We will take the last cable car, 5pm to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m). Having an alpine start, we will descend the Aiguille du Midi arête to the glacier du Tacul, where there is approximately 0.5-1 hour walk on easy terrain to the Cosmique Refuge (3,613m). After reaching the shoulder of Mont Blanc du Tacul we will descend and traverse the Col du Mont Maudit. From here, we will ascend a long snow slope to the final piece of technical ground, which can be very steep and requires good front pointing technique and use of an ice axe. We will then descend once again to Col de la Brenva, with stunning scenery towards Italy, then climb the last few hundred metres to the summit.

This route takes approximately 5-7hrs to the summit from the Cosmique Refuge.

Depending on the time and conditions, we can descend the same way or via the Gouter, completing the traverse of Mont Blanc.

This is a more demanding route than the Gouter route, both technically and physically. Tackle steeper ground and there are a couple of traverses that may be icy and difficult. Good crampon and ice axe technique are essential. It is, however, a more interesting route with beautiful scenery and is less crowded. This is a route which is long and sustained, less popular than the classic route, but which traverses the roof of Europe.

Difficulty: AD - D, a variant which demands good technique, experience and fitness.