aiguille du tour felssturz

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Aiguille du Tour: Felssturz tötet zwei Bergsteiger

Am Montag, 31. Juli 2023, waren zwei Seilschaften beim Aufstieg auf die Aiguilles du Tour. Kurz vor dem Gipfel löste sich eine große Felsmasse. Zwei Bergsteiger kamen dabei ums Leben und ein dritter wurde verletzt.

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• Steinschlag tötet zwei Bergsteiger
• Aiguille du Tour: Einsteiger-Hochtour im Mont-Blanc-Massv

Wie die Kantonspolizei Wallis mitteilt, löste sich am Montag gegen neun Uhr aus bislang ungeklärten Gründen eine große Gesteinsmasse an der Aiguille du Tour. Die herunterstürzenden Felsen trafen eine Zweierseilschaft. Eine Bergsteigerin wurde verletzt, der zweite Alpinist wurde tödlich getroffen. 

Eine zweite Seilschaft, die sich etwas unterhalb befand, wurde ebenfalls Opfer der Felsmassen. Ein weiterer Bergsteiger verlor dabei sein Leben. Bei den Opfern handelt es sich laut aktuellem Erkenntnisstand um einen 36-jährigen Niederländer und einen 26-jährigen Franosen. Die verletzte Alpinistin ist eine 22-jährige Niederländerin.

Die Staatsanwaltschaft hat in Zusammenarbeit mit der Kantonspolizei eine Untersuchung eingeleitet.

Die Aiguille du Tour gilt als leichte Hochtour und wird von Bergschulen oft als Schulungstour vor hochalpineren Zielen wie dem Mont Blanc genutzt.

Die Route führt von Champex über die Cabane d’Orny zur Cabane du Trient. Danach überquert nahezu ohne Höhenverlust das Plateau du Trient. Zunächst geht es über den Bergschrund, dann in wenig schwieriger Blockkletterei durch die Ostflanke zum Gipfelgrat. 

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Aiguille du Tour Climb: Facts & Information. Routes, Climate, Difficulty, Equipment, Preparation, Cost

November 7, 2018

Last updated on July 25, 2024 by the Explore-Share team

Rising to 3.540 meters above sea level and sitting on the northern end of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Aiguille du Tour has become an incredibly popular location for novice mountaineers looking to get some alpine experience.

Straddling the Swiss and French border, this peak is easily accessed from Chamonix and, partially as a result, is often used as a warm up climb for Mont Blanc or other peaks in the range.

The mountain’s name in French translates to “tower needle”, which is exactly what happens at the end, as you finish your expedition with a scramble to the top of a rocky spire.

From the top of that final spire on Aiguille du Tour, you can see many mountains on the rest of the massif, including Mont Blanc. You also get stunning vistas of some of the Swiss Alps’ among other great views.

Before you book your next trip here to discover this peak for yourself, here is some practical information to prepare you for your climb!

Climbing routes & starting point

There are two main routes used by climbers to reach the summit of Aiguille du Tour: one route from the French side and another from the Swiss side.

Both routes are, technically, not very difficult and appropriate for novice climbers. Both routes involve hiking over the glaciers that envelopes the top of the mountain before finally scrambling to the summit at the end.

The Swiss route begins from a bit higher up and tends to take a little less time to complete, though only by about an hour or less. There are two options on the Swiss side and the difference between them is also about an hour of hiking. The most popular starting point is the the Cabane du Trient, which is located at 3.170 meters. The other is the Cabane d'Orny at 2.831 meters.

From the French side all ascents begin from the refuge Albert Premier at 2.702 meters. Regardless of which side you decide to climb, most guides will recommend meeting up in Chamonix beforehand to go over a few things before setting out on the trip.

Distance & duration of the ascent

Regardless of the side from which you start, both ascents are more or less the same distance and duration.

From the French side you gain about 840 meters of elevation. The trek begins by following a path that runs parallel to the glacier, traveling through both large and small cairns, which is not difficult but may be a bit arduous.

As you go, you will eventually drop down onto the Tour Glacier and head up its right bank, passing the Signal Reilly, and ending up at the base of the Col du Tour. From here you climb up to the Col Supérieur du Tour to the plateau that sits under the aiguilles.

Many guides pass under the Aiguille Purtscheller in order to avoid crevasses as you go. This is also the step where some guides will take some time to climb either of the other two summits on the Aiguille du Tour.

Finally, you will cross the bergschrund toward the long ledge of the north ridge and finish the ascent with a brief scramble to the top.

The Swiss route differs only in how it begins. Prior to arriving at the Col du Tour, you hike up from the Cabane du Trient along the Plateau du Trient. After reaching the Col du Tour, the climb is exactly the same.  

Beginning from the cabanes or refuges, the whole trip will take one day starting at about 4 am . Starting from Chamonix, another day is added to drive toward and then hike to the starting hut or refuge.

It is best to arrive at least a day or two prior to your scheduled climbing dates in order to properly acclimatise. Some guides will build this day into a three-day itinerary and have a smaller climb or hike on the first day.

Mountain huts

The two main mountain huts on the Aiguille du Tour are the refuge Albert Premier (also known as Albert 1er) on the French side and the Cabane du Trient on the Swiss side.

Along with being the main starting point for the ascent of the Aiguille du Tour, the refuge Albert Premier is also used as a stopping point for day-hikers.

The hut offers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains. It is generally a comfortable place to relax for an evening before beginning the final ascent, with access to clean water and somewhere to cook.

The hut is open from June to September and gets quite busy throughout the season. Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book and whether you are staying on a weekend or weekday.

The Cabane du Trient is fairly easily accessed from the Swiss town of Martigny. It has basic amenities, nothing too fancy, but is perfectly suitable to relax for an evening before a day of climbing. The cabane offers the option of half-board meals, which is perfect for climbers.  

It is open throughout the season and costs about CHF 34 per adult per night.

Physical requirements & technical difficulties

The Aiguille du Tour is one of the easiest peaks to climb in the Alps and is graded as an “F”, meaning easy. The mountaineering skills needed to climb the mountain can be taught the day of or day before by a mountain guide.

Many people use the Aiguille du Tour as a warm up climb before moving on to Mont Blanc, which is a bit more challenging, but also not very technically difficult.

However, it is important to be in good physical condition before beginning the ascent. The climb will involve many consecutive hours of hiking and climbing with gear. For those who are not already in good shape, guides recommend some light endurance and core training prior to arrival.

Climate conditions

The best time of year to summit Aiguille du Tour is between June and September . This is when the climbing conditions are most favorable.

Temperatures are as warm as they get here, but toward the top they will still be below freezing. On the way up you can expect highs of about 6ºC during July and August and about 3ºC during June and September. At the base you will have about 15ºC to 25ºC, depending on the time of year.

The summer months are also when the weather is the calmest. The skies are generally clear and sunny, with average monthly rainfall of less than 75 millimeters. However, due to the mountain’s unique location toward the bottom of the Mont Blanc massif, sudden storms can form quickly and unexpectedly throughout the year.  

There is not a large amount of equipment required to climb the mountain, but it is always best to come prepared.

The following is equipment that is commonly (but not always) provided by the guide or available to be rented in Chamonix:

The following is usually not included in the trip and should be brought by yourself:

Backpack, about 30 to 50 liters

Camera and extra batteries

Cash and credit card

Gloves, both an outer and inner pair

Head torch or flashlight

High-energy snack

Hiking or mountaineering boots

Light jacket

Mobile phone

Personal first aid kit

Rain gear: both pants and jacket

Sunblock, sunglasses and sun hat

Warm and windproof hat

Water bottles, at least enough for two days of strenuous activity

Winter jacket

Wool socks, at least two pairs

Estimated price

Prices vary from guide to guide and largely depend on your exact itinerary, what is included as well as how many people are participating in the trip.

For just the classic two-day ascent of the Aiguille du Tour, you can expect to pay about €200 to €250 per person for a group of three or four. This same trip is offered at about €800 per person for an individual trip and only includes the guide fee and some personal equipment.

The three day trip option generally costs from €300 per person for a group of four to €1.200 for an individual and includes the guide fee and some equipment as well.

Always be sure to check with your guide for a price quote as each one is different and includes different thing as well.

Other activities in the area

Being located near Chamonix-Mont Blanc, there are no shortage of other outdoor activities to enjoy all around Aiguille du Tour.

During the summer mountaineering other peaks such as Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso ; paralpinism , hiking trips , such as the Tour du Mont Blanc ; trail running and rock climbing are all popular and readily available options for outdoor adventurers.

Once summer is gone and winter gets closer, ski touring is also immensely popular and the reason why Chamonix became such a popular location for outdoor adventures in the first place!

So what are you waiting for? Book a mountaineering expedition to the summit of Aiguille du Tour today and get ready for a truly sublime climbing experience!

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• Aiguille du Tour

A very popular first ‘alpine route’ – the East Flank of the Aiguille Du Tour makes for a great training climb and is often used for acclimatisation for Mont Blanc. The summit views across the range are excellent.

The climb can be approached from either the Albert Premier Hut in France, or the Cabane D’Orny or Cabane de Trient in Switzerland. From either hut, an early breakfast is required in order to be on the glacier at dawn, making good progress in the cool of the day on (hopefully!) well frozen ground. At the foot of the final rocks, it’s normal to adjust the rope seperation as we move from glacier travel to climbing terrain, in order to better protect the scrambling above. All too soon the summit arrives and it’s time for photos and a break, before dropping back down to the glacier. The return to the hut needs to be done quickly and carefully, as snow bridges are beginning to soften in the midday sun.

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Aiguille du Tour is situated in the northern part of the Mont Banc Massif. It can be climbed rather easely from both France and Switzerland. It was climbed for the first time in 1926 M. Dreyfus, R. Duval, P. Henry, M. Ichac. For all the routes you first have to go over the glacier to the foot of Aiguille du Tour and then a mix climb to the summit. From the cabane du Trient first traverse the Plateau du Trient towards the Col du Tour. Then go to the left to the base of the mountain. Then scramble to the gap between the north and south summit (the north summit is slightly higher). Both summits can be reached by an some easy scrambling.

• Getting There

To get to the summit of Aiguille du Tour, there are two mountain cabines that are almost always used. From the French side it is the refuge Albert premier (2702 m) that is the starting point while from the Suisse side the cabane du Trient (3170 m) is used. It is also possible to start from the Cabane d'Orny (2831 m), but that means that the climb will take one hour longer.

• When To Climb

Best time to climb Aiguille du Tour is Summer, but it can also be done on skies in winter (ski to the foot and then scramble up)

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• Miscellaneous Info

The refuge Albert premier is named after the third king of Belgium who was a mountainclimber. He was killed in a climbing accident at the rocks of March-les-Dames in his homeland where he fell to dead. If you have information about this mountain that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

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Additions and Corrections Post an Addition or Correction

norbertc - Mar 12, 2002 3:59 am - Voted 8/10

I fell into a deep, completely hidden crevasse crossing the Glacier du Trient to the Cabane du Trient on a warm, late July afternoon. We were corded together, so no problem. Climbing the Aiguille du Tour the next day we found a mixture of rock, ice and snow - plus two dozen other climbers. A helmet is a good idea. We wore our crampons all the way to the eastern summit.

Garfield - Dec 13, 2005 2:50 am - Hasn't voted

georgen - Jul 25, 2010 8:21 am - Voted 6/10

18 August 1864,the date 1926 is for Table de roc spur.

eporr - Sep 1, 2014 3:48 am - Hasn't voted

Take Argenteirre ski lift to top in village of La Tour. French Alpine Club maintains a hostel-like Chalet in La Tour that is 1/2 board and very nice, CHEAP. 2 hour hike along NW side of glacier to Albert 1st Hut. The hut was just completely renovated and reopened in June 2014 and is the nicest hut I've been in. It will definitely open up more traffic to the Aguille du Chardonet and La Tour. The "normal" route is not technical with a long glacier traverse around the mountain with a 200 ft section that can be short roped. This now is the most common way of descent and by far the best climb to summit is via Table de Roc. Table de Roc is a short "AD" climb that has some mixed parts but 90% alpine rock. Only a few sections of rock that is maybe 5.8 but most of the rock would be 5.5-7, and done without crampons. There are 2 nice false peaks with a great exposed ridge line and great views of the Chardonet. Of course the first section ends on the "Table" which makes for a good kodak moment.

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Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. For example, the Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children.

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Aiguille du Tour

• By Mountain Field Guide in Alps , Continents , Countries , Europe , Fast Facts , Flora and Fauna , France , Major Mountain Ranges , Mountain Field Guide , Switzerland , Trails

The Aiguille du Tour is a remarkable mountain located within the Graian Alps, specifically positioned on the border between France and Switzerland. This majestic peak is part of the Mont Blanc massif, falling within the French department of Haute-Savoie and near the Swiss town of Martigny. The Aiguille du Tour stands as a testament to the raw beauty and power of nature, reaching an impressive height of 3,540 meters.

The Aiguille du Tour is renowned amongst mountaineers for its relatively easy accessibility, making it a popular destination for beginners to alpine climbing or those looking to acclimatise before tackling more challenging ascents in the Mont Blanc massif. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding territory, from the verdant valleys of Haute-Savoie to the bustling town of Martigny nestled amidst the Swiss Alps.

Moreover, the climb to the top of Aiguille du Tour is a journey through diverse and stunning landscapes. The route takes climbers through glacier fields laden with crevasses and seracs, providing a true alpine experience. Despite its accessibility, it’s important to note that any expedition in the Graian Alps requires proper preparation and respect for the mountain environment.

Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or a novice climber, the Aiguille du Tour presents an enticing challenge. Its location in the Graian Alps, straddling Haute-Savoie and near Martigny, makes it an attractive spot for climbing enthusiasts from around the globe. The Aiguille du Tour is more than just a peak; it’s a symbol of the overwhelming beauty and grandeur that characterizes this part of the world.

Country : France, Switzerland

State/Province : Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Valais

County/Region : Haute-Savoie, Martigny

Mountain Range : Mont Blanc massif, Graian Alps

Parents : Mont Blanc Massif

Elevation : 11,610 feet / 3,540 meters

Prominence : 850 feet / 259 meters

Isolation : 1.3 miles / 2.1 kilometers

Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN):  Aiguille d’Argentière

First Ascent : 1926, by M. Dreyfus, R. Duval, P. Henry, and M. Ichac.

• Flora and Fauna

The Aiguille du Tour is an ecological gem that enthralls nature enthusiasts with its rich flora and fauna. Situated in Haute-Savoie in France and near Martigny in Switzerland, this Alpine pinnacle serves as a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife species and plant life, demonstrating the endurance of nature in this cold and challenging environment.

The fauna of Aiguille du Tour is highly adapted to survive in this rugged terrain. The mountain is home to several Alpine animals such as the elusive Ibex, nimble-footed Chamois, Snow Voles, and a variety of birds including Alpine Choughs and Golden Eagles. These species have evolved over time to withstand the harsh climatic conditions, displaying a remarkable example of species adaptability.

The flora on Aiguille du Tour is equally impressive, creating a vibrant palette against the stark mountainous backdrop. Despite the difficult growing conditions, various plant species thrive here. The mountain’s lower slopes are adorned with lush green meadows that bloom with myriad wildflowers in the summer months. As one ascends higher, the vegetation transitions from mixed forests to coniferous species and ultimately to hardy alpine varieties such as Edelweiss and Alpine Pasqueflower.

The biodiversity of Aiguille du Tour is a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability. It serves to remind us of the importance of conserving these unique ecosystems for future generations. However, it also highlights the potential impacts of climate change on these fragile environments. As such, continuous research and monitoring are essential to understand and mitigate these potential threats.

The Aiguille du Tour, with its diverse flora and fauna, is a significant natural feature in Haute-Savoie and Martigny. It provides valuable habitats for various species and contributes significantly to our understanding of Alpine biodiversity.

Aiguille du Tour, located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain stands tall at 3,540 meters, its peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. However, the mountain’s appeal is not just limited to its summit. The trails near Aiguille du Tour provide a myriad of opportunities for adventure and exploration, each one offering unique perspectives and challenges.

One of the most popular trails near Aiguille du Tour is the Chamonix Valley trail. This trail starts from the town of Chamonix and goes around the mountain range, offering breathtaking views of Aiguille du Tour and other peaks in the Mont Blanc massif. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for experienced hikers.

Another trail worth exploring is the Tour du Mont Blanc. This trail spans three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—and provides awe-inspiring views of Aiguille du Tour. The entire route is around 170 kilometers long and usually takes about 11 days to complete.

For those looking for an easier trail with equally stunning views, the Balcony Trail is a great choice. It offers a magnificent view of the Aiguille du Tour and is relatively flat, making it perfect for beginners or families with children.

Lastly, the Martigny trail in Switzerland is another excellent option for hiking near Aiguille du Tour. Known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, this trail will take you through beautiful Swiss countryside and quaint villages. Martigny is also known for its vineyards, so wine lovers are in for a treat.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for your next challenge or a novice wanting to enjoy nature’s beauty, the trails near Aiguille du Tour offer something for everyone. From breathtaking views to diverse terrains and cultural experiences, these trails guarantee an unforgettable outdoor experience.

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Aiguille du Tour

• Presentation

The Aiguille du Tour is a summit of the Mont-Blanc massif. It is located between the Tour and Trient glaciers.

The starting point for the climbers of this Aiguille is the Albert 1er refuge, above the Domaine de Balme.

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