Couloir du Goûter, Mont Blanc
- Monday 13th July 2020
A Petzl Foundation study helps provides crucial information on crossing the dangerous Couloir du Goûter, Mont Blanc.
The Couloir du Goûter on Mont Blanc is one of the most dangerous crossing in the Alps. From 1990 to 2017, French mountain police force registers show 347 rescue operations in the Goûter couloir which resulted in 102 deaths and 230 injuries.
Now, a new study carried out by the EDYTEM - ISTerre laboratories and supported by the Petzl Foundation, helps to better understand how rockfall occurs in the Goûter couloir, on the normal route up Mont Blanc.
This study, conducted using seismic sensors, has been published to improve our knowledge of the causes of rock destabilisation. It offers valuable information for anyone preparing to climb Mont Blanc, by reducing the risks they will face.
Which periods are the most dangerous for mountaineers?
What is the ideal time of day to cross the couloir and climb the Goûter ridge?
Click through here to read more about the study – including a link to the studyitself – and watch the video below to get the answers…