We are four Irishmen: Myself (John), Hugh, Rory and Shane. Shane is joining a team that has hiked many peaks in Ireland/UK as well as the French and Italian alps. We also made a trip in 2007 to Mount Elbrus in Russia, which was successful for Hugh and Rory, but not for me as I was hit with a pulmonary edema on the night before/morning of the summit. My highest ever altitude is 4800m and was on the Elbrus.
We will be assisted in summiting by Nicoló Berzi, a Milan-based alpine guide- I would strongly recommend him. We have used his expertise before on Monte Bianco ('05/'06), Bernina('08) and Val di Mello('08).
Why?
For myself, Hugh and Shane, we are reaching our 40th birthday this year. (Rory is of an ever slightly maturer vintage)
Personally, I have always wanted to do Monte Bianco. We tried in 2005 but the temperamental alpine microclimate said no- so having done our acclimatisation hikes...we decided to kick back and do a tour of the delights of Verona, Venice and Lake Garda- another story! Hugh and Rory subsequently summited it Bianco in 2006- I was training/ competing in triathlon that year and decided to focus on it.
Why not Mont Blanc?
As with any mountain, there are many approaches and sub-routes- each with their own positives and negatives, challenges and dangers. We are planning to approach this peak from the Italian side. Monte Bianco is actually shared; its peak sits on the French-Italian border. Allora! Se chiama Monte Bianco per noi!
When?
We are leaving Dublin on August 3rd and returning on August 10th
What's the itinerary?
There are a few plans. She may say no once again- but we want to have alternatives this time.
Acclimatisation hikes:
We are planning to do two acclimisation hikes: La Tresanta (3609m) and Gran Paradiso (4061m). Acclimatisation is vital to avoid altitude sickness; if you live at sea level (we're Dublin based), it's critical.
> Wednesday Aug 3rd: Arrive in Milan; Travel to Valsavalrenche car park and ascend to Vittorio Emmanuelle hut (2775m)
> Thursday Aug 4th: Summit La Tresanta (3609m); descend and sleep in VE hut
> Friday Aug 5th: Summit Gran Paradiso; descend to hut and then to car park. Travel to Courmayeur. Sleep in Courmayeur
After that, it depends on Monte Bianco:
If the weather permits:
> Saturday Aug 6th: Meet with Nicolo & Daniele (2nd guide; alpine guiding rules state: 1 guide for every 2 people). We will ascend to the new Gonella Hut (3072m).
> Sunday Aug 7th: Summit to MB. via trois mont blancs route to Courmayeur for R&R.
> Monday Aug 8th: Stay in Courmayeur for R&R
> Tues Aug 9th: R&R. More R&R in Courmayeur
> Wednesday Aug 10th: Return via Milan (Malpensa)
If the weather does not allow:
If Monte Bianco weather is not safe, two options are open:
1. Bernina
2. Via Ferrata
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