Mont Blanc royal traverse
- One of the most challenging routes to summit Mont Blanc 4,810m
- No dependency on mechanical lifts nor trains- everything is done on foot from the valley´s floor.
- Guiding ratio max 1:1 throughout the activity.
- Can be done as a full traverse of the Mont Blanc range.
About the activity
As the name suggests, these three days adventure is one of a kind- a full traverse of the Mont Blanc massif from les Contamine- Montjoie, through Domes de Miage, Aiguille de Bionnasay and the Mont Blanc. Suitable for very fit and motivated participants with previous mountaineering experience. The activity is offered as a 1:1 guiding.
The activity includes:
- Glacier travel
- Moderate rock and ice climbing
- Overnights in mountain huts
- Mt. Blanc ascent
Exemplary Timetable: (The mentioned timetable is exemplary and may vary due to conditions, ability of the participants, safety & weather limitations.)
Day 1- Meeting at 17:00 in Chamonix for an opening briefing.
Day 2- Ascent to the Conscrits hut 2,614m.
After breakfast we will take a taxi to le Contamines- Montjoie 1160m, from which a trail through the forest will lead us to Refuge de Tre la Tete at 1,970m. From the refuge, an exposed trail above the glacier tongue will bring us to the cosy Conscrits hut 2,614m. (Ascent ca. 1,600m, descent ca 180m, distance ca 8.5 km, 5.5-6.5 hours)
Day 3- Aiguille de la Berangere 3,425m, traverse of the Domes de Miage 3,666m, overnight in Ref. Durier 3,354.
Through snow and ice fields we ascend the summit of the Aiguille de la Berangere 3,425m, following the ridge, we are traversing one of the most aesthetic summits in the Mont Blanc Massif, the Domes de Miage 3,666m and reach Refuge Durier 3,355m. (Ascent ca. 1250m, descent ca. 500 m, 6.5 km, climbing section II+, 50°)
Day 4-Traverse of Aiguille de Bionnassay 4,052m Piton des Italiens 4,002m, Dome du Gouter 4,304m and a Mont Blanc 4,810 ascent and descent.
A very long and challenging day! an ascent of the the Bionnassay 4,052m leads us to the most picturasque and exciting parts of the climb- the descent via the knife- edge airy ridge of the Bionnassay to the Col de Bionnassay. A short breather on the top of the Piton des Italiens 4,002m and than the Dome du Gouter 4,305m, Vallot refuge 4,351, and the two “Bosses” 4,550m all of which lead us to the actual summit of the Mont Blanc 4,810m.
The descent is a chapter on its own as we need to decide if we complete the traverse towards the north hence completing also the Trois Monts challenge or head down to the Gouter hut for an overnight* (Traverse Royale with Trois Monts Descent: ca. 2,000m ascent, 1700m descent, III+, snow and ice 50⁰, 9-10 hours).
Fitness level & difficulty
- A very physically demanding activity- a good level of physical fitness is required. Mountainspro level D
- Previous experience in rock snow and ice is required, Mountainspro rock level 1+, Snow/ice level 2
* Because of the high intensity of the activity we urge our participants to start the acclimatisation procedure before the official day 1, ether by joining a guided activity previous to our Mont Blanc guiding (for example our Technical Summits in Wallis), or by arriving at least a day earlier and spending a day and night in the area of the Helbronner/Turin hut or the Aiguille du midi to acclimatise.
Price and details
Price:
3,300€ per person for a 3.5 days program
*3,900€ per person for a 4.5 days program (with an extra overnight at the Gouter or the Cosmique hut)
The price includes:
- 3 guided days in the mountains*
- Planning and guiding by an IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guide/Aspirant
- Guide’s expenses
- Climbing gear (ice axes, ropes, harnesses, helmets etc.)
- Guiding in a in a min/max 1:1 guide-client ratio
Price does not include:
- An additional day in a hut*
- Flights and insurances
- Cable cars
- Transportation to Les Contamine Montjoie
- mountaineering boots (rental) and clothing
- overnights in the mountain huts and hotel in the valley (half board in French alpine club huts is about 65€ Mt. Blanc huts is about 120 € a night, Chamonix valley estimated at 135 € a night in a shared room with half board)
- Other additional coasts that might derive from an alternative plan
Dates and bookings
This activity is offered without fixed dates in June-September. Please contact us to book a specific date or ask us about conditions. You can also use this link to register without first sending an email.