Grands Montets / Normal Route via the Whymper Couloir

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.