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South Ridge (Arête sud)

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The south ridge is a classic alpine route on Aiguille du Plan and is generally considered a more direct and exposed line than a simple glacier approach. It involves sustained scrambling and climbing on steep, airy terrain. The route is subject to rockfall and can be affected by poor rock quality in places. It is a genuine summit route documented in alpine literature for the peak. Conditions and exact difficulty depend on the chosen variant and the state of the mountain. It is not a trekking route and requires proper mountaineering experience.

Route Outline

Approach from the Chamonix/Aiguille du Midi side to the south side of the peak
Gain the south ridge from the lower mountain
Follow the ridge on mixed rock and exposed sections
Continue to the summit of Aiguille du Plan
Descend by the normal descent route or reverse the ridge if conditions allow

More routes on Aiguille du Plan

This is the best-known and most established mountaineering line on Aiguille du Plan. It is a serious alpine rock route on the south face, with sustained climbing rather than a hiking approach. The route is typically climbed in summer conditions and requires solid route-finding on steep granite. Objective hazards can include loose rock, exposure, and rapid weather changes typical of the Mont Blanc massif. The exact difficulty and conditions can vary significantly with the chosen line and season. It is documented in standard Mont Blanc guidebooks and climbing references.
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