The course starts with an evening meeting with your course leader and the other members of your group. Your guide will go though the itinerary for the week and answer any questions you may have.

We will start the course with the basics needed to climb the Mont Blanc. Mer de Glace glacier is a great place to do so. You will climb steep ladders, scramble over moraine and lose rocks on the way to the ice. Here you will train how to safely move on steep terrain using proper crampon technique, how to use ice screws and basic rope work for climbing. You will return back to Chamonix at the end of the day.  

Chamonix offers a quick and easy access to high mountain glaciers via the Skyway or Aiguille du Midi lifts. Today we will learn safety on the snow-covered glacier. Understanding the glaciers and the related hazards is crucial for safe climbing in high mountains. We will explain the rope techniques and related safety skills. You will spend the night in Torino or Cosmiques hut for better acclimatization. 

Today we will climb a mixed route where we can practice climbing with crampons and ice axe on a steep and technical terrain. A traverse of the Marbrees or the Cosmiques ridges, offers amazing climbing on interesting and varied terrain with fantastic views and exposure. You will use all the skills you have learn in the previous two days. We will return to Chamonix after the climb. 

Today is the first day of the Mont Blanc ascent. We will hike up to the Tete Rousse hut (3167m) or the Gouter hut (3815m) where you will stay for the night. 

This is THE day! If the weather is good, you will climb to the summit of the Mont Blanc (4810m). The ascent takes about 6 – 7 hours. We will take the same route to descent to the Gouter hut where we will spend the night. 

If the weather was not favorable to summit the Mont Blanc yesterday, we will summit today. We will return to Chamonix by mid – late afternoon, where we will meet at the Chamex offices. You can then have a good rest and celebrate! 

Mont Blanc is a physically and technically demanding ascent. You should be able to hike on relatively technical terrain (scrambles with steep pitches) for about 8 hours per day without feeling too tired the next day. You should be able to climb 1200 – 1600 vertical meters per day. 

If you have already climbed some 4000m summits, it is great. Please note that some mountains are significantly less technical (Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua) than Mont Blanc so you have to expect different experience on this course. You have to be fit hiker comfortable moving on steep and technical terrain (scrambles). 

Regular hiking, ideally including long uphill climbs (1000vertical meters and more) is great. Add a heavy backpack to it and you will be ready for the course! Any other cardio exercise will help you as well, running, swimming or biking.