PROGRAM
It is the shortest and most popular way. Long and exerting, this is a hugely gratifying ascent. It follows the route passing by the Goûter Hut and the Bosses ridge.
Note: you must book the hut at least a few months in advance.
Starting in 2019, a maximum of 214 people will be allowed to climb Mont Blanc via its Normal Route on a daily basis, following a decision by the town of Saint Gervais. A new tax of 10-20 euros (amount to be defined in coming months) will be imposed and climbers wanting to make the ascent in more than 1 day will have to make hut reservations in advance.
Although it is the least difficult way to reach the Mont Blanc, the Gouter Route requires a big physical effort so a very good fitness level is mandatory. Previous acclimatization is also very important in this 2days-ascent, as well as having some mountaineering experience, such as walking in crampons and using ropes and ice axes.
If you are not sure whether your level and experience are enough to climb Mont Blanc, our Guides strongly suggest to conduct a test on an easy glacier route like a Gran Paradiso or better to do the Stage Mont Blanc. This extra trip needs to be purchased separately.
Difference in altitude: 1,450 m
Ascent time: 6 h
Meeting point: meeting in Courmayeur for equipment checking and a short briefing.
Transfer to Les Houches; from here we’ll reach the Nid d’Aigle by cable car and rack rail. A long but comfortable trek over moraines and rocky grounds leads to the Tête Rousse Hut (3,167 m); from here a steep trail (partly equipped with climbing aids) will take us to the Goûter Hut (3,815 m), where we will eat and stay overnight.
Note: this is a long length with a considerable elevation gap. The final 800 m of ascent are demanding and at times dangerous. In a few sections, extreme care must be taken due to occasional rockfalls caused by melting snow (especially late in the season or in particularly warm weather conditions).
Difference in altitude: 1,450 m
Ascent time: 6 h
Meeting point: meeting in Courmayeur for equipment checking and a short briefing.
Transfer to Les Houches; from here we’ll reach the Nid d’Aigle by cable car and rack rail. A long but comfortable trek over moraines and rocky grounds leads to the Tête Rousse Hut (3,167 m); from here a steep trail (partly equipped with climbing aids) will take us to the Goûter Hut (3,815 m), where we will eat and stay overnight.
Note: this is a long length with a considerable elevation gap. The final 800 m of ascent are demanding and at times dangerous. In a few sections, extreme care must be taken due to occasional rockfalls caused by melting snow (especially late in the season or in particularly warm weather conditions).
Difference in altitude: 1,000 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
We’ll leave the hut around 3 am. We’ll set out on the glacier, through a gently-sloping stretch followed by a steeper one, until we reach the Dôme du Goûter (4,250 m), on a vast glacial plateau. From here we’ll resume ascending until we reach the Vallot Hut (4,362 m), and finally the summit at the end of the airy and amazing Bosses ridge. We’ll descend and be back in Courmayeur after about 12-13 hours total.
Note: Despite a smaller drop than the first day, this leg is equally strenuous since it is entirely on glacier. You can really feel the altitude, especially in the final 600 metres of ascent and you must be fit enough to walk on glacier and hike uphill for about 12 hours.
Difference in altitude: 1,000 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
We’ll leave the hut around 3 am. We’ll set out on the glacier, through a gently-sloping stretch followed by a steeper one, until we reach the Dôme du Goûter (4,250 m), on a vast glacial plateau. From here we’ll resume ascending until we reach the Vallot Hut (4,362 m), and finally the summit at the end of the airy and amazing Bosses ridge. We’ll descend and be back in Courmayeur after about 12-13 hours total.
Note: Despite a smaller drop than the first day, this leg is equally strenuous since it is entirely on glacier. You can really feel the altitude, especially in the final 600 metres of ascent and you must be fit enough to walk on glacier and hike uphill for about 12 hours.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM certified Mountain Guide
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation)
- liability insurance
- loan of shared safety material
- tickets lifts: Les Houches/Bellevue + Bellevue/Nid d’Aigle rack rail
- night in half-board in mountain huts (Tête Rousse Refuge and Goûter, breakfast and dinner included
- service fees for Mont Blanc hut booking
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, crampons and helmet): €25/day per person while supplies last
- transfers
- extra meals and beverages (for the participants and for the Guide)
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
