Climb Mont Blanc (4808m) the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s an imposing and highly sought after summit that sits at the roof of the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If your adventure juices are flowing, then keep on reading...
Climb Mont Blanc (4808m) the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe. This beautiful, imposing and highly sought after summit will never disappoint.
This is our Turbo trip meaning we've condensed the itinerary to five nights and 6 days. You'll have one day training and acclimatising at the top of the Aiguille Midi before attempting to summit Mont Blanc over the next three.
Download our free 39 page guide with everything you need to know about climbing Mont Blanc. It includes video content, kit lists, advice for climbing the mountain and much more.
As this is a shortened itinerary we recommend having had some experience before using crampons on a glacier. As you're only acclimatising for one full day it's essential you arrive physically fit.
If you want to make sure you're ready, join us on our UK Winter Skills trip or our North Wales Mountaineering Intro course before you come. Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you. Or take our Mont Blanc 'Readiness' test and find out Test
Adventure Overview
Duration
5 nights
Start Location
Chamonix, France
Date(s)
June - July
Guide Ratio
1:2
Ability
Level C
Level C
You have a fair amount of experience climbing, hiking or skiing more technical terrain. You’re comfortable on sustained adventures and you call yourself a ‘hardened’ adventurer. You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it there' attitude.
A quick look at what it's like on our Mont Blanc trip.
Beginner Climbs Mont Blanc & Gran Paradiso - The Goûter Route (4810m)
15:08
David tackles Mont Blanc with us and gives a detailed account of what it's like. Strap in for a 15 minute insight in to what it takes to climb Western Europes highest mountain.
The Mont Blanc Climb
07:54
A little insight in to the Mont Blanc climb.
What It's Like To Climb Mont Blanc
11:35
A step by step guide to climbing Mont Blanc.
Adventure Base: Through our clients eyes.
0:53
We asked our clients to let us know how their trips went. They decided to show us instead. Below is footage captured by our clients on some of our favourite adventures.
Thanks guys.
Meet The Team
01:48
Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS CLIMB
Certain items can be rented from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness (You are able to add these to your cart at checkout). We use the latest kit from Black Diamond meaning you'll be using quality equipment and our rental options are cheaper than if you were to rent it from a local shop when you get here. Win! (Note: Your kit might vary sightly from the images below)
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
For the full downloadable Mont Blanc kit list please click here.
Rent locally
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent locally
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent locally
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Rent locally
Harness
Standard climbing harness
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Hardshell Jacket
GORE-TEX® or Similar
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
"I’d recommend Adventure Base 100%. I want to be an Adventure Base guide!"
Sir Richard Branson
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route
“The summit was like a dream. It was so overwhelming I began to cry with joy for making it to this magical world at the top of Europe.”
Princess Beatrice
Mont Blanc
"It is quite possibly the best most rewarding week I’ve ever had pursuing my passions."
Joseph
Mont Blanc
"Having no previous mountaineering experience Adventure Base were on hand to help at anytime with answers to my questions. It really was a trip of a lifetime."
Victoria
Mont Blanc
"A fantastic trip that I will never forget. The team behind Adventure Base, along with its guides are nothing short of excellent. Professional and likeable with expert knowledge of all aspects of the climbs."
Mark
Mont Blanc
"Having great guides is crucial and I can't recommend their guides highly enough. I am already (after just being home for a week) itching for the next climb."
Nathan
Mont Blanc
"The route was stunning and the guides were great. Logistics were really seamless which makes a huge difference. All this contributes to a stunning experience for the participants."
Virgin Strive Challenge
Mont Blanc Trek & Summit, Haute Route
"Having received a glowing recommendation, I was surprised that Adventure Base exceeded my extremely high expectations. Olly and Jo ensured that the chalet was comfortable, homely and friendly, whilst also providing very useful information and advice.
Dan J
Mont Blanc
"Adventure Base. The name says it all. It is the perfect base for setting in motion, adventures in the mountains, and beyond, that you dream about! I was impressed by the quality of service and professionalism, and how the Adventure Base team makes sure you get the most out of the entire experience.
Hazel
Mont Blanc, Alpine Skills
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre-trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
Climb Mont Blanc (4808m)
Training and acclimatisation in the Mont Blanc Range
Welcome dinner on the first night
All accommodation and guiding services during the trip
2 nights mountain huts at half-board (Breakfast and 3 course evening meals)
3 nights Chamonix accommodation with breakfast included
En suite rooms in Chamonix on twin shared basis (single supplement €550)
When not climbing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen this mountain lodge with it's super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
VIEW GALLERY
+ 3
Valley Accommodation
Our lodge is an excellent base for the Mont Blanc trip. With stunning views of the mountain itself, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a twin or triple share basis with en suite bathrooms. A single room supplement is available for €550. You will spend the first, middle and last nights of your stay here. The other nights will be spent in mountain huts. Dinner on the first is included, as well as breakfast each morning. If you want to dine here on the other nights a set menu is approx. €25. The lodge has a cosy bar and some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb. Free WiFi.
Duration
3 nights
Internet
Wifi included
Beds
Shared rooms
Food
Breakfast + 1 Dinner
VIEW GALLERY
+ 1
Rifugio Chabod, Italy / Refuge Tete Rousse, France / Refuge du Gouter, France
When heading up the mountain you will be staying in accommodation which boasts views that can't be beaten. The mountain huts of Rifugio Chabod, Refuge Tete Rousse and the Refuge du Gouter aren't going to win any five stars awards for service but will keep you warm, dry and fed. Just don't forget to pack your ear plugs... trust us!
Duration
2 nights
Internet
Not included
Beds
Dormitory
Food
Half Board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.
Day 1:
Arrival Day
We meet in the evening at the accommodation to go through the plan for the week as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. You will meet with your fellow climbers and your guides so you can ask any questions and will have a chance to go through your kit.
Day 2:
Train and acclimatise in the Mont Blanc Range
We will head up the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m to train and acclimatise in the Mont Blanc range. There is an endless supply of fantastic glaciers to walk and mountains to traverse to help prepare you for what's to come later in the trip.
Day 3:
Begin the Mont Blanc Climb
Climbing Mont Blanc takes two days, but we add in a spare day in case of bad weather to maximise your chance of success. We start by driving to Les Houches (10 min) and then taking uplifts on the Bellevue cable car followed by the Tramway du Mont Blanc train to the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle which sits at 2372m. From here we hike to the Tête Rousse hut (3167m) for an overnight stay in preparation for our summit attempt the following morning.
4km / 700m up / 0m down / 2 hours
Day 4:
Summit Day
On summit day we wake up early and ascend to the summit of Mont Blanc. This will take between 8-10 hours depending on conditions and your physical ability. On the descent from the summit, we spend the night in the Goûter hut (3813m). By having this second night in the Goûter hut we are less in a rush to make it down to the valley or the Tête Rousse hut, and it also means we cross the Grand Couloir early the following day. These are all carefully considered factors that we’ve analysed over many years guiding this route to maximise your chance of a successful summit.
10km / 1700m up / 1000m down / 8-10 hours
Day 5:
Return to Chamonix
In the morning we descend from the Goûter hut (3813m) to the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle (2372m) and take the Tramway du Mont Blanc followed by the Bellevue cable car down to Les Houches. The descent normally takes around 4-5 hours. You then travel back to the Chamonix and that signals the end of the climb. This will normally be around 13:00-14:00 in the afternoon. Usually everyone heads out into Chamonix for dinner or drinks together to round off the week.
7km / 0m up / 1500m down / 4 hours
Day 6:
Departure Day
Depart. Check out is at 10:00, and after one last hearty breakfast we sadly bid farewell.
Please note: This itinerary is based on good weather and mountain conditions as well as hut availability. Sometimes we may opt for 2 consecutive nights in the Tete Rousse or Gouter hut or another variety of huts or days allocated to climbing Mont Blanc. Should an ascent of Mont Blanc not be possible due to dangerous conditions or bad weather, we will provide alternative options.
During June and July we may opt for the Italian normal route (via Rifugio Gonella) if conditions allow. It is a stunning alternative route to the Gouter route and is often much less frequented.
FAQ's
MB: Can I change my trip dates?
You can change your trip dates subject to availability and trip numbers (admin fees apply). Please contact us if you Read more
You can change your trip dates subject to availability and trip numbers (admin fees apply). Please contact us if you would like to explore changing your dates.
Ski/snowboard trousers aren’t suitable for the Mont Blanc trip. You’ll need a pair of mountaineering specific trousers ( Read more
Ski/snowboard trousers aren’t suitable for the Mont Blanc trip. You’ll need a pair of mountaineering specific trousers (soft shell) as well as a waterproof hard shell pair that are lightweight and not insulated. Conditions can be harsh especially on the summit days so it’s important to have these two layers. We also recommend to bring lightweight thermal leggings. Read through our kit list for a full description of what you’ll need to bring.
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
MB: Can I store my belongings with Adventure Base when I’m in the huts?
Yes. For the duration of your trip you are able to store your belongings in your accommodation in Chamonix. Please Read more
Yes. For the duration of your trip you are able to store your belongings in your accommodation in Chamonix. Please note rooms are usually allocated on a twin share basis, in most cases sharing with others from your course.
This is a hot topic and based on our extensive experience we are confident to say that you do not Read more
This is a hot topic and based on our extensive experience we are confident to say that you do not need any previous mountaineering experience to climb Mont Blanc, but you should have a good head for heights. Your safety is always our top priority and therefore you must have a good level of cardiovascular endurance in order to keep up with the required pace for a Mont Blanc ascent – if you are not fit enough your guide will have no option but to turn you around. See our FAQ ‘What kind of fitness level do I need’.
Crucial to success you must also be able to learn new skills quickly and have an ability to develop new skills, such as walking with crampons whilst attached to your guide with a rope. These are skills your guide will teach during your first 3 days with us, prior to your Mont Blanc ascent. This training period is also an opportunity for your guide to evaluate your skills and capability to climb Mont Blanc.
For the three training days at the beginning of the week it is a 4 clients : 1 guide ratio. For your Mont Read more
For the three training days at the beginning of the week it is a 4 clients : 1 guide ratio. For your Mont Blanc attempt the ratio is 2 clients : 1 guide.
All of our guides are highly experienced and personable people. They have all been hand picked by us for their Read more
All of our guides are highly experienced and personable people. They have all been hand picked by us for their skills, character, and knowledge of the route up Mont Blanc and this is the most important thing when it comes down to making key decisions in the mountains and providing the safest experience for our clients. Our guides are of various nationalities and all speak a high level of English and are very attentive. Their primary role is to get you to the summit and back safely, but they add their personal touch with stories and interesting facts about the area, making for a well-rounded thoroughly enjoyable experience. They like to share their knowledge of the mountains and their experiences, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and pick their brains.
The mountain huts we use for our Mont Blanc course are fairly basic but comfortable. You will sleep in dormitories Read more
The mountain huts we use for our Mont Blanc course are fairly basic but comfortable. You will sleep in dormitories on a shared basis, usually 6-8 per room. Breakfast and a 3 course dinner are included. Lunch is provided at an extra charge. On Gran Paradiso you will most likely stay at the Rifugio Chabod. On Mont Blanc your first night will most likely be spent at the Refuge de Tete Rousse, followed by the Gouter Refuge on the second night.
You need to be able to hike comfortably with a heavy pack for up to 10 hours at a moderate pace. Read more
You need to be able to hike comfortably with a heavy pack for up to 10 hours at a moderate pace. Mountaineering is all about having good cardiovascular endurance to be able to continue being active for long periods. As well as this you will need to have a good head for heights and good overall body balance and awareness. Click here to check out our training advice page.
Your backpack should be between 35-45L. It is important that your backpack has an ice axe strap to stash Read more
Your backpack should be between 35-45L. It is important that your backpack has an ice axe strap to stash your ice axe when you are not using it. Your backpack must also have a rain-proof cover. Think light-weight, remember you have to carry it!
You will need B2 or B3 mountaineering boots for Mont Blanc. All mountaineering boots are graded in a B1, B2, Read more
You will need B2 or B3 mountaineering boots for Mont Blanc. All mountaineering boots are graded in a B1, B2, B3 system. B3 boots are the most rigid, and therefore most suitable for walking on snow with crampons, and B2 boots are a little more comfortable but less rigid and also less warm. An example of a B3 boot is the La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro. Boots can be rented from our partner Concept Pro in Chamonix if you don’t want to invest in your own pair.
This depends on the winds, the precipitation, and the visibility.
In the case of strong winds of 50km or higher, Read more
This depends on the winds, the precipitation, and the visibility.
In the case of strong winds of 50km or higher, reaching the summit of Mont Blanc will be difficult. High winds on the final ridge to the summit are dangerous and therefore summit success is very unlikely. In the case of high winds all over the high peaks of the Alps, we will look for suitable alternatives in the mid-mountain range. It is also unlikely that a helicopter will be able to fly in a rescue situation if there are high winds, which adds to the decision-making process.
In the case of precipitation, when it snows on Mont Blanc it usually means a summit attempt will be difficult. Route finding in a snow storm is generally quite unsafe. An attempt will depend on the amount of the snowfall and it will also greatly depend on the wind.
In the case of bad visibility, such as a whiteout, a summit attempt will be difficult. It depends on the thickness of the cloud and we will most likely still attempt a summit but turn back if necessary.
In the case of high temperatures over an extended period of time, the Grand Couloir between Tete Rousse and Gouter tends to become unsafe due to regular rock fall. The local authorities are quick to issue warnings when the couloir becomes unsafe and it has been known in recent summers that the Gouter route to Mont Blanc has been briefly closed. We will always listen to and obey local warnings.
Should Mont Blanc be unsafe, we will study the conditions on other peaks in the Alps, like Monta Rosa. Should conditions be a lot better elsewhere, we will propose this to you as an option. If not, then we will propose adventures at slightly lower altitudes that keep you safe but are still lots of fun.
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the Read more
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the conditions of the mountain don’t play ball. When there is precipitation, high winds and low visibility for example, we cannot guarantee reaching the summit and will sometimes recommend an alternative. Each Mont Blanc course has a lead guide. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients and other guides the day before the Mont Blanc ascent is due to begin. During this meeting the latest weather forecast, conditions of the mountain, and the clients’ own abilities to reach the summit will be discussed. Clients and guides will voice their opinions and/or concerns at the time and then decide how best to proceed. We fully trust and back our guides to make the final decision based on their years of experience on the mountain. They are entrusted to make the final call and the client must accept any decision made. All decisions will have client safety as a top priority.
Fabio has guided with us for close to ten years now and has summited Mont Blanc more times than we can remember. He's even helped Sir Richard Branson get to the top of Western Europe. When asked what his favourite mountain was his response was 'It's the mountain not known to many, in a remote country that provides opportunity for adventure. That said, I do love Cordillera Blanca (Peru) to guide in, Montserrat (Barcelona) because it's where it all started for me and Main De Fatima (Mali) because it's special to me!"
Lars
IFMGA Guide
Lars is a IFMGA Guide originally from Belgium, with over 20 years of experience climbing and splitboarding in the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps and the greater ranges of the world. Having lived in Chamonix for over a decade he has enjoyed the unique and unlimited climbing possibilities in and around the valley. Lars is also one of the most recognised and experienced splitboard guides leading expeditions to Kamchatka, Greenland, Iceland and more.
Miha
IFMGA Guide
Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
Pablo
IFMGA Guide
Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
Roger
IFMGA Guide
Roger has spent over 15 years guiding around the world. He is a Guide instructor at the Spanish School of Guides and is fascinated by discovering mountains with clients. Roger has a big passion about showing people his beloved mountains and sharing climbs and descents with skis.
Faust
IFMGA Guide
Born in the Aran Valley, from parents who were ski teachers and mountain guides, the motivation inherited by nature has led him to practice all facets of mountain sports such as climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has spent his alpine career as part of the FEDME team (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports) and his passion and profession have led him to travel to other continents to carry out his activity.
Fede
IFMGA Guide
"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Jon
IFMGA Guide
"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Mont Blanc Turbo trip is rated Level C, for accomplished adventurers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
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Book this trip and receive a free sleeping bag and duffle bag for your adventure.
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