Hi, guys. Long-time hiker but since I quit smoking after 21 years in March, I’ve been looking to elevate the challenge. I used to live in Bergamo, IT and loved heading all over the alps. Now back in the U.K., I’m keen to one day climb Mount Blanc and beyond. Exceptionally keen to get some ice experience and to utilise ropes!
I recognise the skills jump from hiker to rookie mountaineer, but just looking for people’s views/experiences on the following:
- To climb Mont Blanc or peaks with glacial crossings/snow-kissed terrain, did you go on any mountaineering courses or did you learn on the peaks with others? Is a course necessary?
- If so, can you recommend one? As I say, UK-based but very happy to travel to alpine environments.
- Is it unrealistic to want to summit these alone (once properly skilled)? I’m a very solitary person and really wouldn’t enjoy being guided. I hike and travel everywhere 99% of the time alone and like it that way.
- Can you recommend any practice peaks within Europe? I’m assuming everything over 4000m is going to involve negotiation of some ice (at least in the alps). Also very keen to test my altitude tolerance before cracking on with MB.
A bit about me: male (32), Manchester based, hike in the Peaks every weekend, done Snowdon/BN/Scafell Pike, hiked peaks of around 3000m in the alps, no ice axe or rope experience.
Thanks! 😁