Climbing Mont Blanc via the Normal Route & the Royal Traverse with Andrés

Three years, two unsuccessful attempts and one very different way of approaching Mont Blanc. Andrés’s story is a reminder that being fit enough to continue and making the right decision to continue are not always the same thing.

On an earlier attempt, worsening conditions and avalanche concerns meant turning around even though he felt physically strong. It was frustrating. It also became one of the most important parts of his preparation for the Royal Traverse.

In this episode, we explore the Royal Traverse and how it differs from more commonly used Mont Blanc routes, the importance of an experienced guide whose approach to risk matches your own, and what changing Alpine conditions mean for route choice. Andrés also shares the training, nutrition, kit and decision-making lessons he would pass on to anyone planning Mont Blanc.

In this episode, we talk about…

  • What happened during two earlier attempts and why Andrés turned around
  • How the Royal Traverse differs from other Mont Blanc approaches
  • Why route conditions and seasonal timing need current local assessment
  • What to look for in a qualified guide and a good guide–client relationship
  • Building endurance and practising pacing and nutrition for long Alpine days
  • Packing, water, snacks, charging devices and appropriate rescue insurance 

Work with Vertical Performance:

The Start to Summit Program

A structured, progressive mountain-specific training programme, with a weekly plan you can follow independently. Ideal if you want to build endurance, strength and confidence on ascents and descents without having to plan every workout yourself.

Explore the Start to Summit Program: www.verticalperformance.com/start-to-summit

The Peak Performance Program

Individualised training and ongoing coaching that adapts to your mountain, your progress and your actual life, with nutrition and performance psychology support. Ideal if you want a coach beside you throughout your preparation.

Explore the Peak Performance Program: www.verticalperformance.com/peak-performance-program

Join Our Next Free Webinars:

[Performance Psychology] The Mental Edge — 21 January 2027

Join Kate for this webinar and discover how your brain influences your endurance, why feeling completely exhausted doesn’t always mean you’ve reached your physical limit, and four powerful, science-backed psychological strategies to help you keep going—even when your mind is telling you to stop.

Join the Mental Edge waitlist: www.verticalperformance.myflodesk.com/mental-edge

[Mountain-Specific Training] Train Smarter, Climb Higher — 18 March 2027

Join Kate for this webinar and learn the biggest training mistakes mountaineers and trekkers make, the five types of training you should be doing each week, and how to structure your workouts to build stronger legs, greater endurance and better speed on steep terrain.

Join the Train Smarter waitlist: www.verticalperformance.myflodesk.com/train-smarter

Enjoyed this episode?

Give it a like and share it with someone who might find it useful. The more honest conversations we have about what it’s really like heading into the mountains, the better prepared we can all be.

Continue the Conversation:

Binge The Latest Episodes