Mont Blanc is a great trip for everyone in that there are no technical prerequisites – you don’t need any prior technical mountaineering or rock-climbing experience. However, having some baseline experience with alpine and glacier climbing, cramponing, and ice axe arrest is ideal. Regardless of your experience, we will cover all the necessary skills in our 2-day training and acclimatization climbs as part of our expedition. These foundation skills are ones you will use religiously throughout your entire climbing career, making our skills training an asset to all climbers.

That said, there is a prerequisite that you are physically very fit and healthy. Mont Blanc shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘easy’ just because it is suitable for beginners. Like any large glaciated climb, it should not be underestimated.

If you are looking for a skills-based course and climb to hone your technical mountaineering skills prior to your expedition, check out our Australian Alpine Academy and Mount Baker Alpine Academy.

You need to be very physically fit and able to dedicate time to ‘climbing-specific training’ in the lead-up to your expedition. Being in top shape will also ensure you enjoy your climb, feel good throughout, and get the most out of the experience.

It is vital that your training closely simulates what you will be doing on the mountain. Traditional gym workouts or general fitness plans aren’t targeted enough. Instead, you need to emulate long physical days (8+ hours) in the mountains

We recommend that you:

• Start specific mountaineering training at least 3 months in advance
• Train at least 4-5 days a week for an hour or more
• Focus on high-volume but low-intensity training
• Don’t forget the cardio, strength training, and stretching.
• A good goal is to be able to comfortably climb 1,500 vertical feet per hour with a 40lb pack
• Schedule a few weekends where you can do two or more full days back-to-back. Multi-day hikes carrying a pack with good elevation gains and descents are ideal.

Mindset and mental preparation are integral to your success on any peak. You should be prepared:

• To be away from home/work for the duration of your climb
• Have a desire for rugged adventure travel
• Be open to receiving and deferring to guidance, support, and advice from your guides/expedition leaders (even if you are an experienced mountaineer)
• Be comfortable having open conversations with your guides
• Be able to work well in a team environment by being supportive and respectful of fellow teammates
• Be humble, respectful, and considerate even under pressure