Ascent route
Peuterey Ridge: major grand route to Mont Blanc
The Peuterey Ridge is one of the great alpine climbs of the Mont Blanc massif, often cited as the longest ridge in the Alps. Depending on the variant chosen, it totals 3,400 m (2 days from the Monzino refuge) to around 4,500 m of ascent for the integral.
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published May 7, 2026 · Updated August 3, 2026
Quick summary
Long, committing and complex, it belongs to classic grand alpinism and is not for first-ascent candidates. Graded D+ to TD+ depending on the variant, it can't easily be bailed from once committed.
Key takeaways
- Often cited as the longest ridge in the Alps
- Ascent: 3,400 to 4,500 m depending on the variant (classic or integral)
- Grade: D+ to TD+ depending on the variant
- Difficult retreat once committed to the ridge
Technical data
- SideItalian
- SectorPeuterey
- Ascent3,400 m (classic, 2 days from Monzino) to ≈ 4,500 m (integral)
- GradeD+ to TD+ depending on the variant
- CharacterGrand ridge route, often cited as the longest in the Alps
- ForExperts
Specific risks
- Length
- Commitment
- Weather
- Difficult retreat
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) — The Peuterey Ridge
Other ascent routes
Safety: Conditions in the high mountains change rapidly. The information on this page replaces neither the judgement of a high-mountain guide, nor weather bulletins, nor official information from huts and mountain safety organisations.
