Massif du Mont Blanc Travel Guide

It is essential to leave high altitude camp at 2 AM to climb the last leg of the summt. The glaciers become soft and walking becomes difficult. Our little party of three roped individuals started to ascend the last portion of the summit climb, over cravasses and ice bridges. A head light is essential to see the path at this hour. If you had seen what we crossed in the dark, it would make you make you think twice about attempting the summit. At 12,000 ft. you move much slower, your heart beating like a freight train engine in your ears. Altitude is not your pal. Not only are you in a zombie state, nausea and dizziness take their hold. The last 2 kilometers are 95% mental and 5% physical.
The sun comes up and the peaks below are suddenly abalze in shimmering beauty. Then you realize, it was all worth while.

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The restaurant gives the impression even on entry "here I am at home."
The cozy dining room on two levels is quaint decorated, many hikers left on walls and ceilings nice memories.

The open doors of the kitchen always granted a glimpse to the busy kitchen actors without spreading kitchen smell to the dinning areas.

A spectacular view of the mountains of the Mont Blanc massif and down to Courmayeur at the end of the Aosta valley rewarded our overnight stay.

On the sunny meadow in front of the cottage we enjoyed the afternoon sun with a good espresso and Italian pastries.

A carafe of red wine in the evening has made us this stay unforgettable.

Favorite Dish: I most enjoyed the tasty served dessert as the last course of the 4 course evening dinner.

I also like to mention the richly sorted breakfast - the host personally brewed the talian style coffee with always a smile in his face - a nice day start

To start your ascent, you will take the gondola to Nid d'aigle, then the longest cog railway in France to its end. The picturesque 20 minute journey up into the rocks along wild flower covered pastures is a real treat while in anticipation of your hard climb ahead.

Be sure to buy round trip tickets on the gondola and the train for your return trip down.
Prices are about 12 Euros for the train and 12 Euros for the gondola ride, round trip.

Buses run regularly from the gondola to Chimonix center village. The bus stop is conveniently located very close to the gondola building entrance. Buses are 1.50 Euros to Chimonix and 1.50 Euros for futher legs of your trip if you need to change buses.

There have been few times I've feared for my life, but the climb up Mont Blanc will instill fear you'll never forget.

During the week I was climbing, 3 Belgian were killed in a nearby alvalanch / fall. One portion of the climb, the notorius 'Colloire' (ally), is a non-stop bowling ally of falling and rolling boulders, large enough to be fatal if you are struck.

Vertigo is a major theme of this climb.

You'd never know it, but this photo was taken in a tent perched on the verge of an ice shelf which broke off the mountain two weeks after our ascent.
Did I sleep? No, I was listening to cracks in the ice, waiting to tumble to my death. All I could think was, "Is my life insurance paid?"
Not that it really matters at this point..
Avalances continued through out the night, like a sleep alarm on an alarm clock, reminding you that there may be seconds left of you life.
The views of these specatcular Alps are far beyond anything I could have imagined.
If you get the chance to climb Mont Blanc, go, enjoy, but make sure you have a competent guide. Make them show papers, they are all fully accredited if a professional.

Fondest memory: Being in the peaks and camping on the glaciers was spectacular. The view from my tent was better than any 5 star hotel room I've ever been. The stars were so bright and plentiful late at night. Where else can you lay in your tent, eat Belgian chocolate and watch avalanches ?!