Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Mountaineer on a large boulder above a glacier.

Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour

A magnificent mixed ridge in breathtaking surroundings.

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Overview

Difficulty
intermediate
Participants
1 participant
Duration
2 days
Best season
June and July
Price
from €1,080 per person
Location
Le Tour, Mont-Blanc-Massiv

About this tour

The Aiguille du Tour stands on the border between France and Switzerland at the eastern end of the Mont Blanc Massif. It can be reached from either the Swiss Cabane du Trient or the Refuge Albert Premier. The peaks in this area are lower than the famous 4000-metre summits farther west, making them ideal for the beginning of the alpine season in early June. The normal route up the eastern side of the Aiguille du Tour is often used as an acclimatisation and introductory tour before attempting higher objectives. The Arête de la Table on the north-western side is a mixed ridge with climbing up to French grade 5a, equivalent to upper UIAA grade IV, and several unusual passages. One of these is the route’s namesake, the “table”: a large rock block that must be climbed around before continuing along the ridge. This tour is an ideal introduction to a week of pure mountaineering around Chamonix.

Photos from the tour

Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Mountaineer on a large boulder above a glacier.
Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Roped climbers ascending granite boulders and snow.
Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Mountaineer between granite towers with a glacier behind.
Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Mountaineer crossing a snow-covered rock section.
Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Mountaineer on a rocky summit above a broad glacier.
Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Mountaineer raising an arm in front of snowy peaks.
Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Jagged rocky ridge with snowfields in morning light.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Approach to the hut: We meet in Le Tour, a small village east of Chamonix, and begin the ascent to the Refuge Albert Premier. Depending on the time of year, the weather and your personal preference, we can use the chairlift for part of the ascent or complete the full 1200 vertical metres from the valley on foot. The route follows a moraine ridge to the hut, which stands at the edge of the Glacier du Tour. The Refuge Albert Premier offers comfortable accommodation, good food and a sunny terrace. In the evening, we discuss the following day’s itinerary in detail.

Day 2 – Aiguille du Tour via the Arête de la Table: We set off early along the normal glacier route before turning towards the couloir leading to the Arête de la Table. The couloir takes us into mixed terrain and then to the beginning of the rocky ridge. Stepped terrain leads to the famous “table”, a large rock block that we climb beneath before emerging on the other side—a fascinating feature created by nature. An exposed ridge of rocky towers follows, requiring concentration and confident movement. The final section continues through easier terrain to the summit of the Aiguille du Tour. We descend via the eastern side, return across the Col Supérieur du Tour to the hut and then continue down into the valley.

Requirements

For this tour, you should be confident using crampons, including on steeper terrain, and be comfortable moving through easy climbing terrain.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

beginner
intermediate
advanced

Fitness

Technique

Experience

Equipment

You can find all the important information in my equipment list for guided high-alpine tours.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Open equipment list (PDF)

Booking and enquiry

Would you like to do this tour with me? Send me a no-obligation request with your preferred date.

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Prices & services

  • 1 participant
    €1,080.00 per person

Included

Planning and guiding by a certified mountain and ski guide
Any required rental equipment

Not included

Accommodation for you and your mountain guide
Any cable car and lift pass costs for you and your mountain guide
The mountain guide’s expenses

Frequently asked questions about this tour

What happens if I need to cancel my tour?

Please note that a tour becomes binding once both parties have confirmed it. In the event of a cancellation at short notice, I reserve the right to charge a percentage of the guiding fee as a cancellation fee. You can find detailed information in my cancellation policy. Payment is usually made by invoice after the tour.

What happens if the weather does not cooperate?

Together, we will find an alternative in another region or postpone the tour. There are no additional costs for you in this case.

Is rental equipment available?

Yes, I can provide the technical equipment you need, such as a climbing harness, helmet, crampons or avalanche safety equipment. The relevant tour description and equipment lists explain exactly what is required and what you may need to bring yourself. If you are unsure what you need, simply get in touch – I will be happy to advise you.

Arête de la Table on Aiguille du Tour: Jagged rocky ridge with snowfields in morning light.

Experience the Arête de la Table?

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Unsure?

It is especially important to me that the tour suits you – both your fitness and your experience. If you are unsure, please get in touch! In a short phone call, we can work out together whether this tour is right for you. This gives us the best foundation for a safe and enjoyable mountain experience.

0043 (0) 66475109630

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Mountaineers with headlamps ascending through a snowy mountain landscape.

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