Ski Mont-Blanc
3 DAY SKI TOUR ASCENT OF MONT BLANC
Mont Blanc was first skied in 1930 by a Swiss mountain guide; it has now become the ultimate objective of many ski mountaineers and backcountry skiers.
Typically, the majority of alpinists ski Mont Blanc during the summer months, on foot and using crampons where necessary. But what could be better than reaching the summit of Western Europe’s highest peak on skis, in the knowledge that you have the joy of a fantastic 3000m off-piste descent? During the ascent and descent you will pass through spectacular glacial structures with deep crevasses and towering seracs.
This course is for experienced ski tourers with a good level of fitness and a love of adventure. Your Chamex mountain guide will ensure that you have the experience of a lifetime, one that very few people can claim to have had.
The key to success on Mt Blanc is preparation; this 3 day course is for those of you who have already done all of the preparation and who just want the security of a professional guide to lead you safely to the summit and back. We recommend that you prepare for this trip with altitude training to help you acclimatise, either here in Chamonix or elsewhere in the Alps.
Safety is our priority and in order to maintain the highest level of security, we stick to a ratio of 1:2 on Mount Blanc (1 mountain guide per 2 clients). Our background in mountain rescue (PGHM Chamonix) means that we are experienced in assessing and reacting to the dangers that high mountain expeditions pose.
We typically take the traditional itinerary via the Refuge des Grands Mulets; this route starts from the Plan de l’Aiguille lift station (2310m) and makes its way between the crevasses of the Les Bossons glacier to the refuge (3051m), which is spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop in the middle of this imposing glacier. However, your Chamex mountain guide will decide the itinerary that you take depending on the weather, snow conditions and the level of the group.
From: 1990 €
Expert
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Fitness level 5/5
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Dates on demand
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Guiding ratio 1/2
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3 days itinerary
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Available mid April – May
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Chamonix
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1 night in a mountain hut
Itinerary
Ski Mont Blanc in 3 Days
This itinerary is an example of what could be done with good weather and good conditions. Your Chamex mountain guide will decide the best option according to weather and snow conditions.
Introduction : Meeting your Chamex Mountain Guide
The 3 day course starts when you meet your mountain guide the evening before your first ski day at the Chamonix Experience office near to the Aiguille du Midi lift station. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to check your equipment, over a coffee and a friendly chat. Your guide will outline the itinerary and give you any necessary information on what to expect regarding weather and snow conditions.
Day 1: Ski Touring Aiguille du Midi
Your mountain guide will need to check that you have the correct level of fitness, ski ability and that you are suitably acclimatised before you begin your ascent of Mont Blanc. What better way to check this than to do a fantastic ski tour from one of the most spectacular lift stations in the world? Your mountain guide will pick one of the many great ski tours accessible from the Aiguille du Midi, ending the day by skiing the Vallée Blanche back down to Chamonix. The Aiguille du Midi lift station is right opposite the Chamonix Experience office, so it is the perfect place to put your ski legs to the test before we set off on our Mont Blanc expedition.
Day 2: Mont Blanc Ascent
Traditional Mont Blanc Itinerary via the Grands Mulets Refuge – this route starts from the Plan de l’Aiguille lift station (2310m). It makes its way between the crevasses of the Les Bossons Glacier to the Refuge des Grands Mulets (3051m), which is spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop in the middle of this imposing glacier. We will spend the night at the refuge before continuing on to Mont Blanc in the early hours of the morning.
Day 3: Summit Mont Blanc & Descent
This is the big day! We will leave the refuge between 2am and 3am with the aim of reaching the top of Mont Blanc by sunrise.Taking the classic route from the Grand Mulets Refuge will take up to 8 hours to reach the summit. Starting with a ski tour up to the Vallot hut (4362m), we will leave our skis here to climb the final section up to the summit of Mont Blanc using crampons and ice axes. The last section is on a very exposed and spectacular arête, where you will have incredible views of some of the highest peaks in Europe. You will return on foot to your skis at the Vallot hut. From here it is a fantastic off-piste descent as you ski down past the Grands Mulets Refuge, traversing across to the Plan de l’Aiguille, where we will take the lift back to Chamonix.
Level requirements
This course is for those who are experienced in ski touring and ski mountaineering.
- You have to be confident and safe doing kick turns on slopes of up to 35 degrees.
- You have to be skilled in using ice axe and crampons and comfortable climbing over a steep, snowy and rocky terrain.
- You have to be advanced off piste skier, able to link short and long turns without stopping or losing control over your skis. You have to be confident and safe skiing slopes up to 40 degrees in all snow conditions (icy, crusty, powder).
- You have to be physically fit, ready to skin up and ski for up to 8 hours per day without being too tired the next day.
- You need to be well acclimatised before you meet your guide, we recommend that you arrive in Chamonix at least a week in advance of your trip to benefit from exposure to high altitude.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are not sure about your level, we will be happy to advise.
Our Ski Mountaineering course is a good preparation course for the Mont Blanc ski ascent.
Guide Fees
3 days guided skiing and ski touring with an IFMGA 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.
Local Transport
Any local transport that is required during your course.
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 in price
Skis / Snowboards
The price does not include skis/snowboards, boots or clothing. If you do not have your own we can help you organise rental, please ask 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.
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.