• Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide
  • Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide
  • Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide
  • Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide
  • Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide
  • Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide
Mont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Mont Blanc via the Pope's route with a private guide

Réf : AMBAG

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Level
    Advance

    Levels

    Mountaineering
    Beginner
    Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
    Intermediate
    For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
    Confirmed
    For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
    Expert
    For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
  • Destination
    Mont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    30.37 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
  • Languages
    French

In a few words

While the French routes for climbing Mont Blanc attract large crowds in summer, a more pristine alternative awaits you on the Italian side: the Pope's Way . This route offers a unique, almost Himalayan atmosphere and spectacular scenery for lovers of authentic adventure. The journey begins in Chamonix , where you'll meet your guide early in the morning. You'll then head to the Mont Blanc massif for an acclimatization phase and a review of techniques in the Giant 's glacial basin , depending on the conditions. From Val Veny in Italy, you'll begin a memorable ascent to reach the Gonella refuge via the Miage Glacier , in a wild and unspoiled setting. This is followed by sections across glaciers , ridges , and peaks , leading you to the summit , where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of France , Switzerland , and Italy . The descent is made via the French side, with a return to the Chamonix valley .

This trip, combining sporting challenge and immersion in magnificent landscapes, promises an unforgettable experience for lovers of high mountains.

The highlights

  • Altitude training for better acclimatization
  • Private stay
  • The beauty of the massif on the Italian side
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Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

Advance

Levels

Mountaineering
Beginner
Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
Intermediate
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
Confirmed
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
Advanced
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
Expert
For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.

In figures

Mountaineering

  • Average duration/day: 6h30
  • Average distance/day: 8 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 860 m
  • Average daily descent: 520 m
  • Maximum altitude: 4810 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 2 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
Supervisor

This is a private trip; you will be accompanied by a high-mountain guide for a group of two participants. The guide will provide the necessary technical information for a successful trip. The guide may need to modify the program to ensure safety based on mountain weather conditions or the physical condition of the participants.


Price for a solo departure with a guide: €4800

Price for 2 people with a guide: €2995 per person

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
  • map

    Technical revisions and acclimatization

    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Duration of the activity 6h
    • Distance 8 km
    • Positive elevation gain 500 m
    • Negative elevation 300 m
    • Maximum altitude 3842 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    On Monday morning, head to Chamonix to begin your stay. Gain altitude with a climb to the Aiguille du Midi , offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Once at the summit, you'll reach the Géant Glacier , a majestic place that marks the start of your immersion. To acclimatize to the altitude and review essential techniques, you'll explore the surrounding area. An outing to the Pointes Lachenal is ideal for perfecting your high-mountain skills. These steps are crucial before tackling the famous Pope's Route , a legendary itinerary. After a full day, enjoy an evening at the Torino Refuge , located on the Italian side. This warm and authentic place allows you to relax while admiring the alpine scenery. A perfect end to this first part of your trip.

    Day 1

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1, 3 to 4
Nights in mountain huts are spent in dormitories: blankets are provided, but you should bring a sleeping bag liner. Toiletries will be kept to a bare minimum. Slippers are available, so there's no need to bring shoes for the hut.
🏨 2-star hotel - Day 2

Access

Departure
Chamonix
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Chamonix
Day 5 - 18h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Chamonix
  1. From Paris : Take a TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet (approximately 5 hours). Then, take a regional train to Chamonix (approximately 1 hour).
  2. From Lyon : Take a TER to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet, then a regional train to Chamonix.
  3. From Geneva : Take a train to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet, then a regional train to Chamonix.
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby
  1. From Paris : Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes by car (approximately 600 km). Take the A6 to Mâcon, then the A40 towards Chamonix.
  2. From Lyon : Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive (approximately 220 km). Take the A40 towards Chamonix.
  3. From Geneva : Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive (approximately 85 km). Take the A40 towards Chamonix.

Price details

The price includes

  1. Accommodation from day 1 to day 4 in guesthouses and mountain huts in dormitories
  2. Supervision by a high mountain guide
  3. Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
  4. The ski lifts
  5. The collective equipment

The price does not include

  1. Individual technical equipment
  2. Drinks in mountain huts
  3. Personal expenses
  4. Individual race supplies
  5. Rental of boots, harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe if necessary

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Specifics

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).


In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.


ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

Equipment

Equipment provided on site

  1. The group equipment (ropes) is provided

Equipment to bring

  1. High mountain boots
  2. An ice axe
  3. Cleats with anti-balling plates
  4. A harness equipped with two screw-gate carabiners (rental available)
  5. 1 pair of climbing shoes
  6. 1 helmet
  7. Quickdraws and descender
  8. A pair of gaiters
  9. A sleeping bag liner (there are blankets in the refuge)
  10. A small toiletry bag
  11. A sunscreen cream
  12. A headlamp, with spare batteries
  13. A pocket knife
  14. A water bottle

Clothing to bring

  1. Cap
  2. Hat or cap
  3. Glacier glasses
  4. 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
  5. 1 pair of gloves
  6. Breathable technical underwear
  7. Breathable technical base layer
  8. 1 windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex type jacket
  9. 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants
  10. 1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers
  11. 2 pairs of socks
The Alexandre team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexandre team

4.5/5 (302 reviews) • 59 stays
Located in Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering, our team will take you to the most beautiful mountains in the world. Our guides all share the same mountain philosophy, based on sharing their passion, ensuring the safety of their leaders, and maintaining their professionalism. Whether on the trails of the Alps or on the highest peaks on the planet, the role of our partner's mountaineering team is to remain constantly attentive to your needs, sharing an unforgettable and safe experience. We also want this time spent together to be a sharing of all the riches of the high altitude: the sporting riches of the action, the aesthetic riches of the landscapes and the light, and the human riches of sharing a true "Mountain Culture."
Discover their team and their trips
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