An ideal first high-mountain climb
The Aiguille du Tour (3,540 m) is one of the best peaks for discovering mountaineering in the Mont Blanc massif. Situated between the Glacier du Tour on the French side and the Glacier de Trient on the Swiss side, this route offers a complete immersion in the world of high-mountain climbing.
Accompanied by a high-mountain guide, you will learn to move roped-up on a glacier, use crampons and an ice axe, and manage your exertion at altitude. The route alternates between an approach walk, glacier traverses and easy rocky sections to reach a panoramic summit facing Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte, the Chardonnet and the great peaks of Chamonix.
This climb is perfect for fit individuals looking for their first mountaineering experience, to sleep in a mountain hut and discover the unique thrills of a high-altitude trek. Although technically accessible, the Aiguille du Tour requires a good level of fitness and a willingness to walk for several hours with a rucksack at altitude.
Why choose this climb?
- An iconic peak in the Mont Blanc massif
- A perfect route for beginners to mountaineering
- A night in the high-altitude Albert 1er refuge
- An introduction to glacier traversing techniques
- A varied route: trail, moraine, glacier, snow and rock
- Exceptional views of the Chamonix peaks
- Supervision provided by a qualified mountain guide
- The Albert 1er refuge is situated above the Tour Glacier in the Mont Blanc massif and serves as a classic gateway for routes such as the Aiguille du Tour, the Chardonnet or the Aiguille d’Argentière.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 – Ascent to the Albert 1er refuge
- Meeting point: Argentière / Le Tour car park, in the morning
- Access: Le Tour ski lifts (subject to opening times)
- Walk: approx. 1½ to 2 hours to the refuge
- Elevation gain: approx. 550 to 600 m depending on the route
- Overnight: Albert 1er refuge, in a mixed-gender dormitory
- After meeting your guide, you’ll head to the Tour area and take the ski lifts towards Charamillon or the Col de Balme, depending on the day’s plan. The approach walk takes you to the Albert 1er refuge, situated at an altitude of around 2,700 m.
The afternoon is spent familiarising yourself with the equipment and, weather permitting, an introduction to basic techniques: cramponing, roping up, using an ice axe and moving on snow or ice.
Day 2 – Ascent of the Aiguille du Tour 3,540 m
- Departure: early in the morning, often using headlamps
- Terrain: Tour Glacier, Col Supérieur du Tour, final ridge
- Summit: Aiguille du Tour 3,540 m
- Walking time: approximately 7–8 hours in total
- Elevation gain: approximately 830–840 m from the refuge
- Return: Tour car park at the end of the day
The hike starts early from the refuge to take advantage of the best snow conditions. You will progress roped up across the Tour Glacier to the Col Supérieur du Tour, before reaching the summit section of the Aiguille du Tour. The final ascent combines glacier and easy rocky sections.
At the summit, the view opens up to the Tour and Trient glaciers, the Aiguille Verte, the Chardonnet, the Swiss peaks and the entire Mont Blanc massif.
The return is via the same route, with a descent to the refuge and then to the Tour car park at the end of the day. The guide may adapt the itinerary depending on the weather, mountain conditions and the group’s ability.
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