All you need to know to climb Mont Blanc in 2023

What better challenge for the experienced hiker than to climb Mont Blanc in 2023? At France Outdoors we organise Mont Blanc ascent trips every year, for individuals and groups from Ireland, the UK and even the US and Australia. Here are some of the questions we regularly answer regarding our guided Mont Blanc trips, the climb itself, accommodation, the booking prMont ocess and our guarantees. If you would like any further information not covered here, please contact us we’ll be glad to help!

When is the best time to climb Mont Blanc?

The main climbing season of Mont Blanc is from June to September ; our trips are organised during this period, avoiding periods when weather conditions may be difficult. We have programmed dates each year, but if you would like to organise a trip for a private group please contact us.

How many people in the group on a Mont Blanc ascent?

We operate the trip in small groups ; for the ascent we have 1 high mountain guide for 2 people; you will have several guides accompanying a small group. This is necessary for security reasons and also to give the best chance of reaching the summit.

Are your Mont Blanc guides qualified?

We only and obligatorily work with European Mountain Leaders and, in the case of the actual ascent of the Mont Blanc itself, qualified high mountain guides.

What type of accommodation do you use?

We use a combination of hotel and hut accommodation. The base for your trip is a 2* hotel in le Fayet, with en suite rooms and single options available, while the accommodation when you climb Mont Blanc is obligatorily in mountain huts, such as the famous Refuge du Goûter. At the beginning of the trip we alternate hotel & hut nights, to both allow you to become accustomed to the altitude, and also get a good night’s sleep in order to best prepare your ascent.

Where is the base hotel?

The base hotel is the 2* Hotel Chaumière in le Fayet in St Gervais, at the foot of the Contamines valley and beside the train for the Mont Blanc ascent.

Are single rooms available?

Single rooms are available on supplement in your hotel in le Fayet ; accommodation in the mountain refuges is by necessity multi-sharing.

How can I book?

You can book online on our Mont Blanc trip page. We ask for an initial deposit to secure the trip, with the balance due 1 month before the trip.

When should I book?

Demand to climb Mont Blanc is so high that once the booking opens for the huts, they tend to fill up almost immediately. If you are interested in the trip, even provisionally, it’s best to contact us as soon as possible to secure your place.

Who are France Outdoors?

France Outdoors is a family run agency based in the southern French Alps; we have been running Mont Blanc trips since 2008 for English-speaking clients from Ireland, the UK, both individuals and walking clubs. Please see the About Us page for more information. You can see customer reviews on this site, on the individual trip pages, as well as on our Facebook page

What about Covid?

We provide a full covid cancellation guarantee ; in case a trip is cancelled because of Covid a full refund of all monies paid to France Outdoors will be issued.

What is included in the price?

For all of our trips, you can see inclusions/exclusions before booking ; in case of doubt, please don’t hesitate to contact us! All inclusions on our Climb Mont Blanc trip can be seen on the Mont Blanc trip page.

Do I need my own mountaineering equipment?

Yes, to climb Mont Blanc you need mountaineering boots & equipment (crampons, ice axe & helmet) If you don’t have the right equipment it’s possible to rent it in St Gervais. For more information, see our Mont Blanc Ascent : Equipment Checklist

How do I get to St Gervais / le Fayet?

We organise transfers to and from Geneva airport to meet flights from Ireland / UK; please contact us for exact transfer times before booking your flights. You can also make your own way to St Gervais if you prefer; or if you need assistance to book a taxi (not included) please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What rating is your Mont Blanc climbing trip?

Our Mont Blanc ascent trip is rated as Tough : it is physically challenging you will need a decent level of fitness to be sure of completing the ascent in the best conditions. Although an acclimatisation period is included at the start of the trip, you can’t depend on this to build fitness in such a short time, and need to arrive fit and ready for the challenge. If you are in any doubts about your fitness we can advise you ; please contact us.

I have some specific requirements to discuss

We are happy to discuss special requirements ; please contact us. Please note that meeting special requirements may be dependent on the accommodation, particularly in huts.

I need to ask a question not covered here?

The Mont Blanc is a big undertaking and we advise you to gather as much information as possible beforehand. If you have any specific questions not covered here, please contact us and we’d be delighted to advise you!

More information about Mont Blanc & our trips

Mont Blanc : Quick facts

Mont Blanc Ascent : Equipment Checklist

See also these external sites :

Chamonix-Mont Blanc website