Overview

Highlights:
- Highest Peak in Western Europe
- Pre Climb Training
- Climb of Aiguille Du Tour prior to Mt. Blanc
- Fully certified guides
- 2:1 climber to guide ratio on Mt. Blanc portion.
- 9 Day Program

As the highest peak in Western Europe, Mt. Blanc is perhaps the most famed ascent in the Alps, and considered the birthplace of climbing. First climbed in 1786, Mt. Blanc maintains the same allure today given the peaks stunning beauty, pristine villages and its prominence as the Alps high point. The peak has relatively easy access and Alpine Ascents will provide training prior to the climb and take on the summit of  Aiguille Du Tour, before we attempt Mt. Blanc.

Training and summit attempt of Aguille Du Tour (3540 meters/11,614 feet)  
We begin our climb in beautiful Chamonix, France. Our guide completes a full gear check after our morning breakfast and we head to the nearby peak Aguille Du Tour (part of the Mt. Blanc Massif) to begin our glacier training. Upon completion of our  day training, we attempt Aguille de Tour ( 3540 m). After our summit attempt we return to Chamonix, giving us a chance to dine, shower,  change clothes and have a restful night before attempting Mt. Blanc.

Mont  Blanc
Rested from our night in Chamonix, we begin our Mt. Blanc ascent boarding the Bellevue Tram and the Mont Blanc tramway car to 7,800 feet. Disembarking the tram, we travel by trail to the Tete Rouse hut at 10,400feet. One night is spent in the hut and then we ascend further up Mt. Blanc across the Grand Couloir, where the upper part may require some rock scramble ( similar to Rainier). From the top of the Couloir we travel to the Gouter Hut (12,500 feet) for a rest break and hot beverage. Leaving the Gouter Hut, we are on glaciated terrain and a spectacular ridge en route to the summit at 15,782 feet. We attempt to reach the summit early morning and then retrace our route back to the Gouter Hut, where we spend the night.  

History
The first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc was on 8 August 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard.  There are two famous towns near Mont Blanc, most notably Chamonix.   Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. In 1965 the 7¼ mile long tunnel that goes under the Mont Blanc Massif was completed.  This tunnel connects Italy with France, and is one of the major routes of transportation in the Alps.

Prerequisites
This climb is challenging, and Excellent Pysical Condition is required. Some Prior climbing experience is helpful, but not required. (Mt. Rainier or Mt. Baker).

Physical Conditioning
Mont Blanc stands at 15,782ft and is considered a high altitude climb.  Due to its proximity to the local towns and the luxurious hut system in place, there is a tendency to underestimate it.  In the best interests of personal safety, success and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. Climbers must be able to carry an average of 30lbs or more. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. We encourage you to contact us so that we may assist you in developing a training program that meets your particular needs.

Environmental Responsibility
Alpine Ascents is deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world. With each expedition, trek and course, we not only attempt to leave the environment as we found it, but strive to assist the local population in protecting the land and people indigenous to that region. Alpine Ascents reaches for the highest ethical business practices at home and abroad. Each staff member is dedicated to environmentally sound alpine ascents.

At Alpine Ascents environmental stewardship remains one of our core values and we take Leave No Trace ethics and practices very seriously. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. On every one of our courses and climbs we teach and follow the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principals and practices.

Over the years, with the assistance of our Sherpa teams, we have stepped up efforts to clean Mt. Everest. Our Wag Bag® program made a pioneering step in human waste management for the National Park System and Forest Service in the North Cascades. On Aconcagua, we pioneered a waste removal system on our climbs, utilizing the WAG Bag® system. And we continue our on-going maintenance and minimal impact plans wherever we guide. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally conscious mountaineers.

Private Groups
We regularly organize private climbs for individuals, corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these climbs early as we are often able to cater these climbs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private courses.