Lovely climb up a famous mountain. I felt in very safe hands on the trickier sections, such as the Grand Couloir. Pierre is a superb mountain guide - full of wit, enthusiasm, jokes and a deep knowledge of the Mont Blanc massif. Thank you also to Victor and Nicolas for excellent leadership in the mountains.
Guided groups
Mountaineering
lvl. 5
Multi-day hike
Réf : E530
Mountaineering: Mountaineering provides access to some of our planet’s greatest peaks. Choose from introduction courses to learn basic mountaineering techniques, climbs up serious committing routes, or adventures to summit prestigious peaks or lesser-known mountains.
Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on and off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers. Sections at higher elevations. Learn basic mountaineering techniques.
Level 5: An average of 6 to 7 hours of hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, and/or more than 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 20 kilometers. Sections at higher elevations. Requires knowledge and experience with basic mountaineering techniques for F (“facile” or easy) level routes.
Level 6: An average of 7 to 8 hours of serious hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, and/or more than 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 20 kilometers. Sections at higher elevations. Requires knowledge and experience with mountaineering techniques for PD and AD (somewhat difficult or relatively difficult) level routes. Climb as an independent rope team or with a guide.
Level 7: An average of 8 hours of serious hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, and/or more than 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 20 kilometers. Sections at higher elevations. Requires considerable knowledge and experience with mountaineering techniques for AD and D (relatively difficult or difficult) level routes. Climb as an independent rope team or with a guide.
Level 8: An average of 8 hours of serious hiking per day at higher elevations off trail or on rugged terrain, and/or more than 1000 meters of vertical gain. Sections at higher elevations. Requires mastery and considerable experience using mountaineering techniques for AD and D (relatively difficult or difficult) level routes. Climb as an independent rope team or with a guide.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon
Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a
mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Prices indicated are calculated based on a limited number of seats available or for a departure in over 2 months from today. Once all prereserved seats are filled, or for reservations with a departure in less than 2 months, we might have to acquire seats for a higher price (depending on availability at the moment the reservation is made), which might result in the application of a supplement that increases the closer we are to the departure date.
Our trip
Spend the first 3 days training, acclimatizing, and preparing for the ascent
Climb the "Regular Route," the standard, easiest way to the top of Mont Blanc.
2 chances to reach the top (days 5 and 6).
The goal of this fantastic one-week mountaineering vacation is to climb Mont Blanc; the summit, at 4807m is the highest point in Western Europe. With three wonderful days in the high mountains to acclimatize, and allowing for three full days to climb Mont Blanc, including two days for the summit itself, this one-week adventure gives everyone an excellent chance of reaching the roof of Europe. On the days spent acclimatizing, enjoy the traverse from the Albert Premier hut to the Cabane du Trient hut while you spend time learning glacier skills. Marvel at the spectacular high-altitude landscape surrounding Col du Tour Pass. Climb the summit of Mont Blanc via the "Regular Route" from the Tête Rousse Hut and the new Gouter Hut. The summit day is a long one, but the reward is well worth the effort when standing on the highest point in the European Alps. Views of the surrounding mountain ranges are breathtaking to say the least.
Reservation
| Departure | Return | Price including VAT | Departure status* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 31 May 2026 | to 06 June 2026 | 3095 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 06 June 2026 | to 12 June 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 11 June 2026 | to 17 June 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 14 June 2026 | to 20 June 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 18 June 2026 | to 24 June 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 21 June 2026 | to 27 June 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 25 June 2026 | to 01 July 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed with you ! | ||
| From 28 June 2026 | to 04 July 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 04 July 2026 | to 10 July 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 11 July 2026 | to 17 July 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 18 July 2026 | to 24 July 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 25 July 2026 | to 31 July 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 31 August 2026 | to 06 September 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 05 September 2026 | to 11 September 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 10 September 2026 | to 16 September 2026 | 2995 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
| From 19 September 2026 | to 25 September 2026 | 3095 € | Confirmed from 2 reservations on | ||
*The date of departure is subject to change at any time (as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).
|
Embark on an extraordinary journey, creating lasting memories as you adventure off the beaten path, with respect for the environment and local communities. Envision your next adventure with your family or friends. Let us help you shape your own experience ! Privatize this trip |
Itinerary
Mountaineering: Mountaineering provides access to some of our planet’s greatest peaks. Choose from introduction courses to learn basic mountaineering techniques, climbs up serious committing routes, or adventures to summit prestigious peaks or lesser-known mountains.
Luggage transfers : All your gear and equipment for 3 days
Lodging : Mountain Hut, Hotel
Guiding : IFMGA guides: 1 guide for 2 persons for the 3 days ascent
Group : From 2 to 6 participants. The departure will be confirmed from 2 participants (The date of departure is subject to change at any time, as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).
- In early June, depending on snow conditions, some lifts, aerial trams, or gondolas may be closed, as well as the Trient Hut (Day 3). We may need to adjust our program for the first three days and change the location.
Level 5: An average of 6 to 7 hours of hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, and/or more than 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 20 kilometers. Sections at higher elevations. Requires knowledge and experience with basic mountaineering techniques for F (“facile” or easy) level routes.
Duration : 7 days
Luggage transfers : All your gear and equipment for 3 days
Lodging : Mountain Hut, Hotel
Guiding : IFMGA guides: 1 guide for 2 persons for the 3 days ascent
Group : From 2 to 6 participants. The departure will be confirmed from 2 participants (The date of departure is subject to change at any time, as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).
- In early June, depending on snow conditions, some lifts, aerial trams, or gondolas may be closed, as well as the Trient Hut (Day 3). We may need to adjust our program for the first three days and change the location.
- For the same reason, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc cog train may not open until late June. If this occurs, the program remains unchanged, but the approach hike on Day 5 from Bellevue to Nid d'Aigle and the descent on Day 7 from Nid d'Aigle to Bellevue will be longer.
Since 2019, agencies and guide offices can no longer make advance reservations at the Goûter and Tête-Rousse refuges. Therefore, your registration will only be guaranteed after the availability in these refuges has been confirmed.
Additionally, at the request of the Prefect of Haute-Savoie, all reservations in the refuges along the normal route of Mont Blanc are nominative and must be made with a copy of each participant's identity card. Please provide us with this information at the time of your registration.
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival in Chamonix
Lodging : hotel.
Meals not included.
Arrival in
Chamonix, the "french mountain capital". Check in your hotel.
Day 2
Group meeting - Col de Balme - Albert 1er hut
Ascent : 550 m (1805 ft)
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
You can enjoy free time in Chamonix in the morning, and check out your clothing and gear. You can hire or buy
any missing item in a Chamonix mountain store. Then a taxi picks you up from your hotel at 12:30 pm and you meet your guide and the group at 13 pm at Le Tour.
To assist with your acclimatization, we plan to spend tonight in the Albert Premier
Refuge (2,707m/8,881ft). We take the Charamillon-Balme gondola
lift from Le Tour and walk up to the Col
de Balme, from here we get the first of many simply stunning views of the Mont
Blanc massive. We follow the balcony path round to the Albert Premier
Refuge, a lovely
and relatively easy going walk to begin our week.
Day 3
Albert 1er - Col supérieur du Tour - Cabane de Trient hut
Ascent : 800 m (2625 ft). Descent : 200 m (656 ft).
5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
A relatively early start this morning and our adventure truly
begins as we set out onto the Glacier du Tour. Today we will look again at glacier
skills and do some training
as we go along. Depending on the conditions there is also the
option of climbing
to the Col du Midi-des-Grands (3,235m/10,613ft). On a clear day it is possible to see the Matterhorn in the
distance. We then trek over the Swiss border to the Cabane du Trient where we spend the night.
Day 4
Trient - Col du Tour - back to Chamonix
Ascent : 500 m (1640 ft). Descent : 1250 m (4101 ft).
6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch. Meals not included : dinner.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch. Meals not included : dinner.
After an early breakfast we set out into this simply stunning
area and make our way at the foot of the famous Fenetre de Saleina and the summit of Tête Blanche. From here we will cross
the Col du Tour and depending on the conditions we have the option of climbing the Tete Blanche
(3,429m/11,250ft) or the Col des Fourches (3,433m/11,263ft) - all great for acclimatisation. After the climb we
cross back into France and descend to Le Tour. Transfer with a local bus (or
your car) to Chamonix when you have a relaxing night in a center based hotel.
This evening after chatting
with the guides
we prepare for our ascent
of Mont Blanc.
Day 5
Chamonix - Nid d'Aigle - Tête Rousse hut
Ascent : 850 m (2789 ft).
3 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The group will be joined by
more guides (ratio 2 clients to 1 guide), in order to give us the best chance
of success. We will climb Mont Blanc by the Normal Route, taking advantage of
the uplift provided by the Mont Blanc Tramway which will take us to Mont Lachat (2,115m/6,939ft). From here, we follow
a rocky trail
for approximately 3 hours to the Tete Rousse Refuge (3,167m/10,390ft) where we will stay overnight.
Day 6
Summit day (first option): Tête Rousse - Mont-Blanc - Goûter hut
Ascent : 1650 m (5413 ft). Descent : 950 m (3117 ft)
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The Big Day! We make an early start - approximately 1am from the Tete
Rousse. From the Tete Rousse, we cross the
Great Couloir and then a rocky scramble leads up to the Gouter Refuge
(3,817m/12,523ft). From here the remaining 1000 metres of ascent to the summit
of Mont Blanc
is entirely on snow. The climbing is never technical
being mostly on a broad shoulder with an uphill
slope mostly below 30 degrees. However, the final "des Bosses" ridge
becomes narrower and we can look down one side to Italy and the other
into France as we
make the final steps to the top. We are very high up now and the air is
thin, so slow and steady is the way forward.
The ascent can take about 8 hours depending on conditions. We will make
our
descent via the same route and we should reach the Goûter hut by early
or mid-afternoon
were we stay overnight
NB: In case of bad weather conditions, this day will be used to ascend to the Goûter Refuge in preparation for attempting the summit the following day.
Day 7
Goûter - summit day (second option) or descend to Les Houches
Descent : 1500 m (4921 ft).
4 hrs of hiking.
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
If we have not summited the day before,
we may make the attempt
today if the conditions permit
and in this case. After summiting, we will descend
via the Normal Route all the way back to the valley.
If we have summited on day 6, then we have a leisurely start and make an easy descent to the valley. Back to Les Houches. End of your trip
NB: The itinerary includes an overnight stay at the new Goûter Refuge. However, due to the implementation of the new reservation system, we may face difficulties securing spots for all of our departures.
The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.
Pricing
Pricing
The price includes / does not include
The displayed price is based on the assumption of 1 guide for every 2 clients during the summit ascent from Day 4 to Day 6. If local regulations temporarily require the ascent to be conducted with 1 guide per client, the selling price will be adjusted to account for an additional guide over the 3-day period.
The price includes:
- Professional IFMGA certified guides: 1 guide for 6 people for the three days spent acclimatizing, and 1 guide for 2 people to climb Mt. Blanc.
- Accommodations: 4 nights in mountain huts, 2 nights in a 3-star hotel.
- All meals as described.
- All lift tickets required.
- Transfers in Chamonix Valley as described.
The price does not include:
- Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
- Dinners on day 1 and day 4 in Chamonix.
- Lunches on day 1 and day 2 in Chamonix, and on day 5, 6 and 7.
- The loan of technical equipment if needed.
- Bottled water in the mountain huts.
- Showers in any huts that charge a fee.
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.
During your trip
Our guides
Luigi A.
Marc C.
Pierre N.
Victor R.
The guides shown here are part of our regular team. It is possible that your trip will be accompanied by others.
Our team
This trip is guided by IFMGA English-speaking guides:
- 1 "main" guide for 6 participants during the first 3 days.
- 1 guide for every 2 participants during the 3-day ascent.
Transfers
All these transfers are included in the tour such as :
- Day 2 : transfer from Chamonix to Le Tour ; lift up to Col de Balme.
- Day 4: lift from Col de Balme to Le Tour ; transfer from Le Tour to Chamonix to Le Tour by bus, train, or with the guide's car and personal vehicles.
- Day 5 : transfer to Les Houches using local transportation (bus, free transfer, host card provided by the previous night's accommodation) or with the guide's car and personal vehicles ; cable car from Les Houches to Bellevue ; Mont-Blanc Tramway from Bellevue to Nid d'Aigle.
- Day 7: Mont-Blanc Tramway from Nid d'Aigle to Bellevue ; cable car from Bellevue to Les Houches.
Lodging
- Mountain huts on Days 1, 2, 4, and 5. Accommodation will be in dormitories. These French or Swiss huts offer basic services: no showers, no drinking water, and no private rooms.
- A 3-star hotel in the heart of Chamonix on Days 1 and 3, based on double/twin to quadruple occupancy. We have chosen not to include dinners on these evenings to allow you to enjoy a wider selection of local specialties.
Meals
Our goal is to
ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each
day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations.
- The picnics on Days 2 and 3 are prepared by your guide with fresh products, cheese, and cold cuts. The picnics from Day 4 to Day 6 during the "ascent" portion are not included, allowing you to choose sandwiches or hot meals at the refuge as you wish.
- 2 dinners in Chamonix (Days 1 and 3) are not included to allow you to choose your dining place as there are so many options in Chamonix.
Water : Please note that water is not free in mountain huts without running water (especially on glaciers). You will need to plan to purchase bottled mineral water. Expect to pay 10 to 12€ for a 1.5-liter bottle of water, and remember to bring cash.
Luggage transfer
This is a hut to hut itinerary, there is no luggage transfer.
Itineraries
The Ascent of Mont Blanc
Despite thorough preparation, the ascent of Mont Blanc remains dependent on favorable weather and mountain conditions. Allibert and the guides strive to make the best decisions, but it is important to keep in mind that reaching the summit is not guaranteed, as safety will always be our priority. Ultimately, your guide will decide whether or not to continue the ascent.
If the ascent of Mont Blanc is not possible, we will offer you an alternative program, most often on the Gran Paradiso or Monte Rosa (depending on conditions).
Despite thorough preparation, the ascent of Mont Blanc remains dependent on favorable weather and mountain conditions. Allibert and the guides strive to make the best decisions, but it is important to keep in mind that reaching the summit is not guaranteed, as safety will always be our priority. Ultimately, your guide will decide whether or not to continue the ascent.
If the ascent of Mont Blanc is not possible, we will offer you an alternative program, most often on the Gran Paradiso or Monte Rosa (depending on conditions).
- We will cover the organizational costs of this alternative program (guides, huts, meals, and potential cable car expenses). However, transportation costs incurred by this program change (personal vehicles or guides' vehicles) will remain your responsibility.
- For safety reasons and to ensure a level corresponding to what was announced, Allibert reserves the right to discontinue your participation if your technical skills and/or physical condition do not meet the required standards. In no case will this interruption result in a refund or compensation.
Group composition
You'll be sharing your stay with French people and English-speaking people of many different nationalities: British, American, Australian and many more. Get ready for a truly multicultural experience!
What you need to know
Since 2019, agencies and guide offices can no longer make advance
reservations at the Goûter and Tête-Rousse refuges. Therefore, your
registration will only be guaranteed after the availability in these
refuges has been confirmed.
Additionally, at the request of the Prefect of Haute-Savoie, all
reservations in the refuges along the normal route of Mont Blanc are
nominative and must be made with a copy of each participant's identity
card. Please provide us with this information at the time of your
registration.
Currencies
France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate
Access
Access
This trip starts in Chamonix and ends at Les Houches. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva airport. It takes about 1h to drive from Geneva to Le Fayet.
If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix valley is to use an airport transfer service.
We can book this transfer for you, just ask our specialists. Depending on your preferences, we can arrange a transfer by private or shared taxi. Please let us know your flight schedule so that we can organize your transfer as early as possible and in the most suitable time slot.
We have decided not to include the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix valley (round trip) to give you the greatest possible flexibility on your arrival and departure times (day and night arrival possible).
Required before leaving
Formalities
Please check with your embassy.
Health
Vaccinations
Required vaccinations
No vaccinations are required.
Recommended vaccinations
Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.
Dentist and general physician
We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.
Getting ready
Physical fitness level 5
To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking multiple times per week (around 20km) on trails with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.Your first aid kit
For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.
- An analgesic.
- An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
- An anti-diarrheal tablets
- A
disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical
tape, Steri-Strips,
Gear list
What you need to bring: Keep in mind that the weight of your day pack should not exceed 10-12kg.
Mountaineering equipment list:
Technical clothing (upper body):
- Short-sleeved T-shirts.
- Thermal base layers with long sleeves (e.g., Merino wool) (+ bring an extra layer in your bag during the ascent).
- A lightweight fleece jacket (+ bring an extra layer in your bag during the ascent).
- A down jacket.
- A waterproof and breathable jacket, e.g., Goretex.
Technical clothing (lower body):
- Shorts or trekking pants
- Thermal leggings (e.g., Merino wool)
- Mountain pants (ideally ski touring pants with suspenders) made of Goretex
- A pair of gaiters
- Warm and thermal socks.
Head equipment:
- A hat or cap.
- A warm hat (beanie).
- A hood.
- A snood.
- Two pairs of sunglasses (at least one pair for high mountains, category 4).
- Ski goggles (very useful in case of bad weather, strong winds, etc.).
Gloves:
- A pair of silk gloves (as a base layer).
- A pair of warm and waterproof gloves, e.g., ski gloves.
- A pair of mittens (ideally Goretex for cold weather and windy conditions).
Shoes:
- A pair of light hiking shoes (suitable for the ascent to Albert 1er (Day 2) and the climb to the Tête Rousse refuge (Day 5)).
- A pair of mountaineering B2 or ideally B3 boots (thermal, high, with a rigid sole). Example: Scarpa Mont Blanc model.
Other equipment:
- A 40L day-pack to carry your gear for the day (including trekking poles and ice axe, make sure your backpack has the appropriate attachments).
- Sun protection (cream and stick) for high-altitude conditions.
- A water bottle (or hydration pack) with a minimum capacity of 2L.
- Your personal first aid kit, toilet paper.
- A pocket knife.
- A sleeping bag liner (mandatory for mountain huts stays).
- A headlamp.
- A toiletry kit and a small towel.
- Spare clothes.
- Spare shoes.
- Cash for extra drinks/snacks in mountain huts.
- Recommended extras: a rain poncho, earplugs, a thermos, camera, etc.
Technical equipment :
Mont Blanc Experience will provide all the technical equipment you'll need for the tour. This includes:
- Crampons (with anti-balling plates)
- Ice axe
- Helmet
- Mountaineering harness
- Hiking poles
Your guide will bring the equipment for you and provide it to you during the meeting on the morning of the second day.
If you already have your own technical equipment, feel free to let us know.
Mountaineering boot rental :
If you wish to rent mountaineering boots, you can ask us to book this service for you. Be sure to specify your shoe size.
Rental equipment should be picked up directly at the store before your meeting with the guide. The rental shop's contact details will be provided in your briefing.
Rental equipment should be picked up directly at the store before your meeting with the guide. The rental shop's contact details will be provided in your briefing.
Safety
The Mont Blanc Experience promise
No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.
Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.
Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.
If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.
Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.