Grand Couloir — Attraction in Bonneville

It is also named The Death Couloir because there is a high risk of getting injured or killed by a stonefall, an avalanche, or by simply sliding down. It is on the normal route for Mont Blanc summit, connecting Tete Rousse and De Gouter mountain huts. The route first goes up the glacier from Tete Rousse and gets to the side of the couloir in about 30 minutes. The critical part is a 70 meter-long crossing to the other side visible by a fixed steel cable put there for rescue purposes. The snow is firm and good for crossing in cold, dry weather. However, after midday or generally in summer the snow melts making this a treacherous terrain: a small stream of water and gravel usually forms in the middle of the couloir and every now and then loose rocks start falling down, making a sort of rock avalanche. That's why there are 5 deaths per year here plus frequent rescuing of injured climbers. Once on the other side the situation is way better, as the route goes steeply up an exposed ridge mostly secured with cables, getting to De Gouter in a total...

The section between Ref. Tête Rousse and Gouter is the most exposed part of the climb. After crossing the Grand Couloir, there is also a steep rocky section to climb. It requires moving quickly and...

Wear a helmet. Carabiner, long sling, clip in. Check above carefully and get going. Don’t stop until you’re well past. Even then the ridge isn’t immune to...