View from the summit of Mont Blanc

I imagine there is a 'route' that normally is taken during a climb that has been done before by so many. But I have to wonder?? Snow falls differently all the time (depth etc).  It amazes me how the one taking the lead can actually determine how safe the route they have chosen can be. While I realize conditions will determine safety, it must be a very daunting responsibility for the one making the decisions.

Dear Gail,

I did this tour with professional guides. Typically the guide hooks on to two tourists and the three of us are linked together with a rope. We were extremely lucky with the weather. It had been storming for days, and time was running out but on our very last day it cleared up and we could start our climb at one o'clock in the morning. Five hours later we reached the summit in full sun and almost no wind. A few days earlier it had been snowing heavily with strong winds. That can easily make a temperature difference of 20 degrees or more. So you have to be lucky to make it. Best regards Per.