Cosmiques Refuge

A late ascent of the Aiguille du Midi cable car and a 45 min walk down a narrow snow arrette brings us to the refuge at 3613m. This is where we will spend the night before an early start for the long summit day traversing Tacul, Mont Maudit and summiting Mont Blanc.

 

Cosmiques Refuge

Aiguille Du Midi

The two stage Aiguille du Midi cable car, rising to 3842m, is the highest in the world. This gives us a significant head start in terms of altitude, but what awaits ahead is technically more challenging. The rapid rise to a high altitude puts an even greater emphasis on acclimatisation.

 

Aiguille
Du Midi

Mont Blanc du Tacul

The first obsticle to overcome is the heavily crevassed flank on Mt Blanc du Tacul Mont Blanc. Depending upon conditions, this can be the crux pitch of the whole ascent.

 

Mt Blanc
Du Tacul

Mont Maudit

After Tacul, we ascend Mt Maudit, aiming for the right of the summit as we are looking. Again, the technical difficulty can be very dependant upon conditions and the size of the bergschrund.

 

Mt Maudit

Mont Blanc

The unmistakeble snow cone of the summit of Mt Blanc. Making good time, you will be there just after dawn to see the spectacular panorama of the Western Alps unfold before you. .

 

Mt Blanc

Vallot Refuge

At 4362m, this is the highest refuge in the Alps. Nothing more that a crude hut, if provides a useful resting point or emergency shelter. If we are on skis, this is where we will typicall leave them.

 

Vallot Refuge

Gouter Refuge

On of the two potential overnight spots on the Gouter route. Situated at the top of the Grand Couloir, (centred in the picture right). Crossing the grand couloir, on ascent or descent, provides the greatest potential hazard on this route due to the high amount of rock fall.

 

Gouter Refuge

Tete Rousse Refuge

One of the two potential overnight spots on the Gouter route. Situated at the bottom of the grand couloir, the Tete Rousse has been recently renevated and enlarged and provides a useful alternative when the Gouter hut is overcrowded.

 

Tete Rousse
Refuge

Tramway Du Mt Blanc

A useful helping hand on the way up and a saviour on the way down, the Tramway du Mont Blanc winds its way up the side of the Bionnassay Glacier to the Nid d'Aigle (The Eagles Nest) at 2372m.

 

Tramway du
Mt Blanc

Midi-Tacul-Maudit Traverse

Winter Ski Touring
Route

Gouter Route

Grands Mulets Refuge

Situated on a rocky spur amoung the spectacular sea of seracs and crevasses know as Jonction, the Grands Mulets Refuge boasts a spectacular location. This is are welcome overnight stop at the end of our initial 5 hour skin from the Mid Station of the Midi cable car.

Grands Mulets