Mont Blanc Course & Ascent, 6 Days, Climb, The Alps

All guides are BMG/NZMGA and / or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards. Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides with good people skills as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level. Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely. We only employ IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications, guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.

Our guides are in cell phone communication with our operations base throughout 5 the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, lift and accommodation co-ordination and safety back up. Your own mobile phone should work in the region though you may want to check with your own service provider first. Local mobile phones can be rented at the international airports.

We operate on Mont Blanc in the summer months, mid-June to mid-September, and other times as conditions allow. In June and early July we can expect more snow cover on the routes and as temperatures warm up into the summer months from mid-July, we traditionally experience more settled weather and warmer temperatures.

Europe has a continental climate which in general encourages more stable weather. However, the weather in the high mountains can be changeable and at times very severe. It is possible weather conditions may thwart an attempt on the summit of Mont Blanc in the time allotted. However, due to the length of the course and our focus on the forecasts we can often change our itinerary to work around frontal systems. Should the weather not allow a summit attempt within the six day timeframe, it is sometimes possible to engage the guide for additional days depending on their availability.

Climbing in the European Alps requires you have high quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable during the climb. You will be sent an equipment checklist on confirmation of your booking. Your guide will go through an equipment checklist with you at the beginning of your trip. You can rent technical equipment for the climb but you must provide your own clothing appropriate to mountaineering as per the equipment list. Actual equipment taken may vary subject to seasonal weather and route conditions. Group equipment including ropes and technical hardware will be provided by your guide.

To make the most of your climbing experience you must train in the months leading up to your trip. Summit day on Mont Blanc is 10-12 hours long and gains over 1,500m/5,000ft in elevation. Combine these factors with an altitude of over 4,000m and the need to arrive with a good level of cardiovascular fitness is even more vital. By adopting a programme of running, cycling and/or hill walking in the months leading up to your climb you will greatly increase your chance of success. Build up your training until you are able to hike on consecutive days for at least 8hrs whilst carrying a 10kg/22lbs pack, incorporating the elevation gain which is required on summit day. Your guide will be attuned to your fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly; however it is essential that you arrive physically prepared to succeed on this mountain. Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.

It is preferable to spend a few days at altitude prior to your scheduled climb to assist with your acclimatisation. Climbers regularly attend our Pre-Course and Acclimatisation Programme in Chamonix prior to partaking in the ascent. This two day acclimatisation and re-familiarisation programme takes you on day climbs to high elevations on peaks that are easily accessible from Chamonix to kick-start your acclimatisation and get you out climbing before the main programme begins. By enhancing your acclimatisation and fine tuning your skills before the Mont Blanc programme begins you experience more enjoyment from the climb and enjoy a greater success rate.

We will provide breakfasts and lunches for the duration of the course and evening meals on the three hut nights while the trip is running. This is from breakfast on Day 1/Sunday morning until lunch on Day 6/Friday. You will be responsible for your own evening meals on the four non mountain nights in Chamonix. This allows you to experience the exciting culinary options available in Chamonix as there are many restaurants and bars within close walking distance that provide a variety of foods to suit your tastes. Any additional food, beverages or meals you purchase that are not mentioned in the inclusions will be at your own expense. We provide nutritious meals and a small supply of snack food throughout the trip 7 according to the programme. It is a good idea to bring a small selection of your favourite snack food and hydration drinks with you to ensure you are fuelled by your preferred brands. Actual amounts depend on your consumption but two per day in addition to the lunches we provide would seem reasonable. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. If your dietary requirements are especially strict, you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.

We strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of injury or mishap prior to/or whilst on our trips. While our focus is on safety and our track record supports this, the mountains do have hazards and there is the potential for mishap. If you were injured whilst on the trip there is a very efficient rescue service nearby. We also advise getting trip cancellation insurance to cover you should you be forced to cancel your participation prior to the trip starting.

We commence our Mont Blanc Course and Ascent from Chamonix in France. The closest international airport is in Geneva, just over the border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles operate through to Chamonix and the trip takes about 1.5 hrs. Your shuttle driver will drop you at your accommodation. At the completion of the course the shuttle can take you back to the airport. The shuttle transfers are at your own cost but we can help arrange this for you.

Accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis from Saturday evening through to the following Saturday morning after breakfast. Accommodation in the mountains is in alpine huts in shared bunk rooms or dormitory rooms. Blankets are provided and no sleeping bag will be required. There is no single supplement or private rooms available in the mountain huts but we can arrange this for you in Chamonix should you prefer your own room.

At the start of the trip we drive from Chamonix to Gran Paradiso and walk in and out from the mountain huts. When we approach Mont Blanc we will take a téléphérique (cable car) to the base of the climb. Precisely which approach we will use depends on conditions at the time.