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Mont Blanc

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The Mont-Blanc range is not an extended one. It is fairly compact, which means that the distances are not very large. You won't have very long approaches. On the other hand, it is steep, has relatively high altitudes (there are a lot of climbs close to or above 4000m), and also large elevation differences. Thus, although the approaches are short, the climbs are rather long. You have to get used to this scale.

The highest mountain in Western Europe was first climbed on the 8th of August 1786 by a local crystal hunter, Jacques Balmat and a local doctor, Michel Gabriel Paccard. They claimed the prize money that Horace Benedict de Saussure had offered in 1760.

People had been trying for years but the breakthrough didn't come until the June of 1786 when Jacques Balmat was trapped out overnight on the glacier, AND SURVIVED; thereby destroying local myths and proving that a 2-day ascent was feasible.

Nowadays, in summer, their exploit is repeated by as many as 200 people a day. The speed record is held by the Swiss P.A. Gobet. He ran from the centre of Chamonix to the summit and back in 5hr 10min ! Most mortals take 2 days and use lifts and trains to cheat for the first few thousand metres !
TRAILS & ROUTES
General    The Gouter Ridge

Start from Les Houches and sleep at the Tete Rousse hut or the Gouter hut. Ascend to the summit in5 hours the next morning; then back to the valley.


The Traverse

Take the Midi lift and sleep at the Cosmiques hut. From there the summit takes 4-6hr.
This option is technically a little harder but perhaps safer.
Descend either by the Grand Mulet route or by reversing the ascent.
AREA SPECIFICATIONS
Targeted Activities    Camping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing
Season Availability: February to May
Altitude: -4807 meters
Camping: Not Allowed
Rescue Services: Mountain Rescue Services Present
 AREA REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Saturday 19th May 2007 at 2:27:56 AM  
Philler
Rank: Site Moderator
#Posts: 122   #Points: 478
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Rating Given:
10/10

I love Mt. Blanc! The Aguille du Midi lift that crosses over the entire mountain range from Chamonix to Italy makes this mountain very easily reachable. If you want to train some of your mountaineering skills then you can get straight into the action this way without having to hike up all the way. We did everything here from snow shoeing in summer to practising our rope and ice skills in winter. Spectacular views for sure!

SERVICES TARGETTING THIS AREA
Le Tour Mountain Lodge
Le Tour Mountain Lodge
Chamonix / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $72.80
5 bedroom (10/11 bed) ski to the door catered chalet in the chamonix valley....

Chalet D'amo
Chalet D'amo
Morzine / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $36.60
Large alpine chalet sleeping up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms (3 ensuite) excellent for groups and families...

Flyers Lodge
Flyers Lodge
Chamonix / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $42.84
Comfortable chalet accommodation open from January to October, for skiers, snowboarders in winter, and paragliding and hang gliding pilots in the summer. Full teaching and guiding services offered....

Alpine Exploratory Guiding
Alpine Exploratory Guiding
West Yorkshire / Yorkshire and Humberside / United Kingdom Starting Price: $273.00
Alpine Exploratory provides private guiding to help you achieve your goals in the European mountains. This service is offered in addition to our guided, self-guided and bespoke mountain walking, trekk...

Chamonix Trails
Chamonix Trails
Les Houches / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $1046.50
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Chamonix valley on this walking holiday based in a luxury Chalet....

Ski Famille
Ski Famille
Les Gets / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $900.90
Ski Famille is a chalet based family ski and snowboard holidays....

Alpine Interface: Tour du Mont Blanc
Alpine Interface: Tour du Mont Blanc
Chamonix / Rhone-Alpes / France
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of THE classic hikes in the Alps, and most likely in the world. Hiking through France, Italy and Switzerland around the Mont Blanc Range will give you a real idea what t...

Megeve Ski Lessons
Megeve Ski Lessons
Megeve / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $61.00
Mike teaches Private Lessons (and Group Lessons when possible) during the winters in Megeve, France. In spring, Tignes/Val d'Isere/Zermatt, Switzerland and Cervinia, Italy. Mike is both an American...

Simon Butler Skiing
Simon Butler Skiing
Megeve / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $100.10
Simon Butler Skiing is justly proud of its reputation for running excellent instructional skiing holidays, now entering its 23rd season in the French resort of Megève....

Discover the Chamonix Mont Blanc
Discover the Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix Mt. Blanc / Rhone-Alpes / France Starting Price: $85.40
I'm a ski and snowboard instructor, and a High Mountain Guide. Come with me to discover the best skiing (off piste and glacier skiing) and mountaineering experience in the Chamonix Mont Blanc mountain...

 
AREA OVERVIEW
Rating
10/10 out of 1 Review
Activities Camping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing
City Chamonix
State Rhone-Alpes
Country France
Season February to May
 PICTURES
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Haute Route, Mont Blanc
Click to Enlarge
Ice Climbing
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