This is a difficult question to answer, but for the training days you need to be able to sustain steady ascents of 4-5 hours carrying a light pack over often uneven ground. The actual ascent of Mont Blanc usually takes up to 12 hours, but this is with two long breaks (about 45 minutes each) at the Gouter hut; the total ascent required for this day is 1600m.

An ability to keep going slowly without too many stops is much more effective than trying too hard and tiring yourself out. Our guides will always try to climb at the best pace for their clients - often a 10% reduction in speed can make the difference between success and failure.