This route to climb Mont Blanc was discovered in 1890 by the Italian mountaineer, professor of theology, director of the Vatican Library, and priest Archil Ratti. This extraordinary man is known to the world as Pope Pius XI. Therefore, the path was called Papal.
The advantage of the Papal Route is that it passes through nature untouched by the flow of tourists. Solitude with the world, the inaccessibility of the South-West walls of the Mont Blanc summit, glacial moraines accompany us throughout the route. The surrounding area is called the Himalayas in miniature. The path to the mountain must be taken independently, without lifts. The ascent line to the mountain is more difficult than through the Gouter couloir. This route is for lovers of beautiful mountains and untouched nature.
A well-thought-out program promotes acclimatization, includes overnight stays above 2700 meters, ice training, and an ascent to Tête Blanche (3520 m). From 2016 to 2024, 250 people climbed with us, most of whom reached the summit, with an average success rate of 96%.
The climbing program is suitable for people with experience of climbing other mountains. For beginners, we recommend the classic route through the “Gute couloir” or the route “Through three peaks” (three Mont Blancs)
Главные впечатления от похода по Фанским горам:
Climbing route Mont Blanc from Italy:
Geneva — Chamonix — Albert Ler refuge (2707 m) — Tet Blanche summit (3500 m) — Chamonix — Courmayeur — Aiguille Grises mountain (2620 m) — Rifugio Gonella hut (3071 m) — Mont Blanc mountain (4810 m) — Refuge du Gouter hut (3817 m) — Chamonix — Geneva
Route of climbing Mont Blanc from Italy by day
day
Meeting of participants at Geneva airport. Transfer to Chamonix. Arrival time in Chamonix no later than 18:00. The road will take 2-3 hours. Check-in to the apartment.
Resolving all issues related to preparation for the tour. Check equipment together with the guide. It will be possible to buy missing clothes and rent necessary items. Packing backpacks and resting before the hike.
day
For optimal acclimatization, we will spend the night in a hut high in the mountains and make a radial exit to the level of 3500 meters.
We wake up early, around six in the morning. Departure to the track at 08.00, we move by bus to the village of Le Tour (1464 m). Next, we take a cable car up to the Colde Balme pass (2195 m).
Walking time approximately 3 hours to the Albert Ler hut (2707 m).
The hut was recently restored and has electricity. After lunch, snow and ice activities.
day
In the morning, with the gray rays of the sun, we will go to the nearest peak of Tête Blanche, 3500 m. Climbing higher promotes adaptation.
Today we will learn or reinforce the skills of walking in a rope on a glacier, self-arrest on snowfields and ice.
At five in the morning we go on a radial hike to Mount Tet Blanche, we will return to the camp for lunch.
We descend to the village of Le Tour on foot for 2-3 hours. We take the bus back to Chamonix, to the apartments.
day
Early breakfast. By bus (departure at 08.30) we move to Courmayeur (Italy). The journey takes about 45 minutes, we cross the famous twelve-kilometer tunnel under Mont Blanc. To cross the border you need an international passport.
We go to the village of La Visaille (1700 m) in the Val Veny valley. This is a tiny settlement, beyond which traffic is blocked due to a landslide. The Lac Combal lake (1968 m) is an hour’s walk away. Then about three hours along the moraine of the Glacier du Miage glacier to the slopes of Mount Aiguille Grises (2620 m).
From this point on the road becomes difficult. We will use crampons, rope, ice axe to overcome steep snow slopes. At the same time, difficult places are equipped with ladders, cables.
We get to the next base point – Rifugio Gonella (3071 m). Modern hut with water, electricity, magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. We go to bed early, rest.
The next day is responsible and physically exhausting.
Track 1.5-2 hours.
day
We get up at midnight and go for the assault at 1 am. We leave in ropes, crampons, and immediately with ice axes. We trudge along the cracks of the Glacier du Dome to Coldes Aiguille Grises.
We climb Pitondes Italiens (4002 m, 3 hours) along a snowy ridge. A short hike to the Dome du Gouter mountain. After the traverse we move to the Coldu Dome pass (4258 m, 1 hour).
Further, the ascent path coincides with the “Classic via Aiguille du Gouter” option. From the pass, we go to Refuge Abri Vallot (4362 m, 30 min). A short stop at the camp stay, where you can take shelter from the wind and rest. The path from the camp to Mont Blanc (4810 m) lies through a narrow snow ridge. We pass by two small peaks Grand Bosse (4513 m), Petite Bosse (4547 m). Track 2 hours.
We descend along our ascent road to Col du Dome, past Dome du Gouter to the Refuge du Gouter (3817 m). There is no water here, but there is electricity and a canteen with a minibar. We spend the night in the refuge.
day
We get up at 7am and leave at 8am. The first section of the descent goes along the steep slopes of the Aiguille du G
outer to the plateau near the Refugede Tete Rousse hut (3167m, 1.5 hours). The trail is equipped with cables.
We are passing the important, difficult section of the Grand Couloir with a scree couloir. Rock falls can occur here. It is necessary to be especially careful, fast and confident on the slope.
From the hut to the Le Nid d’Aigle tram station (2372 m) the walk takes approximately 1.5 hours.
By tram we go to the station Bellevue, we go down by cable car to the village of Les Houches. By bus we go back to the booked apartments.
day
Will be needed in case of bad weather or unforeseen situations.
day
Morning check-out before 10am. Transfer to Geneva airport by transfer. Farewell to the group.
Important! For safety reasons and due to the workload of the base points, the tour plan may be adjusted. The instructor, taking into account the conditions, will choose the best option.
Why is it profitable to go hiking with Extremeguide?
Costand conditions for climbing Mont Blanc from Italy
Is this trip right for you?
The climbing program is suitable for people with experience of climbing other mountains. For beginners, we recommend the classic route through the “Gute couloir” or the route “Through three peaks” (three Mont Blancs)
We recommend taking one of the programs Mountaineering school in Georgia, Chamonix granites, Mountaineering School in the Carpathians: Climbing Mount Spice and Mountaineering School in the Tatras: Climbing Mount Kežmarský štít.
The price includes:
- Guide services: 1 guide per group of up to 2 people. Second guide if the group is 3 or more people. (on the acclimatization exit (2nd and 3rd days of the program) one guide for six people);
- transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix and back (regular shuttle of the transfer company);
- accommodation in apartments in Chamonix for the entire duration of the program (2-room apartments, accommodation for up to 4 people);
- accommodation at the Refuge Albert 1er hut (day 2 of the program);
- accommodation at the Rifugio Gonella hut (day 4 of the program);
- accommodation at the Refuge du Gouter hut on day 5 of the program;
- lift at LeTour (days 2 and 3, one ascent and one descent);
- bus travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel from Chamonix to Courmayeur (day 4);
- Mountain tram from Nidd’Aigle station and cable car to the Chamonix valley;
- travel from Courmayeur along the Val Veny valley (day 4);
- rental of group special equipment – rope, ice grips, loops, public carabiners;
- navigation, communication equipment and a group first aid kit (with guide);
- rental of mountaineering equipment for each participant:
- crampons, ice axe, system, helmet;
- ascent certificate.
Not included in the price:
- Road from your place of stay to Geneva airport;
- accident and medical insurance;
- Meals during your stay in Chamonix (around 15-20 EUR per person per day if you cook for yourself);
- Meals at the huts (15-30 EUR per meal);
- An additional night of accommodation and meals in a mountain hut on a reserve day;
- Mountain shoe rental +70 €;
- payment of the guide’s expenses related to the use of reserve nights in the Gute or Tet Rus shelter (cost of accommodation and meals in the shelter’s dining room);
- tips for the guide (optional);
- other expenses not specified in the program.
Cost depending on the number of participants
| Participants number | Cost per 1 participant |
|---|---|
| 4 | 2390 EUR |
| 3 | 2900 EUR |
| 2 | 2900 EUR |
| 1 | 5200 EUR |
Best price guarantee!
- We have included in the price all possible basic expenses for the program and guarantee that there are no hidden additional costs, while we have retained the best service at a low price: transfers, hotel accommodation, guides and staff!
We have a flexible discount system
Find out the details right now:
Necessary equipment
Basics:
- Backpack 60-70 liters for own items;
- Backpack for mountaineering 35-45 l (More about choosing a backpack);
- *Sleeping bag comfort -0…-5 С (More about choosing a sleeping bag) (check with the manager before taking it to the mountains);
Shoes and clothing:
- Mountaineering boots (It is important that shoes are comfortable and worn in. Usually shoes are chosen with a thick toe and 1.5-2 sizes larger than the foot size) (More about choosing clothes and boots);
- Light trekking sneakers (to walk to Chamonix and for approaches);
- Flip flops (useful for camping);
- Gaiters (shoe covers) for climbing boots;
- Insulated jacket (down, primaloft, etc. If it’s very thin, it’s better to take two for climbing Mont Blanc);
- Membrane jacket (preferably without insulation, to protect from wind and rain. It is better to choose from climbing brands. Ski clothes are not very suitable for mountaineering – too heavy and warm);
- Membrane pants (same as with jacket);
- Fleece shirt;
- Thermostat: top and pants;
- A few T-shirts;
- Lightweight trekking pants (for trekking);
- Fleece pants (if thermostat is too thin);
- Socks 3 pairs (thermal socks or other thick ones);
- Overnight socks (preferably wool or down);
- Warm gloves (ski or fleece);
- Warm mittens (down or synthetic insulation);
- Hat;
- Buff or balaclava;
- Sun cap;
- Rain cape (in case your main clothes get wet);
- Change underclothing.
Additionally:
- A cover for a backpack (or large plastic bags for packing things);
- *Mug, spoon, bowl, knife (if you plan to feed yourself in huts);
- Headlamp + spare set of batteries;
- Hygiene items (a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste, a bar of soap and a little shampoo will be enough; do not take full bottles of shower gel and shampoo, heaps of creams and lotions with you);
- Documents;
- Individual first aid kit (plaster, cold, stomach, head. You also need to take into account specific and chronic diseases, if any. In addition to the individual first aid kit, the instructor has a general);
- Mountaineering goggles (protection category 3-4);
- lip balm chapstick ;
- Sunscreen ointment (with SPF 30-50);
- Water bottle ( 1-2 l.);
- Lighter;
- Mobile phone.
Special equipment:
- Belay system (for safety);
- Self-belaying lanyard – 1 pc.;
- carabiners 3 pcs (2 medium);
- Climbing helmet (ski helmet will not work!);
- Classic ice ax;
- Crampons (that match your boots).
Review and list of equipment for Mont Blanc
The amount of special gear depends on the specific event; here is the most extensive list. Also, depending on the specific event, this equipment is either included in the price or not included, in which case you do not need to buy it, but can rent it from us.
- Thermos (0.5 – 1.0 liters);
- Camera;
- Trekking poles.
Additional Information
To organize a transfer from the airport to Chamonix, you need to provide managers with information about the arrival/departure time and flight number in advance, preferably ten days before the start of the expedition.
- Passport with visa, biometric, ID for visiting the Schengen area;
- Insurance policy that includes mountaineering. We will advise you on obtaining insurance.
Meeting of participants at Geneva airport. Arrival time in Chamonix no later than 18:00. Transfer to Chamonix. The road will take 2-3 hours.
During the hike, you need to be prepared for early rises and long distance hikes with 8-10 kg backpacks, bad weather, winds and sub-zero temperatures (up to -15°C at the peak). Despite the fact that Mont Blanc is lower than Elbrus and Kazbek, the technical difficulty of the ascent is much more difficult. Mountaineering skills for walking on a snowy cliff are vital.
At the same time, the mountain is accessible to anyone who wants to, physically healthy and mentally prepared. And our guides will ensure safety and the fulfillment of your dream.
It is advisable to read about physical and mental preparation before a mountain trek. Participants are required to be in good physical shape, have endurance, and be tolerant of difficulties. Experience in rock climbing is desirable. For example, “Mountaineering and rock climbing in Bulgaria”, “School in Georgia”, “Граниты Шамони”and others.
Nights are spent in mountain huts at various altitudes. Dormitory for 6-10 people with bunk beds. It is advisable to have a personal insert for a sleeping bag for hygiene. There is no shower or wi-fi. Electricity is not available in all camps. There is drinking water that is brought by plane, but it is not cheap at all.
Breakfast and dinner are provided on the active part of the route. Breakfast is served early in the morning, even the night before the ascent. It is usually porridge-muesli, milk, toast with jam, tea or coffee. Dinner at seven in the evening consists of soup, main course and dessert. Drinks, additional food for a fee. You also have the opportunity to order sweets, alcohol, and other food from the menu.
8-10 kg
At the exits, the guide has a first aid kit. You can contact rescuers by phone from almost anywhere. You must have personal medications.
Up to + 30ºС in the valleys, up to – 15ºС in the highlands. Rain and thunderstorms are possible in summer. Snow in the mountains.
The tour is potentially dangerous for unprepared travelers. Guides try to provide safe conditions for the health and life of each participant and require tourists to comply with safety precautions. Only the guide makes the decision to stop the expedition, and such a decision is not discussed.
In case of bad weather, strong gusts of wind, limited visibility, an assault is impossible.
The plan provides for one guide to accompany no more than two participants during the ascent (from the Tet Rus shelter), taking into account the requirements of local instructor associations. During acclimatization, one guide works with six climbers.
The table shows the basic cost for a group and may change depending on the number of people in the group. For the calculation of the cost of the tour for a smaller number of people and individual groups, see the «Price» block for more details.
We guarantee that on the dates indicated in the table, even if there is a minimum number of people allowed in the group, the tour will take place 100% with a minimum change in cost.
Pleasant bonuses, which everyone receives when ordering a tour with us
Photo of previous trips
Reviews of our travelers
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France
Dates:
June 13 - June 20
June 20 - June 27
June 27 - July 4
July 4 - July 11
July 11 - July 18
July 18 - July 25
July 25 - August 1
July 26 - August 2
August 1 - August 8
August 2 - August 9
August 8 - August 15
August 15 - August 22
August 22 - August 29
August 29 - September 5
September 5 - September 12
September 12 - September 19
September 19 - September 26
September 26 - October 3
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (13)
Left: 2 places
France Dates:
June 20 - June 27
July 4 - July 11
July 18 - July 25
August 1 - August 8
August 15 - August 22
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Left: 4 places
France Dates:
June 21 - June 23
July 5 - July 7
July 19 - July 21
August 2 - August 4
August 16 - August 18
August 30 - September 1
September 13 - September 15
September 27 - September 29
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (13)
Left: 2 places
Switzerland Dates:
July 4 - July 9
July 18 - July 23
July 25 - July 30
August 1 - August 6
August 15 - August 20
August 29 - September 3
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (13)
Left: 2 places
Switzerland Dates:
June 27 - June 29
July 11 - July 13
July 25 - July 27
August 1 - August 3
August 8 - August 10
August 22 - August 24
September 5 - September 7
September 12 - September 14
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
5.0 (13)
Left: 1 place
Switzerland Dates:
June 21 - June 27
July 19 - July 25
August 9 - August 15
August 23 - August 29
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Left: 3 places
Switzerland Dates:
July 24 - July 26
August 17 - August 19
September 4 - September 6
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
Left: 2 places
Italy Dates:
Complexity:
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