Mont Blanc – Gouter Hut Route

This is the classic and most popular route to climb Mont Blanc, and Gouter hut is open from the beginning of June until end of September.

You should take Bellevue cable car from Les Houches and then take the Tramway du Mont Blanc to the Nid d’Aigle (2,372m), from here there is about 5 hours of trekking to the Gouter refuge (3,817m).

First section of the route is fairly easy walk on a well established trail. Right after the Tête Rousse refuge, we will cross the infamous Grand Couloir where there is often rock fall from above.

The last 550m from here is scrambling rather than walking and not always easy, especially on the descent, because of the tiredness. Early on the second day, leave the Gouter hut and from here on there is glacial terrain and crampons are necessary, with harnesses and ropes.

Most of the ascent is a long slow plod without any steep ground to encounter. Walk past the Vallot shelter, an emergency bivouac, and then climb along the Bosses ridge, the two lumps which form the distinctive skyline seen from the valley.

This is an exposed ridge which requires concentration and good crampon technique. This route takes about 4 hours and a half to reach the summit.

There are two choices for the way down, back to the Aiguille du Midi or back down on the same route.