Mont Blanc
Author
Discussion

King David

Original Poster:

732 posts

216 months

Wednesday 24th August 2011
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After a couple of years of talking big, a friend and I will be heading to Chamonix this September to attempt to summit Mont Blanc. I've spent the last couple of winters stomping around Snowdonia and doing the odd ice climb but this will be first 'big' mountain - though I have my eyes on a few others if this all goes to plan.

At the moment we are planning on driving down then spending three days acclimatising with a further three days for the climb. Normally you only need two but the third day gives us some bad weather leeway. We will then have one more day for lounging around Chamonix feeling smug (an extra day to summit as well if we are really unlucky with weather) before heading home.

Really I'm just posting because I am pretty excited about finally doing it - this has been a year for doing rather than talking. Also wondering who else out there has done this and if you have any advice for the trip.

Stu R

21,668 posts

245 months

Wednesday 24th August 2011
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Nice one! I think most people consider the lift up Aiguille du Midi to close enough hehe

My only suggestions relate to bars and restaurants hehe

Mattt

16,664 posts

248 months

Wednesday 24th August 2011
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Indeed, this was close enough for me!

Puggit

49,821 posts

278 months

Wednesday 24th August 2011
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Good luck thumbup

King David

Original Poster:

732 posts

216 months

Wednesday 24th August 2011
quotequote all
Bar and restaurant tips will be appreciated too. No better place to sit and feel smug than in a good bar!

Will try to keep the thread updated with plans and - eventually - pictures too.

Nobby Diesel

2,117 posts

281 months

Wednesday 24th August 2011
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Chambre Neuf, Dicks, Jekyl and Hide, the micro brewery for starters.
For restaurants, consider The Atmosphere, Le Caban, L'Impossible and Albert No1. All are "push the boat out" territory, and with good wine would verge on the eye wateringly expensive. But lovely.
Best of luck with the climb.

psgcarey

612 posts

192 months

Thursday 25th August 2011
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you may want to consider hiring a local guide.

King David

Original Poster:

732 posts

216 months

Thursday 25th August 2011
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If I were heading down there on my own there I would definitely be getting a guide. Luckily my friend has a fair bit more experience in similar conditions, including route planning and navigation. I am taking on the role of expedition manager - making sure the logistics are right and keeping the costs down - and then when we get on the mountain he will be taking over and I will do what I'm told.

Booked the dates now, 23rd to the 2nd (including travel time) with a likely summit date of either 29th or 30th September smile

Cheburator mk2

3,232 posts

229 months

Thursday 25th August 2011
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King David said:
If I were heading down there on my own there I would definitely be getting a guide. Luckily my friend has a fair bit more experience in similar conditions, including route planning and navigation. I am taking on the role of expedition manager - making sure the logistics are right and keeping the costs down - and then when we get on the mountain he will be taking over and I will do what I'm told.

Booked the dates now, 23rd to the 2nd (including travel time) with a likely summit date of either 29th or 30th September smile
Good Luck. Having seen Mont Blanc from Valee Blanche many times it looks stunning. I am envious...