4000ers Mont Blanc Extension

Overview

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Introduction

This Mont Blanc extension is designed for those have completed either our Saas 4,000ers, Zermatt 4,000ers or Oberland 4,000ers courses. We aim to climb from the Cosmiques Hut via the North-East Ridge from the Col du Midi. The choice of route is dependent on the conditions, the fitness and technical skills of the team. The guiding ratio on Mont Blanc is 1:2.

The North-East Ridge from the Col du Midi
The route from the Cosmiques Hut (3,613m) weaves its way up the slopes of the North West Face of Mont Blanc du Tacul. This face has objective dangers from serac fall, as well as being prone to avalanche after fresh snow. It normally takes a couple of hours to reach the shoulder of Mont Blanc du Tacul at c4,000m, from where Col Maudit is crossed to begin ascending the Northern slopes of Mont Maudit. Often the crux of the route is the exit onto the Col du Mont Maudit at 4,400m, which can be icy, particularly in dryer conditions. From here the route traverses steep slopes under the summit of Mont Maudit to arrive at the Col de Brenva (4,369m) between 4 and 5 hours after leaving the hut. It's another couple of hours from here across the upper slopes of Mont Blanc, which are followed to the summit.

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Typical Programme

Please note that this programme is flexible. The Guides will decide on the best strategy for the climb depending on the weather conditions and the fitness of the group.

Day 1:	Saturday. Course participants transfer to Chamonix (cost not included). In the evening we will have a briefing, covering what you should expect on Mont Blanc.
Day 2:	Sunday. Morning preparation for Mont Blanc. Cable car to Aiguille du Midi. Climb to Cosmiques Hut (1 hour).
Day 3:	Monday. Ascent of Mont Blanc, descend to Goûter Hut (8-12 hours, depending on fitness and snow conditions).
Day 4:	Tuesday. Descend to Nid D'Aigle and return to Chamonix.
Day 5:	Wednesday. Dispersal. Breakfast will be provided on the last morning before you leave the course.

Further Information

Find out more about our Guides and Ratios, Alpine Grading and Equipment... read more

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the course or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

What the price includes

• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Chamonix on a twin-sharing (occasionally triple/quad), half-board basis
• 2 nights mountain hut accommodation in a shared dormitory bunk, half-board basis
• 3 days guiding with a qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide. Ratio 1:2 maximum
• Transport (by public means, private hire vehicle, minibus or guides' cars) to fulfil the course programme
• Group mountaineering equipment such as ropes and other technical equipment
• Ice axes, crampons, harnesses & helmets, when booked in advance

What the price does not include

• Transfer from the previous course venue
• Travel home from Chamonix (a shared transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport can be booked through Jagged Globe)
• Lunch
• Cable cars, mountain railways and mechanical uplift (estimated cost £45)
• Any costs associated with travelling outside of the Chamonix Valley in the event that the weather is too bad to attempt Mont Blanc
• Personal climbing equipment and clothing (including boots, which can be hired locally)
• Mountaineering and travel Insurance

Please note that the costs for mechanical up-lift are not included in the overall course cost because these can vary, depending on the weather and routes selected. This means that we are not restricted by a budget. Also, if we spend less on up-lift than expected, you make the saving rather than us.

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Team Member Reviews

• ‘My guide was brilliant, we had a super time, a big couple of days out, very interesting.’ MH, 2002

Travel & Venue

The efficient Swiss Railway system is normally the best means of transferring from your previous course venue. You can plan your journey at www.sbb.ch. For your return home at the end of the course, a 50 minute airport transfer to Chamonix can be booked through Jagged Globe via your on-line account.

Valley accommodation is in La Chaumière Mountain Lodge. The accommodation is provided on a twin-share (or occasionally, triple/quad), half-board basis. A single room supplement is payable should you want to have a room to yourself.