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A legendary route to reach the summit of the majestic Aiguille Verte, one of the most significant mountains in the Mont Blanc massif. 700 meters of steep snow and ridge climbing with AD+ difficulty.

AIGUILLE VERTE – COULOIR WHYMPER

Climb the Aiguille Verte (4122m) via the Whymper couloir

From 1,790.00€

Price per person

   

Advanced tech level
 

Climb over 2 days
 

1 night in mountain hut
 

Available April - June (depending on conditions)
 

Guide ratio 1:1

With 4122 m of altitude Aiguille Verte is one of the most significant and important mountains of the Mont Blanc range, for both its beauty and history. From the top the view is unforgettable and well deserved as there is no easy way to reach the summit - all the routes are long and quite technical.

We will climb the Whymper couloir which is the most obvious and elegant line on the SE face of the mountain. First climbed (partially) by Christian Almer, Franz Biner, Edward Whymper in 1865, this route is one of the Chamonix classic climbs and one which should be on the “list” of any mountaineer. 

The climb is not overly technical but it is long and sustained at 45 – 55 degrees. Because it is SE facing, most of it is completed during the night. You will enjoy the summit with the magical views of the sunrise. 

This ascent is over 2 days with 1st day approach to the Couvercle hut and 2nd day summit the Aiguille Verte and return to Chamonix. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hike up to the Refuge Couvercle (2687 m)

From the Montenvers  station (1913 m) we descend to the Mer de Glace glacier and hike up to the junction of the Mer de Glace and Lechaux glaciers. We climb the ladders of the Egralets to reach basin of the Talefre and the hut. (3-4 hours)

Day 2 – Ascent of the Aiguille Verte

We leave at 01am  to hike up the glacier of Talefre to reach the base of the Whymper couloir. The couloir has an inclination between 45/50 degrees and a height of 700 meters. The couloir will lead us to the final part of the ascent – a stunning snow ridge by which we reach the summit of the Aiguille Verte with the first daylight . 

The descent is by the Whymper couloir – mainly abseiling with some down climbing (10 - 13 hours).

Level Requirements

TECHNICAL LEVEL

You need to be comfortable climbing at least AD and exposed snow slopes at 45 degrees. 

PHYSICAL LEVEL

You need to be physically fit to climb with speed and confidence for 13 hours. 

Equipment

Clothing

Mountaineering boots

Mountaineering boots

Warm hat

Warm hat

Thermal underwear

Thermal underwear

Fleece or woollen layers

Fleece or woollen layers

Light puffer jacket

Light puffer jacket

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Windproof and waterproof trousers

Windproof and waterproof trousers

Warm gloves

Warm gloves

Thin gloves

Thin gloves

Gaiters

Gaiters

Long sleeve shirt

Long sleeve shirt

Technical gear

Climbing harness

Climbing harness

3 x Screwgate carabiner

3 x Screwgate carabiner

Belay device

Belay device

Climbing helmet

Climbing helmet

Pair of technical ice axes

Pair of technical ice axes

Crampons

Crampons

25-30 litres rucksack

25-30 litres rucksack

Lanyard

Lanyard

60 cm tape sling or cordelette for prusik

60 cm tape sling or cordelette for prusik

Other essentials

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Water bottle - Ideally two 1L bottles

Water bottle - Ideally two 1L bottles

Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)

Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)

Headlamp with fresh batteries

Headlamp with fresh batteries

Earplugs

Earplugs

Sleeping bag liner - lightweight

Sleeping bag liner - lightweight

Included or not

Included

Guide Fees

2 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.

Mountain hut

1 night in a mountain hut with breakfast and dinner included.

Lift passes

The cost of any lift access that is required during the course for the itinerary described above. 

Group Equipment

Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.

Office Support

Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.

Not Included

Accommodation in Chamonix

Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.

Travel to Chamonix

The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.

Personal Equipment

Please see the "Equipment" tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course.  For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.

Insurance

Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

Food & Drink

The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.





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