Mont Blanc & Grand Paradiso Summit Trip

Join one of our experienced IFMGA Mountain Guides for a six-day alpine mountaineering programme, with planned ascents of Grand Paradiso and Mont Blanc.

Based in Chamonix, our tried-and-tested programme combines acclimatisation, technical preparation and summit opportunities, giving you the best possible chance of reaching Mont Blanc’s summit when mountain conditions permit.

The programme includes a flexible three-day summit block, allowing us to adapt the itinerary to weather, mountain conditions and hut availability. While both summits are our intended objectives, alternative mountain routes and ascents may be necessary to provide a safe and rewarding experience.

For full details of the peak and photos check out the route page here.

Required experience:

Although no prior mountaineering experience is required to climb Mont Blanc, you will need to be physically and mentally fit. Some good long days out in the UK hills is good preparation, especially getting in some vertical ascent, similar to Mont Blanc.

Example itinerary

We have a flexible programme to take into account changeable weather and hut availability.

1. Meet in Chamonix for briefing and equipment check. Depending on weather, conditions and tunnel traffic we either catch the skyway lift for some glacier training, or continue to towards the Chabod refuge where we often climb a Via Ferrata for training before walking into the refuge which takes around 2.5 hours.
2. Ascent of 4000m Grand Paradiso. With an early start from the Chabod refuge we climb the glacier behind the hut at dawn before finally making the airy scramble to the summit of the Grand Paradiso. Descending the same way, we spend a second night in the refuge for acclimatisation. This is a long day and a great test of your equipment, food etc. A dress rehearsal for Mont Blanc! Night in refuge.
3. Active rest day. After breakfast at the hut we descend to the valley and return to Chamonix. Sometimes we do cover additional training, but the priority on this day is to recharge the batteries and sort out any gear issues before Mont Blanc. Night in Chamonix.
4. Depending on hut availability, our plan A is to use the lift and train to then walk to the Tete Rousse refuge for the night, a climb of around 2.5 hours. If we are looking to do a two-day climb of Mont Blanc, then we will instead use the Aiguille du Midi lift and climb there before having a night in Chamonix.
5. We have two weather windows for summit attempts & options for hut availability. Summit day #1: Tete Rousse to summit and descend to Gouter refuge. An ascent of around 7 or 8 hours.
6. Summit day #2: Gouter hut to summit and descend to train station / Chamonix. The descent from the Gouter hut takes around five hours.

Mountain conditions and itinerary flexibility
This six-day programme is designed around preparation and acclimatisation on Grand Paradiso, followed by an attempt on Mont Blanc when conditions permit.

The itinerary shown is our intended programme rather than a guarantee of reaching either summit. Weather, snow conditions, rockfall, glacier conditions, mountain hut availability and other safety considerations may require us to adapt the itinerary, sometimes at short notice.

Where the planned objectives are unsuitable, we will aim to provide an appropriate alternative mountaineering programme, taking into account the group’s experience, fitness, prevailing conditions and the services included in the booking. This may involve climbing different peaks, changing the order of activities or moving to another suitable mountain area.

Our aim is to deliver a rewarding six-day alpine mountaineering experience, with professional guiding and opportunities to develop skills, even when the original summit objectives are not achievable.

A change of mountain or an unsuccessful summit attempt does not automatically entitle participants to a refund where the agreed services are appropriately delivered. Any rights to alternative arrangements, price reductions or refunds under the Package Travel Regulations remain unaffected.

2027 Group trip price: 2700€ per climber

Price includes:

• Professional IFMGA mountain guiding and guide expenses throughout the six-day programme.
• Planned transport and logistics between Chamonix and the mountain areas used for the programme.
• Four nights of mountain hut accommodation, including half-board where specified in the booking information.
• Lift tickets required for the planned programme, including SkyWay, Aiguille du Midi or the Mont Blanc Tramway where applicable.
• Organisation of suitable alternative mountaineering objectives when conditions prevent the planned itinerary.

Mountain hut locations and the use of lift systems may change according to the final itinerary.

Price excludes:

Chamonix accommodation, equipment rental, insurance, flights and any other expenses not listed above.

This trip requires two climbers to run.

Open trip dates 2027 season
Sunday 23rd – Friday 28th May: early season ascent, no trains running and potential winter rooms depending on hut opening dates. Adventure guaranteed! Contact us to confirm your suitability.

Thursday 3rd – Tuesday 8th June: No train running. Mid week trip to make advantage of a quieter mountain.

Sunday 11th – Friday 16th July 2027.

Additional private dates available upon request.