Let's hike to the top of the European Union!
The group is full! You can register for the waiting list.
This trip is for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and charm of mountaineering. It doesn't matter if you are an old mountaineer or a complete beginner - if you are in good physical shape, this large and snowy mountain is doable for you.
This summer we will once again undertake a journey to the summit of the coveted White Mountain, or Mont Blanc. But since there are so many ambitious travelers, we will also attempt the summit twice this year - in June and August. In June we will undertake the standard or Gouter route, but we'll get to know each other better in August 3 peaks with route, which is longer in distance, but without the dangerous Surmakuluar section.
Mont Blanc probably needs no introduction — it’s a 4809m-high snow-capped peak right on the border of France and Italy, considered the highest peak in both countries and Western Europe. Set amidst an idyllic mountain landscape, the extremely popular peak is probably every mountaineer’s dream. to do in the list.
The summit of Mont Blanc is preceded by an acclimatization program, during which we train our bodies to cope with altitude, practice moving on a glacier and using mountaineering equipment. To enrich our summit lists, we will also climb to the top of some easier mountains (with an altitude of about 3500 m) during the acclimatization process.
During acclimatization we will stay in the cozy Torino mountain hut, where we will be treated to excellent hut meals. During the summit climb of Mont Blanc we will stay in the Cosmiques hut.
When we are not on the mountain, we are based in the beautiful small town of Chamonix, which offers a magnificent view of Mont Blanc and therefore attracts people from both far and near to visit us. We spend the night in tents at the campsite and cook our own meals using camping stoves, buying the necessary food from the local shop. However, Chamonix also has many restaurants where we can also eat.
Overview - short & sweet
Goal: Mont Blanc 4809 m (Three Peaks Route)
Dates: August 5-13, 2024
Activity: mountain climbing, mountain hiking
Accommodation: tents, mountain huts
Adventure guide: Kaarel Kuslap
Technical difficulty level: 2/5 (suitable for beginners).
Route difficulty: PD+
Physical difficulty: 3/5 (requires good physical fitness)
Group size: 12 (including 1 guide)
Trip price — 1750€
Please note: For community members discount applies -5% 1660 €
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Travel cost
Price includes
Travel arrangements and on-site guidance
Guidance by a multi-experienced Mont Blanc adventurer
All overnight stays (cabins in the mountains, camping fees at the campsite below)
Local transportation (gondola, buses, trains)
Breakfast and dinner in mountain huts
Special climbing equipment for the group (ropes, ice augers, carabiners and other glacier equipment)
Stylish Elamus+ designed sports shirt
Group pharmacy (including high-altitude medications)
Price does not include
Flight tickets Tallinn-Geneva-Tallinn (~350€)
Bus Geneva-Chamonix-Geneva (~30€)
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking)
Personal hiking and climbing equipment (can also be rented) from us)
Drinks and snacks (including lunch) on the mountain
Meals off the mountain
Tents and cooking equipment at the campsite (we will fold the tent up)
Unscheduled excursions, transportation, etc. (or if you want to do something extra)
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, a deposit (20%) must be paid within 3 business days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by email; if there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule and activities
Day 1 (05.08) - Down the mountain with the Iron Bird!
We fly from Tallinn to the Swiss city of Geneva. Although our destination Chamonix is located in France, Geneva is the closest stopover and has very good flight and bus connections. From there, we take a bus for an hour or two to Chamonix, a small but important village in the Alps, because that is where the trail to Mont Blanc begins. We spend the night in our tents at a campsite right next to Chamonix. This place will be our base camp for the entire trip.
Day 2 (06.08) - acclimatization begins
In the morning we take a bus through the mountain to the Italian side. From there we take the gondola to our first meters of elevation and drive to the Torino hut at 3375 m, where we spend 2 nights. Since this is not a beach holiday, after lunch we put on glacier equipment and go to the glacier near the hut to remind ourselves of rope walking and self-braking with a pickaxe. In the hut we can enjoy a refreshing dinner and enjoy beautiful views of the valley on the Italian side and the impressive Dent du Geant mountain.
Day 3 (07.08) - LET'S REACH THE FIRST SUMMITS
We pack our gear for the day early and go try climbing the 3600 m high mountain called Aguille d'Entreves. It is a rocky traverse that requires both rappelling and belaying at stations. We learn the necessary skills the previous evenings while traveling.
Ascent meters: 400 m
hike duration: 8 hours
Day 4 (08.08) - BACK TO GREEN
In the morning we pack up our things from the hut and start our trek back towards Chamonix. The return journey is easy, as we can take the gondola and bus directly to the campsite. The evening is free and everyone can spend it as they wish.
Day 5 (09.08) - rest day
After the first big effort, it's time to take a breather and get to know Chamonix, the Mecca of mountaineering, more closely. The town has numerous hiking shops where you can upgrade your equipment if necessary. Those looking for a slightly more adventurous experience can also try paragliding or rock climbing on the sports trails near Chamonix. Rumor has it that you can also get the best macaroons in the world from a sweet shop in Chamonix, but you'll have to see for yourself. ;) Depending on the wishes of the group members, we will spend the day together or separately.
Day 6 (10.08) - the journey to the top of the white mountain begins
Our bodies are rested, our supplies are replenished, so we put on our backpacks and head back to the mountain! We first take the gondola to the top of the famous Aguille du Midi. The Midi is Chamonix's main tourist attraction, and most tourists come there just for the gondola ride. At the gondola station, we climb over the fence, drawing astonished glances from tourists, because there are many signs all around saying "Don't go there!" and small warning signs saying "climber exit". We hike for about 2 hours along the glacier to the Cosmiques hut. There we stay in comfortable dormitories and enjoy a three-course dinner. From the hut's window and balcony, you can see the next day's journey.
descent meters: 200 m
hike duration: 2 hours
Hut altitude: 3613 m
Day 7 (11.08) - you can smell the peak in the air
We wake up in the early hours of the morning and start moving along the rope with our headlamps, one foot in front of the other, getting closer and closer to the roof of the European Union. The journey to the summit from Cosmiques base camp should take about 8-10 hours and down about 7 hours, so it will be a long and exhausting day.
As the name suggests, the summit route is a three-peak route. First, we climb to the summit of Mont Blanc du Tac, then we descend a little down the other side of the mountain and a view opens up that is more reminiscent of the Disney movie “Frozen” than real life, as the surrounding area is a lifeless land of ice and snow.
The second mountain that will be on our way is Mont Maudit. This is the most difficult part of the entire climb, because the climb is steep. In case of icy conditions, we install ice drills and move with proper security. Fortunately, in normal conditions, it is enough to lift one foot in front of the other.
Before reaching the summit, we have to descend once more from the back of Maudit. After that, the summit is within reach and we face the final tiring climb in the thin air. Finally, we reach the top of the Alps! Oh, the joy and emotion. Done!
After some summit pictures, hugs, and snacks, we descend back the way we came, which is fortunately made a little easier by gravity. If we're quick, we can take the gondola down to civilization the same day. While we enjoy the summit climb longer, we stay overnight at the already beloved Cosmiques hut.
Ascent meters: 1600 m
descent meters: 1600 m
hike duration: 16 hours
Hut altitude: 3613 m
DAY 8 (12.08) - Reserve day
This is a backup day in case the weather doesn't allow us to summit on the right day. This means that using the backup day will push the summit day and everything that follows forward by one day (does not affect the return time). However, we are still expected to summit within the planned schedule and not need to use the backup day.
Day 9 (13.08) - back home
We pack up at camp and head home. Or to the next adventures - who knows how. Anyway, one thing is clear: regardless of whether we managed to stand on the top of Mont Blanc a few days ago or not, we will all go home richer with unforgettable memories and powerful experiences!
NB! There may be minor changes to the schedule and planned activities - for example, due to weather and conditions or passenger requests.
Don't worry, let's do it!
How physically fit do I need to be to reach the peak?
Going straight to the summit of the highest peak in the Alps may seem daunting at first glance, but it's not that bad — especially if you have a good guide at your side. Although Mont Blanc doesn't require technical skills, it does require good physical fitness and mental stamina, as the summit day is very long.
Due to the individual characteristics and sports preferences of people, it is difficult to provide uniform indicators for assessing good physical fitness. To give a few examples, a person in good physical shape can run a half marathon in under 2,5 hours, a marathon in under 6 hours. Or cycle 130-150 km in a row. Or complete the main distance of the Tartu Marathon in February. It is important that your body can work with a high pulse for several hours in a row and your leg muscles can push you up a hill several hundred meters. At least as important is mental endurance during long, intense activities (motivating yourself, dividing the journey into sections, walking in silence in your thoughts).
But I don't have any hiking gear, who can afford to buy it?
You'll still have to spend a little, but not much. Hiking and climbing equipment can be rented at a very reasonable price and, of course, borrowed from friends. In addition, you can use any kind of existing clothing; for example, a ski jacket is also very good for the mountain. The more resourceful can manage almost without additional expenses. Special equipment can also be rented.
What you definitely shouldn't skimp on are decent waterproof mountain boots with a stiff sole. A stiff sole ensures that the crampons don't come off your boot in the middle of the mountain and that your feet don't get so tired on rocky ground. Read more about it FROM HERE.
Will I survive?
It's an extreme sport/hobby, but you shouldn't be too afraid here. Of course, there are certain dangers in the mountains and you have to take them into account, but accidents happen in everyday life too. The most important thing for the group leader is to ensure the safety of the participants — to do this, we learn and use correct mountaineering techniques and turn around if the weather gets too bad. The point is still to have an enjoyable experience and not let this mountain go away. ;)
Okay, I registered. Now what?
Well, theoretically you could just vanish into thin air and appear on a plane, but then you risk discovering “oops, I have the wrong crampons and what is this middleman node?” on the spot. It can happen, but we highly recommend participating in preparatory events — it’s part of the fun. We organize preparatory hikes and trainings, advise on suitable insurance and equipment, where to rent cheaply, what to train for, etc. We will definitely review the equipment you have collected just before the start of the trip and send reminders about important things.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
ID card/passport;
sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participating in the mountain hike;
travel insurance.
Plan your trip early and start training for it. We will organize several trial trips, training sessions and recommend training plans beforehand. It would be a shame if the peak was only behind the physique. Also a good opportunity to get in shape. ;)
Summits are not guaranteed. As you might expect, weather is king in the mountains. So it is entirely possible that weather or dangerous conditions will prevent us from even attempting the summit. Nevertheless, it will definitely be an awesome experience!
Although at the end of the day everyone is still responsible for their own actions and consequences, we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with mountaineering. As a result, the group leader has the right to make ongoing decisions about the competence of the participants, the suitability of their equipment, physical/mental capacity, etc. and, if necessary, for example, to prohibit participation on summit day if it endangers the health of the group or the participant themselves. Hopefully, of course, there will be no need for this.
Read also travel conditions.
