By swerv
14 August 2008 12:38
I climbed Kilimanjaro in Feb this year and am considering Mont Blanc (guided) next year. It's graded PD, but just how 'easy' is it from a hiking perspective and how fit does one have to be ? I tend to be a lot slower than my friends and am concerned that being roped I will hold them back. Ta.
Answer
By Trail magazine
If you have already climbed Kiliimanjaro, you are well placed to attempt Mont Blanc, as Trail’s mountain expert Stuart Johnston explains…
“With Kilimanjaro at 5895m and Mont Blanc at 4807m you have a height difference of 1088m,” says Stuart. “So the fundamental difference between these trips comes in terms of time spent at altitude, weather, terrain hazards, grade and level of fitness required.
“Most trekking party schedules will take around 12 days for Kili as compared to 5 to 6 days for Mont Blanc.
“A guided Mont Blanc 6 day programme is highly recommended as it will train you in moving together on ropes, develop some technical winter skills required for the trip, including Glacier travel and some scrambling.
“Due to the nature of Alpine weather and terrain hazards the guided experience on Mont blanc mostly run on a very tight time schedule as this trip like many others need the right weather conditions for summit success.
“If guided, the grade and route up Mont Blanc is very achievable for hillwalkers as you will be roped on many sections, will use crampons and an ice axe and all technical / safety decisions will be made by your guide.
“In preparation for Mont Blanc and to give yourself every opportunity for summit success, you need to get hill fit. Getting out on long 10 to 14 hour hillwalks is exactly what will help. Think about body fuel especially hydration, your experience on Kili will have helped you understand the importance of good nutrition and hydration.
“If you are worried about holding back your friends, spend more time with them on the hill, train together at your hill pace, walking slower doesn’t mean you lack fitness a steady pace is just fine. When travelling with a group of friends it’s good to know all will support one another regardless of walking pace. On Mont Blanc If you are not moving at a pace that will achieve safe timings your guide will turn all around and abort the summit.
“Alternatively consider hiring your own guide 1-1 you may find yourself summiting well ahead of your friends on Mont Blanc 4807m”
Find out more about Stuart Johnston here