Aiguille Verte, 4122m. Whymper Couloir
One of the toughest classic 4000m peaks which enjoys some of the finest views in the range.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 7.1 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Big Peaks, Big Challenges: Chamonix's tougher 4000ers
All 82 Alpine 4000ers are tough in some respect - these are tough in several respects, and all the better for it.
Alpine Climbing, Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Extreme
Also in Aoste, Italy
Description
Ironically, Chamonix's most famous 4000 metre peak - Mont Blanc - is actually one of the easiest 4000ers to climb provided you're fit and acclimatised. There are tough routes on the mountain but the 3 classic ways to its summit are all relatively straightforward, as you'll learn when you check out our guidebook to the Alps' highest mountain -
The routes described in this guidebook are lower than Mont Blanc, but significantly more challenging. On every peak described here you'll encounter technical difficulty and need to be accomplished in the "dark art" of moving quickly through all types of alpine terrain. You'll also need to be experienced in judging conditions, route finding and traveling through complex glaciated terrain. Needless to say, the rewards that await if you climb these summits are huge, but there are risks associated with these mountains too, so only tackle them when you've served a thorough alpine apprenticeship.
If you want to know how to get started on that apprenticeship, we've got you covered. Below you'll find a guidebook to some "easy" (nothing alpine is truly easy!) Chamonix routes, and 5 tougher - but still attainable - routes on icy north faces.
Routes included
Royal Traverse- Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dôme du Goûter and Mont Blanc
The most amazing traverse of several 4000m peaks including the iconic Aiguille du Bionnassay and Mont Blanc
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 2.1 km
- Descent
- 1.7 km
Couvercle Hut Approach
A journey up the Vallée Blanche then ladders up to a remote hut in a wild and beautiful place
Easy Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 6.6 km
- Ascent
- 969 m
- Descent
- 183 m
Deant du Geant, 4013m
A popular and exposed route to a stunning granite spire, with epic views.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 725 m
- Descent
- 725 m
Approach to Durier Hut
A very long and remote day that can be halved by staying in the Plan Glacier Hut
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 9.5 km
- Ascent
- 2.4 km
- Descent
- 102 m
The Boccalatte Hut.
An exceptional, adventurous hike featuring some sections of easy via ferrata and exposed terrain.
Extreme Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 0 m
Grandes Jorasses, SW Flank
An unforgettable journey through complex terrain for the 4000m peak connoisseur
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 5.1 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Les Droites, 4000m, S Ridge of E Summit
A remote mountain, famed by the routes on its N Face, is a challenging climb from any side.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 7.2 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
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Chamonix's Classic Easier Mountaineering Routes
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