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Legendary summit Aiguille Verte
Duration:
5 days
Price from: 3 220€
Fitness:
Infobulle physique
Physical Level 1: For individuals who engage in occasional physical activities, positive elevation gain of up to 300m.
Physical Level 2: For individuals who engage in regular physical activities, positive elevation gain of up to 600m or routes above 3500m.
Physical Level 3: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain of up to 900m or routes above 4000m.
Physical Level 4: For individuals who engage in regular endurance activities, positive elevation gain of up to 1300m.
Physical Level 5: For individuals who engage in intensive endurance activities, positive elevation gain exceeding 1300m.
Technique:
Infobulle technique
Technical Level 1: For regular hikers wishing to discover mountaineering. The route is not very steep and is well-marked, or the activity may also take place in beginner-friendly areas.
Technical Level 2: For experienced hikers wishing to discover mountaineering. The route includes short, steep sections and may involve scree or rocky ridges, requiring surefootedness.
Technical Level 3: For occasional mountaineers (2 to 5 recent outings). The route includes steep sections requiring prior climbing experience at a French grade 3c level and/or mastery of crampons and ice axe use.
Technical Level 4: For regular mountaineers (5 to 10 recent outings). The route requires climbing at a French grade 4c level and mastery of mountaineering techniques, including the use of crampons and an ice axe, as well as basic roping and belaying techniques.
Technical Level 5: For experienced mountaineers (more than 10 recent outings). The route requires climbing above a French grade 4c level and mastery of mountaineering techniques, including the use of crampons and ice axes for ice climbing, as well as advanced roping and belaying techniques.
General information
A Legendary Summit
The Aiguille Verte is one of the most iconic peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. The famous French mountaineer and writer Gaston Rébuffat contributed greatly to its reputation when he wrote in the 1950s: “Before the Verte one is a mountaineer; after the Verte one becomes a proper mountaineer.”
There are no easy routes on this mountain, and each face represents a serious alpine challenge. On its south face, the Aiguille Verte offers an outstanding snow climb via the Whymper Couloir, which rises for more than 700 metres and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful routes in the massif.
Our Programme for the Whymper Couloir
We offer the ascent of the Aiguille Verte via the Whymper Couloir as a 5-day programme. This format allows for proper preparation, acclimatisation and flexibility, key elements for a successful ascent. Climate change has significantly altered snow conditions in high mountain terrain, leading to an evolution in mountaineering practices.
As a result, the optimal period for climbing the Aiguille Verte by the Whymper Couloir now extends from mid-March to early June. Depending on conditions, ski touring equipment may be required for the approach.
Chamonix Guides - A Unique Expertise
This ascent is part of a wider selection of programmes designed to help you climb the iconic peaks of the Alps. For each summit, we have selected a reference route combined with a specific preparation, chosen for its historical and alpine significance. Thanks to the collective expertise of Chamonix Guides, we are also able to guide you on alternative routes, depending on your objectives and experience. Do not hesitate to dream big — our expertise is at your service to help turn those ambitions into reality.
Private booking
Private booking offers a fully tailored experience with a guide. You’ll be alone, with an itinerary adapted to your preferences and pace, for maximum freedom and comfort.
Dates
From mid March to early June
Price 2026
3220€ per person
✅ Included in the package
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- two half-board in mountain huts (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfer go & back to Italy (Day 1&2)
- lift access as per programme
❌ Not included in the package
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros and Swiss Francs)
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- nights in the Chamonix valley
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.
⚠️ Registration possible from age 18
Meeting point
Departure on day 1 is at 8.30am from the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix
Fitness level
Suitable for individuals in excellent physical condition. Participants should be prepared for 10 to 12 hours of physical effort
Technical level
Participants should have experience in climbing routes with an AD+ (Assez Difficile Plus) difficulty rating and a strong background in using crampons
Guiding policy
One participant per guide. Registration possible from age 18. This guiding policy ensures high-quality guiding services
Accommodation
Half-board in huts for 2 nights. Benefit from specials prices with our hotel partners in Chamonix
Documentation
Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them
Documents available for download
Equipment
We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise. In a general way, it is better to pile up several light coats rather than wear one big clothing.
Equipment
-Boots compatible with at least semi-rigid crampons
-Climbing harness, 1 belay/descender device, 1 lanyard, 1 prusik cord, 2 locking carabiners
-Crampons with anti-snow plates
-Ice axe (type to be discussed with your guide)
-Helmet
-Comfortable backpack (approx. 30-35 litres)
Clothing
Choose warm and lightweight clothing, preferably several thin layers rather than one thick one.
-1st layer: technical fibre T-shirt (short- and long-sleeved)
-2nd layer: fleece jacket
-3rd layer: waterproof shell jacket (e.g. Gore-Tex type)
-Insulated down or synthetic jacket
-Softshell mountain trousers or waterproof overtrousers (e.g. Gore-Tex type) with light base-layer tights
-Gaiters
-Mountaineering socks
-Warm hat and sun hat or cap
-Thin gloves and robust waterproof gloves
Accessories
-Water bottle (1 L or 1.5 L)
-Headlamp with spare batteries
-Glacier sunglasses (category 4 lenses)
-Sunscreen (for face and lips)
-Small personal first-aid kit (aspirin, plasters, blister patches, earplugs, minimal toiletries, toilet paper, tissues, etc.)
-Waterproof pouch with ID or passport + cash for drinks in the hut
-Sleeping liner (cotton or silk “sleeping sheet”) - mandatory in most mountain huts.
-Blankets are provided; do not bring a sleeping bag.
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
For clothes, you can contact our partner Millet
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Day 1
Route from Pointe Helbronner | Night in the Torino Hut (3370m)
Before undertaking the ascent of the Aiguille Verte, it is essential for your body to acclimate to the altitude. Your guide must also assess your technical skills to ensure they align with the requirements of such a climb. This step also provides the opportunity to make necessary adjustments to fully prepare you. Example of route : South-west couloir of the Aiguilles Marbrées (3535m). Night in Torino Hut.
Day 2
Route from the Torino hut
This second day will reinforce the essential process of acclimating your body to the altitude while providing you with the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments. Example of route : Ascent of Gervasutti Couloir on the Tour Ronde (3 798m).
Day 3
Rest day
Rest/spare day depending on weather conditions.
Day 4
Climb up to Couvercle Hut (2687m)
We set off from Le Montenvers (1913m), which we reach by train. We walk up the Mer de Glace, take the ladders and follow a path to the hut. 3-4 hours of walking. Depending on the season, if access is by ski, the departure is from the Aiguille du Midi (3,750 m)
Day 5
Ascent of Aiguille Verte (4122m) | Whymper Couloir
We head out at around 01:00 in the morning. We cross the Talèfre glacier to reach the start of the couloir. We climb the couloir (45-50º) to the summit in the morning. We descend via the same route including downclimbing and rappels. We return to the hut and from there to Le Montenvers. 10-12 hours walking return trip hut-to-hut.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 117 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 117 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 11.7€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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