Aiguille Croux 3256m

Located in Val Veny on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Croux is a superb rocky lookout perched amid large glaciers, dominated by the impressive faces of the legendary routes leading to Mont Blanc, such as the Peuterey Ridge and the Freney and Brouillard pillars.

Program

The day before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais

Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint-Gervais guides’ office. This is an opportunity to meet your high-mountain guide, check the gear, and prepare together for the ascent of the Aiguille Croux.

Day 1 – Ascent to the Monzino Hut (2,590 m)

From Val Veny, we set off in the early morning to reach the Monzino Hut. The approach takes about 2.5 hours from the parking area, with a section equipped in via ferrata style. After lunch at the hut, two options are available:

  • explore the small bolted climbing routes below the hut,

  • or, depending on your experience, climb a multi-pitch route along the via ferrata (grade 5b–5c).
    This first day allows you to acclimatize and enjoy the unique alpine atmosphere of Val Veny, facing the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

Day 2 – Ascent of the Aiguille Croux (3,256 m)

Early departure from the Monzino Hut for a short approach to the base of the Cheney Ridge. After an initial easy rock step, a hiking section leads to the main ridge. The progression alternates between easy climbing sections (in mountaineering boots) and more exposed stretches. Near the end of the route, two more technical pitches can be climbed in rock shoes. The final easy section leads to the summit of the Aiguille Croux, a true vantage point over the glaciers and the great faces of Mont Blanc. The descent is mainly by rappels down the normal route, with some downclimbing sections leading back to the trail.

The guides may adjust the program according to the weather, mountain conditions, and the participants’ level.

Photo gallery

Details

The ascent of the Aiguille Croux (3,256 m) via the southwest ridge, known as the Cheney Ridge, is a fine rock route on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. On high-quality granite, the climbing remains accessible, with only one more demanding section (4c–5a). Early in the season, crampons may be necessary for the approach or the descent.

Unlike other peaks in the range, the Aiguille Croux can be climbed in late summer in dry conditions. The absence of a glacier approach and the low rockfall risk make it an ideal route during heatwaves. It’s an accessible, varied ascent, perfect for discovering rock alpine climbing in the heart of Val Veny.

Ascent of the Aiguille Croux via the Cheney Ridge

The Cheney Ridge route is known for its airy atmosphere and exceptional views of Mont Blanc. It alternates hiking, easy climbing sections, and two more technical pitches on solid granite. The ascent is done as a rope team, ensuring a pace and progression suited to your level.

A unique summit on the Italian side of Mont Blanc

The Aiguille Croux overlooks Val Veny and offers remarkable views of legendary routes such as the Peuterey Ridge and the Freney and Brouillard pillars. It is an ideal vantage point for admiring the surrounding glaciers and experiencing authentic alpine climbing in Italy.

Dates

In a group: every Tuesday from June 16 to Tuesday, September 15.
Privately: daily, from early June to the end of September.

Registration and payment

Directly on our website or using the dated and signed registration form, accompanied by a 40% deposit and any optional insurance fees. The balance must be paid 60 days before departure.

Supervision and participants

Maximum 2 people per guide. Group departures guaranteed from 2 people. You will be supervised by a mountain guide.

Physical and technical level

Good physical preparation is necessary for this ascent; it is intended for athletic participants with prior mountaineering and/or climbing experience.

We will be on a high-mountain route, and you must be aware of the hazards associated with this activity (crevasses, serac falls, rockfall, avalanches, and occasionally harsh weather conditions). We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Prices

Price for the group package:
€720 per person (departure guaranteed from 2 participants for private bookings)

Private package rates:
1 participant: €1,290
2 participants: €720 per person
3 participants: €910 per person

The price includes

  • Supervision by a mountain guide
  • La demi-pension au refuge Monzino
  • Hot meals in the huts
  • Mont Blanc tunnel fee

The price does not include

  • Drinks, cereal bars, and other personal expenses
  • Transport from Saint Gervais to Val Veny (it is customary for clients to drive the guide)
  • Your personal insurance
  • Rental of technical equipment
  • Anything not listed under “price includes”

Insurance

Repatriation

Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.

Cancellation

We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect.
As a reminder, cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until the start of your trip if something happens and you cannot attend. We apply cancellation fees as specified on our registration form and in our terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.


If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.

As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).

Insurance fees are non-refundable.

Equipment list

Technical equipment

  • Helmet
  • 35–40 liter backpack
  • Two telescopic trekking poles with snow baskets
  • Harness with locking carabiner
  • Ice axe
  • Gaiters
  • High-mountain boots with rigid soles compatible with crampons
  • Semi-automatic crampons equipped with anti-snowball plates
  • Climbing shoes

Technical equipment is available for rent from our partners:
For Saint Gervais : blanc-sport-saintgervais.com/ www.unlimited-saintgervais.com,
For les Contamines : www.intersport-lescontamines.com/

Clothing

  • Beanie and neck gaiter
  • Thermal, breathable base layers, long-sleeve or short-sleeve. No cotton!
  • Polartec®-type fleece jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Gore-Tex®–type waterproof and windproof jacket (ski jackets are not suitable)
  • Thermal tights
  • Technical hiking pants
  • Gore-Tex®–type waterproof and windproof overpants
  • Warm socks

Essential accessories:

  • Sunglasses (category 4)
  • Ski goggles in case of snow or strong winds
  • Cap
  • Gourde ou thermos pouvant contenir au minimum 1L d’eau.
  • 2 pairs of gloves: one light pair (fleece or leather) and one warm pair, such as waterproof mittens
  • High-protection sunscreen and lip balm
  • Energy bars and dried fruit
  • Identification documents

Feel free to contact us if you need advice on physical preparation, gear selection, or organizing your trip.

Rendez-vous

You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. Please let us know if you cannot attend; the briefing can be done by phone.


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You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.