As Greg Child puts it “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” and if you need the answer and if you are into adventure sports and want to indulge in something that you possibly know about but haven’t tried then mountaineering is perhaps one of the best ones in the list of things. While the experience is enthralling, it does come with its fair share of risks as well. Mountaineering in the Alps can not just be enthralling but quite a wholesome experience in itself. All that aside, it is also quite important that you know of the peaks that are worth visiting. Given that the place has a wide range of mountains and ranges, you can be assured that you wouldn’t fall short on the number of places around. Here, we have sorted you out with every last detail that you’d probably need to know when it comes to mountaineering in the Alps.
Best Time For Mountaineering In The Alps
When it comes to mountaineering in the Alps, the experience is one of a kind because of the thick blanket of snow and the breathtaking views around. The months between June and September are often what is considered the peak time to put your mountaineering skills into use. Visiting during the summer and spring months are considered the best because of the weather and how popular things are around.
The ascent of many of these ranges takes less than a day and some even a few hours which assures that you can find something to do for every single person, irrespective of the kind of experience that they have. The majority of the mountain ranges around the Alps are deemed safe enough for climbing because of the lack of sharp edges and risky trails. Just ensure that you do have a mountain guide with you.
5 Places For Mountaineering In The Alps
The best thing about mountaineering in the Alps is the fact that the place has something to offer everyone, be it a beginner or a pro. If you ever had a dream of climbing to the top of the mountain and just look around the whole from atop, some amazing mountains are worth the visit.
1. Gran Paradiso
If you are a pro in mountaineering and have been doing this for quite some time now, visiting the Gran Paradiso is going to be a cakewalk for you. It is nestled between Aosta and the Piedmont valley in the country of Italy and is one of the most popular mountaineering in the Alps . You won’t find any kind of lift facility in Gran Paradiso National Park, which is why you must find other alternatives. The view from Chabod is possibly one of the most breathtaking views that you will get. The sunset from there, on a clear day, is one of the very best experiences that you can get. One of the highlights of this mountain is experiencing the Lavaciau Glacier which you can even walk on. Just be careful with the walk because the crevices there is quite a rough round the edges.
Location: Between Aosta and Piedmont valley
How to reach: Take a rental from Aosta
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2. Traverse Of The Entrèves
A very underrated spot, Traverse of the Entrèves is yet another popular place for mountaineering in the Alps that you can experience while being in the Alps. This is a route located around the Mont Blanc massif and offers the mountaineers a bit of everything along the way, from glaciers to the green exposure around. The climb starts with the trip from the Helbronner lift which trails up to a height of 3400 m. The views from the massif are majestic and breathtaking, a combination that you just can’t explain in words. To the western side of the massif are the Brenva face and the Peuterey ridge. The east side of the mountain hosts the Dent du Geant. The ridges and the climb gets narrower as you keep climbing up, so make sure that you are careful during the climb and don’t rush into anything.
Location: Chamonix
How to reach: Take a rental till Helbronner lift
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3. Dômes De Miage
If you wish to visit and explore one of the most breathtaking spots for mountaineering in the Alps, the Dômes de Miage is one of those. It consists of a line of six different mountain peaks and is located south of the Mont Blanc massif. It is located in the southeastern province of France and is one of the most visited and most popular mountaineering spots in the world. The mountains are around 3670 m height. The expedition for this starts from the Contamine Montjoie and from there the ascent is gradually completed over a few days. The best thing about this peak is the fact that you don’t need any kind of mountaineering experience with this one. All that you need is to ensure that your health is in the best condition and that your endurance levels are top-notch.
Location: Southeastern France
How to reach: Reach St. Gervais le Fayet railway station and drive down from there
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4. Mont Blanc De Cheilon
Next on the list of the best ranges to explore while mountaineering in the Alps is Mont Blanc de Cheilon. The most popular thing about this spot is the view of the Dix hut that it overlooks. If you are planning to become a guide for the mountaineers and want a trail that is perfect for your training needs, this is most definitely the one.
The route does offer a bit of everything that you need to experience along the way. The trail starts with a glacier which then leads on to the col du Cheillon along with a rock ridge around as well. There are several ponds and an adventure spot located around that you can visit and explore. The ridge that takes you to the top does narrow down gradually, so make sure that you are being careful about that as well. The last part of the summit is a steep one, so make sure that you are more careful in that section.
Location: Arolla
How to reach: Take a rental cab till Cabane de Dix
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5. Breithorn
For those who want the ultimate experience mountaineering in the Alps, visiting Breithorn is a once in a lifetime kind of experience that you just can’t get anywhere else. It is located between Italy and Switzerland, making this a climb worth visiting and remembering. It is one of the most popular climbing spots among the tourists visiting this place. The Klein Matterhorn cable car is one of the reasons why this is such a popular option, making this of how accessible things were.
The complete ascent will take you around 2-3 hours to complete and offers a very wholesome experience that you just can’t get with anything else around. The trek starts from Colle del Breithorn which is around a height of 3950 m. The descent is also quite easy and doesn’t require you to be an expert, which again is a good option. The climb itself isn’t that extensive and tough, so you can take your family along as well.
Location: Cervinia
How to reach: Board a cab till Cervinia where the starting point is
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What To Pack For Mountaineering In The Alps
Given how you can find easier trails along the Alps, you don’t necessarily have to carry a lot of things but you can also not forget the basics. Here are some of the important ones:
Equipment: Mountaineering equipment, GPS, Compass, Sleeping pads, Tent for hilly areas
Outfit: Jackets, Woolen clothes, Gloves, Socks, Windcheaters, Boots, Nuts
Miscellaneous: Dry fruits, Chocolates, Medicines, Insulated mugs
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Permits For Mountaineering In The Alps
The majority of the mountaineering spots around the Alps don’t need any kind of extra permit. But, for a safe side, you should always carry your identification proof with you at all times. Also, carry your health permit as well. Mountaineering in the Alps is nothing short of a dream. With so many ranges around, it can get quite confusing which one to opt for and which one to not. Amidst them all, we have sorted you out with some of the best spots that are worth exploring.
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Tips For Mountaineering In The Alps
If you are planning for mountaineering trip in the Alps, some important insights are worth keeping in mind. Some of them are:
- Keep all the essentials sorted
- Make all the bookings ahead of time
- Have a guide with you at all times
- Carry your medications, if any
- Carry excess food items for stamina
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If you are planning to go mountaineering in the Alps then you definitely are doing the right thing! You are going to be so in love with the mountains and yourself for having done something so exciting and unique. So, what are you waiting for? Plan for that long pending international trip and go climb!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mountaineering In The Alps
Which mountain in the Alps is the highest?
While the Alps is known for its mountain ranges and so many beautiful peaks around, Mont Blanc is the tallest of the mountains in the Alps.
How long will it take to climb the Alps?
If you are mountaineering through the Alps, it is going to take you around 2-3 hours to complete the entire ascent. Make sure that you do carry all the essentials with you to avoid last-minute panic.
What is the exact location of the Alpine mountains?
The location of the Alpine mountains is often confused by people. If you are curious and want to visit, they are located in south-central Europe.
When is the best time to climb Mont Blanc?
Given how high the mountain is, you need to be particular when to climb the mountain. The time between June to mid-September is considered the best option.
Where do the Alpine mountains start?
For those unaware, the Alpine mountains dominate the majority of central Europe. You can find it in several countries around.
Which country among them all has the most of the Alps?
Since we know how the Alps are spread across several countries, it is Austria which consists of the majority of the Alps. It has around 28.7% of the same.
What are the Alps known for?
Apart from the breathtaking snow-clad mountains and the amazing view, Alps is known for its adventure sports like mountaineering and skiing as well.
Are the Alps growing?
It is a question that the majority of the people have. The latest scientific reports suggest that the Alps are growing just as quickly as they are shrinking in size because of the impacts around.
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