13 m away
Mont Blanc, 4808m. Pope Route from Gonella Hut.
A fantastic route from the wild Italian side of the mountain traversing to descend into France
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 9.9 km
- Ascent
- 1.8 km
- Descent
- 1.1 km
Mont Blanc Pope's Route
Chamonix
Italian normal route via Gonella Hut
Also in Haute-Savoie, France
Alpine Climbing Severe
- Distance
- 6.1 km
- Ascent
- 1.8 km
- Descent
- 75 m
- Low Point
- 3.1 km
- High Point
- 4.8 km
- Gradient
- 24˚
This is a popular alpine climbing route which is generally considered to be severe. It's very remote, it features high exposure and is typically done between June and September. From a low point of 3.1 km to the maximum altitude of 4.8 km, the route covers 6.1 km, 1810 vertical metres of ascent and 75 vertical metres of descent. You'll need ice axe, crampons and glacier kit to complete it safely.
Description
Less travelled way. Remote, hard, long and spectacular. Amazing journey from Gonella Hut to the summit of Mont Blanc via Pope's Route. Achille Ratti, who became Pope Pius XI in 1921, descended that way in 1890.
Difficulty
Severe
Steep, sustained and serious terrain on rock/ice. Routes will be long, exposed and possibly committing. D, D+
High Exposure
Much of the route is difficult to protect and a fall could be disastrous at certain points.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Equipment required
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Glacier kit
Similar routes nearby
1.7 km away
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
3.5 km away
Mont Blanc, 4808m. Goûter Route.
The most popular route up the highest peak in Western Europe.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 8 km
- Ascent
- 1.1 km
- Descent
- 1.1 km
5.1 km away
Approach to the Goûter Hut
A significant day itself accessing the highest guardian-ed hut in France.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 1.5 km
- Descent
- 17 m
6.3 km away
Dômes de Miage Traverse
An über classic low grade route which is a perfect introduction to longer alpine climbs.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 9.9 km
- Ascent
- 1.3 km
- Descent
- 1.3 km
6.3 km away
Conscrits Hut to the Durier Hut via the Dômes de Miage
A staggeringly beautiful day of mountaineering through Himalayan-esque scenery
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 6.1 km
- Ascent
- 1.3 km
- Descent
- 580 m
6.4 km away
Approach to the Gonella Hut
A stunning journey up a really impressive glacier to a remote, modern hut
Easy Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 9.7 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 50 m
7.8 km away
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
7.9 km away
Mont Blanc du Tacul, 4248m. Normal Route
Though this a normal route it is a relatively steep route up a N Face and is an avalanche black spot
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 7.7 km
- Ascent
- 980 m
- Descent
- 980 m
7.9 km 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
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Guidebooks in this area
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The Royal Traverse of Mont Blanc - 41 Epic Kilometres
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Mont Blanc's Classic Routes
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Chamonix's Classic Easier Mountaineering Routes
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Chamonix's 5 Easiest North Faces
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Big Peaks, Big Challenges: Chamonix's tougher 4000ers
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Climb the Alpine Big 3 : Mont Blanc, Eiger & Matterhorn
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Exceptional Alpine Climbs above Courmayeur
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