Les Deux (the two) Mont Blancs — Part 2

An easy walk brought us to the Tete Rousse hut followed by a long rest to prepare us for the ascent the next morning. After a light-weight breakfast we were off by 0215. A steady pace up the ridge landed us at the Gouter hut at 0430. Although still dark, to the east the amazing light of the rising sun streaked the sky. We took a 30 min break at the hut before continuing.

Walking and Talking Up Mont Blanc

A good pace allowed us to reach the Dome de Gouter within 1.5hrs. Anders and Fredrik demonstrated strong multi-tasking skills over 4300m chatting and walking their way up the mountain. Other passing parties commented,

“Do you guys think this a sunday stroll or what”?

We topped out at 0750, 5 hours 40 minutes from the start. Anders and Fredrik weren’t even breathing heavily at 4800 m. I was very impressed by their achievement and in the rising sun we had plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent view. The weather was perfect and we witnessed people flying off the summit with paragliders.

Post-Mont Blanc Thoughts

I was familiar with Ander’s and his brother Fredrik’s climbing experience. They’d tried Mont Blanc two years ago, but failed due to bad weather. They’d completed the Tour of Monte Rosa. These trips might have contributed to why the brothers were perfectly prepared having done virtually no training directly prior to the Mont Blanc week. Yet, I was thinking, how can they move so fast without really training for it? Is it genetic? Do they have the perfect set up for taking in O₂? I suppose so. I still believe they can shave off an hour or two if they spend another week of climbing! Another thought was their state of mind. To be focused, but also relaxed. Also, to set goals, the right goals; that a mountain is climbed when you are down safely.

Two articles that may be of interest are: Maximize Summit Success Climbing Mont Blanc and Gear to Climb Mont Blanc