Up and Down Western Europe's Highest Mountain in a Day

In August, 2008, as I checked into my hostel for a week long climbing class in Chamonix, the hostel manager asked me if I had heard. Heard about what I replied? He indicated that a freak ice and snow avalanche buried 8 climbers at 3 am on their way to the Mont Blanc summit via the du Tacul route. It had been a long time that this number of people had been killed all at once there. It was a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers the mountains can present. I had enrolled in a week long class to hone my climbing skills that included climbing Mont Blanc at the end of the week.

Early in the week, I enhanced my knowledge of how to use an ice axe, crampons and the rope. Additionally we learned how to climb on various rock pitches, navigate glaciers, safely cross crevasses, scale walls with solid holds, belay the guide and generally use our clothing to maintain a comfortable body temperature and all the while, take in some of the most incredible mountain views the great French Alps have to offer. 

Remi was my guide, a truly fit and very knowledgeable French mountaineer with 20 years of experience. His strong climbing skills were easily evident. That provided a comforting sense of security in the climbing for me, making the week much more enjoyable. Additionally the weather was excellent and provided us with unrestricted access to climbing and the panoramas.