Classic Snow, Ice and Mixed Climbs
Mountaineering in the Mont Blanc Range showcases the most beautiful lower
grade snow, ice and mixed climbs (F to AD+) in the seemingly inexhaustible
Mont Blanc Range. The routes described in this book should be within the
capabilities of almost all mountaineers.
Reflecting all recent changed topographical conditions due to the steady
glacial retreat created by climate change, authors Jean-Louis Laroche and
Florence Lelong have selected 36 climbs from across the range, which are
easily accessible from well appointed mountain huts, useful telepheriques and
mountain railways.
The routes described are an ideal introduction to the climbing in this
magnificent area. They are on snow or mixed ground and, distributed among the
main glacier basins, they will enable you to visit a representative selection
of summits along the full length of the range. Among them are some of the
finest classics, including: the North Face of the Tete Blanche; the Whymper
Route on the Aiguille d’Argentiere; the Cosmiques Ridge of the Aiguille du
Midi; the Normal Route, Contamine-Grisolle, and Chere Couloir on the Mont
Blanc du Tacul; and of course a choice of routes on Mont Blanc itself.
Each route features a detailed and comprehensive route description, a sketch
map and a route summary detailing the start point, difficulty, timings, height
gain, best time of year and the gear required. Beautifully illustrated with
photos that show both the lie of the land and also the haunting beauty of the
fabulous peaks of the Mont Blanc Range, this guide clearly indicates
alpinism’s continued popularity to climbers of all ages.
21 summits and 36 routes, in the F- to AD+ range, including:-
oAiguille du Tour
oAiguille du Chardonnet
oPetite Aiguille Verte
oAiguille de Rochefort
oMont Blanc du Tacul
oMont Blanc
oDomes de Neige
Practical information includes route description, topo diagrams & maps,
descent advice, condition advice, equipment advice, expected times, GPS, hut
approaches, tourist offices, weather reports.