Mont Maudit, Frontier / Kuffner Ridge.
A memorable technical mountaineering route up one of the finest ridges of its standard in the Alps, the Frontier Ridge.
Severe Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 293 m
The Alpine Classics of the Mont Blanc Massif
There are countless Chamonix Classics and it can be hard to know where to start – these are some of the very best mid-grade routes in the region.
Alpine Climbing, Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe
Also in Haute-Savoie, France • Valais, Switzerland
Description
Just driving into Chamonix can take your breath away - the mountains look high, steep and virtually impossible to climb. In many cases, looks aren't deceiving - Chamonix is home to some of the toughest alpine climbs on the planet - but there are also some brilliant alpine adventures for mere mortals in the most famous mountain valley of them all.
This guidebook showcases a handful of those routes, with a combination of short day trips like the Aiguilles Marbées Traverse and the Cosmiques Arête, and longer, more committing missions like the Aiguille Verte's Whymper Couloir and Mont Maudit's Frontier Ridge. The one thing that unites these climbs is that they are not too technically difficult - if you're fit, experienced and solid on intermediate alpine terrain then all of these routes should be attainable.
If you tick them off and are ready to step it up a notch, then give this lot a go!
Routes included
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
Midi - Plan Traverse
A truly classic route, which is serious and exposed but not technically difficult.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 4.6 km
- Ascent
- 700 m
- Descent
- 700 m
Tête Blanche North-west Ridge.
A classic easy peak which provides a wonderful journey through high and beautiful mountains.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 7.7 km
- Ascent
- 715 m
- Descent
- 715 m
Mont Blanc, 4808m. The 3 Monts Route
A huge day out through very complicated glacial terrain to the highest peak in Western Europe
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 1.5 km
- Descent
- 2.9 km
Aiguille du Tour, 3540m
A classic introductory alpine peak, with stunning views from the summit.
Easy Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 7.1 km
- Ascent
- 785 m
- Descent
- 785 m
Aiguilles Marbrées Traverse
A great training route that can be done in either direction, easier N to S as described.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 2.7 km
- Ascent
- 248 m
- Descent
- 249 m
Aiguille d'Entrèves traverse
An amazingly exposed rocky ridge, but never too hard, with incredible views
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 5.3 km
- Ascent
- 483 m
- Descent
- 483 m
Tour Ronde, 3792m. Normal Route (E Face)
A relatively short route to a fantastic summit with breathtaking views of the S side of Mont Blanc
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 669 m
- Descent
- 669 m
Aiguille du Midi, 3842m. Cosmiques Arête
An iconic and accessible route with great and varied climbing, with amazing exposure down to Chamonix
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Ascent
- 299 m
- Descent
- 60 m
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
Albert Premier Hut - Charamillon - Short
An accessible and beautifully-situated high mountain hut with a variety of approaches.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 8.1 km
- Ascent
- 574 m
- Descent
- 574 m
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