World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogClimbing Mont Blanc: A Trekker's Guidehttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2446/climbing-mont-blancActivities,Mountaineering,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Europe,FranceWed, 12 Jan 2022 21:25:00 GMT<p><strong>Clearly visible above the beautiful mountain town of Chamonix, Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe (4810m/15,780ft), was first climbed in 1786, and the ascent gave birth to modern day mountaineering.</strong></p> <p>Now a mecca for budding mountaineers, the peak and surrounding areas offer world class alpine trekking and climbing opportunities, right in the heart of Europe.</p> <p>While summitting Mont Blanc is a serious endeavour, this guide will make it well within reach for the fit and experienced trekker.</p> <h2>Routes for climbing Mont Blanc</h2> <p>There are two main routes for climbing Mont Blanc: the Gouter ‘normal route’ and the ‘Trois Monts’, both of which are rated Alpine grade PD – that is <em>peu difficile</em>, meaning a bit difficult.  We recommend the Gouter route as it generally has the highest success rate for reaching the summit and is considered the safer route.</p> <p><img alt="Spectacular views in the Mont Blanc region. Photo: Erin Williams" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/DSC_0034-original-1024x681-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/DSC_0034-original-1024x681-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2>Who is it suitable for?</h2> <p>Whilst the range has attracted the attention of world-class alpinists from around the globe for its challenging routes for centuries, there are also many options available to the novice climber under the guidance of experienced guides.</p> <p>Mont Blanc is often underestimated; a high level of fitness and experience walking or scrambling over uneven and steep terrain is essential as you will need to do so at a good speed. A good speed is the ability to walk or ascend 400 metres in an hour at altitudes in excess of 3000 metres.</p> <p>To participate in the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Mont+Blanc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mont Blanc Ascent</a>, prior mountaineering experience is an advantage but not essential. Most important is an excellent fitness level, with a good level of experience walking in the mountains on snow and ice.</p> <h2>What to expect on the ascent</h2> <p>When climbing Mont Blanc, the walk is often on uneven rock and ice, with exposed sections of trail for a vast majority of the climb; balance and tenacity are very important.</p> <p>Expect to hike for 6-to-12-hour days with up to 800 to 1600 metre vertical gains in elevation. The snow slopes will be up to 35‑40 degrees in parts and there is also rock climbing involved in some sections.</p> <p>Combined with exposure and the possibility of adverse weather conditions, it can be difficult for those who have not experienced this type of climbing before. Additionally, you will be wearing stiff mountaineering boots and crampons which take some getting used to.</p> <p><img alt="Climbing Mont Blanc Preparing for the climb. Photo: H. Qualizza" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Preparing-for-the-climb-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Preparing-for-the-climb-###width###px.jpg" width="1050" /></p> <h2>How to prepare for the climb</h2> <p>The best preparation for this ascent is extended periods of hard-paced walking with a pack in mountainous terrain; legs and lungs should be the focus. As mentioned above, the ability to ascend quickly at a rate of 400 metres in one hour is a minimum requirement. If you are not fit and strong, your chances of summitting are vastly reduced. Remember, it is up to your guide to decide whether or not you are fit to attempt the summit.</p> <p>You should aim to start your preparation six months or more in advance of taking the trip.</p> <p>Practice on uneven ground, so that you are accustomed to uneven footings, basic rock climbing, and at the least, scrambling should also be a part of your training regime. Incorporate running and cycling in hilly regions into your exercise programme to further prepare you well for this trip. You can learn the technical skills to get you to the top in your final days of training; however, your fitness and preparation are your responsibility and key to a successful climb.</p> <p><img alt=" Climbing Mont Blanc Alpine Training. Photo: H. Qualizza" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Alpine-Training-1024x585-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Alpine-Training-1024x585-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2>Conquer Western Europe's highest mountain</h2> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Mont+Blanc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Our eight-day itinerary</a> is designed to allow fit and experienced walkers, who have little or no experience in alpine skills, to appreciate the exhilaration of summiting an alpine peak.</p> <p><img alt="Climbers enjoy superb weather conditions on an ascent of Mont Blanc | <i>© Pierre Schmidt</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1112635" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Europe/Alps/Mont-Blanc-Alpine-climb-course-European-Alps-1112635-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Europe/Alps/Mont-Blanc-Alpine-climb-course-European-Alps-1112635-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <p>Acclimatisation and basic technical training are part of our programme for the first three days as we venture into the spectacular mountains of Aiguille du Tour and Petite Fourche, crossing beautiful glaciers under a stunning backdrop of snowy peaks and jagged mountains.</p> <p>During these days our guides will train you in the use of an ice axe, crampons and basic rope techniques, arming you with the right alpine skills for the summit bid. Fully prepared, we focus on climbing Mont Blanc.</p> <p>We schedule three days for climbing Mont Blanc, to allow two chances to reach the summit, giving our groups a significant advantage and a better chance of success. Travelling in teams of two clients to one qualified high-altitude mountain guide during the ascent, and often roped up, you will learn to work as a team and move together efficiently in a challenging mountain environment.</p> <p>Summit day is a long and tiring day, however, the views from the summit are magnificent and are well worth your efforts.</p> <p><strong>Feeling inspired? <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Mont+Blanc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Find out more about climbing Mont Blanc on our <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mont Blanc Ascent trip</span> >></a></strong></p> 2446Traveller Stories: Summit Day on Mont Blanchttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2426/travel-review-climbing-mont-blancActivities,Mountaineering,Community,Traveller Stories,Destinations,Europe,FranceFri, 22 Sep 2017 11:44:00 GMT<p><strong>Annette and Tony are a couple from the South West of England who both work for the Police. The two of them share a love for the outdoors and anything that would be a challenge or adventure. Their travels generally take them anywhere mountainous, including the English Lake District, wild camping in Scotland and hiking in the Dolomites where they “can reach great heights and see views that are out of this world”.</strong></p> <p>Last August, they departed on an adventure to <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Adventure-News/Mont-Blanc-Ascent">climb Mont Blanc</a>, with Annette not knowing in advance what fantastic impact her summit attempt would have on her life...</p> <p> </p> <h2>What kind of people made up your group?</h2> <p>Our group consisted of 2 people from Australia and 2 other travellers from Britain. We all got on really well. It was as if we had known them forever. We trained to climb Mont Blanc as a group of six, but two others of the group were unable to attempt the summit. This meant we summited with the two British guys. We supported one another, shared laughs and worked as a team to get to the top.</p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/climbing-mont-blanc-wedding-proposal-1_World-Expeditions-1920px.jpg"><img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/climbing-mont-blanc-wedding-proposal-1_World-Expeditions-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Alpine-Training-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Alpine-Training-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Header-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Header-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Mountain-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Climbing-Mont-Blanc-Mountain-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a></div> <p> </p> <h2>When did you start planning your Mont Blanc climb & how did you prepare for the ascent?</h2> <p>The trip was a 40th birthday present to ourselves so we started planning and saving two years in advance, so that we would be prepared at our best when we would actually be climbing Mont Blanc. We bought the necessary kit and clothing over those two years to give us the chance to try it out before the trip. This included buying walking boots, so that by the time we went on the trip they were broken in and comfortable. We trained by running, both short hill sessions, longer runs on the flat and circuit training on the beach. This included a half marathon along the <a href="https://www.sherpaexpeditions.com/United-Kingdom/Dorset-Wessex">Jurassic Coast in southern England</a>. We went on lots of bike rides, some shorter hill routes and other longer rides across the Mendips and in the Lake District. We also spent days hiking in North Wales, Scotland and any other hills we could find, including a number of 2-3 day walking trips carrying our kit with overnight stays.</p> <h2>What were your expectations of climbing Mont Blanc on beforehand?</h2> <p>We expected the trip and summit attempt to be hard work, mentally and physically. We knew that summiting was not a given and that the trip was not about reaching the summit of Mont Blanc. It was about learning some skills and doing some alpine climbing. We went with the mindset that if we made the summit then it was a bonus. Don't get me wrong, we would have been disappointed if we hadn’t reached the top, but we did not want to put the pressure on ourselves and not enjoy the trip.</p> <h2>What were the first days of the Mont Blanc Ascent trip like?</h2> <p>The first three days of the trip were amazing. We learnt how to use crampons, poles and an ice axe on both the snow and ice. We practised walking on the snow and working as a team to negotiate crevices safely. We also managed to summit a smaller peak which gave us confidence and was a great sense of achievement. We got used to the way of life in the huts and sleeping at height, which helped us to acclimatize.</p> <h2>Did you feel confident about ascending when you woke up on summit-day?</h2> <p>When we woke on summit day, we were nervous and excited. We had confidence in the skills we had learnt and were looking forward to the challenge, but we were still not 100% sure that we would reach the summit. The entire trip we had the perfect weather and the day we would actually be climbing Mont Blanc did not disappoint.</p> <h2>What was the role of your guides in your successful summit?</h2> <p>The guides were brilliant. We had one guide between the six of us for the training days. He challenged us and tested our fitness to make sure we were ready to attempt the summit. For the three summit days, we had a guide between two of us. The support that they gave to us played a big part in our successful summit. The mountain guides were honest and all the way along to the top gave us advise, encouragement and reassurance.</p> <h2>We heard something special happened on top of Mont Blanc?</h2> <p>At the top of Mont Blanc Tony proposed to me. He had carried a ring with him all the time climbing to the top. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Needless to say, I said ‘yes’. I knew nothing of his plans and he did not tell the guide so as to not put any pressure on the guide or me to get to the top. It was a magical moment and one I will never forget. (If I had said ‘no’ it would have been a long walk down!!)</p> <p><img alt="quality Mont Blanc climbing trips with World Expeditions" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/climbing-mont-blanc-wedding-proposal-2_World-Expeditions-1024x557-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/climbing-mont-blanc-wedding-proposal-2_World-Expeditions-1024x557-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Tony on his knees on the top of Mont Blanc.</span></p> <h2>Is there a special reason why Tony proposed right here on the top of Mt Blanc?</h2> <p>He chose to propose at the top of Mont Blanc because it was an opportunity of a lifetime. What better place in the world is there? To get there, we had worked as a team and went through a huge physical and emotional battle to get to the top. The views were spectacular and it was like being on the top of the world. We are both happiest when we are climbing mountains so there would never have been a more perfect place.</p> <p> </p> <p>We wish you both a most wonderful wedding day and lots of love in your marriage!</p> <p> </p> <h3 style="padding-left: 60px;">Climbing Mont Blanc</h3> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/France">More about walking & mountaineering holidays in France</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Adventure-News/Mont-Blanc-Ascent">Everything about climbing Mont Blanc</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/France/Mountaineering/Mont-Blanc-Ascent">Learn more about the Mont Blanc Ascent</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/France/Mountaineering/Haute-Route-Mont-Blanc">Learn more about the Haute Route & Mont Blanc</a></p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/France/Mountaineering/Alpine-Introduction-Course-and-Gran-Paradiso-Climb">Learn more about the Alpine Introduction Course and Gran Paradiso Climb</a></p> <p> </p> 2426Virtual Mont Blanc Trip Preparationhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2313/mont-blanc-trip-preparationDestinations,Europe,France,Italy,NewsWed, 11 May 2016 15:46:00 GMT<p>Major search engine Google has brought to life a Google Cultural Institute to set up a virtual museum, which can prove to be a great contribution to your Mont Blanc trip preparation. The online museum is host to a World Wonders Project that collects all kinds of digital information on modern and ancient world wonders. It covers the USA National Parks Service centennial celebration, Machu Picchu in Peru, Angkor temples in Cambodia and almost everything in between.</p> <p>Another one of such world wonders is of course Mont Blanc: Western Europe’s highest peak where we have prepared quite a few trips. We’re a big fan of the <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/search?q=mont%20blanc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont Blanc exhibition</a> in the World Wonders Project that has <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/streetview/#mont-blanc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">street view maps</a>, an exhibition on trains, and lots of items like old postcards and images. Besides the museum, Google Maps has come with a behind-the-scenes addition to explore more of the mountain peak of France, Italy and Switzerland.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mont-Blanc-Google-World-Wonders-Cultural-Institute-850.jpg"><img class="responsiveImage" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Mont-Blanc-Google-World-Wonders-Cultural-Institute-850-200px.jpg" alt="Mont Blanc - Google World Wonders Project - World Expeditions" width="850" dynamiccroppedimage="1" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Mont-Blanc-Google-World-Wonders-Cultural-Institute-850-###width###px.jpg" largestloadedsize="200"></a></p> <p>With the Street View technology, you can explore the mountain in an almost real-life experience and use this for your Mont Blanc trip preparation. Using the same principle as the Street View you are probably already using to navigate to that specialised hidden gear shop, you can now ‘walk’ the mountain paths of Mont Blanc and enjoy the magnificent views from behind your screen.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mont-Blanc-Google-Street-View-trip-preparation-850.jpg"><img class="responsiveImage" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Mont-Blanc-Google-Street-View-trip-preparation-850-200px.jpg" alt="Mont Blanc trip preparation via street view - World Expeditions" width="850" dynamiccroppedimage="1" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Mont-Blanc-Google-Street-View-trip-preparation-850-###width###px.jpg" largestloadedsize="200"></a></p> <p>Google had even teamed up with for example Ueli Steck to create this amazing record. You can zoom in to look back at when Ueli climbed a wall of ice or when he did an ascend of the vertical rocks of the South Face of Pointe Lachenal on Mont Blanc.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Ueli-Steck-climbing-Mont-Blanc-trip-preparation-street-view.jpg"><img class="responsiveImage" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Ueli-Steck-climbing-Mont-Blanc-trip-preparation-street-view-200px.jpg" alt="Ueli Steck climbing Mont Blanc for Google Maps - World Expeditions" width="850" dynamiccroppedimage="1" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Ueli-Steck-climbing-Mont-Blanc-trip-preparation-street-view-###width###px.jpg" largestloadedsize="200"></a></p> <p>We think all of this gives a fantastic way for you to see what climbing or trekking Mont Blanc is like and can be an extra way to prepare you for your Mont Blanc trip, whether it be a <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/France/Mountaineering/Mont-Blanc-Ascent?utm_source=Blog%20post&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Blog%20traffic&utm_content=Climbing%20Mont%20Blanc%20-%20A%20Trekker's%20Guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont Blanc Ascent</a> including a three-day course, <a href="http://www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=29916" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guided Mont Blanc horseshoe walk</a>, or a seven-day <a href="http://www.utracks.com/index.php?section=trips&id=162036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont Blanc family adventure</a>.</p> <p>If you like more information on preparing for your Mont Blanc trip or our complete offer of Mont Blanc walking holidays, just contact our teams of travel experts in one of our <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Contact-Us?utm_source=Blog%20post&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Blog%20traffic&utm_content=Climbing%20Mont%20Blanc%20-%20A%20Trekker's%20Guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adventure travel offices around the world</a>!</p> 2313