One option is to climb early in the morning to avoid mid-day sun; another option, favored by locals, is to climb to the refuge mid-afternoon, to enjoy a cheese fondue (15 Euros), and to sleep there (you get matress and blankets for 10 euros-reservations necessary as the refuge can only host 76 persons). Then the real treat is to wake up before 4 am, climb the last 100 m (15 to 30 mn) and experience the sun rise on Lac Léman, which you see from one end ( Geneva ) to the other (Villeneuve). In addition, you have a view of the entire massif du Mont Blanc … Absolutely stunning!

I climbed the Dent DÓche with my husband, daughter and my French friends back in 2004 - what an experience! We commenced the climb at 7:00am and returned around 3:00pm. It was a tough climb especially as we approached the top. I have to say I found it more difficult descending. Would recommend it - for me it was a great achievement! Louise Ireland