Arête de la Table – Aiguille du Tour
A superb classic route which leads to the summit of Aiguille du Tour (3540m) from the Albert 1er Hut. This is a true alpine route with it’s signature feature – a unique Rock Table monument and its tower.
INTERESTING AND VARIED RIDGE CLIMB, FUN ROUTE, BREATHTAKING VIEWS
The Aiguille du Tour is probably one of the most travelled summits in the massif, and rightly so. It offers a sumptuous panorama in a grandiose setting between France and Switzerland. The Table ridge, first climbed in 1926, offers a grandiose journey without being too strenuous.
Depending on the time of year and conditions, you can climb either by the snow couloir or follow the full ridge itinerary. The approach from the Albert 1er hut to the Glacier du Tour takes 30 minutes and you should allow an hour or so to reach the start of the climb – the Couloir de la Table. The ridge is mostly III granite grade with the crux pitch at IV+ (old grading). The descent is by the normal route and the glacier back to the hut and then to Chamonix.
Mountaineering boots
Warm hat
Thermal underwear
Fleece or woollen layers
Light puffer jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Warm gloves
Thin gloves
Gaiters
Climbing pants
Ice axe
Climbing harness
Screwgate carabiner x3
Belay device
Climbing helmet
Crampons
25 – 30 litres rucksack
Lanyard
60 cm tape sling or cordelette for prusik
Sunglasses
Water bottle – Ideally two 1L bottles
Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Earplugs
Sleeping bag liner – lightweight