The Aiguille du Tour in a day is the best summit for a first experience combining trail running and mountaineering. The route offers varied terrain conditions making it a fun and varied route. The ascent starts in the Tour village. A steep path along the old moraine leads us to the Albert premier hut. From there, we start walking on the Glacier du Tour finally arriving at the bottom of Aiguille du Tour. A last easy section on rocky terrain leads us to the summit where the views over the Mont Blanc Massif and the distant Swiss peaks is stunning. We return to the Tour village by the same route.
The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix guarantees you the security standards adapted to this ascent that partially takes place in the high mountains. No previous mountaineering experience is required.
Thanks to our partnership with Grivel, light mountaineering gear is provided (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet).
Ascending Aiguille du Tour in a day
After an early start from Chamonix we take a break at Albert 1er hut, before setting foot on the glacier. We return to Chamonix later the same day.
Point 1 : Car park of Le Tour (1450m/ 4 785 ft) - the glacier moraine 2130m (6988ft)
Trail section: steep path.
Vertical drop: 680m (2230ft).
Point 2 : The glacier moraine 2130m (6988ft) - Refuge Albert 1er (2706m/ 8 929 ft)
We hike directly up the glacier moraine. Steep yet no technical difficulty to access the hut.
Lunch break at the hut. We leave our trail equipment at the hut.
Vertical drop: 1250m (4 125ft).
Point 3 : Refuge Albert 1er (2706m/ 8 929 ft) - Bottom of the Aiguille du Tour 3400m ( 11155 ft)
Mountaineering - route on glacier. Col supérieur du Tour 3289m (10790 ft)
Vertical drop:1950m (6397 ft).
Point 4 : Bottom of the Aiguille du Tour 3400m ( 11155 ft) - Summit of Aiguille du Tour 3540m/ 11 682ft.
Vertical drop : 2100m (6890ft).
This program will depend on weather and terrain conditions at time of ascent, as well as group’s mountaineering skills and fitness level. The guide will suggest another ascent if necessary.
There is no group formula for this activity. We do not mix people who do not know each other.
A private formula is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort.
Dates 2023 : On request, from June to September
Prices 2023 :
735€ for a group of 1 to 2 people
770€ for a group of 3 to 4 people
Included in the package :
- guiding services
- technical equipment: we supply light technical GRIVEL equipment (crampons, ice-axe, helmet and rope)
Not included in the package :
- personal mountaineering equipment rental
- cancellation and repatriation insurance
- accommodation before and after the ascent
- energy snacks and drinks
In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor.
Meeting point : It will be fixed by your guide, depending on conditions.
Ability level : For people in excellent physical shape. Climbing from the parking area in the village of Le Tour to the summit entails a 2090m (6 897 ft) vertical gain. It is a good alpitrail start. Regular training is however necessary in order to reach the top of Aiguille du Tour in one day from the valley bottom.
Hiking experience on glacier with crampons is mandatory: People who wish to climb Aiguille du Tour should have a good experience of the use of crampons on a glacier at high altitude.
Guiding policy : 1 to 4 people*. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.
* Exclusively for people who know each other.
Food - provisions : Your responsibility. During the ascent breakfast and lunch can be taken at the hut Refuge Albert premier. Participants must bring energy snacks (dry fruits, energy gel, chocolate…). Bring small change in euros for extra drinks.
Preparing for the trip : Your mountain guide will be in contact to answer any questions you may have.
We recommend you take particular care over you choice of equipment, as it plays a large role in the success of your trip. Weight is critical, and you must always evaluate the weight-to-comfort ratio to find the best compromise. Generally speaking, it is better to put on several thin layers than to have one bulky item of warm clothing, and it is vital that you remain dry at all times.
Equipment
- A 30 liter back-pack,
- High-altitude mountaineering boots that are not too tight,
- Gaiters, if needed for your trousers
- Telescopic trekking poles
- Crampons with anti-balling plates; helmet, harness and straight ice axe
Clothes
- Warm hat that can be worn under a helmet
- Sun hat or cap
- Neck protection such as a ‘Buff’
- ‘Micro-fibre’ style long-sleeve base layer
- Fleece
- ‘Gore Tex’ style shell jacket with hood
- Down jacket
- Base layer leggings
- A trekking trousers,
- ‘Gore Tex’ style over-trousers
- Warm specialist walking socks
- Lightweight specialist walking socks
- Ski gloves or good quality mitts
- Leather or fleece gloves
- Change of clothes at your discretion
Accessories
- Category 4 sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Headtorch plus spare batteries
- Sheet sleeping bag
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5l) and thermos bottle
- Personalised first aid kit with a minimum of: sun cream, lip balm, cotton buds, blister kit,
antisickness medication
- Watertight bag to contain your ID/passport and Euros
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
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Carbone Calculator
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 3 kg. In 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.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 3 kg. In 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.
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 0€ to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.