Internationale groepsreis Mont Blanc Ascent

MONT BLANC ASCENT

A rewarding, fun and successful adventure. When we stood atop Mt Blanc, with the whole of France below us (and what seemed like the whole of Europe) I was truly proud. A certain toughness and fitness is required, but as I am 47 years old and my walking partner was in her 20's it shows anyone can achieve this, if reasonably fit.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although we had perfect weather for the ascent, the weather just before was not good. The guides asked if we were prepared to do 3 days walking in just 2 days if the weather cleared. Immediately everyone in my group said 'yes'. I knew then that we were the sort of team that would get to the summit if we possibly could.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent chap! Friendly, safe and pushed us when we needed it.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Fitness is important. Things can change and extra reserves may need to be found. The best advice is running and cycling, and if you can, some long practice walks. As a rough measure, I would say being able to run 10miles (speed isn't important) means that you are at the right level.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really enjoyed the week. The group were mixed, interesting and friendly. We had all made an effort to get fit, meaning a weaker member wouldn't let another person down.

Crikey that was hard

An amazing trip but oh so hard. I have climbed Kili but this was on another level entirely. Fantastic weather everyday although that made the ascent very hard especially as we climbed to the summit from midday

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All 6 of the group reaching the summit together

What did you think of your group leader?

Patrick was Very good and filled you with confidence. We were lucky enough to be joined by the legendary Bernard for the last 3 days

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train very hard for this

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC ASCENT

We had a great time, unfortunately the weather conspired against us whilst we were on Mont Blanc. But we were offered the chance to climb Grand Paradiso instead.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Summiting on Grand Paradiso, but on a broader front the whole alpine experience was very inspirational.

What did you think of your group leader?

We had several guides during the week, all of them were friendly and knowledgeable. There standard of English varied suffice to say there English was better than my French.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

1, Take a down jacket! I know it says you don't need one in the trip instructions, but our guides said the temperature at the summit is regularly below -20 degrees Celsius . 2, Get fit prior to going, nothing could be worse than being told you can't go and having to sit it out in Chamonix which is dominated by Mont Blanc. 3, Don't assume food and drink at the accommodation is free. We were billed for our first lunch and coffee's with our main meals. Whilst it is clearly stated in the joining instructions what is, and what isn't included we were all under the impression we wouldn't be charged for these. It was only after the first evening meal that the honesty system was explained to us.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't go expecting to summit! Our guide continually reminded us to enjoy the moment which was sound advice. Whilst I appreciate this sounds a little negative there are so many factors that have to be taken into account not to mention safety, weather, fitness, and the condition of the mountain. Preparation is key. Make sure you put in the required amount of training before you go. Enjoy!

MONT BLANC ASCENT

Superb trip, my first alpine peak. nothing compares! will have those memories forever, good training given, excellent accommodation and experienced good guides.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the summit... and realising your going to make it, and stand on there. 

What did you think of your group leader?

The guides are emending in training and on the mountain, however they are completely trustworthy, experienced and very knowledgeable on the area

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get very fit, and also try and build up some outdoor experience, such as walking and scrambling, i did have some winter experience too which makes the trip a little easier and perhaps more enjoyable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC ASCENT

The trip was a relative success, whilst due to the weather I didn’t get to climb Mont Blanc I still really enjoyed the trip.  The people on the trip were great fun and friendly and made it all the more special.  We did attempt to summit Gran Paradiso but at 4000m finally gave into the driving wind & snow, 61m short of the summit – so close yet so far.  Despite the disappointment of not summiting, it was a good trip to learn how to use ice axes, crampons and climbing as a group.  I would definitely go again and hopefully summit!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the refuge after descending from near the summit was wonderful.  The relief of sitting down, playing cards with the group and realising that we all had just climbed almost to the top of a mountain in high winds and driving snow, fantastic.  The shared experience will be a cherished memory. Hot chocolate never tasted so good!  Especially when watching the sun set over the alps, a truly magnificent sight to behold – they sky seemed to be on fire. 

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader/guide was well organised and knew his mountains, of which his achievements were somewhat understated!  He always seemed to be calm, collected and relaxed, even when the weather turned against us.  His great sense of humour and observational skills made sure that you were okay and having fun.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Good fitting boots are essential, as you need you feet to be in tip top condition.  If they are not quite right then ask to change them or help to adjust them – they trip organisers are always willing to assist.  Also sun cream and lip balm/protection, don’t forget them. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Whilst we didn’t get to climb what we wanted we all still had a good time.  The key was being flexible.  You can’t beat Mother Nature – she will inevitably win.  If you are prepared to try something different from what you are expecting you can still have a great time and pick up skills for your next attempt/mountain.

MONT BLANC ASCENT

Gran Paradiso - what a view!  Had a good time, but sadly one afternoon on poor weather meant that we were unable to do the ascent of Mont Blanc. We climbed Gran Paradiso instead.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing on the summit of Gran Paradiso looking at the view of the Alps and amazed at how far down it was!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our Group Leader was an experienced climber hired onto the trip. Although he was competent and safe, I was not sure that he really wanted us to reach Mont Blanc summit. The poor weather midweek meant we never found out for sure.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared to do Gran Paradiso instead!  Don't go fully expecting to do Mont Blanc - but the brochure makes this clear anyway.  Also, you must be extermely fit and used to walking for several hours on the go. I trained for ages to do this holiday by doing long distances and plenty of hills in the Lake District. Whilst I made it up and down Gran Paradiso OK, Mont Blanc would have been tougher. As the brochure says 'arrive fit'. If in doubt, do a different holiday. Also, you must must must have a good head for heights - the 150m descent down the cliff ladders onto the glacier on one of the training days was not for the feint hearted! However, it was also totally memorable and an amazing thing to do. It was a lot hotter than I thought, even above the snow line we didn't need to wear too many layers and it was only the final hour to the summit of Gran Paradiso that it got really cold. A sun hat, sun creme and good sunglasses were essential!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was a good holiday and I will be back to do Mont Blanc another time!

MONT BLANC ASCENT

I completed my journey to the Summit of Mt Blanc last Wednesday at 7am.  I would like to reiterate a splendid slog...both mentally, physically and as I adore rock-climbing...some of it not for the faint hearted but breath-taking views, cracking chandelier ice, unexpected terrain of all nature, glaciers, physical exertion, the whole lot..is well worth it..and would do it again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

everything...and the IBEX.

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC ASCENT

Excellent trip all round.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Relaxing in the mountain huts at the end of the day, watching the sun set. Also reaching the top of Mont Blanc.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bernard our guide was very good, helpful and knowledgeable. The other guides that joined us for the ascent were also excellent. All had very good English and experienced climbers. Felt totally safe with them the whole time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't forget to wear sun cream out on the mountain, even on overcast days. Three of us got badly sunburnt, and were feeling the effects the rest of the week. Be ready for a long day on ascent day. But it will be totally worth it. Also be ready for lack of sleep at the different huts, people leaving at different times, snoring, getting up for the toilet etc.. Keep your camera warm and with new/charged batteries on summit day. My camera got too cold and would not work on the summit!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Make the most of the time you have in Chamonix mid week. Would have been nice to have a day to spend in and around the town properly at the end of the week. But as the trip is so intense and need to do a lot in the 7 days, you do not get much time to properly go around the town when down from the mountain.

MONT BLANC ASCENT

Fantastic trip, quality guides, good hotel, great overall experience.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Leading my group of three to the top of an empty summit was incredible.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was an older, softly spoken Frenchman who from first impressions, seemed to be quite capable. Over the duration of the trip he was excellent both as a mountain guide and in terms of looking after the group when we were off the the mountain. His ability to instruct the group (who were relatively inexperienced) was very good and he was very good at judging the fitness levels of the group and how hard he could push us. He had over 40 years of mountaineering experience and greatly added to the trip. Additionally he was very good at managing group expectation with regard to chance of summitting due to the changing weather conditions.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't underestimate the fitness requirements of the trip. Being fitter and being able to move faster at altitude makes for a safer climb as you can better avoid bad weather and move past slow groups. You will also appreciate the scenery more if you are gasping for breath the entire way.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The use of lower height climbing (only to about 3500m) during the acclimatisation phase was good as noone was tired or injured in the lead up to the summit attempt. Speaking to other groups on Mont Blanc some had climbed Gran Paradiso as a lead up/acclimatisation climb, these groups had a much lower success rate than our group.  Additionally we used a different method of summitting. Although still using the Gouter Route, we only climbed to Tete Rousse Hut (about 3100m) rather than the Gouter Hut (3800m) on the first day of the summit attempt. This was done as our group was fitter than the average group and could do the extra 600m rock scramble to the Gouter Hut, then follow on with the summit attempt before returning to Tete Rousse Hut for the second night. This was a good option as Tete Rousse was much more comfortable and the additional climb meant that we missed the crowds when summitting.

MONT BLANC ASCENT

This was an amazing escape into the mountain wilderness. I was initially disappointed that the weather would prevent us from climbing Mont Blanc but once we were on Gran Paradiso I realized that it is a very special place that I may easily have overlooked as irrelevant.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through the mountain wilderness of Gran Paradiso and realizing that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. A wild, beautiful, quite place that puts a song in my heart. My group was fantastic. We had so much fun and laughter. And we worked as a team. I enjoyed every minute with them - even the hotel nights were fun!

What did you think of your group leader?

Hervé was amazing. He is humble, passionate about teaching, loves the mountains and has a great sense of humour. He is really inspiring.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

These are real mountains and you will be mountaineering - be fit enough and be prepared to cross crevasses and other exposed areas - particularly at the summit of Gran Paradiso.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip was well planned and smoothly executed. I found it challenging but I loved every minute of it. I have unfinished business with Mont Blanc and will visit it another day!

MONT BLANC ASCENT

What an amazing trip, well organised from the moment I left the UK and such an experience to reach the top of Mont Blanc, will definately be using Exodus again but the only thing is which trip do I choose next? Decisions decisions.....

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of Mont Blanc and taking in the fantastic views, we were blessed with good weather and a fantastic guide who got us all to the top & back down again in one piece. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a challenge!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Very experienced guide who looked after us extremely well & made you feel safe on the mountain. Nothing was too much trouble and he was very patient when we were learning to tie ropes!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Plenty of hill training and previous trips at altitude would be beneficial. Do not underestimate this mountain as the ascent day requires lots of stamina. Also recommend wearing in your own boots and use tape on the backs of heals to prevent blisters (speaking from experience)!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

1. Mont Blanc beer tastes so good after a long days trekking. 2. You will also get to know other members of the group very well after a night in the huts!!

Mont Blanc Ascent

Great trip with a great team. Tough but we all made it. I would definitely recommend it but don't underestimate the challenge and the altitude .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Eventually reaching the Summit and feeling on top of the world.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bernard, our leader is a well known and respected mountaineer and we had total faith in him and his decision-making. Although his English wasn't always completely clear he was humorous and totally at ease which made us feel comfortable and reassured.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It's really important to be fit and to have endurance as the mountain can be unforgiving. Working as a member of a team is crucial as you can support each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains around you. The Alps are fantastic and for the English, only on our doorstep !

MONT BLANC ASCENT

A truely amazing adventure. The training and preparation was great in itself and had I not summited Mont Blanc I would still have had a fantastic time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our Guides and there amazing lifestyles, sunbathing on top of Tete Blanche surounded by snow capped peaks and just chatting with fellow climbers in the huts.

What did you think of your group leader?

Herve` our guide was just brilliant, he's lust for life came out of every pore of his skin. In his company you felt anything was possible. He went out of his way to give you a different perspective on the training for Mont Blanc.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it, when you come home you are on such a high. You find yourself when your back still day dreaming and smiling to your self about the experience even if it is just about the snoring in the huts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Keep up the good work Exodus the more people doing this sort of trip can only be a good thing.

MONT BLANC ASCENT

This was an amazing trip. The friendships, the teamwork, the mountain scenery, the sense of achievement on reaching the summit. Absolutely amazing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

 The most inspirational moment was summit day, and reaching the top of Mont Blanc. But each day was memorable for different reasons and it would have been an unforgettable holiday even if we hadn’t reached the summit. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Herve, was fantastic. He was inspirational in every way. Fun, friendly and helpful. But also demanding and keen to push us and help us achieve more than we thought we were capable of achieving.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just do it. Book it now. You won’t regret it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC ASCENT

An amazing if challenging experience. A fun group, a brilliant guide and fantastic weather all week meant, luckily for us, the summit was on offer and we took it. Standing on the roof of Western Europe looking down on three countries made all the effort worthwile. The three day aclimatization at the start of the trip was perfect to learn the skills needed for Mt Blanc and to cope well with the altitude.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing at the foot of the Dome de Goutier at 0400 on the summit day. Looking up at the ribbon of head lamp lights snaking their way high up the Dome against the crystal clear jet black night sky and the glare of the Domes snow walls. It was a sight you just dont see unless high on a mountain at night. Magical! 

What did you think of your group leader?

One of the most inspirational and talented people I have ever met. Pushed us hard and gave us an amazing experience with lots of new skills being taught and learnt right from the start of the trip. Always felt safe with Herve despite ending up in situations and challenges that I am still telling people about today with a big smile on my face. He pushed our boundaries of what we thought we could do without ever compromising our safety and I am so grateful for the memories. Constantly cheery, endlessly knowledgeable after many years teaching people in the high mountains.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Quite simply, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trip and the greater your chances of success if the weather is good. Travel as light as possible up the mountains as every extra KG on your back has to be carried a long steep way. Leave all non essentials at the hotel. Make sure you have done some training carrying a rucksack with some weight in it as it will be attached to your back for days on end on some challenging terrain. Have a head for heights as some of the routes are narrow ledges high up. Enjoy it its an amazing week from start to finish.    

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MONT BLANC ASCENT

My Mont Blanc Trip was an excellent mountaineering experience. The skills that we learned on the training climb, through to the experience of climbing Mont Blanc du Tacul (Mont Blanc was outwith our reach owing to rockfall) were simply amazing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment of my trip was standing on the top of Mont Blanc du Tacul, with the summit of Mont Blanc and Mont Mauduit to one side and a full panoramic view of the Swiss Alps on the other.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Bernard, was excellent. He kept us safe, and every decision that he made was made with the utmost care and thorough evaluation of all the options. Simply put, he was fantastic. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I think that travellers should make sure that they have a basic level of winter mountaineering experience before attempting this climb. If you are learning how to use an ice axe and crampons for the first time then this is not the place for you. Go prepared and you will have a great time! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great all round experience with a great guide, well worth the money! Sadly the summit wasn't meant to be for us, but I will be back :)

MONT BLANC ASCENT

Massive disappoint is the best way to sum up this trip. In selecting Exodus ahead of other companies I thought I’d made a wise choice, little did I realise what awaited me in Chamonix! Put simply there was a woeful lack of organisation. The worst example of this was the failure to secure places in the Gouter refuge ahead of the group’s summit attempt. I consider myself to be pretty fit but to do Gouter route without being able to stop at the Gouter refuge was beyond me. What made me very annoyed is that like everyone else in the group I’d booked the trip months in advance thereby granting ample time to secure the necessary accommodation.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The climb from the Albert Premier to the Trient refuge.

What did you think of your group leader?

The guide provided to us was astonishingly unsuited to the role of leading a group of novice climbers. Indeed it would not be an exaggeration to state that he considered us to be little more than an inconvenience to be tolerated. Of his numerous short comings the most serious was his failure to provide the sort of snow and ice climbing training required to climb Mont Blanc safely. Incredibly he even refused to show the group how to use their ice axes when asked directly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

During the summit attempt you will be moving over steep ground so bear in mind that if you get the same guide our group did there is a possibility that you will be doing so without having received training in how to use your ice axe and crampons. I therefore recommend that you get some snow and ice climbing experience before you book this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It’s not worth paying the single room supplement as Exodus’ partners in Chamonix don’t necessarily provide you with a single room.

MONT BLANC ASCENT

A fabulous holiday. Excellent guides and superb weather. The guides were professional, supportive and extremely helpful. I owe my reaching the summit to Bernard. He was so patient with me when I couldn't find the energy to carry on. The holiday exceeded expectations indeed. A fantastic holiday highly recommended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reachign the summit

What did you think of your group leader?

Bernard was a fantastic leader. I really enjoyed the climb walking with him

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you take ear plugs. The dormitories are shared and there are some high volume snorers!!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A fabulous trip that is highly recommended. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Disappointed

The group that I was in arrived in Chamonix on 23 July 2015. We were told that as of 17 July 2015 the Company of Guides - Saint Gervais (basically the people who manage and look after the Mountain) had suspended any walking / climbing on Mont Blanc for an indefinite period. This was due to several weeks of unseasonably high temperatures melting the ice further up the mountain, so releasing rocks and causing rock fall. On the first night we were told that there was '99%' likelihood that the Gouter Route would remain closed for the duration of the trip. I am disappointed that I was not told in advance of the booking as I have a flexible work environment allowing me to move holidays. Exodus should have informed me and the rest of the group in advance providing us with the option or re-booking which in the very least would have saved approx £500 of the add on costs (UK airport parking, equipment hire, lift passes, etc.) I have done a number of trips with Exodus and never had a problem in the past, but to allow the group to fly out on a 'Mont Blanc Ascent' after months of preparation and training, when they knew the mountain was closed is very disappointing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunrise in the mountains

What did you think of your group leader?

.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

.

MONT BLANC ASCENT

Excellent holiday spoilt by travel to and from Switzerland and lack of assistance from Exodus with Swiss Air problems.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All the time spent in the mountains with a great group of likeminded fellow travellers and the excellent guides was fantastic. A good introduction to alpinism. The best conditions possible for the summit were a real bonus. The following day no one was going up to the summit as the cloud was down and the wind was up. Luckily we were heading down for the best shower in the world and a nice cold beer.

What did you think of your group leader?

A real alpinist who lives and breathes for the mountains.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't fly with Swiss Air.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The outward flight was cancelled and no help was forthcomming from Exodus. I eventually got to Geneva via Zurich several hours or more late. On the return journey after boarding the plane I was told I would have to get off as I didn't have a reservation. How odd after Swiss Air had given me a boarding card and checked my baggage onto the flight. After 10 minutes of discussion I was allowed to stay on the plane and return home.