10 m away
Mont Blanc du Tacul, 4248m. Contamine Grisolle N Face
A characterful N Face in a wild location, but with relatively easy access.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 7.2 km
- Ascent
- 975 m
- Descent
- 975 m
Though this a normal route it is a relatively steep route up a N Face and is an avalanche black spot
Alpine Climbing Moderate
This is a magnificent summit, somewhat dwarfed by its bigger neighbours, but nonetheless has some fantastic routes, completely independent of other mountains. The ordinary route to the summit is a short diversion from the 3 Monts Route up Mont Blanc. It should not be underestimated though, as it is exposed to serac fall and avalanche danger, as well as being significantly above 4000m. It is possible to do it return from the first Midi lift, but this is demanding and will lead to a very hot return up the Midi in the afternoon. More civilised is to do it with an earlier start from the Cosmiques Hut. The route marked here is return from the Midi. Descend the sharp exposed snowy ridge from the Midi, and traverse under the S Face of the Aiguille du Midi across the Col du Midi. Give the NE triangle of the Tacul a wide berth in ascent as you join the inevitably substantial track going up the route. The exact position varies quite a bit from year to year, according to the position of the crevasses and seracs. In certain years it is equipped with the odd fixed rope or even ladder, to negotiate particularly difficult parts. From the shoulder of the Tacul at about 4100m leave the main track heading up Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc, heading E the SE towards the final mixed buttress leading to the summit. This is relatively straightforward mixed scrambling, with odd bits of protection as needed. Descent is the same in reverse.
Moderate
May involve slightly more complex glacier hikes, easy but possibly long rock ridges and steep snow up to 45 degrees. Equivalent to PD, PD+
10 m away
A characterful N Face in a wild location, but with relatively easy access.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
12 m away
A huge day out through very complicated glacial terrain to the highest peak in Western Europe
Moderate Alpine Climbing
23 m away
A wonderful high mountain journey through huge, wild mountains
Moderate Alpine Climbing
24 m away
A truly classic route, which is serious and exposed but not technically difficult.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
264 m away
An iconic and accessible route with great and varied climbing, with amazing exposure down to Chamonix
Difficult Alpine Climbing
5.1 km away
A popular and exposed route to a stunning granite spire, with epic views.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
5.1 km away
A great training route that can be done in either direction, easier N to S as described.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
5.2 km away
A megaclassic rite of passage for the budding N Face alpinist.
Severe Alpine Climbing
5.2 km away
An amazingly exposed rocky ridge, but never too hard, with incredible views
Difficult Alpine Climbing
5.2 km away
A great introduction to one of the more accessible N faces in the area.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
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