Tourism & access
Compagnie du Mont-Blanc
Useful resource for the lifts, in particular the Aiguille du Midi, Bellevue, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc and the approaches.
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Access and logistics for the Mont Blanc ascent
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published May 10, 2026 · Updated July 16, 2026
Access to Mont Blanc depends heavily on the chosen route. The Goûter route is organized from Saint-Gervais, Les Houches or Nid d'Aigle. The Trois Monts traverse usually starts from the Aiguille du Midi. Gonella is approached from Courmayeur and the Val Veny.
1. Chamonix
Historic base of mountaineering, Chamonix is the logical starting point for the Aiguille du Midi, the Cosmiques refuge, the Trois Monts traverse and many acclimatization outings.
2. Saint-Gervais / Le Fayet
Saint-Gervais and Le Fayet are essential for accessing the Mont-Blanc Tramway, Nid d'Aigle and the normal Goûter route.
3. Les Houches
Les Houches provides access to the Bellevue sector, often used in the approach to the normal route.
4. Courmayeur / Val Veny
Courmayeur is the base for the Italian side. The Val Veny gives access to the Gonella refuge and Italian routes.
5. Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi is the key access point to the Cosmiques refuge and the Trois Monts traverse. It already imposes an abrupt arrival at altitude.
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Access and logistics resources
Tourism & access
Chamonix.com
Chamonix tourist office, useful for logistics, access, accommodation and valley information.
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Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc
Tourist office for the Saint-Gervais side, useful for the normal route, the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, the Nid d'Aigle and the huts.
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Courmayeur Mont Blanc
Tourist office for the Italian side, useful for the Val Veny, the Gonella hut and the Italian routes.
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