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What's with Italian normal route to Mont Blanc? I heared that it's very difficult (crevasses). Anyone has gone this route to MB this year?

barts wrote:What's with Italian normal route to Mont Blanc? I heared that it's very difficult (crevasses). Anyone has gone this route to MB this year?

The route was/is good conditions - unfortunately they have decided to close the Gonella hut from next Monday (the 6th) because they're going to start the strenghtening work on the hut platform, before the hut will be completely rebuilt. This includes also the winter quarters. Also, the Courmayeur administration has issued a prohibition to walk the access trail below the hut (because of the risk of stones being inadvertitedly moved by the works).

Thanks, but what with bergschrund? It's impossible to cross, supposedly...

I did the route on July 22 and there was no problem following a good track back and forth up the glacier, although descending back to the glacier in the mid day heat was a little dicey with lots of rockfall nearby. The hike up to the hut was harder than any of the climbing.

Thanks for answer.