Big Peaks, Big Challenges: Chamonix's tougher 4000ers

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 -

https://fatmap.com/guidebooks/220/mont-blanc's-classic-routes/@45.8747899,6.6291663,29130.8101920,-90,0,1151.9027578,normal

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.

https://fatmap.com/guidebooks/242/chamonix's-classic-easier-mountaineering-routes

https://fatmap.com/guidebooks/4182/chamonix's-5-easiest-north-faces/@45.8655481,6.8881753,3717.5320084,-76.5873563,1.9644236,3558.2496524,normal