We are planning on climbing Mont Blanc via either Gouter Hut or Grand Mulets Hut and would appreciate advice on good locations to spend time acclimitising on the ascent. Could you please indicate if your suggestion is near a hut or if tent is required?

Any advice on worthwhile sights/activities in nearby areas also appreciated.

Thanks

-- Ben Atchison (ben_atchison@excite.com), March 14, 2003

Answers

Neither route really has a good place to "hang out and acclimatise". Your best bet would be to go on one or two acclimatising trips. Aiguille du Tour from the Albert Premiere is a good bet, as is the Aiguille d'Argentiere and Col du Tour Noir, both easily reached from the Argentiere hut. For outstanding views, a trip to the Couvercle hut is also a good bet and if your technical skills are up to it, the Aiguille du Moine. The Gouter hut is generally the safer route, but it's very crowded. There's lots to do in Cham; depends how much of a tourist you are! The Aiguille Rouge has some nice hikes with great views of the Mt. Blanc range. Nowhere has anything remotely like solitude, however!

-- Peter Neame (pneame@hsc.usf.edu), April 06, 2003.