Climb Mont Blanc (4810m)

Test your tenacity and climb the highest peaks in France and Italy in this challenging week-long adventure to the summit of Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso. Your hassle-free adventure includes:

• 4 nights half board in mountain huts
• 3 nights B&B Chamonix accommodation
• 3 training days
• Summit of Mont Blanc via Gouter route (4810m)
• Summit of Gran Paradiso (4061m)
• All guiding fees
• All transport between locations

Perfect for: Anyone with a good level of physical fitness who wants to conquer Mont Blanc. That said, Mont Blanc is not to be underestimated; it will be challenging whatever your physical fitness, so be sure to pack your determination (you’ll need it).

If you want more training before the climb, there’s an option to add a 3-day Alpine Skills Short Break course to your trip, which you’d complete prior to your climb.

Wednesday: Arrival in Chamonix

Fly into Geneva, make your own way to Chamonix and be greeted by your guides at the Chalet Pele at 18:00. Meet your fellow explorers and get debriefed for the week ahead.

Thursday: Travel to refuge and training

Sort out any last minute rental in Chamonix before setting out for Rifugio Chabod in Gran Paradiso (1.5h drive). Park and walk up to the hut. Once at the refuge, eat lunch and complete an outdoor training session.

Friday: Gran Paradiso and the first taste of mountaineering

Wake up bright and early to make the 1,300m ascent of the Gran Paradiso, Italy’s highest peak. The journey to the summit will mainly be on snow, minus a final rocky section where you’ll need to scramble. Then it’s back down to the huts for dinner and rest.

Saturday: Hike through the valleys

After you’ve recovered from the previous day’s climb, set out for 08:30 and make the gradual descent to the valley for two hours. Stop for a snack and one of Italy’s famous coffees, then drive back to Chamonix (1.5h drive).

Sunday: Travelling between peaks

Drive to Les Houches (10min), ride the Bellevue cable car and then take the Tramway du Mont Blanc train to Refuge du Nid d’Aigle. Hike to the Tete Rousse hut ready to rest up for the night, ready for tomorrow’s ascent of Mont Blanc.

Monday: Summit Mont Blanc

Up early, it's time for the eight-to-12-hour hike to the peak. You’ll set out by scrambling up past the refuge de Gouter, then ascending the Dome de Gouter and finally the Bosses ridge to the summit. Made it! Once you’ve sucked in the view from the summit, descend to the Gouter hut for a well earned rest and chance to share stories from the day.

Tuesday: Return to the chalet for a well-deserved dinner, drinks and rest

Make your way back down from Gouter to the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle. Take the Tramway du Mont Blanc, followed by the Bellevue cable car to Les Houches. You’ll then drive back to the chalet to unwind after the climb.

You can leave as soon as you get back to the chalet (17:00), but you’re welcome to stay a final night at no additional cost. Usually, guides and guests go out for a meal to celebrate and reminisce about the week.

Wednesday: Departure day

Chow down on one last breakfast before checking out at 10:00 and making your own way back home, or on to your next adventure.

Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, and weather conditions and forecasts.

Much of the trip will be based in Chalet Pele, a delightful, rustic B&B in the centre of Chamonix. It’s close to rental shops, restaurants and bars. Rooms are usually shared with your co-climbers, but have twin beds and come with an en-suite bathroom. The chalet has free WIFI, a lounge, dining area and a fun après-ski-like atmosphere.

Meanwhile, mountain huts are basic; expect dormitory-style bunk beds with blankets or duvets provided. Also, note that there’s no running water in the huts on Mont Blanc.

As western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc has been a playground for adventurers since the Victorians first got a taste of mountaineering. It’s imposing and beautiful and straddles the Alps on both the border of France and Italy. Chamonix is a beautiful town, that’s easily accessed from Geneva International airport and has excellent nightlife.

Chalet Pele in Chamonix at 18:00

Your adventure begins when you meet your host at Chalet Pele in Chamonix at 18:00 on Wednesday. We recommend you get any flight in and out of Geneva, which is the nearest airport to Chamonix (just under 60 miles away). Make sure you book flights that align with arrival and departure times. Your host can arrange an airport transfer upon request.

Chalet Pele in Chamonix at 10:00

Your adventure will end after breakfast at Chalet Pele in Chamonix at 10:00 on Wednesday. If returning home at this point, make your way back to Chamonix - again your host can arrange an airport transfer upon request.