Ever since Horace Benedict de Saussure offered a prize for reaching the summit of Mont Blanc, Chamonix has been at the pinnacle of Alpine mountaineering. The valley dominated by the flanks of the Mt Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouge is home to many of Europe's finest and most difficult climbs. It is the incredible quality and choice of mountain routes at all levels of difficulty that makes Chamonix special. Whatever your ability or fitness there is something for you.

Thanks to the lift system, all that the High Mountains have to offer can be enjoyed within a day excursion. For those who wish to remain amongst the Alpine snows there are also many refuges tucked into the awe inspiring mountain scenery.

Mont Blanc
A beautiful and very complex mountain; it is most commonly climbed during summer by guided parties using one of two routes. Either via the Aiguille du Gouter - the Gouter Ridge or from the Aiguille du Midi - The Traverse of the three Mt Blancs. Guides generally recommend a minimum 4 day course to get you acclimatissed and to the top and back down. Ideally you would want more time to ensure the correct preparation.

Summer time gets very busy with up to 200 people reaching the summit a day. With the most experienced Mountain Guides are booked up early and space in the refuges, like everything in the summer is busy in the peak months (July and August).