Mont Blanc is a long and demanding ascent, but highly rewarding as it is the most prestigious peak of the massif bearing its name. There are two “Normal” Routes on the French side and one on the Italian side: the easiest is the one from Chamonix ascending to the recently rebuilt Gouter Refuge, then following the Bosses Ridge; the second, slightly more difficult, from Cosmiques Refuge ascends through the 3 mountains, namely Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and finally Mont Blanc. Linking the two normal routes creates a splendid “Loop” tour discovering the upper parts of the massif. The Italian “Normal” route ascends from the Miage Glacier to Gonella Refuge and is called the Pope’s Route. These are 3 beautiful routes in a high mountain environment, both magnificent and severe; despite reduced technical difficulties, decent crampon technique and good physical preparation are required.

Program

THE 3 "NORMAL" ROUTES

Normal Route from Gouter Refuge

Day 1 Early morning departure from Cuneo at Global Mountain headquarters (or meeting in Ivrea – highway) heading to Chamonix/Les Houches; from here, take the cable car and rack railway to Nid d'Aigle. A 5-6 hour walk with easy climbing/via ferrata leads to Gouter Refuge at 3,814 m. Afternoon dedicated to rest in preparation for the next day's ascent, dinner and overnight at the refuge.

Day 2 Wake up at 1:00 AM, departure around 1:30 – 2:00 AM for the ascent to Mont Blanc at 4,810 m along the Bosses Ridge. Descent along the same route, via the 3 mountains or to Gonella Refuge depending on the program agreed with the Mountain Guide. Total walking time 12 – 13 hours.

Normal Route from Cosmiques Refuge

Day 1 Morning departure from Cuneo at Global Mountain headquarters (or meeting in Ivrea – highway) heading to Chamonix; from here, take the cable car to the summit of Aiguille du Midi. Upon exiting the structure, you immediately find yourself on an exposed ridge section and in 1 hour reach the Cosmiques Refuge. Afternoon dedicated to rest in preparation for the next day's ascent, dinner and overnight at the refuge.

Day 2 Wake up at 12:30 AM, departure around 1:00 AM for the ascent to Mont Blanc at 4,810 m along the 3 mountains route. Descent along the same route, to Gouter Refuge or Gonella Refuge depending on the program agreed with the Mountain Guide.

Normal Route from Gonella Refuge

Day 1 Early morning departure from Cuneo at Global Mountain headquarters (or meeting in Ivrea – highway) heading to Courmayeur where, still by car, you drive up Val Veny. Ascent on foot of the Miage Glacier and arrival at Gonella Refuge at 3,071 m in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the refuge.

Day 2 Wake up at midnight, departure around 1:00 AM for the ascent to Mont Blanc at 4,810 m along the route passing through Piton des Italiens, Dome du Gouter and the Bosses Ridge. Descent along the same route, to Gouter Refuge or Cosmiques Refuge depending on the program agreed with the Mountain Guide.

Necessary materials

Mountaineering equipment: crampon-compatible or semi-crampon-compatible mountain boots, harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe, mountain clothing: mountaineering pants, gore-tex jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp.

Rates per person for private/pre-formed groups