Mountaineering Routes · Aiguille Verte

A classic and serious alpine rock-and-ice route on the Aiguille Verte, usually regarded as one of the mountain’s major lines. It follows a long, exposed ridge with mixed climbing and significant objective hazard from rockfall and changing snow/ice conditions. The route is technically demanding and requires solid alpine experience, route-finding, and efficient movement on steep terrain. Conditions on the ridge can vary greatly, and the descent is often more complex than the ascent. It is a well-known guidebook route on this peak.

The Whymper Couloir is one of the best-known and most direct summit routes on the Aiguille Verte. It is a steep snow-and-ice couloir with serious exposure to rockfall, icefall, and rapidly changing conditions. The route is typically climbed in firm early-morning conditions and demands competence on steep alpine snow and ice. It is a classic objective on the mountain and is widely documented in alpine literature. Because of its line and aspect, timing and conditions are critical.

The Moine Ridge is a major alpine ridge route associated with the Aiguille Verte and its satellite crest. It is a long, serious mixed climb with sustained exposure and complex terrain. The route generally involves rock, snow, and ice sections, with route-finding that can be difficult in poor visibility. It is considered a demanding classic rather than a straightforward snow climb. Objective hazards and descent complexity are important factors on this line.

This is the commonly referenced normal line to the summit in many guidebook descriptions, using the Whymper Couloir from the Argentière side. It is a serious high-mountain route rather than a hike, with steep snow and ice and significant avalanche and rockfall exposure. The route is highly condition-dependent and is usually attempted when the couloir is well frozen. It requires glacier travel, cramponing, and secure movement on steep terrain. The upper mountain can be affected by spindrift and unstable snow.