Walking Over the Ridge: The Aiguilles de Rochefort

The Aiguille de Rochefort might not be the highest summit of the Rochefort Ridge, standing in the shadow of the nearby Dome de Rochefort, but it is definitely the most popular one – and for good reasons. Running along the French and Italian border, the ridge shows-off its knife-like appearance from afar and offers incredible views over the Mont Blanc Massif from the summit. For anyone willing to take on the challenge, the Aiguille de Rochefort presents a great technical challenge for intermediate climbers and dreamlike scenery for all who reach the summit. So, will the Aiguille de Rochefort make it on the list of your next adventure? Find out if this is for you.

Explore trip itineraries, accommodation, transport, required gear, fitness plan, insurance and more

Who is the Aiguille de Rochefort for?

Offering an interesting mix of rock and ice climbing, the Aiguille de Rochefort is known to be a great practice ground for intermediate climbers. The route is rated AD with sections up to III+ when reaching higher heights and slopes going up to 50°-60°, so climbers will need previous Alpine experience and great physical condition. Reaching the summit will take you up to 4001m, so being in shape and adequately trained will help your body focus on preventing altitude sickness more effectively. More experienced climbers can also find what they are looking for, as the Aiguilles offers more technical routes such as the North-West face – 700m high and 70° steep. There is also the possibility to combine this expedition with an ascent of the Dent du Geant, demanding higher technical skills. 

How to get thereFrom Chamonix, you will have to take your car or a bus to the Skyway Cable Car in the city of Courmayeur. The travel time by bus should be around 40 minutes, but make sure to ask your tour company if there is the possibility to meet your guide in Chamonix and head to the cable car with him. Once at the Skyway cable car, your adventure starts!

The Expedition As an easy day trip from Chamonix, the Aiguille de Rochefort is a great option if your time in the Chamonix Valley is limited. 
As mentioned previously, you will start around 7:00 by taking the Skyway cable car all the way to the Torino station and the Geant Glacier. From there starts the first part of the ascent, as you will be climbing up the notorious ‘gums’ of the Dent du Geant before reaching its base 2 hours later. This first leg is rather easy. Once at the base of the Dent du Geant, begins the awaited crossing of the ridge and of one of the most photographed scenery of the Mont Blanc region. Crossing snowy, icy and rocky terrain will most definitely test your mountaineering skills. 
At the base of the Aiguille de Rochefort, the last obstacle between you and your summit goals will be an intermediately difficult ascent on a III+ graded cliff. Pull yourself up and here you are: you’ve crossed the ridge and made it to the top of the Aiguille de Rochefort! Take the time to take in the views before descending via the same route. 

The Rochefort Ridge does not, however, end with the Aiguille de Rochefort; and half of the climbers decide to embark for a longer expedition and continue towards the Dome de Rochefort or even all the way to the Col des Grandes Jorasses. Completing the Dôme will take you the rest of the day, while continuing towards the Grande Jorasses will require a total of 2 or 3 days. Be aware that these routes require higher technical skills and is, therefore, not for everyone.

The Aiguille de Rochefort is well known for a reason, and if you decide to embark on this adventure the scenery and the physical challenge will not disappoint you. Will you be part of the next expedition?