Had a great experience with Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides last week with a successful ascent of Mont Blanc.
First and the most important – I was really pleased with the safety component. From the timing perspective – to avoid storms or warm temperatures which are melting the snow and creating it dangerous. Yes, we woke up early every night (up to 2am wake up for the Mont Blanc ascend), but were amongst the ones who made it without getting stuck in the thunderstorm on the top of the mountain and safely came back.
Our guide was very experienced who knew how to act within the specific sections of the mountain and was able to make it in the most safe manner, making mature judgement calls in a number of situations. He was also checking our equipment constantly and changed personal crampons of one of the group members due to its poor conditions.
First three days are not for getting into the shape as said on the web-site. Some of the group members were too slow / not fit within the test ascents in the Le Tour area and were offered to ascend another mountain – Grand Paradiso (in the end everyone felt great about the trip, otherwise it could’ve been a disaster on the way up to Mont Blanc).
On the day of the final ascent the weather started to get worse and we needed to go fast (we did the whole ascend from the Tete Rousse Hut in ~6 hours, vs planned 8). If all of us had stayed, none would have made it to the top. I do really appreciate a judgement call of the guide and was prepared to receive a no-go for myself. This shows the maturity.
The journey itself was super well organized and interesting for everybody: first three days were moderately challenging, although offered an opportunity to properly learn how to use an ice axe, crampons and walk in the group with a rope. There were also insanely beautiful views of the Swiss side of the Alps.
When approaching Mont Blanc our guide was showing his positive attitude all the way and cheering up the group in all circumstances even when we were close to the summit and had almost zero energy to go further. The journey was quite challenging and really physically demanding, but very rewarding with stunning views and never experienced before feeling of self-fulfillment after the ascent (which we fully felt over a drink organized by the guide at the bottom of the mountain).
Summarizing the above – I received well more than I expected and really appreciate efforts of the agency over this journey and would highly recommend them to others.
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