07/03/2023

Conquering Fears and Peaks: Our Mont Blanc Training Adventure

Hey, adventure seekers! I’m excited to share our recent training escapade in the stunning Italian Alps, as we geared up for the epic Mont Blanc climb. Our journey took us from the charming town of Chamonix to the Torino Hut, where we faced challenges, conquered fears, and grew as climbers. Eight of us were accompanied by expert team of mountain guides Babis and Pavlos; and our awesome team leader Rami Rasamny, who’s also founder of Life Happens Outdoors (LHO).

Departure from Chamonix

We started our adventure by leaving our cozy Rocky Pop Hotel in Chamonix. The anticipation was palpable as we set off on the scenic drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel, crossing the border into Courmayeur, Italy. The stunning mountain views along the way were just a taste of what awaited us.

Skyway Cable to Torino Hut

Our first taste of high-altitude adventure came when we hopped onto the Skyway cable car, which transported us to Torino Hut. The breathtaking ride awarded us panoramic views of the Italian Alps, leaving us in awe of the vast, snow-capped peaks.

Glacier Training

After checking in, it was time to get down to business. Our crampons were strapped on, and we were ready to hit the glacier. The skills we learned were essential for the upcoming Mont Blanc climb, and the glacier was the perfect classroom.

we learned how to use our crampons effectively and move confidently across the frozen landscape.

But it wasn’t just about walking on ice; we delved into essential glacier skills like crevasse rescue and rappelling. It’s the kind of knowledge that can be a lifesaver in the mountains.

It was tough training but also was a lot of fun.

Aiguilles Marbrées Adventure

Day two was all about putting our newly acquired skills to the test. With crampons securely strapped on and ice axes in hand, we set our sights on Aiguilles Marbrées, a stunning peak that boasts some challenging terrain.

As we climbed, the world around us seemed to transform. The jagged peaks, snow-covered slopes, and crisp mountain air created an atmosphere that’s hard to put into words. Reaching the summit was an exhilarating experience, and we soaked in the jaw-dropping views.

This day was a bit beyond my comfort zone as it was my first experience of technical mountain climbing and today we traversed through many steep slopes.

Day 3, Conquering Petit Flambeau and Facing Acrophobia

The ultimate challenge of our training was Petit Flambeau, a mountain that, despite its name, presented us with a big challenge. However, this mountain proved to be a personal test for me due to my acrophobia, or fear of heights.

As we ascended the steep slopes and ventured onto the narrow ridge, my anxiety began to creep in. When faced with the daunting final section, a steep bottomless slope, I made the tough decision to turn back. The ridge was simply too much for my acrophobia to handle.

But climbing is about camaraderie, and six brave souls including my husband Dharmesh and both of my boys, Arnav and Anuj (now 19 and 22) from our group pressed on, conquering the summit. Their cheers echoed through the mountain air as I, along with my friend, made our way back down the ridge to solid ground.

Rami took us for a nice excursion on our way back to Torino Hut, we ventured out to see the famous Aiguille du Midi, a 3,842-metre-tall mountain in the Mont Blanc massif. It is a popular tourist destination and can be directly accessed by cable car from Chamonix that takes visitors close to Mont Blanc.

We saw our team members repel down the rocky Petit Flambeau as we were heading back to Torino Hut. Rami took some amazing photos of them on the ridge.

In Conclusion

Our three-day training adventure was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the thrill of learning crucial climbing skills to the challenge of facing personal fears. It was a reminder that the mountains are not just about reaching the summit but also about the journey and the growth we experience along the way.

Climbing Mont Blanc – Yes or No?

Based on my pre-climb research, Mont Blanc appeared to be largely non-technical, with the exception of some steep and uneven rock scrambling right before reaching the glacier. Our guides made it abundantly clear that ascending the mountain was more than just an extended hike; it carried real risks for those lacking proper training, equipment, and expert guidance. This understanding drove our rigorous training program, as our guides emphasized the critical role these skills would play in handling accidents and emergencies during our ascent.

Serious accidents have occurred on the treacherous ‘Goûter Pass,’ informally known as the ‘corridor of death’ due to its propensity for falling rocks. Reportedly, a massive boulder recently descended the Goûter Pass, splitting into two pieces due to its velocity. This event created two exceedingly deep crevices that climbers had to traverse swiftly to avoid being in the danger zone of constantly falling rocks for an extended period.

During previous week’s expedition, Rami, Babis, and Pavlos, who were leading another group of climbers up the mountain, personally witnessed these crevices. Consequently, they went to great lengths to prepare us for the technical aspects of our ascent, ensuring that we could safely navigate the Goûter Pass as swiftly as possible. Observing our performance on the rocks and glaciers during our three-day training, they felt that a few of us might not have been physically and mentally prepared to cross the Goûter Pass safely.

As a result, they presented us with an alternative: the opportunity to attempt summiting multiple peaks within the stunning Monte Rosa massif in the Italian Alps. After careful consideration, three of us made the difficult but crucial decision to forgo our original objective and embrace the Monte Rosa experience. This choice was challenging, but it was essential for our safety and that of the entire team.

As we returned to Chamonix, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for what we had accomplished, both individually and as a team. The Mont Blanc climb may still lie ahead, but we’ve already conquered so much.

It was July 5th today, Anuj’s 19th birthday. We had an amazing birthday dinner at Rocky Pop in Chamonix with a surprise birthday cake!