.
ExtremeGuide company offers travelers the following types of routes:
- from the Italian side, the papal path;
- through the Guthe Couloir, France;
- winter climbing of Mont Blanc;
- blitz climb in four days.
Also, for those who are not yet confident in their abilities, you can go trekking around Mont Blanc.
Should you climb Mont Blanc?
Let’s say you are a mountain lover and already have some climbing experience, for example, you climbed Kazbek or trekked in Nepal, then you can try your hand at climbing Mont Blanc.
For those who do not have experience in climbing and mountain hiking, it is better to consult with our manager or guides.
Watch the video “How to climb Mont Blanc, an overview of Chamonix’s mountaineering opportunities”
Preparing for the climb to Mont Blanc
Preparation for the climb consists of two main aspects.
- Physical and technical training. It is very important to plan your preparations in advance, no later than two to three months in advance. During this time, you will have time to tone your body and muscles. It is optimal to run at least 3 times a week, 8-10 km. You can also include rock climbing, cycling or swimming once a week.
2. Preparing equipment and clothing. Equipment for climbing is quite expensive, so if you are not sure that you will be climbing the mountains all the time, we recommend collecting clothes according to the list, and boots, crampons, and other climbing equipment can be rented in the city of Chamonix.
Guide to Mont Blanc, how to choose?
We have the highest requirements for our guides to this iconic peak; in addition to high sports qualifications, we require them to have skills in working with a rope, the use of a short leash technique, which reduces the risk of falling on snow and ice slopes, and an exam in mountain rescue and medicine. . The guide takes a maximum of 2 participants. We have a separate page about our guides.
Cost of climbing Mont Blanc?
The price of climbing Mont Blanc depends on the time of year and the chosen route. It is important to understand that an experienced, professional guide cannot be cheap. A good guide can be motivated. In addition, on the route the guide takes no more than 2 people in a group. The rate of local French guides is 300-400 EUR per day, we offer a ready-made 8-day program with our ukrainian-speaking guide, with accommodation, ski lifts and training from 900 EUR. Therefore, the benefit is obvious.
The cradle of mountaineering awaits you!
Photos of climbing Mont Blanc
