France, Destination Mont Blanc

This morning, you will meet your guide at the equipment rental shop for a briefing and to finalize your individual gear (collection for those who requested it in their file). Departure towards the village of Le Tour, 20 km away (personal vehicles/carpooling recommended). Then, you will take the ski lifts to the Col de Balme before heading to the Albert 1er refuge, located at 2,702 meters on the right bank of the Tour Glacier. In the afternoon, you will have snow and ice training near the refuge.

Elevation gain: Approximately 500m | Max altitude: 2702m | Accommodation: Dinner and night in Albert 1er Refuge

From the Albert 1er refuge, we put on our crampons for the ascent of Tête Blanche, a peak rising to 3,429 meters, then we cross the Col Supérieur du Tour to reach the Trient hut (3,170m).

Elevation gain: Approximately 850 | Max altitude: 3429m | Accommodation: Dinner and overnight stay at the Trient hut

From the Trient hut, we will ascend the Col Supérieur du Tour. Then, we return to the Albert 1er refuge for a short break before descending to the village of Le Tour. Upon arrival at the lodge, the guide will gather everyone to discuss the upcoming program based on the weather forecast and mountain conditions. He will also form the climbing teams for the ascent of Mont Blanc.

Elevation gain: Approximately 400m | Elevation loss: Approximately 1000m | Maximum altitude: 3235m | Accommodation: Overnight stay in a lodge at Le Tour

First easy stage of our Mont Blanc ascent: we set off in the late morning towards the village of Les Houches. Additional guides join the group, and the climbing teams are organized for the ascent. We take the cable car to Bellevue, followed by the Mont Blanc tramway to the Nid d'Aigle. The first part of the climb is easy, beneath the Rognes ridge, with a quick passage along the north face, leading to a snowy plateau at the end of which lies the Tête Rousse refuge. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, with a stunning view of the north face of Bionnassay. Elevation gain: Approximately 1300m | Maximum altitude: 3167m | Accommodation: Dinner and overnight stay at the Tête Rousse refuge

This ascent takes place on the rocky side of the Aiguille du Goûter. A wide couloir at the base of the slope is prone to rockfall, so it's crucial to carefully follow the guide's instructions. The rest of the climb is along a less distinct spur, with sections equipped with cables or ropes that require the use of hands, almost resembling rock climbing at times. As night falls, the sense of time fades, and we soon reach the Dôme du Goûter at 4,304m. We arrive at the Vallot refuge-bivouac, which is unmanned and theoretically serves as a shelter for climbers in distress. It is often here that the sun greets us, bringing with it a renewed sense of energy. The summit draws nearer as we begin the Bosses Ridge, and for a few hours, we will be between sky and earth, traversing a magnificent and sometimes airy ridge. The guide will remind you to keep the rope taut. Finally, after one last bump, the ridge widens, and the summit appears, vast and welcoming. Welcome to 4,810m! Elevation gain: Approximately 1700m | Elevation loss: Approximately 1000m | Maximum altitude: 4810m | Accommodation: Dinner and overnight stay at the Goûter refuge

The descent follows the same route back to the Nid d'Aigle, where we board the Mont Blanc Tramway. We return to Les Houches by cable car, where we retrieve our vehicles. Everyone will gather for a drink together to conclude the expedition. Elevation loss: Approximately 1300m | Maximum altitude: 3167m