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I did a 10-day course back in 03 which was amazing and got loads of experience until the weather crapped out right at the end so we never got to do Mont Blanc. Still had a great time though. Gave me confidence to do easy 4,000m peaks without a guide (e.g. Weissmies) in subsequent seasons.
el_presidente-
Sounds awesome. That sort of package is probably a better idea of hiring a private guide if you're not a relatively experienced alpinist in my opinion. As you say, you learn a lot.
From Chamonix or Courmayeur?
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Weissmies
Pretty impressive for a first unguided 4000m! We wouldn't have dreamed of crossing the Triftglescher without a guide for quite a few years after our first big guided climbs.
Stonehedge
And some experience above 4,000m too. Scottish winter skills are not enough to get you up there if you're not ok with the altitude. Mont Blanc normal route is roughly 2 x Snowdons in less than a day with ~40% less oxygen available to you.
Most of the "tourist" packages for Mont Blanc factor in a week of altitude exposure beforehand. That sort of package is well worth considering imo. Gives you quite a bit of experience before the big day.