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, then the spring and 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.

Permits for Mont Blanc

See all Mont Blanc tours

Permits for Mont Blanc

Currently, there is no permit required, but whether or not there should be a permit required is a hot topic. While towns like Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy benefit from the foot traffic, there are concerns that climbers and their guides are leaving trash and unwanted materials near the top of the mountain as they don’t want to trek down with unnecessary weight and as a result, Mont Blanc runs the risk of transforming into a wasteland of sorts.

There’s another problem with underqualified climbers attempting to summit the mountain, which they’re able to do because climbing isn’t regulated or supervised. The release of a permit could, hypothetically, be contingent on experience or whether or not you’ve got a guide to accompany you, and this could be a way to decrease the number of fatalities which occur on Mont Blanc every year.

Climbing to the summit of Mont Blanc requires an exceptional level of fitness and, depending on your route, a very good technical climbing knowledge, so do not confuse the lack permit requirements with the idea that it’s accessible for all. We strongly recommend you climb Mont Blanc with a guide.

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, then the spring and 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%