Summit Success on Mont Blanc

On the summit of Mont Blanc after Climbing the Trois Monts Route.

Blackbird teams led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais scored 100% success on Mont Blanc this month.

Over the course of three weeks, Zeb led 3 teams up two routes on the highest peak in Western Europe: the Goȗter Route and the Trois Monts Route. With mixed weather, the three groups were able to summit Mont Blanc despite rain, high winds and unpredictable weather.

Climbers traversing from the Col de la Branva to the Col du Mont Maudit (descending) on the Trois Monts Route of Mont Blanc. Photo: Zeb Blais.

Climbing conditions have generally been excellent this season, with late season snow sticking high on the mountain. Even with the late snow, there were still typical serac and rockfall issues with the Trois Monts and Goȗter Routes respectively.

And, as always with Mont Blanc, there was unsettled weather. Despite some unappealing weather forecasts, our teams managed high winds, cold temps and precipitation to make summits on each of our trips this season. Our last trip of the season was the exception, with excellent weather for the duration of the climb.

Mont Blanc Trips this Season:

3 Day Goȗter Route

(Day 1 Tete Rousse, Day 2 Summit and descend to Refuge du Goȗter, Day 3 descend to Le Fayet via Tramway du Mont Blanc)

Climbers gather on the deck of the Refuge du Gouter at sunset after climbing Mont Blanc. Photo: Zeb Blais.

2 Day Traverse ascending the Trois Monts, descending the Goȗter

(Day 1 Refuge des Cosmiques, Day 2 Summit and descend to Les Houches via Tramway du Mont Blanc/Bellevue Cablecar)

Summit of Mont Blanc via the Trois Monts Route

Zeb with a client on the summit of Mont Blanc after climbing the Trois Monts Route.

3 Day Traverse ascending the Trois Monts, descending the Goȗter

(Day 1 Refuge des Cosmiques, Day 2 Summit and descend to Refuge du Goȗter, Day 3 descend to Les Houches via Tramway du Mont Blanc/Bellevue Cablecar)

Dinner at the Refuge du Gouter on Mont Blanc

The team enjoying a very tasty meal at the Refuge du Gouter after a successful summit of Mont Blanc. Food tastes really good after a long summit day! Photo: Zeb Blais.