subject: Climbing Mont Blanc: Not As Impossible As You Might Think! [print this page] Its true! Just get on a plane to Switzerland, then a transfer from Geneva to Chamonix, and the dream of scaling Mont Blanc is actually possible! In fact, its a climb that many a mountaineer or skier has attempted successfully! If youre thinking of doing the same, here are a few pointers to remember, before you even begin planning your climb.
The Mountain
Mont Blanc (or Monte Bianco in Italian), the highest summit of Western Europe, is one of those peaks that every mountaineer dreams of scaling, and many a skier dreams of skiing. And while its a mountain thats on every adventurers bucket list, thousands have proven that while it is indeed a tough climb, reaching the peak is possible.
Experts say that climbing Mont Blanc is technically not very difficult. The altitude and weather, however, require a high level of physical fitness, proper training and equipment like crampons and an ice axe. Proper preparation is the secret of those who have managed to successfully make the climb after arriving from Geneva to Chamonix. This includes proper acclimatization, climbing gear, and a mountain guide.
Where to Go
Whether the plan is to ascend on foot or on skis (or just take the series of cable cars and tramways to see the massifs), the first step is to get from Geneva to Chamonix (or Courmayeur if coming from an area nearer Italy.) If you are travelling with a large amount of gear, be safe and advise your ski transfer company beforehand. From here, there are many experienced guides and organizations that can help plan and execute a successful Mont Blanc climb. Many of these require some time to ensure a climber or skier is amply prepared for the ascent, so time must be allotted for training and preparation. Do not expect to immediately go up and climb Mont Blanc as soon as you step off the transfer! Skiing to the top of Mont Blanc is mostly glacier skiing, so it will involve training and preparation as well.
When to Go
July and August are the most favourable months for scaling Mont Blanc. There are also routes for scaling the mountain in winter, using the Grands Mulets route with a snowboard and skis.
The Routes
There are two common routes people take for climbing Mont Blanc.
The Normal Route. The most popular route used for climbing Mont Blanc is called the Gouter Hut route. This, however, requires booking the Gouter refuge in advance, due to its popularity. You'll take the Bellevue cable car from Les Houches and then the Tramway du Mont Blanc to the Nid d'Aigle (2,372m), then it's about five hours of walking and scrambling to the Gouter refuge.
The Cosmique (Traverse 4000) Route. After arriving from Geneva to Chamonix and settling in for some preparation, this route requires taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m). You'll then descend on the "arete" to the glacier du Tacul, for a (approximately) one-hour walk over easy terrain to the Cosmique Refuge (3,613m). You'll then ascend the mountain next day. This ascent can be difficult at times with climbing on some steep faces so be prepared to work.
