Dent du Géant – Two-Day Ascent

Dent du Géant is one of the most distinctive mountains in the Mont Blanc massif. Its granite spire rises above the Géant Glacier and the Col du Géant, in a spectacular position that can already be appreciated from the Skyway Monte Bianco.

The normal route on Dent du Géant combines high altitude, glacier travel, mixed terrain and exposed rock climbing. In the upper section, the ascent also follows the fixed ropes installed on the route, before descending the face by a series of abseils.

This two-day format is designed for well-prepared mountaineers who want to climb one of the great classic routes of the Mont Blanc massif with an IFMGA Mountain Guide. The first day allows the Guide and participant to move together on glacier, ridge and exposed terrain, choosing the most suitable objective between the Aiguilles Marbrées and the Aiguille d’Entrèves according to conditions and the participant’s level.

The second day is dedicated to the ascent of Dent du Géant, provided that weather, mountain conditions, route feasibility and the Guide’s assessment allow the climb to take place.

The two-day ascent of Dent du Géant is intended for people with previous mountaineering experience, used to moving on rock, glacier terrain and exposed alpine routes. The first day allows the Guide to assess pace, autonomy and confidence in a high-altitude environment, but it does not replace prior preparation.

Required experience:

• previous mountaineering experience on rock and glacier terrain;
• good confidence using crampons and ice axe;
• experience on exposed terrain;
• rock climbing experience, preferably also with mountaineering boots;
• familiarity with abseiling;
• good physical fitness for two consecutive days at high altitude.

1.100 € / person

The price includes

• IFMGA Mountain Guide service for 2 days.
• Professional liability insurance of the Guide.

The price does not include

• Skyway Monte Bianco return ticket to Punta Helbronner.
• Overnight stay and half-board at the Torino Hut for the participant.
• Half-board at the Torino Hut for the Guide.
• Travel to/from the meeting point.
• Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned.
• Rental of personal equipment.
• Personal expenses.
• Anything not expressly listed under “The price includes”.

Accomodation
Overnight stay at the Torino Hut, with half-board. Accommodation is in shared rooms or dormitories; a sleeping bag liner is required.

Day 1 – High-altitude climb and overnight stay at the Torino Hut

Meeting at the Skyway Monte Bianco station in Courmayeur, equipment check and initial briefing with the Mountain Guide.

Ascent by cable car to Punta Helbronner and access to the Géant Glacier. Depending on mountain conditions and the participant’s experience, the day will be dedicated to either the Aiguilles Marbrées traverse or the Aiguille d’Entrèves.

Both routes offer the opportunity to move on glacier, rock and exposed terrain, while assessing pace, movement skills, rope-team management and confidence in a high-altitude environment before the ascent planned for the following day.

Overnight stay at the Torino Hut.

Day 2 – Ascent of Dent du Géant

Morning departure from the Torino Hut towards Dent du Géant.

After a first section on the glacier, the route reaches the Gengiva, which is climbed on mixed terrain up to the start of the rocky section. From here, the main ascent begins along the normal route, on exposed rock and with the support of the fixed ropes installed on the itinerary.

Once the summit of Dent du Géant is reached, at 4,014 metres, the descent follows a series of abseils down to the base of the face. The route then continues back towards Punta Helbronner before returning to the valley with the Skyway Monte Bianco.