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Holidays

Climb Mont Blanc

France, Switzerland
1 reviews
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

8 days from

US$4,185

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Mountaineer
Guided Group
TOUGH TOUGH

Climb to the summit of Mont Blanc (4808m); the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Trip Code: MBC
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

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View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

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View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

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View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

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View Tough holidays

Climb Mont Blanc

Highlights
  • Two opportunities to summit Mont Blanc after three fantastic days of acclimatisation and skills training
  • Idyllically located mountain huts; The Albert Premier and the Tete Rousse Refuge
  • Accommodation in Chamonix; perfect for relaxing and preparation
  • Classic route to the summit with IFMGA guides and a ratio of 1:2 during the climb of Mont Blanc
At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 6
  • 6 days trekking and climbing
  • Max. altitude - 4808 metres
  • Join In Chamonix
Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 6 Dinners
  • 3 nights Hotel
  • 4 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
Overview

The aim of this fantastic one week mountaineering holiday is to climb Mont Blanc; the summit, at 4808m is the highest point in Western Europe.  With three wonderful days in the high mountains to acclimatise, and allowing three full days for the ascent of Mont Blanc with two days for the summit itself, this one week adventure gives everyone an excellent chance of reaching the roof of Europe.  The acclimatisation days are spent staying at the Albert Premier or the Torino Hut, spending time on glacier skills, training and acclimatisation along the way and taking in this impressive high landscape.  The summit of Mont Blanc is reached via the 'Normal Route', from either the Tete Rousse or the new Gouter Hut.  The summit day is a long one, but the reward .... you are now the highest point around, with the most awesome views of the surrounding mountain ranges, there will be no doubt that it was worth it.

This Mont Blanc itinerary is based in comfortable accommodation in Chamonix. Key to a successful Mont Blanc ascent are good acclimatisation and experienced, motivated guides. Our Mont Blanc package is fully inclusive of local transport and cable cars. This is a great value package, using a superb valley base and our expert guides will offer you every chance of getting to the summit on Mont Blanc.

Is this holiday for you?

This is a challenging, yet extremely rewarding week of Alpine climbing. Led by professional IFMGA guides using a 1:6 ratio on the acclimatisation days and a 1:2 ratio on Mont Blanc, this trip will provide the opportunity to practice roped glacier travel and guided climbing, using crampons and a single ice axe.  The ascent of Mont Blanc via the Normal Route (Dome de Gout …

This is a challenging, yet extremely rewarding week of Alpine climbing. Led by professional IFMGA guides using a 1:6 ratio on the acclimatisation days and a 1:2 ratio on Mont Blanc, this trip will provide the opportunity to practice roped glacier travel and guided climbing, using crampons and a single ice axe.  The ascent of Mont Blanc via the Normal Route (Dome de Gouter) involves little in the way of technical difficulty.  Ropes, crampons and an ice axe will be used throughout the week. Participants must have a very good level of fitness and be used to consecutive long days in the mountains.

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Why KE?

KE has a full contingency day built into the itinerary, giving you two opportunities to reach the summit of Mont Blanc .. AND All uplift and cable car fares are included in the price.
If you have any questions, speak to one of our Mont Blanc experts; Angela or Vanessa.

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Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Meet at the group's hotel in Chamonix. KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel
Hide Details

Our guide will meet us at the hotel after breakfast, there will be a chance for the guide to check out our clothing and gear and to decide if we will need to pick up any further items of equipment before setting out (all hire equipment will also be sorted at this time). To assist with our acclimatisation, we plan to spend tonight in the Albert Premier Refuge (2707m). 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. The afternoon is spent going through crampon and ice axe skills, with the impressive seracs of the Glacier du Tour in sight.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B D

Ascent

550 M

Time

2 - 3 hrs walking
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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 Tour pass or the Aiguille du Tour (3350m) before heading back to the Albert Premier Refuge. Please note that today's itinerary is flexible and will depend on several factors, including what has been done yesterday, weather and snow conditions. Your guide will use their expertise and local knowledge to make this decision.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B D

Ascent

800 M

Descent

200 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs walking
Hide Details

Today we continue at glacier skills and do some training as we go along. Depending on the conditions, today we will climb to the Col du tour pass and the Tête Blanc (3350m) before heading back to the Albert Premier Refuge and then the Col de Balme pass. From here we will catch a chair lift back to Le Tour and transfer to Chamonix. Please note that today's itinerary is flexible and will depend on several factors, including what has been done yesterday, weather and snow conditions. Your guide will use their expertise and local knowledge to make this decision.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking
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Now that our training is over, we are ready for the ascent of Mont Blanc. 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 (2115m). From here, we follow a rocky trail for approximately 3 hours to the Tete Rousse Refuge (3167m) where we will stay overnight or the guide may opt to continue a further 2 hours to the higher Gouter hut (3817m). Staying overnight at either of these huts is part of the experience of climbing Mont Blanc and the majority of the climbers staying here will be aiming for an ascent.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B D

Ascent

800 M

Time

3 - 5 hrs walking
Hide Details

The Big Day! We make an early start - approximately 1am from the Tete Rousse or a little later from the Gouter. From the Tete Rousse, we cross the Great Couloir and then a rocky scramble leads up to the Gouter Refuge (3817m). 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 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 from 5 to 8 hours depending on conditions and our starting point, and we aim to be on the summit soon after dawn, in position to enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the whole of Europe. We will make our descent via the same route and we should reach the hut by early or mid-afternoon (in time for a late lunch). We spend our second night at the hut.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B D

Ascent

1650 M

Descent

950 M

Time

10 - 13 hrs walking
Hide Details

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 in good time for lunch. In the evening, we have the opportunity to reflect on the adventures of the week during a celebratory dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Descent

1500 M

Time

3 - 4 hrs walking
Hide Details

The KE Land Only package services end after breakfast.

Meals

B
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The Route
Peaks Peaks
Point Point
Trek
Cable_car
Transfer
Train

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Professional IFMGA qualified guides
  • Local transport including cable car fees
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan

  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks souvenirs etc.

TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

In some cases you may choose to take a ferry and/or train to your holiday start and end destination. Please see further information on Travelling by Train.

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive than low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

The group will meet at the hotel in Chamonix on the evening of Day 1 of the trip itinerary.

For clients arriving by air, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to fly to Geneva Airport and make use of an airport transfer service. We recommend mountaindropoffs.com. Transfers are about 40€ each way. Please note that transfers are subject to availability and your flight details are required a minimum of 72 hours before your arrival in Geneva. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Chamonix is a destination which lends itself to train travel from the UK. It is possible to travel via Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Chamonix.

All meals except all lunches and dinner on the first night are included in the trip price. Lunches or hill food snacks can be bought in the valley or at some huts.

When in the towns and villages all tap water is drinkable. In mountain huts there is usually not a sustainable drinking water supply. Water in plastic bottles is brought in to the hut. All huts have a recycling point. If you have to purchase water in plastic bottles please buy the largest bottle you can so as to use less plastic. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water if you can fill from a local stream. Bottled water is not provided. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Local authorities are working to find solutions to using plastic water bottles in huts. We monitor the situation carefully for updates.

The food in Yeti Lodge and in the huts is varied and plentiful. Continental breakfasts and full 3-course evening meals are included everyday. Packed lunches can purchased from the chalet for €8 and hill food snacks are available fom the village shops or local supermarket. On some days, there is the possibility of buying a late lunch in the huts, if we arrive early enough.

During this trip, the group will spend a total of 3 nights in hotel accommodation in Chamonix. Accommodation here is in either twin or triple rooms.
Whilst in the mountains, there are 4 nights spent in either mountain huts or camping outside of the hut. When staying in the hut, the accommodation is on a non-segregated, dormitory-style basis. The camping is based on two people sharing one tent, with access to the toilets in the hut and meals taken in the dining room of the hut.
Depending on availability, it may be possible to arrange single rooms for the nights in Chamonix at an exta cost. For single supplement price please refer to the dates and prices section for this holiday on our website.
Hut bookings become available at the beginning of March, departures of this holiday with at least 4 bookings will be guaranteed at this point.

On this trip, we will take a maximum of 6 clients. Sometimes the actual maximum group size can be dictated by the availability of beds in the mountain huts. The number of guides employed will depend on the group size. Guiding is at a ratio of 1:6 during the first 3 days. The guiding ratio is at 1:2 for the ascent of Mont Blanc. All the guides for this trip are IFMGA qualified.

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude on our website which can be viewed via the link below. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. www.keadventure.com/page/altitude.html

The package price includes valley transport, cable cars and mountain railway tickets, all accommodation, meals (except lunches), and guiding. You will need to allow an amount for lunches or hill food snacks. Yeti Lodge offer an “honesty bar” for wine and drinks with your meals. In mountain refuges you will need to pay for drinks, including bottled water. €200 should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses. There are cash point facilities in Argentiere, close to the chalet. If you are intending to hire or purchase items of equipment, you should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect).

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack (of around 30 - 40 litres). For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Since group members will carry all personal equipment during the trek, it is important to keep the overall weight of this equipment to a minimum. Neither a sleeping bag nor a camping mattress is needed and it should be possible to keep the weight of your pack to under 10kg.

Whilst in the mountains you will leave your main bag and travel clothes in the group’s chalet in Argentiere. Luggage with wheels can be useful for this holiday.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Generally, the temperatures that we can expect to encounter during the day will be reasonably warm, in the range 18 – 28°C / 64 – 82°F. At night in Argentiere, we can expect the temperature to drop to 10 – 15°C / 50 – 60°F. The weather is usually stable at this time of year, but mountainous areas do generate their own weather systems and occasional rain and even stormy weather cannot be ruled out.

We do avoid August departures as not only are the huts and trails extremely busy, but the Gouter Route itself is often in bad condition at this time of year due to high temperatures and rockfall.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Srie Bleue Topographic Survey 1:25,000 IGN

The French survey's excellent detailed topographic map series. For full coverage of all possible routes on Mont Blanc, there are two sheets: Chamonix & Massif du Mont Blanc (sheet. 3630 OT) covers the north of the range and east from the summit. and St.-Gervais-Les-Bain & Mont du Mont Blanc (sheet. 3531 ET) covers the south and west. St-Gervais-Les-Bain & Mont Blanc covers the Normal Route.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You Should bring the following items:

  • Water purification tablets

  • Water bottle 2x 1 litre (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Lip salve – with sunscreen

  • Sun Protection (high factor for skin)

  • Head torch and spare battery

  • Climbing Rucksack – 35-45 litres (MAX)  (no external frame)

  • Warm and waterproof gloves/ski gloves

  • Thin gloves – leather or thermal

  • Ski goggles (for snowy/windy conditions)

  • Sunglasses – category 3/ 4.

  • Warm hat

  • Sunhat

  • Extra warm layer/ duvet jacket – (primaloft or lightweight down)

  • Waterproof jacket (with hood)

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • T-shirt or casual shirt

  • Thermal Base Layer x 2 (one with long sleeves for glacier travel)

  • Shorts (for non-glacial travel)

  • Underwear

  • Trekking trousers (not cotton)

  • Waterproof over trousers (with leg zips)

  • Warm mountain trousers

  • Socks – walking socks are best (2/3 pairs)

  • Gaiters (long or short)

  • Mountain Boots (see notes below)

  • Trekking poles x 2 (with baskets)

  • Small Wash kit

  • Dry bags(s) for daypack/kitbag contents (to ensure they keep dry)

  • Sleeping bag liner/sheet sleeping bag (silk is lightest)

  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Sleeping bag (for 2 nights camping at the refuge) - you will be informed if this is required.

Mountaineering equipment:

  • Crampons – MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates

  • Crampon bag

  • Ice Axe

  • Helmet

  • Mountaineering harness

The following items are optional:

  • Thermal baselayer - leggings

  • Travel Clothes

  • Travel Shoes

  • Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring!)

  • Hand sanitizer (water in huts can be limited)

  • Camera

  • Pen-knife

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Equipment Notes

Mountaineering Boots: Recommended boots for this trip are comfortable, warm and stiff - to take a crampon securely/deal with cold conditions. Either a B3 or B2 boot will be suitable, but NOT a B1.

Crampons: Modern strap on 12 point crampons are perfectly acceptable for this climbing trek and will fit any boot. All crampons MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates. ‘Grivel’ crampons - G12 with a strap system/or semi-strap/heel clip are excellent and they come fitted with anti-balling plates. Make sure they are compatible with your boots.  Aluminium crampons are not suitable for this trip (they are not strong enough over mixed terrain).

Equipment hire / rental: The following equipment can be hired from KE: Crampons (with anti-balling plates) and crampon bag; Climbing helmet; Harness (with karabiner); Ice-axe; mountaineering boots (please advise your boot size). This can be reserved either when you book your trip or closer to your departure but we advise booking hire equipment as soon as possible to ensure availability. Individual items can also be hired. Payment for these will be made locally, in Euros; however these must be booked through KE atleast 4 weeks prior to departure. If you are planning to hire boots it is a good idea to arrive early on Day 1 to allow time to visit the hire shop in the afternoon and not be rushed with making a choice; if you do not arrive in time to do this, we can reserve boots at a shop in Argentiere (close to your accommodation), however there is less choice here.

 

Sleeping bags/extra shoes: These are NOT required as bedding and hut shoes/slippers are provided at mountain refuges. However, you must bring a sheet sleeping bag

 

 

Online advice

PHD Gear Advisor: PHD specialise in cold weather equipment, from the world’s lightest right up to the most protective for Everest or the Poles. It’s a large range. So to help you choose what you need to keep you warm, PHD have listed the gear that is appropriate for this expedition. >> Click here to go to the PHD Gear Advisor for Mont Blanc Ascent

Needle Sports: Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store. View >>http://www.needlesports.com/

 

 

 

 

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 1 review

A “Winter” Ascent of Mont Blanc … in June! ★★★★★

What an epic and hugely rewarding trip this turned out to be!

Our (simply brilliant) main guide, Etienne, had made a number of previous ascents of Mont Blanc, as you’d expect, but he believed he’d never known it so cold as on our summit-attempt day, even on the winter ascents of the mountain he’d made in the past. Closed “uplifts” / “down-lifts” that necessitated some very long days with large amounts of additional ascent and descent compared to the itinerary; almos t unprecedented amounts of snow for the time of the year with a snow line much lower than normal; unrelenting high winds and very low temperatures on summit day - all these things conspired to turn our venture into, what Etienne described as, “a full winter mountaineering ascent of Mont Blanc” (due to the conditions) … by what he termed “fair means” (due to the closed uplifts / down-lifts and resultant very significant additional amounts of ascent and descent). All I know is that these things turned an already tough trip into a gruelling but immensely rewarding epic that I will never forget!

Apparently, only twenty percent of attempts on the summit succeeded on the day we made our summit attempt: we were lucky enough to get three out of the five of us successfully on the summit, and I was lucky enough to be one of the successful ones. I’ve undertaken some very tough challenges over the years, but I think the weather, the conditions, and the significant additional ascent and descent all made this, very likely, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life - and simply BRILLIANT for it (in hindsight … after I’d started to recover a little bit!)

Our guides were top-notch. Our main guide (Etienne) was our sole guide during the acclimatisation part of the trip - always vigilant for our safety, but fabulous at motivating us in the face of the significant challenges, and a great fella to boot. Etienne was joined by two other guides for the summit attempt - Bruno and Didier, giving the group a ratio of at least one guide to every two of us. Bruno and Didier were clearly hugely experienced and great guys to be with.

The huts were surprisingly good, although dormitories are dormitories - expect a lot of snoring (ear plugs are essential) and not the greatest of nights’ sleep. However, food at the huts was just fantastic - and they all catered well for vegetarians. And the hotel used in Chamonix (La Faucigny) is a great little hotel with character, charm, a superb central location and the most amazing breakfasts.

The acclimatisation programme seemed to work very well. For this, we crossed glaciers and a high col over into Switzerland where we spent the night at a hut that had just that day reopened (late, due to the large amounts of snow), then returned back over the high col into France the next day. The additional amounts of ascent and descent at the beginning and end of this due to the closed uplifts / down-lifts possibly made this acclimatisation even more effective.

If you’re genuinely open to being flexible in relation to itinerary changes due to weather, conditions, etc, then this is an absolutely fabulous trip to go for. And the ability to eat amazing cakes and drink fabulous coffee in Chamonix at the end of your endeavours is fantastic too!

A fabulous, fabulous adventure! 
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By Adrian from Leeds | 13 June 2024

Mont Blanc 

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By Jonathan from Abingdon | 19 September 2018
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A “Winter” Ascent of Mont Blanc … in June!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What an epic and hugely rewarding trip this turned out to be!

Our (simply brilliant) main guide, Etienne, had made a number of previous ascents of Mont Blanc, as you’d expect, but he believed he’d never known it so cold as on our summit-attempt day, even on the winter ascents of the mountain he’d made in the past. Closed “uplifts” / “down-lifts” that necessitated some very long days with large amounts of additional ascent and descent compared to the itinerary; almos t unprecedented amounts of snow for the time of the year with a snow line much lower than normal; unrelenting high winds and very low temperatures on summit day - all these things conspired to turn our venture into, what Etienne described as, “a full winter mountaineering ascent of Mont Blanc” (due to the conditions) … by what he termed “fair means” (due to the closed uplifts / down-lifts and resultant very significant additional amounts of ascent and descent). All I know is that these things turned an already tough trip into a gruelling but immensely rewarding epic that I will never forget!

Apparently, only twenty percent of attempts on the summit succeeded on the day we made our summit attempt: we were lucky enough to get three out of the five of us successfully on the summit, and I was lucky enough to be one of the successful ones. I’ve undertaken some very tough challenges over the years, but I think the weather, the conditions, and the significant additional ascent and descent all made this, very likely, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life - and simply BRILLIANT for it (in hindsight … after I’d started to recover a little bit!)

Our guides were top-notch. Our main guide (Etienne) was our sole guide during the acclimatisation part of the trip - always vigilant for our safety, but fabulous at motivating us in the face of the significant challenges, and a great fella to boot. Etienne was joined by two other guides for the summit attempt - Bruno and Didier, giving the group a ratio of at least one guide to every two of us. Bruno and Didier were clearly hugely experienced and great guys to be with.

The huts were surprisingly good, although dormitories are dormitories - expect a lot of snoring (ear plugs are essential) and not the greatest of nights’ sleep. However, food at the huts was just fantastic - and they all catered well for vegetarians. And the hotel used in Chamonix (La Faucigny) is a great little hotel with character, charm, a superb central location and the most amazing breakfasts.

The acclimatisation programme seemed to work very well. For this, we crossed glaciers and a high col over into Switzerland where we spent the night at a hut that had just that day reopened (late, due to the large amounts of snow), then returned back over the high col into France the next day. The additional amounts of ascent and descent at the beginning and end of this due to the closed uplifts / down-lifts possibly made this acclimatisation even more effective.

If you’re genuinely open to being flexible in relation to itinerary changes due to weather, conditions, etc, then this is an absolutely fabulous trip to go for. And the ability to eat amazing cakes and drink fabulous coffee in Chamonix at the end of your endeavours is fantastic too!

A fabulous, fabulous adventure!
By Adrian from Leeds | 13 June 2024
Mont Blanc

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By Jonathan from Abingdon | 19 September 2018
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  • Climb Mont Blanc
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MBC /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Fri 6 Jun and ends on Fri 13 Jun
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,100
  • Single Supplement Price: US$360 - Available at hotel nights in Chamonix only (3 nights).
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Climb Mont Blanc
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MBC /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Fri 4 Jul and ends on Fri 11 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,100
  • Single Supplement Price: US$280 - Available at hotel nights in Chamonix only (3 nights).
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Climb Mont Blanc
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MBC /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Fri 29 Aug and ends on Fri 5 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,100
  • Single Supplement Price: US$280 - Available at hotel nights in Chamonix only (3 nights).
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis, joining at the group chalet in Argentiere, Chamonix. The nearest airport is Geneva, approximately an hour's drive away. Please refer to the 'Joining arrangements & transfers' and 'Flights' sections for further details.

Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the trip is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

If flying from the UK there are a number of low cost airlines offering flights to Geneva. These include Easyjet who have flights from London, Manchester, Liverpool & Glasgow and Jet 2 who have flights from Manchester, Leeds Bradford & Belfast. Other airports may be available. Click on the 'Flight information' link below for further information on booking low cost airlines. Alternatively if you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package' using scheduled airlines from the UK please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive you will benefit from full financial protection.

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TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

In some cases you may choose to take a ferry and/or train to your holiday start and end destination. Please see further information on Travelling by Train.

If flying from the UK, low cost airlines are available to convenient airports to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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