Mont Blanc Traverse: Trois Monts - Gouter

Follow me, along with my friends Emily and Bret as we traverse the highest peak in western Europe, Mont Blanc, ascending the Trois Monts route from the Cosmiques Hut, then descending the Gouter route. These are the two most popular routes on Mont Blanc. This is the first video in Project 65 Adventures, my personal project to document 65 adventures (big and small) as I turn 65.

[@johnvanek1]

I hope you enjoy this traverse of Mont Blanc! It is the first video in my Project 65 Adventures where I'll be sharing videos of my adventures as I turn 65!

[@ryangibson6294]

Fantastic video John, loved the touch of the timing details at the end, really helpful for the planning phase I’m currently in 👍

[@johnvanek1]

Thanks, Ryan! Stay tuned for more videos that cover the equipment we carried, and things to know about climbing / adventuring in the Chamonix area. Best wishes for your climb.

[@IanandAudreyeattheworld]

Great video! Very informative of the route you took, and some really breathtaking views. And I can see why that’s one of your favorite photos, the sunsets made all the colors so vibrant. What a milestone! Good job!

[@christianadventuresp2072]

HI John, I love your video. My son and I are in planning stage right now as well and I am thinking to use exact the same time slots as you did. Any chance you can share a map with me as well. As internet just saturated with so much information, it is hard to filter. Thank you in advance. I did message you on FB.

[@johnvanek1]

Christian, thanks for the kind words. I highly recommend the Rock Fax Chamonix book by Charlie Bosco for a detailed route description, although you can likely find his Trois Monts route description online, too. A map of the route is of limited value for a few reasons. First, the route will be obvious from all the boot pack from all the other climbers. Even after a snowfall it will be visible within 24-48 hours (I’m talking summer conditions and after any avalanche concerns have passed. Second, you won’t be alone on the Trois Monts, and certainly not on the Gouter; there will be other climbers within sight, if not by voice. Third, the route will vary slightly each season (and during the season) due to snow and weather conditions. Not enough to make a map worthless, but if you were following a GPS track from last year, it may take a different path than what people are taking today. As MB is so heavily guided, the local guides alter the path as needed to avoid open crevasses and mitigate other risks. Frankly, it’s just a matter of following the path in front of you. If you have the skills (meaning, you don’t need to be trained by a guide) I recommend you build in time before your MB attempt and spend it climbing the Pointes Lachenal, and the Lawrence and Cosmiques Arete. (Again, see the Rock Fax book.) These routes are all easily accessible from the Aiguille du Midi and allow you to view the first part of the TM route ascending from the Cosmiques hut up Mont Blanc de Tacul. You’ll see the boot pack. I didn’t get you FB message, but let me know if I can be of further assistance. Climb on!

[@henleyjohnson]

Thanks for the video. Do you have an image of the map with the route you took? I want to zoom in on it.

[@johnvanek1]

I do! DM me on Facebook please. Thanks for the kind words.