All Mont Blanc ascent routes
Published July 12, 2026 · Updated July 13, 2026
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix
There isn't just one route to climb Mont Blanc. The Goûter normal route is the most frequented, but the massif has several major itineraries, very different in atmosphere, difficulty, exposure and history. Some routes can suit a first ascent guided by a mountain guide. Others belong to classic grand alpinism or highly committing climbs.
Goûter Route
France / Saint-Gervais
The most frequented route on the French side. It passes through Tête Rousse, the Grand Couloir, the Goûter hut, the Dôme du Goûter, the Vallot shelter and the Bosses ridge.
Three Monts Traverse
France / Chamonix
Glacier itinerary from the Aiguille du Midi and the Cosmiques hut, passing over Mont Blanc du Tacul and Mont Maudit before reaching the summit.
Gonella / Aiguilles Grises
Italy / Val Veny
Long, wild Italian route from Val Veny, passing through the Gonella hut, the Dôme glacier and the Aiguilles Grises.
Grands Mulets
France / Chamonix
Historic route on the north side, often combined with spring ski touring, with glacier travel from the Bossons sector.
Miage-Bionnassay
France / Italy
Scenic, committing itinerary via the Miage and Bionnassay ridges, for experienced alpinists.
Brenva
Italy
Major Italian side of Mont Blanc, known for its historic, committing and exposed routes.
Peuterey
Italy
One of the most major ridge climbs in the massif, long, complex and reserved for expert alpinists.
Innominata
Italy
Great wild and committing Italian route, associated with the Brouillard / Frêney side.
Brouillard
Italy
Major sector of the Italian side, with grand alpinism routes on one of the most impressive faces of Mont Blanc.
Voie Major
Italy
Historic route on the Brenva face, reserved for very experienced parties depending on conditions.
Route comparison
| Route | Side | Level | Commitment | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goûter Route | France / Saint-Gervais | Classic alpinism | Moderate to sustained | First guided ascent |
| Three Monts Traverse | France / Chamonix | Intermediate to advanced | Sustained | Experienced alpinists |
| Gonella / Aiguilles Grises | Italy / Val Veny | Advanced | Sustained | Endurance alpinists |
| Grands Mulets | France / Chamonix | Advanced | Sustained | Alpinists or ski mountaineers |
| Miage-Bionnassay | France / Italy | Very advanced | High | Experienced alpinists |
| Brenva | Italy | Expert | Very high | Very strong alpinists |
| Peuterey | Italy | Expert | Very high | Expert alpinists |
| Innominata | Italy | Expert | Very high | Expert alpinists |
| Brouillard | Italy | Expert | Very high | Experts |
| Voie Major | Italy | Expert | Very high | Experts |
Frequently asked questions
Access & logistics
The Three Peaks traverse starts from the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) — first cable car from 6:30am in high season, round-trip fare €83 (2026), crampons mandatory as soon as you exit the cable car. Our practical guide covers schedules, required equipment and the route from the cable car station to the Col du Midi.
Aiguille du Midi — practical guide for alpinists
