Mont Blanc Fortnight: sample itinerary

Day 1: Glacier Training Day on Ferpecle Glacier:  Crampon skills, Ice Axe techniques, Ice Climbing, Ropework for Glaciers, Crevasse Rescue

Day 2: Walk up to Vignettes Hut (3158m); snowcraft training - ice axe arrest, snow belays; stay in hut overnight

Day 3: Traverse of Pigne d'Arolla (3796m) to Dix Glacier (F+); crevasse rescue practice on a snow-covered glacier; return to chalet base in Evolene

Day 4: Prusiking and belaying practice; Rock climbing and abseiling instruction on crags in Arolla valley

Day 5: Early morning drive to Zermatt (80mins); cablecar to Klein Matterhorn; ascend Pollux (4098m) by NW Ridge - a rocky ridge with snow finish (PD+); stay at Val d'Ayas Hut (3400m) overnight

Day 6: Ascend NW Flank of Castor (4228m) an easy snow face with beautiful narrow arête to finish (PD); return to Klein Matterhorn, descend to Zermatt and drive back to Evolene.

Day 7: Rest Day

Day 8: Drive to Chamonix; take cablecar to Aiguille du Midi and stay in Cosmiques Hut (3610m)

Day 9: Traverse of Mont Blanc - a magnificent and demanding high-altitude expedition (AD-); setting off 2am, reaching summit 8-9am and descending Gouter Ridge to return to Chamonix at 5pm; drive back to Evolene

Day 10: Rest and recovery from Mont Blanc; afternoon ascent of the spectacular Evolene "via ferrata"

Day 11: Drive to Saas Fee; take cablecars and short walk to Britannia Hut (3020m)

Day 12: Traverse of Allalinhorn (4025m) via the classic Hohlaubgrat (PD+); descent via Feechopf to Tasch Hut (2701m)

Day 13: Traverse of Alphubel (4208m) via SE Ridge (PD) and East Flank; return to Saas Fee and drive back Evolene for final celebration meal out.