Hi Adam,

I did it in 2003 with some guides from the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix.

Have a look at

http://www.chamonix-guides.com/pages_stat_en/mt-blanc_en.html

All the info is there.

Good luck! Patrick

Adam, I would like to do it too at some point, this summer or next. Can you keep me in the loop? It may be more motivating to has a small team getting ready together : )

Speak soon

g

In spite of all the enthousiasm of climbing the Mt Blanc, it's still a risky thing. A friend of a girl I know went on such a hike (even not to the summit) with a guided group last year. He fell in a crevasse and died.

But I suppose when you go on such a tour, you are aware of the risks.

Anyway, I wish you guys good luck and a great experience in conquering the summit!

Hi Adams,

If i can give you my opinion, I would say yes that is enough to be really fit, usually...but if you can afford a guide (really expensive i know...but how much does a life cost...?:=)), even better of course.

Climbing Mont blanc can be easy or become very problematic depending on weather conditions. It often snows in chamonix in august above 3500meters...If the snow turns to ice with low temperatures, then it becomes important of course to be comfortable with cramps (crampons)...and a pick...your progression will be more risky. if it is too warm, not cold enough, it can be more tiring and people not fit enough dont make it. Only 30 % roughly  of people who try to climb Mt blanc  make it to the top.

It also besomes tricky when it is windy as you know so the most important thing is to check again and again the weather forecast the days before. do not hesitate to ask for advice at la maison de la montagne or even at PGHM in chamonix...At the tourist office, you might get "wrong" (not professional) advice as it is not their job in the first place..but people often ask them...

I climbed mont blanc 4 times, alone or with friends, no guide... (different routes : via aiguille du midi and refuge du goûter) and lived for 3 years in chamonix. Some very sporty people living in chamonix never made it, despite thei being very fit simply because their body cant take altitude. Up to 4000 meters, most people are ok, above, it is impossible (or dangerous) for some people to continue.

the best way to know that is to try !:=) but if you climbed before, you know it...

In my opinion, the best time is at the end of september/october before the trains/cable cars close in les houches (village). Summer time, it is (too) crowded, therefore less pleasant and more dangerous (stones falling, slow progression etc)

I have always avoided spring time (may, june) too risky in my opinion (warm ...snow falling : "seracs")

Do not hesitate to ask if you wish to. we can also meet for coffee and have a look at the maps. I encourage you to go, it is not technically speaking difficult (normal route). if you are fit, motivated (exhausting indeed) and the weather is nice, it is just ..fun!! :=)

Cheers,

Chris

I am also very interested in climbing Mont Blanc in the next few months. I've created a group in the groups section for Geneva Rock Climbers (and Boulderers) - I encourage all interested to join!

Now that we seem to have a motivated group of people looking to do this, perhaps we could organize a couple of smaller local test climbs or bouldering excursions for the relatively inexperienced (i.e. ME) to gain some cliff time before we work our way to the more serious climbs? I'm sure we could get a group together for a weekend climb in the local area some time. I think it would be a great opportunity for all, especially those training for a potential Mont Blanc climb.  

Any takers?

For Mt Blanc I would highly recommend a guide unless you are an experienced and confident climber at altitudes above 4000m.  Even on the "easy" route there is one tricky spot which is infamous for causing the most climbing accidents in the area (due to rock fall).  Not sure if the statistic is true, but there's definitely an active rock fall.

Also, it's a 2 day climb with a night in a hut for all but the extremely fit.  I think the average guiding rate is about EUR 325 per day so that's EUR 650, but the typically guide ratio is 1 guide for 2 clients so you might be able to do it for under EUR 500 per person including hut fees, lift passes, ,etc.  Keep in mind though most guides will only take you if they are comfortable with your fitness and ability.  And they will turn around at any point if they aren't convinced!

When more of the snow clears in June I recommend you hike up to the Albert Premiere hut from the bottom of the La Tour lifts to get a glimpse of what you are getting into.  It's a straight forward hike and decent workout if you don't take the lifts.  It takes you above 2000m to the beginning of one of the glaciers where you'll typically see the Mt Blanc courses practicing their ice climbing.

Hey you all,

I am game for getting a small group together to train and aim for the Mont Blanc. Please do keep me in the loop should this project get off the ground !!

Cheers

Fred

Hey all, just wanted to let you know I got the Rock Climbing group up and running. All are welcome to join. Let's get some activities organized!

http://www.glocals.com/groups/geneva/geneva-rock-climbing-group.htm

hi

climbing mont blanc sound like a dream?

it is possible to do it with a guide without a climbing experience?

Hey there,

I would be very interested in doing the Mont Blanc in September or early October (although I went on a 4 day solo hike before in October and got into a snow storm - ahem).  I've joined the rock climbing group but perhaps somebody should set up a hiking/trekking group too?  :-) Please do include me in any plans that might be hatching. A smaller group would be better I guess and I personally would like to take a guide and split costs. I'd love a proper challenge to plan for. Sounds like Chris has excellent tips too.

Alison

Hey all,

I'm also very interested to climb  the mont blanc this summer season.

Based on the comments above I'd prefer to pay for a guide, unless we could find someone who has been to the peak several times, and has the experience. Furthermore, I'd prefer to avoid the peak season (which is allegedly the mid-Jun - mid-August period).

Pls let me know, if you have any specific / preferred dates for the climbing. Than we could agree a timeplan including a couple of weeks training as well.

Janos

Hey everyone, first of all thanks to everyone for replying to this thread, its great to know that so many people are interested in it!

I've had a bit of a setback, as in i've broken my hand and am in a cast until the end of next month, so i think a climb this year is a bit unrealistic. But, does anyone think its a good idea to meet over the summer, maybe work out who wants to do what, get something decided, train and conquer this baby early next year when the season starts? Let me know if anyone's interested and i'll work out a good time to meet.

cheers

adam

oh, not a great sign, if the main initiator get's a cast on his hand just before climbing... hope you'll recover soon!

I think it's worth to get together and discuss who plans what for this season. I'm still keen on climbing the peak this year. cheers,

Janos 

I climbed the MB and 3 other 4000m peaks with the same guide company and had a great time. It may not make sense to try and save money on a serious mountain like the MB. The FR Mtn police website says less than 33% of unguided climbers reach the summit, but nearly 80% with guides do. For sure I wouldn’t have made my summits without a guide knowing the routes in the dark, what gear to use and leave behind, when to head up or turn around as the barometer /weather started to change. I recommend you bite the bullet and get a guide and increase the chance of a successful climb or choose another goal. The MB is not technical but it’s a big mtn with big mtn weather and conditions (8 people died on MB in 2001, the year I climbed it). I used these guides:  www.guidesource.com. They guide peaks like Everest too, and they are really smart people. Rental gear: shouldn't cost too much, & sometimes its furnished for you. If your going to buy anything make it boots, but get an expert's advice first, they are expensive.

Steve