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Mont Blanc Hiking & Trekking Tours

Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc, meaning “White Mountain,” might just be Europe’s most famous mountain; and for good reason. It stands at an imposing height of 4810m, making it the highest mountain in the Alps and Europe’s tallest mountain (west of the Caucasus). Reaching the summit is no small feat, but there are a number of different routes to accommodate climbers and hikers of different skill levels. 

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How to Climb Mont Blanc

  • How do I prepare for Mont Blanc?

    Successfully reaching the summit of Mont Blanc requires a high degree of preparation in both your route planning as well as your fitness levels. This is not a mountain which can be climbed on a whim, especially if you lack climbing and hiking experience. Learn more.
  • When should I climb Mont Blanc?

    Mont Blanc is located in the northern hemisphere, which means the best time to climb is in the summer. June to September is the safest time to climb, but if you desire fewer crowds and you’ve got an impressive climbing resume, then the spring and fall is also an option. Learn more. 
     
  • What permits do I need?

    Despite recent environmental concerns, as well as worries about popular routes facing overcrowding, there is currently no official permit required to climb Mont Blanc. Learn more.
  • Do I need a guide to climb?

    Mont Blanc is the most dangerous mountain in the region and, as such, a guide is strongly recommended - but not required. It’s strongly suggested that first-timers and inexperienced alpine hikers hire a guide.
  • How do I get to Mont Blanc?

    Mont Blanc is actually quite accessible, as it can be reached via road, rail, or air. Fly into Geneva, Lyon, or Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport with Geneva providing closest access (just under 90km away). Otherwise, drive to Chamonix, or catch a train from London. Learn more.
  • What should I pack/what equipment do I need?

    Mont Blanc is one of the world’s tallest mountains and, as such, you’re going to need to bring an array of gear to enable a successful climb. You’ll need an ice axe, helmet, crampons, trekking poles, gaiters, as well as the appropriate clothing to reach the summit. Learn more.

Best Mont Blanc Treks & Routes

  • Gouter Hut Route

    This is one of the most popular ways to reach the summit, as well as the shortest. Remember, due to its popularity, you’ll need to book the Gouter Hut Refuge well in advance. It’s considered the easiest route overall, but still requires serious climbing know-how and outstanding physical fitness.  

    Distance: approximately 4000 metres from the typical starting point to the summit and back. 
    Average duration: 2-3 days 
    Average difficulty: Challenging - climbing experience and know-how is a necessity on this route, as some days will require upwards of 800m of difficult descent. You’ll need experience using crampons, ice axes, and other climbing gear, as well as clothing which befits the extreme cold that can be experienced on the Mont Blanc massif. A very high degree of physical fitness, as well as mental toughness, will be required to reach the summit. You’ll be hiking at times at an altitude over 4000 metres. 
    Success rate: The success rate depends on whether you have hired a guide and the conditions that year, but tends to be around 65-75%
  • Grand Mulets Route

    This route is beloved by skiers because of the access this route offers to the north face of Mont Blanc. As far as the ascent is concerned, it’s actually the original route that was used to reach the peak by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard. Due to concerns over rockfall, it’s recommended to ensure there are good weather conditions when embarking on this route. 

    Distance: approximately 3000 metres from the typical starting point to the summit and back. 
    Average duration: 2-3 days 
    Average difficulty: Challenging - previous climbing experience is highly recommended, as the days will feature extensive treks and climbs, including a 7-hour trek to the summit which is typically done on the second day. Some parts of the Grand Mulets route are also badly crevassed, which makes previous climbing experience all the more important. This route will also include extremely high altitude (anywhere from 3200 to 4500 metres and beyond) 
    Success rate: The success rate here depends on whether you’ve hired a guide and how you choose to implement the skiing component (not all climbers/skiers summit on this route), but around 70% is likely.
  • Cosmiques Route

    This route is entirely on French territory and touches upon all three of the massif’s peaks, which has garnered this route a reputation among climbers as one of the most challenging, but also perhaps the most beautiful. Make no mistake though, this route is very difficult, and though it doesn’t necessarily take long to reach the summit, it’s two days you better be prepared for. 

    Distance: approximately 3500 metres from the typical starting point to the summit and back. 
    Average duration: 2-3 days
    Average difficulty: Challenging - Whether you’re aiming to tackle the summit in 2 or 3 days or not, your final ascent is going to be extremely physically challenging. If you aim to summit in two days, your ascent/descent on the final day could take up to 12 hours, especially if your group is moving slowly. You’ll need working climbing knowledge, and you’ll need an understanding of how to utilize ice axes, crampons, and how to lay properly to maintain body heat. 
    Success rate: The success rate depends on whether you have hired a guide and the conditions that year, but tends to be around 60-75%
  • Haute Route

    This isn’t the typical route when you think of Mont Blanc by any means. Rather, it’s the name given to the famous route between Zermatt, Switzerland and Chamonix, France. Traditionally, it’s conceived of as a route completed in the winter in roughly 7 days or in the summer, but it will take roughly 5-7 days longer. 

    Distance: 180 km
    Average duration: 12-14 days
    Average difficulty: Moderate/Challenging.
  • Tour du Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc Circuit)

    This is, again, not necessarily a conventional “route” as it were, but rather a long-distance walk. It has 10km of ascent/descent overall, and the route offers gorgeous scenes through Italy, Switzerland, and, of course, France. This route essentially circles the Mont Blanc Massif. 

    Distance: 170km
    Average duration: 11 days 
    Average difficulty: Moderate/Challenging. The Tour du Mont Blanc is highly customizable and, as such, it can include a more rugged and challenging path, or a mild one. Regardless, this route does require a base level of physical fitness, and you’ll also need to be wearing the appropriate footwear and clothing to find success, but is doable with the right level of preparation and dedication. 
    Success rate: 100%

Mont Blanc General Facts

  • The Location

    The summit of Mont Blanc is in France, but large swaths of the mountain are also in Italy, where it’s known as Monte Bianco. The nearest towns are Courmayeur on the Italian side, and Chamonix and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains on the French side. 

  • Coordinates

    The coordinates of Mont Blanc are 45°49′58″N 6°51′54″ E. 

  • Elevation

    At its highest point, Mont Blanc sits 4810m above sea level (15,780 feet), though there are lesser peaks on the Mont Blanc massif. Augille du Midi, for example, is a mountain on the massif that sits at 3842m (12,604 feet) and can be accessed via cable car. 

  • Length

    The most popular and direct routes to summit Mont Blanc (Gouter Route, Cosmiques Route etc.) all take roughly 2-3 days, though there are much longer and more elaborate routes which have a more extensive hiking component. 

  • Arrival

    Most travellers will arrive several days in advance of their climb to acclimatize to the elevation, as well as shore up the final details and preparations with their guide. Which town you’ll be in will depend on your route, but a common departure point is the town of Chamonix.

  • Parent peak

    Mont Blanc's parent peak is none other than Mount Everest.

Mont Blanc Temperatures

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Average °C-3-7-358141615138-1-6
Average °F261926414657605955463021
High °C-1-5-171015181815101-3
High °F302330445059646459503326
Low °C-6-11-7159121072-5-9
Low °F211219334148535044352315

Mont Blanc Tours & Trips

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