Aiguille Verte - Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix

The Aiguille Verte is the mythical summit of the Mont Blanc massif. The famous mountaineer and writer Gaston Rébuffat played a major role in its success, when he said of it: "Avant la Verte on est alpiniste, à la Verte on devient Montagnard".

Day 1 Race from Pointe Helbronner - Overnight at Torino hut (3,370m)
Before undertaking the ascent of the Aiguille Verte, it's essential that your body acclimatize to the altitude. Your guide must also assess your technical skills to ensure they match the demands of such an ascent. This stage also offers the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments to prepare yourself fully. Example of a completed climb: Aiguilles Marbrées southwest corridor (3,535m), night at Refuge Torino.

Day 2 Race from Refuge Torino
This second day will consolidate your body's essential adaptation to altitude, while giving you the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments. Example of a completed run: Gervasutti Couloir to Tour Ronde (3,798m).

Day 3 Rest
Day of rest or adaptation to weather conditions.

Day 4 Ascent to Couvercle refuge (2,687m)
Departure from Montenvers (1,913m), reached by train. Climb up the Mer de Glace, pass the Egralets ladders and follow the path to the refuge. 3 to 4 hours of effort.

Day 5 Ascent of Aiguille Verte (4,122m) via the Whymper couloir
Departure around 1:00 am. Approach walk on the Glacier de Talèfre to reach the start of the couloir. Ascent of the couloir (45-50°) to the summit reached earlier in the day. Descent by the same route, combining de-escalation and abseiling. Return to the refuge, then back to Montenvers. 10 to 12 hours of effort for the return journey to the refuge.