Normal route via the South Face and South-West Ridge
- Approach Time
- 1-2 h
This is the standard and best-known way to climb Dent du Géant. The route is a short but serious alpine rock climb on very exposed granite, with a reputation for being much harder than its modest length suggests. The main difficulties are steep climbing, route-finding on the upper face, and long exposed sections on the ridge. In normal conditions it is climbed with ropes and often involves fixed anchors or rappel descents. Objective hazards include rockfall, weather change, and congestion because it is a very popular summit. It is not a hiking route and requires solid alpine rock-climbing experience.
Route Outline
Refuge Torino or Pointe Helbronner area -> Col des Flambeaux / Glacier du Géant approach
Cross to the base of Dent du Géant's south face
Climb the south face to the south-west ridge
Follow the ridge to the summit
Descend by the same route, usually with rappels
