Alpinism and Climbing in Chamonix: the Roof of Europe
Eight days of alpinism and climbing in the Mont Blanc massif: the Aiguille du Midi, the traverse ridge and ice climbing with a real risk of fall.
Description
Chamonix is the Mecca of world alpinism and this itinerary is designed for those who seek controlled risks and extreme achievements. The program begins with the ascent of the Aiguille du Midi, which at 3,842 meters offers direct access to glacier terrain and high-level alpinism. The Aiguille Cosmiques traverse, an exposed ridge over Chamonix, tests balance and mixed rock-climbing technique. Ice climbing on the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, teaches how to move on crampons and ice axes over dynamic terrain. The final ascent of Mont Blanc itself, conditions permitting, is the culmination of 4,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain. Every activity carries a real risk of fatal fall, hypothermia or altitude sickness. It is not for novices: previous experience in climbing and high mountaineering is required.
Health & safety
- Altitude sickness may strike from 2,500m up: descend if you have symptoms
- Hypothermia possible even in summer on the summit
- Crevasses are invisible under the snow: always walk roped
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Chamonix and acclimatisation
Chamonix, France
Arrival in Chamonix and acclimatisation
Final preparations and acclimatisation at 1,000m
Stroll through central Chamonix
Culture2hCable car to Planpraz
Nature2hSafety briefing with guides
Sports2hCarbohydrate dinner
gastronomy2hAiguille du Midi: ascent to 3,842m
Chamonix, France
Aiguille du Midi: ascent to 3,842m
Breathtaking acclimatisation day at the cable car's upper station
Cable car to the Aiguille du Midi
Nature1hWalk across the upper plateau
Nature3hDescent and rest
Rest3hGear session
Sports2hAiguille Cosmiques traverse
Chamonix, France
Aiguille Cosmiques traverse
Exposed mixed rock-and-ice climbing ridge over the void
Ascent to the Aiguille du Midi
Sports2hCosmiques traverse
Sports4hDescent rappel
Sports2hRecovery in Chamonix
Rest3hMer de Glace: ice climbing and glacier crossing
Chamonix, France
Mer de Glace: ice climbing and glacier crossing
Full day on France's largest glacier
Montenvers train
Nature1hGlacier progression techniques
Sports4hNatural ice caves
Nature2hDescent to Chamonix
Nature2hMont Blanc normal route: summit attempt
Chamonix, France
Mont Blanc normal route: summit attempt
Summit day: 4,808m of altitude and risk of altitude sickness
Ascent via the Mont Blanc normal route
Sports8hMont Blanc summit at 4,808m
Nature1hDescent to Chamonix
Sports6hCelebration dinner in Chamonix
gastronomy2hClimbing on the Chamonix routes
Chamonix, France
Climbing on the Chamonix routes
Active rest day climbing the valley walls
Climbing in the Chamonix valley sectors
Sports5hCanyon des Rovnoz
Nature2hStroll through the village
Culture2hAiguille du Midi and Vallée Blanche
Chamonix, France
Aiguille du Midi and Vallée Blanche
Crossing on skis or foot along the ridge with extreme exposure
Cable car to the Aiguille du Midi
Nature1hVallée Blanche traverse
Sports5hReturn along the Mer de Glace
Nature3hLast night in Chamonix
gastronomy2hFarewell to Chamonix
Chamonix, France
Farewell to Chamonix
Flight home with the experience of Europe's roof
Morning stroll around Chamonix
Culture2hTransfer to Geneva airport
Culture1.5hFlight home
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