Advanced mountaineering weekend in the Mont Blanc massif
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationChamonix-Mont-Blanc / Mont Blanc Massif - France
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions11.92 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
This 3-day advanced mountaineering course in the Mont Blanc massif is ideal for achieving true autonomy in the mountains. Designed for mountaineers wishing to enhance their technical skills , it offers comprehensive training on prestigious peaks. Led by an experienced guide , you will progress while enjoying exceptional panoramic views . The days, structured like a school , will allow you to practice on routes ranging in difficulty from F to PD+ . You will refine your techniques for moving in glacial and rocky environments , with a focus on rope work , belaying , rappelling maneuvers , as well as placing ice screws and nuts , and setting up anchors. Each exercise is designed to consolidate your mastery and guarantee safe practice . This trip represents a unique opportunity to progress in the majestic setting of Mont Blanc , while developing the confidence necessary for your future climbs. Accessible and enriching, it is aimed at those who wish to combine technology , adventure and discovery in the heart of an exceptional natural environment.
The highlights
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Access to autonomy in high mountain terrain
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Teaching by a high mountain guide in a spirit of transmission
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Put yourself in the lead climbing position as soon as possible, under the guide's supervision.
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 7h30
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 750 m
- Average daily descent: 900 m
- Maximum altitude: 3540 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
You will be accompanied by a high mountain guide who will provide you with the technical elements necessary for the smooth running of the stay.
Program
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Ascent to the refuge and warm-up
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, you'll meet your guide at the rental shop for a gear check. Those who have requested it will collect their equipment, followed by a briefing on the day's activities. You'll then head towards the village of Le Tour, located 20km away. The journey is made by personal vehicle or carpooling , which is recommended for a more social experience. Once there, you'll take the ski lifts up to the Col de Balme. From there, you'll begin a hike to reach the Albert 1er refuge , perched at 2702m on the right bank of the Glacier du Tour. In the afternoon, you'll learn snow and ice climbing techniques during a workshop near the refuge.
Day 1 -
Ascent of the Aiguille du Tour (3540m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Maximum altitude 3540 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Albert 1er refuge , we begin the ascent of the Aiguille du Tour , an iconic peak at 3,540 meters altitude, located on the border between France and Switzerland. Wearing crampons, we progress along an accessible glacial route, offering unique panoramas of the Aiguille du Chardonnet and the Aiguille Verte . The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view from the summit, before a leisurely descent.
We cross the Trient Plateau , a breathtakingly beautiful glacial landscape, to reach the Trient Hut on the Swiss side. This welcoming refuge, perched in an exceptional alpine setting, offers us a restful night. A perfect stop to fully experience the atmosphere of the high mountains.
Day 2 -
La Javelle - Aiguilles Dorées (3435m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Maximum altitude 3435 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The focus is on short-rope progression , belaying, downclimbing, and rappelling. These techniques are practiced in a safe environment to prepare you for independent climbing. The day ends with a return to camp, where you debrief on what you've learned. Each exercise is designed to boost your confidence and proficiency. You also familiarize yourself with the specific terrain you'll encounter on the upcoming climb. A final equipment check concludes this training day. You then set off on a full climb in the Aiguilles Dorées , where all the acquired skills are put to the test. The ascent demands concentration and good coordination, while the descent, after lunch, includes sections of rappelling and downclimbing. You finish this enriching adventure with a return to Chamonix in the late afternoon.
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- Accommodation from lunchtime on day 1 to lunchtime on day 3
- Full board
- The ski lifts
- The collective equipment
The price does not include
- Individual technical equipment
- Drinks in mountain huts
- Personal expenses
- Individual race supplies
Options
- 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
Group equipment (ropes, carabiners) is provided.
Equipment to bring
- High mountain boots
- An ice axe
- Cleats with anti-balling plates
- A harness equipped with two screw-gate carabiners ( rental available )
- 1 pair of climbing shoes
- 1 helmet
- Quickdraws and descender
- A pair of gaiters
- A sleeping bag liner ( there are blankets in the refuge )
- A small toiletry bag
- A sunscreen cream
- A headlamp, with spare batteries
- A pocket knife
- A water bottle
Clothing to bring
- Cap
- Hat or cap
- Glacier glasses
- 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
- 1 pair of gloves
- Breathable technical underwear
- Breathable technical base layer
- 1 windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants
- 1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers
- 2 pairs of socks
