Dôme des Glaciers 3592m

Climb the Dôme des Glaciers (3592 m) in two days, a snow route perfect for a first high-altitude experience. Located between Beaufortain, Tarentaise, and the Mont Blanc massif, on the French-Italian border, this summit offers a wild and untouched experience, far from ski lifts.

Program

The day before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the guides’ office. Meet your guide and prepare for the climb.

Day 1 – Robert Blanc Hut (2750 m)
Drive to the village of Les Chapieux (1550 m), then to the Lanchettes parking lot (1960 m). Ascent to the Robert Blanc Hut in about 2.5 hours.
Elevation gain: +790 m.

Day 2 – Dôme des Glaciers (3592 m)
Early departure. Progression along the moraine, then on the glacier, to the summit of the Dôme des Glaciers. Return via the same route to the valley.
Elevation gain: +842 m / Elevation loss: -1632 m – 6 to 8 hours of hiking.

The guides may adjust the program based on weather conditions, mountain conditions, and participants’ skill levels.

Photo gallery

Details

The ascent of the Dôme des Glaciers is a classic and accessible climb, perfect for discovering high-mountain terrain. Its varied route allows progress on moraine and glacier, all while moving through a pristine natural setting away from the crowds.

From the Robert Blanc Hut, perched above the Glacier Valley, the ascent to the summit follows an introductory glacier route. This climb will allow you to familiarize yourself with crampon use and roped travel, under the guidance of a mountain guide.

At the summit, the breathtaking panorama encompasses the Mont Blanc massif, the Vanoise, the Beaufortain, and the Italian Alps. A formative alpine adventure, accessible to fit hikers eager to summit their first glacier peak.

Dates

In group: every Friday from mid-June to mid-September, depending on conditions.
Private: every day from mid-June to mid-September, depending on conditions and hut availability.

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 4 people per guide. Group departure guaranteed with a minimum of 3 people. You will be led by a mountain guide or a guide-in-training.

Physical and technical level

Good physical preparation is required for this ascent, aimed at fit and well-trained individuals. You will be hiking for about 6 hours on the second day, so you should prepare by practicing long-duration cardio exercises. Endurance sports such as cycling, running, or long hikes.

Don’t forget, for 2 days you will be hiking with an 8-kilogram backpack, which significantly increases the effort required, so during your training outings make sure to walk with this additional weight.

You will be traveling on an unmarked high-mountain route and must be aware of the hazards associated with this activity (crevasses, serac falls, rockfall, avalanches, very low temperatures).

We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Prices

Group rate:
€540 per person (departure guaranteed with a minimum of 3 people)

Private rate:
1 participant: €1270
2 participants: €710 per person
3 participants: €560 per person
4 participants: €450 per person
5 participants: €630 per person
6 participants: €560 per person

The price includes

  • Supervision by a mountain guide
  • Half-board at the Robert Blanc Hut
  • 1 hot meal and 1 packed lunch
  • Water at the hut

The price does not include

  • Drinks, cereal bars, and other personal expenses
  • Transport from Saint Gervais to Les Chapieux (clients typically provide the guide’s ride)
  • 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
  • 30–40 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 with anti-balling plates

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 (Buff®)
  • Thermal base layers, long-sleeve and short-sleeve
  • Thick down jacket for extreme cold
  • Fleece jacket and light down jacket
  • Gore-Tex® jacket (a ski parka is not suitable), waterproof and windproof
  • Thermal tights
  • Gore-Tex® pants, waterproof and windproof
  • Warm socks

Essential accessories

  • Sunglasses (category 4)
  • Ski goggles in case of snow or strong winds
  • Cap
  • Headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Water bottle or flask with a minimum capacity of 1L
  • 2 pairs of gloves: one light pair (fleece or leather) and one warm, waterproof pair
  • A sleeping liner (available for rent at the hut), the hut is equipped with duvets or blankets.
  • High-protection sunscreen and lip balm
  • Thermos (minimum 0.5 L)
  • Energy bars and dried fruit
  • Small personal first-aid kit (aspirin, Compeed®, Elastoplast®, earplugs)
  • Small toiletry kit (travel-size toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes)
  • ID, insurance certificate, health insurance card
  • Cash for personal expenses at the hut (sleeping liner rental, drinks, snacks)

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.


Follow us on Instagram

For all the latest news, you can follow us on social networks, here are the upcoming events.

Site under construction

Our website is currently in its finalization phase.
If you notice any issue or error, please feel free to let us know!

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