How do I prepare for Mont Blanc?

Successfully reaching the summit of Mont Blanc requires a high degree of preparation in both your route planning as well as your fitness levels. This is not a mountain which can be climbed on a whim, especially if you lack climbing and hiking experience.

When should I climb Mont Blanc?

Mont Blanc is located in the Northern Hemisphere, which means the best time to climb is in the summer. June to September is the safest time to climb, but if you desire fewer crowds and you’ve got an impressive climbing resume, spring or fall is also an option. Learn more.

What permits do I need?

Despite recent environmental concerns, as well as worries about popular routes facing overcrowding, there is currently no official permit required to climb Mont Blanc. Learn more.

Do I need a guide to climb?

Mont Blanc is the most dangerous mountain in the region and, as such, a guide is strongly recommended - but not required. It’s strongly suggested that first-timers and inexperienced alpine hikers hire a guide.

How do I get to Mont Blanc?

Mont Blanc is actually quite accessible, as it can be reached via road, rail, or air. Fly into Geneva, Lyon, or Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport with Geneva providing closest access (just under 90km away). Otherwise, drive to Chamonix, or catch a train from London. Learn more.

What should I pack/what equipment do I need?

Mont Blanc is one of the world’s tallest mountains and, as such, you’re going to need to bring an array of gear to enable a successful climb. You’ll need an ice axe, helmet, crampons, trekking poles, gaiters, as well as the appropriate clothing to reach the summit. Learn more.

How to get to Mont Blanc

See all Mont Blanc hiking tours

How to get to Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is easier to get to than many famous mountains, and that’s largely due to its proximity to well-connected and highly industrialized European cities. The views of the mountain, as well as from the summit, are considered some of the world’s best, and thankfully, there’s infrastructure to ensure you’ll have the opportunity to see them first-hand.

Getting to Mont Blanc via air: If you’ve decided to take the plunge and travel from nations such as Australia, Canada, or America, your best bet will likely be to nab a flight to London, as there are frequent and relatively inexpensive flights available. From London, you can book a direct flight to Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport or Geneva Airport, both of which are roughly an hour’s drive from Mont Blanc.

Getting to Mont Blanc via rail: If you’re looking to take a train, it’s likely that you’ll have to go through either Paris or Geneva. Travelling from Geneva is certainly quicker, but the route isn’t straightforward: it includes multiple connections (usually in Martigny and Vallorcine), and the journey can take several hours. The journey from Paris to Chamonix takes approximately 5 - 6 hours, and it usually involves switching to a regional train as you get closer to Chamonix.

Getting to Mont Blanc via bus: Buses leave from most major cities in Europe towards Chamonix and the surrounding region, but Geneva offers the best selection of frequent and direct bus connections.

Getting to Mont Blanc via car: In many cases, it’s worth exploring renting a car or driving from your location rather than taking a train (and it’s also easier to bring your gear) as the drive from popular hubs like Geneva can be done in about half the time. Just be sure to arrange a place to park your vehicle for the duration of your climb.

Geneva to Mont Blanc

Situated roughly 80km (49 mi) from Chamonix — the picturesque town nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc — Geneva is one of Mont Blanc’s closest travel hubs. There’s an excellent selection of transfer options available from Geneva Airport and Geneva City, including bus, rail, and car rental connections, and the journey takes a little over an hour by bus or car.

Geneva to Chamonix

Whether you’re looking for a direct bus route or you’re planning to hire a car and drive yourself, here are a few of the best transfer options from Geneva to Chaminox:

Geneva to Chamonix by bus: Companies such as easyBus, AlpyBus, and Ouibus offer regular and direct services from Geneva City and Geneva Airport to Chamonix all year round. The journey takes approximately 60 - 90 minutes, and depending on the time of year you’re visiting and the company you choose, fares start around 20 euros per person one way. It’s recommended to book your ticket online in advance to secure your spot, especially if you’re visiting during the peak tourist season.

Geneva to Chamonix by car: Hiring a car is the easiest way to get to Chamonix from Geneva. The route is relatively straightforward, and the driving time from Geneva Airport is roughly one hour via the Autoroute Blanche (A40) motorway.

Geneva to Chamonix by train: There's no direct train from Geneva to Chamonix; however, various services are available from Geneva to Chamonix via Martigny and Vallorcine, and the journey can take up to 4 hours or more including transfers.

Mont Blanc Express

Travelling through some of the region’s most awe-inspiring landscapes — including the spectacular Trient Gorge — the Mont Blanc Express is a scenic mountain train route that runs from Martigny, Switzerland to Chamonix. The hour and a half journey will fly by as you make your way toward Chaminox, passing magnificent mountain crags, quaint Alpine villages, and cascading waterfalls. The Mont Blanc Express is covered by Swiss Travel Passes and Eurail Passes.

Mont Blanc temperatures

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Average °C	-3	-7	-3	5	8	14	16	15	13	8	-1	-6
Average °F	26	19	26	41	46	57	60	59	55	46	30	21
High °C	-1	-5	-1	7	10	15	18	18	15	10	1	-3
High °F	30	23	30	44	50	59	64	64	59	50	33	26
Low °C	-6	-11	-7	1	5	9	12	10	7	2	-5	-9
Low °F	21	12	19	33	41	48	53	50	44	35	23	15

How to climb Mont Blanc

How do I prepare for Mont Blanc?
Successfully reaching the summit of Mont Blanc requires a high degree of preparation in both your route planning as well as your fitness levels. This is not a mountain which can be climbed on a whim, especially if you lack climbing and hiking experience.
When should I climb Mont Blanc?
Mont Blanc is located in the Northern Hemisphere, which means the best time to climb is in the summer. June to September is the safest time to climb, but if you desire fewer crowds and you’ve got an impressive climbing resume, spring or fall is also an option. Learn more.
What permits do I need?
Despite recent environmental concerns, as well as worries about popular routes facing overcrowding, there is currently no official permit required to climb Mont Blanc. Learn more.
Do I need a guide to climb?
Mont Blanc is the most dangerous mountain in the region and, as such, a guide is strongly recommended - but not required. It’s strongly suggested that first-timers and inexperienced alpine hikers hire a guide.
How do I get to Mont Blanc?
Mont Blanc is actually quite accessible, as it can be reached via road, rail, or air. Fly into Geneva, Lyon, or Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport with Geneva providing closest access (just under 90km away). Otherwise, drive to Chamonix, or catch a train from London. Learn more.
What should I pack/what equipment do I need?
Mont Blanc is one of the world’s tallest mountains and, as such, you’re going to need to bring an array of gear to enable a successful climb. You’ll need an ice axe, helmet, crampons, trekking poles, gaiters, as well as the appropriate clothing to reach the summit. Learn more.

Mont Blanc routes

Gouter Hut Route. Distance: 4000 m, average duration: 2-3 days, success rate: 65-75%
Grand Mulets Route. Distance: 3000 m, average duration: 2-3 days, success rate: 70%
Cosmiques Route. Distance: 3500 m, average duration: 2-3 days, success rate: 60-75%
Haute Route. Distance: 180 km, average duration: 12-14 days
Tour du Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc Circuit). Distance: 170 km, average duration: 11 days, success rate: 100%