8 days' technique and equipment training, followed by a 3 day summit attempt and descent     21st July - 2nd July 2008.

Mont Blanc (White Mountain) stands above the valley of Chamonix in France. Its ice covered summit is 4,808 metres (15,770 ft) above sea level. Centuries ago is was also known as Mont Maudit, translated means "Accursed Mountain". 

On June 21st 2008 I set off on the 2nd leg of my quest to achieve my "Ultimate Goal".

This trip is in 2 parts. The first takes place in Arolla, Switzerland. For seven days I am taught and practice my skills in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, route finding, navigation, roping - up / short roping techniques, appropriate ice axe / crampon techniques, movement on Alpine terrain (rock, snow & ice), belaying / protection, choosing the right clothing / equipment and mountaineering on Alpine routes.

The itinerary for this will be as follows:

Sunday: Essential skills training, use of ice axe, crampons and roping up for glacier travel.

Monday: Ascend to the Aiguille Rouge Hut. From here we practice rope work for the climb, belaying and crampon techniques.

Tuesday: Climb the Pointe de Vouassson (3.489 mtrs). After a successful summit we descend to the valley base.

Wednesday: This is a technical training day, including rock climbing, abseiling and advanced rope work such as jumaring and improvised rescues.

Thursday: We take a mountain stroll to the Bertol Hut, Dix Hut or Vignettes with continuing mountain skills practice.

Friday: Depending on weather conditions we climb Aiguille de la Tsa, Mt Blanc de Cheilon or Pigne d'Arolla all approximately 3,700 mtrs +.

 

During the second phase the itinerary will be as follows:

Sunday: Morning preparation for Mt Blanc. Ascend to Tete Rousse Hut (3,167mtrs).

Monday: Climb Mt Blanc via the Gouter Route, climbing today to Gouter Hut (3,817 mtrs). Depending on weather conditions and fitness we may climb to the summit and descend to the Gouter Hut in the evening.

Tuesday: If the summit ascent has not taken place I will leave very early morning on the Gouter Route, summit and descend to the valley. If we were successful on Monday then we will just descend to the valley and our hotel in Chamonix.

After a couple of days of rest and relaxation I set off back to the UK.

Plans are taking place to have a live link via satellite phone on the summit of Mont Blanc. Watch this space for more details.

This trip is again fundraising for Leukaemia Busters so please donate as much as you can. Just click on the "just giving" badge to donate directly on line. Alternatively contact me on mail@chrisgwilliams.co.uk . I would also love to see your messages on the blog page or in the guest book. I appreciate all the messages of support given so far.

Thank you for generous gifts.

Chris