How to dress for the Mont Blanc?

If you are planning to climb Mont Blanc, you should be well prepared. At 4,809 metres, it is the highest peak in the Alps. Climbers wishing to climb it must have a good knowledge of the high mountains, be seriously prepared, both physically and mentally, and have the right equipment. To achieve this challenge in the best conditions, we explain in this article how to dress for the Mont Blanc.

Dressing the upper body

The first layer

As with hiking and mountaineering in general, it is recommended that you dress according to the three-layer system for the Mont Blanc. Your thermal undergarment allows you to wick away perspiration and retain the heat produced by your body. As temperatures are very low at high altitude, we advise you to choose a thick first layer with long sleeves. When it comes to materials, it's best to use merino wool or hybrid underwear.

The second layer

During exercise, you can use a synthetic fleece as a second layer. This has the advantage that it retains its thermal insulation capacity even when wet. When you stop, you can switch to a second, more insulating layer to keep out the cold. The down jacket fulfils this function perfectly and has the advantage of being compact in your rucksack.

The third layer

For mountaineering on Mont Blanc, it is important to have a protective hardshell jacket. A 3-layer jacket is recommended for this type of activity. It is designed to give you high protection against abrasion, wind, rain or snow. When choosing your third layer, make sure your jacket is designed with a shorter cut in the front or has a two-way zip so that your harness is not in the way of your jacket.

Dressing the lower body

Thermal underwear

When dressing for the Mont Blanc, thermal underwear with a ¾ length is recommended for the lower body. It will allow you to keep warm better in such a cold climate.

Mountaineering trousers

Your mountaineering trousers must have certain characteristics. They should provide good protection from the weather, good thermal comfort and be fairly breathable. Make sure you choose trousers with lower leg reinforcements and pre-shaped knees. Equip your trousers with gaiters to protect your feet from snow and cold.

Waterproof overtrousers

Designed in 3 layers, your overtrousers give you extra protection. Its rigid fabric is extremely waterproof and resistant to rock abrasion. It is your best ally when you have to cross passages where there is a lot of snow or when there is bad weather.

Essential accessories for the Mont Blanc

The cap or balaclava

It is very important to protect your head and especially your ears at high altitude. To protect yourself from the cold, wearing a cap or balaclava under your mountaineering helmet is essential. Also remember to take another one with you when you are not wearing the helmet. It is advisable to choose a cap specially designed for mountaineering. It guarantees better insulation, especially in the ears, which are very sensitive to cold and frostbite.

Gloves

To climb Mont Blanc, you should also bring several pairs of gloves. The first pair of thin gloves is used for the approach walk. During the ascent, you can add gloves with a warm lining. Finally, you can also plan to use thick gloves when you reach the summit of Mont Blanc.

The choice of clothes to wear for the Mont Blanc should not be trivial. You must equip yourself with quality technical equipment in order to be in good conditions. In 2017, the commune of Saint-Gervais decided to impose a minimum equipment requirement for the Mont Blanc ascent. This includes the obligation to wear a waterproof jacket, overpants and a hat. To climb Mont Blanc, it is imperative to be well equipped with mountaineering equipment: mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, crevasse exit kit, rope, ice axe, altimeter...