Mt Blanc in July. - # - Andrew's Adventures

Amazing Adventures in Beautiful Places

In summer I enrolled in a five day mountaineering course, aimed at climbing Mt Blanc - Europe's highest mountain at 4,807m - via the 3 Monts route. Whilst significantly more vertical than the standard Gouter track, this route is considered more aesthetic. I discovered that in the mountains, this can also mean 'terrifying.' Don't miss the published story of this adventure!

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Mountaineering boots are rigid. This stops crampons falling off them but they're not the most comfortable. I discovered this common injury when I eventually got down. Altitude sickness, cold, exhaustion and sunburn/frostnip, I discovered, are all part of the joys of mountaineering!

After that, it was time for some relaxed hiking around the Chamonix valley, in very comfortable running shoes! The first day I hiked the North side of the valley from the top of the Flegere to Planpraz lifts. Beautiful trails were abundant, leading to mysterious lakes over the top of peaks, and to distant huts.

Given the excellent weather the paragliders were out in force. It was rush hour at the top of the Planpraz lift.

Most people heading for the summit start at 2 am, to allow plenty of time to deal with unexpected contingencies and return safely by nightfall. Breakfast is served at 1, 3, 5 and 7 am. The rooms sleep 20, and people leave throughout the night. Few are left to leave at dawn.