Climbing to Mont Blanc

Overview

Alps is the cradle of world mountaineering. Trekking to Mont Blanc (4810 m.) is a landmark for climbers from all over the world for two reasons: – Mont Blanc is considered as beginning of the history of mountaineering, which has began to form on the territory of modern Chamonix. – The climbing to Mont Blanc is a part of the program “Seven Peaks”, as the highest point in Europe. It is also marked as the most beautiful hiking route in Europe and one of the most amazing in the world.

The exclusivity of this program is the opportunity to climb during the tour on three incredible Alpine peaks. The first training is an active acclimatization ascent to the Grand Paradiso massif (4061 m). It is the only mountain over 4000 meters high, entirely located on Italian territory. The continuation of the programme is climbing to the heart of the Alps – Mount Mont Blanc (4810 m.). And in the end is trekking to the Zugspitze massif (2962 m). Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany and is therefore an attractive destination for all types of travelers.

It is not required to be a professional climber to fully enjoy the summer holidays in the mountains. By taking part in this tour, you will be able to understand the uniqueness of the Alps. Crystal air, saturated with scents of mountain herbs and flowers, white peaks, which are reflected in the clear lakes, blue tongues of glaciers, unusual architecture and customs of the mountainous areas of the three neighboring countries – all this is worth taking a long day trip around Mont Blanc and passing it with honor.

More information about the equipment:

• Equipment for hiking
• Equipment for high-altitude climbing

• How many things should I take for a tour?
  Take only personal clothing and equipment. Be sure to have items from the list of necessary equipment. Instructors transport the general equipment and food to the start of the tour. During the hiking part of the tour we move by public transport or hired van. In general, it is necessary to share equipment and clothing into the parts: for easy trekking, climbing, walking in the cities and travelling.
• What is the stuff except personal items?
  In addition to personal items one needs to carry food, divided equally among all members of the group, and general equipment (instructor usually tries to share equipment among the men). Weight of total gear and food can reach up to 5-6 kg per person. The heaviest backpack is during ascent to the base camp for climbing to Mont Blanc.
• How is accommodation, transport arranged during the tour?
  According to the tour program, participants live in tents (usually 2 or 3-persons tents). Overnight in a hostel or hotel is possible during the tour in Chamonix (cost is not included in the price of the tour). For hiking programs – transportation is by a hired van or by public transportation.
• How is food arranged during the tour?
  During trekking a group has a camp version of the menu: boiled breakfast (porridge with canned meat or fish, sugary cereals with dried fruits), snack-lunch (sandwiches with cheese or sausages and sweets – halva, kozinaki, chocolate, raisins, dried apricots) and cooked dinner (soup). The cost of that menu is included in the price of the tour. While in the cities one is able to eat at cafe, to buy food in the shops and local fast foods (their cost is not included). But remember! Alcohol consumption during the active part of the route is prohibited. Seasonal fruits are sold at the stalls. During the trip you can still buy peaches, persimmons, grapes, apples and plums as they are not expensive.
• What is the necessary experience and physical shape of the participants?
  Participants must be in a good physical shape, without overweight or health problems. To participate in tours such experience is required: – for tours with no Mont Blanc climbing: hiking – long summer one (more than 6 days). In the case of the absence of the necessary experience participants need to get around the most difficult canyons (5 and 10 km) – for Mont Blanc climbing: hiking – long summer one (more than 6 days),for winter ascents of 2000m-high peak experience with climbing equipment is recommended. In the case of the absence of the necessary experience participants need to get around the most difficult canyons (5 and 10 km)(5 and 10 km)
• Do I need to take a personal first aid kit?
  A tour guide has a general first aid kit that includes the most commonly needed pills: anesthetics, antiseptics, cold pills, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, anti-shock and so on. If you take specific pills they must be taken and the manager receiving orders must be informed about that during the tour booking. We also recommend for each participant to take a roll and bactericidal plaster and a blister pack of activated carbon.
• Is it possible that the weather does not allow climbing?
  July is generally considered to be a good period for climbing to the Mont Blanc – the weather is more stable. In addition, we provide 1 reserve day for climbing to Mont Blanc in case of bad weather. But of course, bad weather happens, so you need to understand that we provide the best for the successful ascent, but do not give 100% guarantee of successful climbing the peak.
• What currency should I have?
  In Europe you should have euros.
• How much money do I need to take?
  Undoubtedly, everyone adjusts his/her own costs. We present only a minimal list of what will be possible to spend money on (except the tour price). Thus, the money would be required to: – campsite near Zugspitze – 11 euro – campsite in Chamonix – 12-24 euro (2-4 nights) – overnight in the shelter du Gouter – 70 euro – descent from Zugspitze by cable car – 31,5 euro – funicular to Mont Blanc – 30 euro That is, a minimum of 150-200 euros is required, plus the cost of souvenirs.
• Is it possible to change the program?
  The tour program is based on the practical experience of hiking, so it is completed accurately. However, some adjustments are possible due to the changes of fly companies schedules, different hours of the arrival/returning, bad weather and so on. In addition, the tour operator has the right to make changes to the program in case of unforseen consequences.