Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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45.82832°N / 6.81633°E |
Route Type:
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Mountaineering |
Season:
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Summer |
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Time Required:
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A few days |
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Difficulty:
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AD exposed |
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Grade:
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III |
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Overview
The traverse on the Bionnassay ridge is a great alpine route to the Mnt Blanc, starting in Italy. Its also a slow approach of the mountain, you can get up to the summit without using any transport. The Bionnassay ridge itself is a very narrow snow ridge that connects Aiguille de Bionassay with the Dôme du Goûter. At some points its only one foot wide.Although the route technically is not too difficult (only for experienced mountaineers), it is very exposed and you need a window with 3 days good weather at least, to climb it. In july 2007 six people died by falling of the ridge, or during bad weather at the start. Extra attention needed for corniche break during the traverse on the ridge.
Getting There / Huts & Map
By car coming from Chamonix France, take E 25 (N 205) direction Les Houches, exit Le Fayet to Saint Gervais. In Saint Gervais les Bains drive direction Les Contamines-Montjoie.Train station: St Gervais les Bains - Le Fayet station Direct TGV (high speed train)PARIS/SAINT GERVAIS at weekends.
Durier hut - 12 places. Tel hut: 0033 (0)689 53 25 10 Valey: 00 33 (0)450 93 90 05 or (0)450 54 40
Refuge des Conscrits (CAF St-Gervais) - 82 places Gardiens : Xavier et Christine MATTEL Tél. :0033 (0)4.79.89.09.03
Map: IGN 3531 ET St. Gervais les Bains - Massif du Mont Blanc - Les Houches (1:25.000)IGN 3531 ET
Route Description
Mostly done is a three days climb, you can also traverse the Domes de Miages,but you can pass them on the right, staying on the gletcher too. Visit the summit Mnt Blanc and descent by normal route back by train to the village.day 1
Start at Les Contamines-Montjoie and walk slowly in beautiful surrounding 5h to Refuge des Conscrits (2602m).
day 2
Cross NE the gletcher up to the col (3340m) Climb Dômes de Miages NW and follow the icy rock ridge to the NE. The last part has red paint spots that leads to the Durier hut (3358m). Call them in advance!
day 3
start early,its a long day... and climb the S ridge l'Aiguille de Bionnassay (4052m) and make the traverse on the steep ridge to the Piton des Italiens and Dôme du Goûter. Go to Vallot hut and follow normal route (Bosses ridge) to summit Mont Blanc (4808m).