Enduring France
Our LHO Mont Blanc Summit Course offers the most comprehensive and all-inclusive alpine mountaineering experience, going well beyond just a Mont Blanc climb. This meticulously crafted and flexible program is designed to provide a truly immersive Mont Blanc guided climb, placing strong emphasis on building your alpine knowledge and technical skills. It fosters the confidence and passion required not only to climb Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, but also to take on future alpine challenges with assurance and enthusiasm.
TRIP TYPE
Climbing and Mountaineering
DURATION
8 Days
DESTINATION
France
1
An all inclusive climbing experience featuring basic training, multiple summits including Mont Blanc and alternative summits during adverse weather, at no extra cost.
2
Relive the adventure with at least two days of exclusive expedition photography captured by your LHO Team Leader, included as part of our standard offering.
3
Guided by a specialised LHO Expedition Coordinator and certified IFMGA guides, ensuring a seamless, safe experience, with full support on and off the mountain.
2025
DATE & STATUS
PRICE
TEAM LEADER
AVAILABILITY
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
DAY 1: WELCOME TO EPIC CHAMONIX
The first day of our itinerary is arrival day. If you’re arriving at Geneva airport, our transfer partners will meet you and take you to our hotel in the Chamonix Valley. Airport transfers are included between 6:30 am and 7:30 pm. Please inform LHO Base Camp of your arrival and departure times. If you’re meeting us directly at the hotel, your LHO Team Leader will be waiting for you there. Hotel check in usually begins at 3 pm, but early arrivals can store their bags and explore. Your Team Leader will send a list of things to do in Chamonix closer to the time. If you need to rent gear, we recommend arriving early, as shops close at 7 pm and we aim for an early start the next day. A team dinner and briefing will take place at 7:30 pm, hosted by your Team Leader and lead mountain guide. Gear checks will be coordinated throughout the day.
DAY 2: ONTO THE VALLEE BLANCHE
Our first day together starts early. After breakfast, we depart the hotel and drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur on the Italian side. From there, we take the Skyway cable car to Punta Helbronner, perched at the edge of the glacier. This stunning destination draws visitors from across Europe to experience the Mont Blanc region up close. Upon arrival, we descend by elevator and walk through a tunnel to reach the Torino Hut, our base for the next two nights. We choose the Torino Hut for its high altitude, easy access, and multiple summit options from a single refuge. After checking in and grabbing a quick bite, we head straight to the glacier to begin training. The session includes crampon techniques, using an ice axe, and rope skills for glacier travel. Dinner and overnight will be at the Torino Hut, where we rest and prepare for the exciting climbs ahead.
DAY 3: GLACIERS & SUMMITS
Distance: 4.5 KM | Ascent: 362 | Descent: 363 | Max Altitude: 3,375 M
Our second day together starts at a comfortable pace. Breakfast is served at 7 am, and we aim to be out on the glacier by 9 am, weather permitting. The goal of the day is to practice walking in rope teams, navigating glaciers, and attempting a summit. This day is designed for flexibility—some conditions may allow for multiple objectives, while others may limit us to one. Common summits we aim for include Petit Flambeau and La Toule. No matter the outcome, this day is always a highlight of the experience. We will carry packed lunches for a picnic on the trail and aim to spend a full day out in the mountains, immersed in hands-on learning and alpine adventure. In the afternoon, we return to the Torino Hut for dinner and rest. This day is key to building confidence and skill before we head deeper into the mountains on the following days.
DAY 4: THE RIDGES OF THE MARBREES TRAVERSE
Distance: 3.4 KM | Ascent: 231 M | Descent: 265 M | Max Altitude: 3,535 M
Our final morning at the Torino Hut begins with a traverse of the Aiguilles Marbrées, a dramatic ridge flanked by Dent du Géant and Grandes Jorasses. This summit is close to the hut and offers ideal training with glacier travel, ridge climbing, and exposure at altitude—perfect preparation for Mont Blanc. We begin by crossing the Glacier du Géant and ascending the east ridge, a mix of easy climbing and endurance. If conditions allow, we continue past the summit, traversing the ridge’s south side and descending via abseil. This shortcut avoids a long glacier crossing and brings us closer to the hut. If conditions do not permit, we retrace our route. We usually return to the Torino Hut in time for lunch, then descend by cable car and drive back to Chamonix. The night is spent at our hotel in the valley, where rest and recovery are the priority. Dinner is hosted at a local restaurant or hotel.
DAY 5: DEPARTING FOR THE MONT BLANC
Distance: 3.3 KM | Ascent: 805 M | Descent: 0 M | Max Altitude: 3,167 M
We start our day later than usual, typically around midday, to allow for rest before the big ascent. From Les Houches, we take the Bellevue cable car and the Mont Blanc mountain train to Nid d’Aigle. From there, a three-hour trek brings us to the Tête Rousse Hut. This steady ascent does not require technical gear. Along the way, we often spot mountain goats grazing in the lower elevations. We stop for a picnic lunch near the Rogne Forestière hut before continuing to the Tête Rousse glacier. Crossing the glacier rarely requires gear, though it may during certain seasons. After checking in, we rest while guides and Team Leader consult with the hut guardian on weather and conditions to plan the summit attempt. A full summit briefing will be given after dinner, both as a group and in individual rope teams. This marks the beginning of our Mont Blanc summit phase.
DAY 6: SUMMIT WINDOW 1
Distance: 10.2 KM | Ascent: 1,743 M | Descent: 1,063 M | Max Altitude: 4,810 M
We aim to leave the Tête Rousse Hut by 4 am to reach the Grand Couloir in cold, stable conditions. Early light helps visibility, and colder temperatures reduce rockfall risk. The ascent to the Gouter Hut takes around 2.5 hours. Once there, we rest for about 45 minutes, enjoy something warm, and offload gear not needed for the summit. The climb continues over the Dome du Gouter, a 4,000-meter summit with long, steady switchbacks. From its top, Mont Blanc comes into view. After a brief descent, we reach the Vallot Hut, used for shelter in bad weather. We then climb a series of moguls—six false summits—with the first and third being the steepest and most exposed. Finally, we reach the summit ridge, a 100-meter stretch requiring focus and steady footing. The summit is broad, offering space for celebration and photos. We then retrace our steps to the Gouter Hut for dinner and rest.
DAY 7: SUMMIT WINDOW 2
Distance: 5 KM | Ascent: 9 M | Descent: 1,500 M
If the team reached the summit the day before, this day is focused on descending. We aim for an early start to cross the Grand Couloir before the sun warms the terrain. Depending on the season and train schedule, we may have breakfast at the Tête Rousse Hut or further down the trail as a picnic. We typically reach the train by 11 am and arrive in Chamonix by 12:30 pm. It’s tradition to stop for a quick drink and snack near the cable station before heading to the hotel for a shower. The afternoon is free for returning gear, buying souvenirs, or relaxing in Chamonix. A celebratory team dinner will be held at 6:30 pm, hosted by your Team Leader and any available LHO guides. If the summit was reached on the second weather window, we may arrive in Chamonix later in the afternoon and adjust the plan accordingly.
DAY 8: AU REVOIR!
Our final day together will be dedicated to airport transfers and farewells. Breakfast is included on the day. Please make sure that you provide us with your correct departure details when filling out your team details form as we use it to book your transfers to Geneva airport with our transfer partners. If there are any changes to your travel itinerary, please let your LHO Team Leader know as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone involved in our services receives a fair living wage in their respective countries. We invest in our team members, fostering upward mobility within the adventure travel industry, expanding educational opportunities, and offering support wherever we can. By joining an LHO adventure you are directly impacting the incredible people and the remote communities that make these life-changing experiences possible.
LEARN MOREHEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
We do our best to ensure your wellbeing on LHO adventures. That's why the facilities we use throughout our trips are required to meet our health and safety standards. We also follow the laws and protocols of every country that hosts our adventures. This extends to national regulations requiring Covid-19 testing, vaccination certificates, mask wearing or any other local guidelines that may apply. Contact us for the most up to date protocols related to your destination.
LEARN MOREWhen is the best time to climb Mont Blanc?
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How do you climb Mont Blanc?
Will there be training on how to use crampons and other technical gear during the Mont Blanc Summit Course?
Would it be too hot on summit day to use ski pants or just thin waterproof pants?
Is it possible to find gear in Chamonix to climb Mont Blanc?
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PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
FROM £4,340
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