Guidebook

Mont Blanc's Classic Routes

The 3 most popular routes to the roof of Western Europe

Charlie Boscoe

Description

The highest peak in the Alps and the place where mountaineering was "invented", Mont Blanc's summit is an understandably highly-coveted prize. There are countless long, wild routes to the summit of the mountain (and several exciting ski descents off it!) and these 3 are the easiest and most popular ways to the top.

All 3 routes require you to be fit, acclimatised and skilled in cramponing and glacier travel, but none involve any truly technical climbing. For the mid grade alpinist with some fitness and acclimatisation, these adventures represent 3 fantastic options for summiting the King of the Alps.

Approach to the Goûter Hut
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Approach to the Goûter Hut

Chamonix
4.4 km
1,472 m
A significant day itself accessing the highest guardian-ed hut in France.
Moderate
Private
Mont Blanc, 4808m. The 3 Monts Route
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Mont Blanc, 4808m. The 3 Monts Route

Chamonix
15.4 km
1,465 m
A huge day out through very complicated glacial terrain to the highest peak in Western Europe
Moderate
Private
Mont Blanc, 4808m. Goûter Route.
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Mont Blanc, 4808m. Goûter Route.

Chamonix
8.0 km
1,066 m
The most popular route up the highest peak in Western Europe.
Moderate
Private
Approach to the Gonella Hut
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Approach to the Gonella Hut

Courmayeur
9.7 km
1,403 m
A stunning journey up a really impressive glacier to a remote, modern hut
Easy
Private
Mont Blanc, 4808m. Pope Route from Gonella Hut.
The best Routes on FATMAP, hand-picked by FATMAP’s Editorial team.

Mont Blanc, 4808m. Pope Route from Gonella Hut.

Chamonix
9.9 km
1,845 m
A fantastic route from the wild Italian side of the mountain traversing to descend into France
Moderate
Private