Description

For the low grade alpinist, this is a great way to get into longer glacier routes.

Once you've got down the Aiguille du Midi arete, the route is non-technical but you will need to be able to route find through glaciated terrain and, if things don't go to plan, carry out a crevasse rescue.

As such, this is an ideal route for people who have the skills required for glacier travel but need to rack up some miles. Start by descending the exposed and intimidating East ridge of the Aiguille du Midi.

This is certainly the technical crux of the day and feels like quite a shock to the system after you've just got off a cable car! Take your time, watch your step closely and trust in your crampons and your ability.

At the foot of the ridge you reach a large, flatter area at the top of the famous icy north face of the Aiguille du Midi.

From the flat area, swing around underneath the stunning granite south face of the Midi.

Look up and you're likely to see rock climbers making their way up one of the famous routes on the face. Head south and then head around to the north of the Pointes Lachenal across a flat section of glacier beneath the impressive north-east face of Mont Blanc du Tacul.

Go south-east and drop down to the lowest point of the traverse just north of the Pic Adolphe Rey on the Glacier du Géant.

Begin climbing towards the Torino Hut through some quite complex and crevassed terrain.

Generally there is a track in place but if not, you'll need to pick a good, safe route through a series of fairly sizeable holes. Once through the most complex of the terrain you will be immediately north of the Aiguilles d'Entrèves.

Make the long-ish but gentle climb up to the Torino Hut.

Grab a drink and enjoy the spectacular view of Mont Blanc's Peuterey ridge before getting on the Panoramique cable car back to the Aiguille du Midi.

This route can be done in either direction but is generally done in the direction described here because there is much less uphill than down!