This is a classic ascent on Mont Blanc (4807m) - the highest peak in the European Alps. The itinerary is designed to allow reasonably fit people who have little or no experience in mountaineering to appreciate the exhilaration of summiting an alpine peak.
Acclimatisation and basic technical training are part of the program for the first three days, with the added bonus of exploring the stunning Mont Blanc range. We familiarise you with the use of an ice axe, crampons and basic rope techniques crossing mountain passes and glaciers.
Fully prepared we focus on our two-day ascent of Mt Blanc where the preparation of the previous days and the inclusion of a contingency day, will maximise our chances of summit success.
Join Chamonix
Please make your way to the group hotel. A group briefing will be held at 6pm at the hotel, it is essential that you attend and bring your equipment with you; you will then proceed to the sport store, Coquoz Sport with your guide. Please ensure that your travel arrangements will have you in Chamonix at this time. Overnight at the group hotel - Hotel de L’Arve with dinner included.
Introduction to ice climbing
Morning: Introduction to ice climbing basics on the Tour glacier; using crampons, an ice axe and a rope on the glacier, rope management skills will be covered. Afternoon : Hike up to the Albert 1er refuge (2702 m with 700m of those on telepherique) Overnight mountain hut.
Ascend Aiguille du Tour via the Tour Glacier
Ascent of the Aiguille du Tour (3529 m) by the Tour Glacier, the superior pass of Tour (3289 m) and the Trient glacier. (If there are 6 persons in the group then we do not climb the Aiguille du Tour) Technical focus is on belaying in steep snow slopes. We then traverse to the Trient Refuge (3170 m) while crossing the Trient glacial plateau, underneath the Aiguilles Dorées. Overnight mountain hut.
Traverse the Fenêtre de Saleina
Traverse crossing 2 passes (Fenêtre de Saleina and Fenetre superieur du Tour) to walk down the tour glacier and reach the Albert 1er hut. We can admire the Argentiere North Face and the Saleina glacier basin surrounded by many peaks. We will then take the chairlift down to the village of the Tour. Overnight Chamonix hotel.
Hike to Gouter Refuge
A telepherique and train brings us up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2300m. A path will then bring us to the Tête Rousse Glacier. Then a hike and a long scramble in steep rocks bring us to the Gouter refuge at 3800 m. Overnight mountain hut.
Note
Throughout the season there are times when the Gouter hut is overbooked. Availability is controlled by the French Alpine Club and allocation of beds is on a random basis and released in mid April each year. Please note that booking in advance is highly recommended but still does not guarantee a bed in the Gouter Hut. If we are unable to secure beds in this hut we will use the Tete Rousse Refuge. The Tete Rousse is a larger, new hut which is located 700m below the Gouter Hut. Although this makes for a slightly longer summit day, a better nights sleep is likely at this lower altitude, as well as a wider variety of good quality food.
Attempt Summit
An alpine start this morning (3am), over snow and ice slopes and traversing ridges we ascend 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 hike up the ridge through two bumps and finally after 4 -5 hours, the summit of Mt Blanc. The long descent requires concentration and endurance to reach the Nid d’ Aigle where we can allow an intermediary rest and quick snack before continuing on to the Bellevue and then by cable car to Les Houches. Overnight at Chamonix hotel.
Trip concludes in Chamonix
The trip concludes after breakfast in the hotel
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 or other reasons. Your guide will always make a final decision after assessing the situation and liaising with the group members
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
- 3 nights accommodation in a two star Chamonix hotel
- 3 nights accommodation in mountain shelter / refuge
- UIAGM Certified 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 and 6)
- Full mountaineering instruction on days 2/4
- All common climbing gear (ropes, carabiners etc)
- All telepherique and lift transfers mentioned in itinerary
Every Saturday from 7 June to 13 September 2008
SAVE 20% OFF YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE INSTANTLY SIMPLY BY CLICKING ON THE TRAVELLERS ASSISTANCE LOGO ANYWHERE YOU SEE IT AND BOOKING ONLINE
Travelling Fit is an authorised representative of the Licensee, Travellers Assistance Travel Insurance. We can arrange a competitive quote for your travel insurance. Ask us for details. Please refer to the Travellers Assistance Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision on whether to purchase travel insurance. Click on the Travellers Assistance logo for more details.
|
