A clear and stary but moonless night greeted our 01:50 departure from the Refuge Tette Rousse.

It felt mild on the rocky scrambling approach to the Gouter Hut yet, as usual, a breeze accompanied the magnificent pre-dawn view across the Chamonix Aiguilles and the snow was perfectly crisp.

Our 13 hour summit day felt like a long one but the weather was perfect and we beat the impending electrical storm to the hut.

Many teams also climbed the mountain from the Cosmiques Hut with a far fewer number seen on the Gonella route and Aiguille de Bionassay traverse.

More Mont Blanc Photos

I was working for the Chamonix based guiding company, Mont Blanc Guides