The nine-member expedition of the Croatian Mountaineering Society (HPD) Prenj 1933 Mostar successfully climbed Mont Blanc (4,810 meters), the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe.
The expedition left Mostar on July 15th for Chamonix, France, where the members spent several days conducting final preparations, conditioning tours, and acclimatization before the climb.
As part of their preparations, they climbed the Signal Forbes peak (2,204 meters), and acclimatized in the Aiguille du Midi area, at an altitude of 3,842 meters. After a day of rest, they climbed to the Goûter mountain hut (3,835 meters), from where the final climb to the summit began.
The final climb began in the early morning hours of July 20th in demanding weather conditions. According to the HPD Prenj 1933, the expedition members were accompanied by strong winds, low temperatures and an icy trail, while crossing the Grand Couloir, the most dangerous part of the standard route, required maximum caution and adherence to safety procedures.
During the ascent, the mountaineers also encountered numerous ice cracks, which have become increasingly pronounced in recent years due to the retreat of glaciers, which further increases the objective dangers on this high-altitude route.
Despite the demanding conditions, the expedition members successfully reached the summit of Mont Blanc shortly before 11 am, followed by a safe descent to the Goûter hut and return to Chamonix.
The expedition was attended by Ilija Babić, Luka Barić, Lorna Barić, Vedran Cigić, Matea Golemac, Ivica Perić, Bojan Prkić, Ivan Tica and Žarko Vrljić.
HPD Prenj 1933 Mostar emphasizes that with this climb they continue the tradition of organizing demanding high-mountain expeditions and promote mountaineering, safety in the mountains and the importance of quality preparation for such endeavors.
The realization of the expedition was supported by the City of Mostar, SportRadar, the Office of the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and several companies and partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
