Activities

Aiguille Verte climbing course - Whymper Couloir

« Climbing Aiguille Verte makes an alpinist become a mountaineer ! » These famous words were pronounced by Gaston Rébuffat. They undoubtedly contributed to the fame of this legendary peak.

From the village of les Praz one can easily admire the Aiguille Verte, definitely one of the most elegant and imposing peak of the Mont Blanc massif and throughout the Alps!

It was first conquered by the famous British alpinist Edward Whymper, accompanied by his Swiss guides Christian Almer and Franz Biner, on the 29th of June, 1865. One hundred and forty six years later, the Whymper Couloir is still considered to be “ the normal route » to the summit.

According to the legend, Whymper had previously climbed to a sub-peak on Grandes Jorasses - “Pointe Whymper” -in order to get a good view over the Verte and the obvious couloir. Only a few days later Edward Whymper successfully reached the summit of the Verte, via the Whymper couloir.

On Grandes Jorasses, he was probably intensively focused on the Verte , and didn’t care about the true and still virgin summit of Grandes Jorasses, - Pointe Walker -.

First of all we hike up Mer de Glace , then climb up a series of steep and airy ladders to access the trail that leads to the Couvercle mountain hut (2687m) . After a short night, an early start is necessary to climb the couloir, which faces South and warms up very early in the day. A large part of the ascent is therefore by night. Parties will greet the sun only once high up and close to the summital ridge line.

The grade for this long and snowy couloirs varies from 45° to 55°. The descent is rather committing due to exposure. An early start is fundamental as it will allow a safe descent.

Difficulty: this route requires a very good level of fitness, and a solid mountaineering experience. (ie. climbed several AD routes with good cramponing skills)

Ski touring skills are recommanded.

DATES : On Mondays, from mid April to Mid JulyPlease feel free to contact us anytime to check the conditions !

Due to the consecutive hot and dry past summers, dates for this course happen earlier than other courses. This course is in best condition during the spring, when snow and icing conditions are still good.

PRICE 2017: 2900 € per person

Including:

- Organization and supervision by a State qualified high mountain guide

- Lifts

- Midday picnics

- Half board accommodation in mountain huts.

Not included :

-Personal equipment

-Accommodation in Chamonix.

-Rapatriation insurance

For any further information, feel free to contact Flore: +33 4 50 53 00 88 or by email