OBJECTIVE: ASCENT OF MONT BLANC (4,807 m / 15,770 ft)

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The weather will be a determining factor throughout your Mont Blanc course, although we cannot make any predictions until the last moment. Your guide may therefore have to make changes to the programme, depending on the weather conditions.

The preparation days will be carried out according to the programme unless you decide to change the programme at your own expense.

The ascent of Mont Blanc will not be possible if weather conditions do not allow it. The decision to set off up Mont Blanc will be made by your guide and by him alone. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, you will not be reimbursed but we may consider postponing the climb to the following year (this must be for both participants). If this is the case, we will ask you to spend two days in the mountains with a guide in order to prepare for the ascent of Mont Blanc.

If you and your guide decide to attempt to climb Mont Blanc during a period of bad weather, we will not refund you if you fail.

Travel overland is by private vehicle.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation. Lunch is not included, so you can bring your own picnic or choose to eat at the refuges along the way.

You can also bring your own favourite snacks.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know as soon as possible.

During the course, you will stay in hotels and refuges. The plan is to spend 3 nights in a hotel in a twin room and 3 nights in a refuge in mixed dormitories.

Physical fitness of the participants

The course should allow you to tackle the ascent of Mont Blanc in the best conditions. However, you should make sure you prepare yourself physically during the months leading up to the course. A very good level of physical fitness is essential and will allow you to really enjoy your days in the mountains. You will need to be able to walk for between 5 and 10 hours a day over some tricky terrain and at altitude. We therefore advise you to prepare yourself by regularly practising sports such as swimming, running, hiking or cycling at least 6 months before the start of the course and to intensify your sessions 1 month before the course. Also practise carrying an 8-10 kg (18-22 lbs) backpack to mimic the conditions of the course.

At the beginning of the course or at the end of the days spent preparing for the ascent, your guide will be able to tell you what you are capable of and may decide to adapt the programme according to your level, always in agreement with all the participants. No refunds will be given for changes to the programme.

Terrain

You will be hiking over different kinds of mountain and high altitude terrain during the course. You must be aware that you will be crossing terrain that may be dangerous (crevasses, avalanches, falling rocks, serac falls, sub-zero temperatures). We will be happy to provide you with information on this subject.

Supervised by a qualified French high mountain leader. During your trip, you will have one guide for two people. Your guide is the only person who will make important decisions to ensure the smooth running of the course:

In the event of cancellation of the climb due to bad weather, we will propose an alternative solution: another summit or postponement to the following year (which must be for both people at the same time).

If at least one of the two people is not physically fit enough to complete the course, you will not be refunded. An alternative solution may be proposed in agreement with the other person in the group.
At the end of the days spent preparing, your guide will decide whether to climb Mont Blanc or may suggest another summit (Grand Paradis or Mont Rose) if, in his opinion, the level of at least one person is not good enough to consider climbing Mont Blanc. No refunds or price adjustments will be offered.

No visa is required for French nationals and citizens of bordering countries.

By post:

Ask us for a registration form

• By phone: +33 (0)665 932929
• Or email: contact@watse.fr

Send us your registration along with a copy of your passport, your details (postal address, phone numbers and email address) and a deposit of 30% of the cost of the trip.

Also, if you wish to take out a Comfort or Comfort Multi-risk cancellation insurance policy, this must be paid at the same time as the deposit when you register. You can consult the insurance contracts on our website.

On the internet:

Book your stay directly on our website: on the page for the trip by selecting your date and insurance options.

PLEASE NOTE: Airfares will be maintained until 3 months before departure and may be readjusted if necessary if you are booking less than 3 months before.

We strongly advise you to take out insurance for the duration of the trip.

We offer two tailored insurance policies: Comfort Cancellation and Comfort Multi-risk to be taken out when you register for the trip.

Details of this insurance cover can be provided on request or can be viewed by clicking here.

There are other insurance options available, such as Mondial Assistance, your own insurance company or the Club Alpin Français. You should check that they cover trekking.

Make sure that your insurance covers all medical costs in the event of an accident.

It is essential that you check and ensure that you have insurance cover for mountain rescue costs. If this is the case, you must provide us with the following information prior to your departure on the trek:

A certificate from the insurance company stating that mountain rescue costs are covered.

The contract number and telephone number of the assistance centre.

Be aware of the restrictive clauses contained in certain insurance policies (particularly those linked to bank cards such as Visa Premier, Gold or others), for example mountain insurance restricted to snow activities and altitude sickness not recognised as an illness requiring repatriation, resulting in refusal to repatriate.

Please check the actual content of your insurance and make the necessary arrangements where required.