MichaelJ wrote:I want to do the Italian normal route on MB in late July and want to acclimatize with a PD or easy AD climb a day or two before. A relatively short rock, ice or mixed route from the Italian side would be ideal. Any suggestions?
There are several interesting alternatives on the Italian side - I give you just these
1) Aiguille Des Trelatete via the Pt. Mt. Blanc (sleeping at the Giovane Montagna Biv. Hut). This one is quite long, but excellent in terms of acclimatization and "getting into the character", so to speak.
2) Mt. Dolent normal route (sleeping at the Cesare Fiorio bivy hut). Straightforward and not difficult at all
3) Pt. Innominata normal route (sleeping at the Monzino hut). This is a bit more difficult than the others PD+/AD-), outstanding panorama, not too long, should be perfect
Remember that to acclimatize properly you should do also a "low" 4000 (Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, MB De Tacul).
Hope this has been of help